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 ones and zeros |
Boot | The process of starting or resetting a computer |
Byte | Stands for a single character of data |
Gigabyte | 1,000,000,000 bytes of data |
Central Processing Unit | A silicon chip that processes data and carries out instructions given to the computer; also known as the microprocessor |
Compact Disc (CD) | 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 Disc | A magnetic, non-rigid storage device that can be used to store data and transport it to another computer; it is encased in a plastic sleeve to protect its 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 computers friendly |
Hard Drive | A storage device that reads and writes data to and from a round, rigid disk in the computer |
Hardware | The physical equipment of a computer; includes input devices, the central processing unit, output devices, and memory; the main parts are the central processing unit, the monitor, the keyboard and the mouse |
Headphones | An output device that produces sound |
Information Technology (IT) | The use of technology tools, including computer systems and telecommunications, to input, store process, and communicate information |
Input Device | A device through which a computer takes in information; includes keyboards, mouse devices and scanners |
Keyboard | An input device that is used to type text and commands into a computer |
Modem | a device or type of expansion card that sends and receives information via a telephone to and from the computer |
Monitor | An output device that displays text, objects, graphics, photographs, video and animation on a screen |
Mouse | A hand-held pointing device that controls the cursor |
Network | Two 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 central processing unit communicate, manages files, and runs application software |
Output Device | A device through which a computer sends out information; includes monitors, printers and 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 transparency |
Processing | A basic computer function that refers to when a computer uses information |
Program | Also called an application or software; a series of ordered instructions that can be done by a computer |
Random Access Memory (RAM) | A number of silicon chips inside a computer that hold information that is being used by the central processing unit as long as the computer is turned on; also known as short-term memory, it forgets everything when the computer is turned off |
Read Only Memory (ROM) | The small bit of memory that stays in the computer when it is turned off; it lets the computer "boot up" or get started; holds the instructions that tell the computer how to begin to load its operating system |
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 software |
Storage | A basic computer function that refers to when information is saved in a computer |