Term | Definition |
application software | a type of software that includes programs that help people do certain tasks |
binary code | language a computer can understand made up of a series of 1s and 0s |
boot | the process of starting/restarting a computer |
byte | single character of data |
central processing unit | a silicon chip that processes data and carries out instructions given to the computer AKA microprocessor |
compact disc | an 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 | a device that can store, retrieve, manipulate, and process data to produce an outcome |
floppy disk | a magnetic non-rigid storage device that can be used to store data and transport it to another computer; encased in a plastic sleeve to protect data |
graphical user interface | allows people to select text, icons, and menu items on the computer screen to choose commands and files and to start application software; makes computers user friendly |
hard drive | a storage device that reads and writes data to and from round rigid disks in the computer |
hardware | the physical equipment of a computer; includes input devices, the cpu, output devices, and memory; main parts cpu, monitor, keyboard, and mouse |
headphones | output device that produces sound |
information technology | the use of technology tools, including computer systems and telecommunications, to input, store, process, and communicate information; also referred to as IT |
input device | a device through which a computer takes in information; includes keyboards, mouse devices, and scanners |
keyboard | an input device 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 | an output device that displays text, objects, graphics, photographs, video ,and animation on a screen |
mouse | handheld pointing device that controls the cursor |
network | 2 or more computers linked together to share files, software, and resources, such as printers |
operating system | the 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 | a device through which a computer sends out information; includes monitors, printers, speakers, and headphones |
peripherals | additional components besides the main parts of the computer such as printers and scanners |
printer | an output device that transfers information to a hard copy such as paper or a transparency |
processing | a basic computer function that refers to when a computer uses information |
program | a series pf prdered instructions that can be done by a computer ;AKA application/software |
random access memory | a 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; AKA RAM |
read only memory | the small bit of memory that stays in the computer when it is turned off; it is ROM that lets it boot up or gets started; holds the instructions that tell the computer how to begin to load its operating system AKA ROM |
scanner | an input device that is used to change images into information that a computer can read |
software | a set of instructions that makes computer hardware work; also known as programs or applications |
storage | a basic computer function that refers to when information is saved in a computer |