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IC3 Unit 1 Chapter 1

Quiz yourself by thinking what should be in each of the black spaces below before clicking on it to display the answer.
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Term
Definition
algorithm:   a procedure that a computer can follow to accomplish a task  
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ASCII:   a standard binary code developed for computers to communicate with each other; the code is an eight-bit code that represents letters, decimal numbers, and special function characters (see byte) on most computers  
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analog:   electrical signal that varies in time in a way that is similar to the thing it represents; converts electrical signals into sound waves  
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analog to digital (A to D) converter:   device that converts analog signals to a series of digital numbers  
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appliance:   computer that is dedicated to one function  
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binary:   numbering system that uses zeros and ones; assigned to electrical devices like switches  
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bit (b):   single digit, 0 or 1, in a binary number  
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booting:   the process of turning on a computer and the computer checking all hardware for availability and copying the necessary operating system files to RAM for the computer to function  
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byte (B):   group of eight bits, which is a common measurement unit for data  
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central processing unit (CPU):   device for processing instructions in a computer; the heart of the computer, also known as the microprocessor  
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clock:   circuit on the computer that emits pulses  
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clock speed:   measurement of the speed of a processor  
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CD/DVD   The two types of optical storage mediums  
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data:   collection of unprocessed facts and figures  
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desktop computer:   personal computer designed to sit on a desk; the system is too large to be portable  
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digital to analog (D to A) converter:   device that takes a digital signal and converts it to an analog electrical signal  
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Dumb/POS terminal   a computer that must be connected to a file server to function; no storage capability  
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e-book:   electronic books that can be read on a computer or a special reading device  
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electronic paper:   type of display used by e-readers that reflects light from the surroundings to make it easier to read in bright light; usually restricted to black-and-white text  
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file server:   A computer that stores and manages database files and is more powerful than a typical workstation or network server  
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flash memory:   similar to RAM but slower and without moving parts; does not require constant power to store data; flash memory devices are usually USB or card slot devices  
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gigabyte:   approximately one billion bytes; a measurement of memory or storage capacity  
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hertz:   measurement of clock pulses (clock speed); 1 pulse per second = 1 hertz  
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information:   data that is organized in a useful and meaningful manner  
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input:   one of the four main functions of a computer; the action of transferring instructions or data into a computer by using devices such as a keyboard or mouse or even touch (smartphones, tablets)  
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laptop computer:   portable or notebook computer that fits on your lap or in a briefcase; uses battery power when a power outlet is not avaialable  
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Linux:   operating system developed based on UNIX that works on a variety of computers and is not owned by a particular company; usually free of charge  
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mainframe computer:   large computer used to process vast amounts of information; they are reliable, secure and provides consistent backup and redundancy  
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megabyte:   one million bytes; a measurement of memory or storage capacity  
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memory:   integrated circuits designed to store data before and after it is processed by the CPU  
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nanosecond:   one billionth of a second; used as a measurement for the amount of time it takes the processor to read or write data to RAM  
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natural user interface (NUI):   operating system that can interpret touch and voice commands  
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non-volatile memory:   factory programmed and does not need constant power to function (see read-only memory)  
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operating system:   fundamental programming that controls the way computers interact with their parts and with users  
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output:   one of the four main functions of a computer; the results of processing data; output is reported to the user using devices such as the monitor or printer  
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personal computer:   a microcomputer typically operated by one person; customized to match personal perferences  
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petabyte:   over a quadrillion bytes; a measurement of memory or storage capacity  
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pixel:   short for picture element; monitor display is measured in pixels  
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primary storage:   type of storage that is used while the computer is processing data and instructions; also known as memory  
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programmable:   types of computers that can change programs  
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programmer:   people who write programs (software instructions)  
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programming:   the process of translating algorithms into code that a computer can use  
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random access memory (RAM):   volatile memory used to store programs and data while the computer is working; it must have constant power to function  
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read-only memory (ROM):   non-volatile memory that contains instructions used by the computer to communicate with its internal components; it is factory programmed and does not need constant power to function  
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secondary storage:   storage used for the results of processed data that allows for later retrieval of the processed data  
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servers:   powerful, fast computers that run special software to serve specific purposes for many users at once  
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smartphone:   cellular telephone that has a virtual keyboard on a touch screen or a small keypad and provides Internet access  
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solid state drive (SSD):   a large amount of flash memory that does not require constant power to store data; slower than RAM  
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supercomputer:   very large capacity computers characterized by their ability to evaluate complex interactions quickly  
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tablet computer:   a computer with a touch screen designed to allow writing with an inkless pen as a mode of input; may also function as a laptop computer  
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terabyte:   approximately one trillion bytes; a measurement of memory or storage capacity  
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touch pad:   pointing device embedded in the keyboard of a laptop computer that senses motion of a finger  
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Unicode:   code that uses 32- digit binary numbers to represent characters from numerous languages including the older ASCII codes  
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UNIX:   operating system used by medium-sized computers that is independent of a manufacturer  
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volatile memory:   requires constant power to function or data is lost (RAM)  
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Web server:   computer that runs specialized software to support Web pages  
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word:   the unit of data that a processor can work with  
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word size:   the amount of data processed in one operation  
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workstation:   a PC at an organization connected to the company’s network or high-powered computers designed for specific tasks such as graphic design, medicine, games, and engineering.  
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Created by: nicole.anderson
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