Term | Definition |
Central processing unit (CPU) | The chip located inside the system unit of a computer that performs the processing for a computer |
GHz – (gigahertz) | speed of a processor counted by billions of ticks per second |
MHz – (megahertz) | speed of a processor counted by millions of ticks per second |
Monitor | A display device that projects images onto a display screen |
Hard disk drive | A storage system consisting of one or more metal magnetic disks permanently sealed with an access mechanism inside its drive |
Motherboard | The main circuit board of a computer to which all computer system components connect. |
System Unit | The container that holds the motherboard and keeps components safe. |
Network Interface Card | Enables a PC to connect to a network |
Optical Drive | Adds read and write capabilities to your computer for portability |
GB, Gigabyte | Storage measurement in billions of bytes |
Random access memory (RAM) | provides a high speed, temporary location for the computer to hold data and program instructions |
Bit | The smallest unit of computing, consists of either a 0 or 1 (on or off) |
Byte | 8 bits makes 1 byte |
Video Graphic Adapter | Enables the connection of a monitor and may provide additional graphics capabilities |
Software | a set of instructions that tells the computer what actions to perform |
Application software | a collection of programs (tools) that perform specific tasks. Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access |
System software | a collection of programs that manage and coordinate the activities of the computer system |
Commercial Software | software that is developed and sold for a profit |
Shareware | software that is available free of charge for a trial purpose (temporary) |
Freeware | can be used, copied, and shared with others without charge |
Public domain software | non-copyrighted software that can be used without restriction |
Bit | short for binary digit, a bit is the fundamental unit of information having two possible values, 0 or 1. |
Byte | The sequence of 0s and 1s that make up data are usually counted in groups of 8, and these groups of 8 bits are called bytes. |
Binary Number | a number system consisting of 0’s and 1’s that are used to represent information on a computer. |
Word Processing software | allows users to create, edit, and print documents like letters, memos and reports |
Spreadsheet software | provides users with a convenient way to create documents containing complex mathematical calculations |
Database software | allows users to store and organize large amounts of data and retrieve specific information when needed |
Presentation software | allows users to create visual presentations to convey information to others |
Multimedia | the integration of a variety of media (text, graphics, video, animation, sound, etc) into an application or presentation |
Utility Program | a type of systems program written to perform a specific system task. Usually related to managing or maintaining the system. (diagnostics, cleaning, antivirus, etc) |