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Computer Basics Vcb
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Application Software | type of software that includes programs that help people do certain tasks |
Binary Code | language computer can understand; made up of a series of 1's and 0's |
Boot | process of starting/resetting a computer |
Byte | stands for a single character of data; uses same prefixes as metric system |
Central Processing Unit (CPU) | silicon chip that processes data and carries out instruction given to the computer; aka microprocessor |
Compact Disc (CD) | optical storage device that uses laser technology to store information; read by a CD-ROM drive in a computer and can hold the equivalent of 500 floppy discs |
Computer | device that can store, retrieve, manipulate and process data to produce an outcome |
Floppy Disk | magnetic, non-rigid storage device that can be used to store data and transport if to another computer; encased encased in a plastic sleeve to protect data |
Graphical User Interface (GUI) | allows people to select text, icons, and menu items on the computer screen to choose commands and files and to start application software; makes computer user friendly |
Hard Drive | storage device that reads and writes data to and from a round, rigid disks in the computer |
Hardware | physical equipment of a computer; includes input devices, CPU, output devices, and memory; main parts are the CPU, monitor, keyboard, and mouse |
Headphones | output device that produces sound |
Information Technology | use of technology tools, including computer systems and telecommunications, to input, store, process, and communicate information; referred to as IT |
Input Device | device through which a computer takes in information; include keyboards, mouse, and scanners |
Keyboard | input device that is used to type text and commands into a computer |
Modem | device or type of expansion card that sends and receives information via a telephone to and from a computer |
Monitor | output device that displays text, objects, graphics, photographs, video, and animation on screen |
Mouse | hand-held pointing device that controls the cursor |
Network | 2+ computer linked together to share files, software, and resources, such as printers |
Operating System | most important type of system software that manages how a computer's hardware and the CPU communicate, manage files, and run application software |
Output Device | device through which a computer sends out information; include monitors, printers, and speakers and headphones |
Peripherals | additional components besides the main parts of the computer such as printers and scanners |
Printer | output device that transfers information to a hard copy, such as paper or a transparency |
Processing | processing is a basic computer function that refers to when a computer uses information |
Program | aka application/software; series of ordered instructions that can be done by a computer |
Random Access Memory (RAM) | number of silicon chips inside a computer that hold information that is being used by the CPU as long as the computer is turned on; aka short-term memory, it forgets everything it knows when the computer is turned off |
Read Only Memory (ROM) | small bit of memory that stays in the computer when it is turned off; lets the computer "boot up" or get started; holds the instrucutions that tell the computer how to begin to load its operating system |
Scanner | input device that is used to change images into information that a computer can read |
Software | set of instructions that makes computer hardware work; aka programs or applications |
Storage | basic computer function that refers to when information is saved in a computer |