Term | Definition |
Software | the programs that control computers |
Special purpose computer | a computer that has a fixed program (e.g. a calculator, a watch, a car's brakes) |
Input devices | bring data and programs into the computer (e.g. mouse, keyboard) |
Central Processing Unit (CPU) | is the hardware that carries out the instructions of a computer program. |
Applications | program or group of programs designed for end users such as Firefox, Excel, Word, Angry Birds, etc. |
Motherboard | houses the computer's main electronic components |
Output devices | transmit data to other computers or to users (e.g. printer, monitor) |
Machine Language | a programming language that is machine readable (binary code), closer to the machine hardware, and provides abstractions that are difficult for the programmer to understand |
Integrated Circuit | packed with millions of electronic components |
Program | a sequence of instructions that controls the computer. To run, it must be loaded into the computer's memory where the CPU executes it one instruction at a time. |
Operating System | is a collection of computer software that manages hardware resources and provides common services for computer programs. MacOS, Windows, Android, Linux, iOS are examples of this |
General purpose computer | a computer that can run many different programs (e.g. a smartphone) |
Byte | One of these is the equivalent of 8 bits of data |
High-level language | a programming language that is human readable (App Inventor) and provides the programmer with easy to understand abstractions |
Compiler | a software that translates source code (human readable code) into binary code |
Computer | a machine that processes information under the control of a program |
Chips | the computer’s electrical components are composed of these very tiny integrated circuits
(ICs) |
Memory | physical device used to store information for use in a computer or other digital electronic R. Machine language device (e.g. disk drive, flash drive) |
Bit | a binary digit, the smallest unit of data, a 1 or a 0 |
RAM (Random Access Memory) | also called main memory stores the computer's programs and data temporarily while power is on |
Hardware | the computer’s electronic and mechanical components |