 | Term | Definition |
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Computer |
Electronic device that receives data, process data, stores data, and produces a result. |
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Data |
Information entered into the computer to be processed that consists of text, numbers, sounds, and images. |
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E-Mail |
An electronic message sent from one persons computer to another persons computer where it is stored until read by the receiving person. |
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Hardware |
The tangible, physical computer equipment that can be seen and touched. |
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Internet |
The largest network used as a communication tool. |
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Receiver |
Computer that receives a data transmission. |
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Sender |
Computer that sends a data transmission. |
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Software |
Intangible set of instructions that tells the computer what to do. |
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Smart Phone |
Any electronic handheld device that functions as a mobile phone as well as a personal digital assistant (PDA) or other information appliance. |
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Information Appliance (IA) |
A device that focuses on handling a particular type of information and related tasks. Typical devices could be an ipod or MP3 player, a handheld gaming console, and so on. |
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Mainframe computers |
Large, powerful computers that are used for centralized storage, processing, and management of very large amounts of data. |
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Microcomputer |
Sometimes called a personal computer; it is the most popular type of computer used today. Used at home or the office by one person; can fit on top or under a desk. |
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Minicomputers |
Type of computer that is designed to serve multiple users and process significant amounts of data; larger than a microcomputer, but smaller than a mainframe. |
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Network |
Connects one computer to other computers (Laptops to PDAs Supercomputers to PCs, etc.) and peripheral devices(like scanners and printers). The internet is the largest network; an intranet connects a smaller group of computers- it contains less information, but is more secure. |
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Notebook/ Laptop computer |
Similar to a microcomputer; however, it is smaller and portable. |
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Personal Digit Assistant |
Also called a palm-top computer; a small, portable type of computer. |
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Supercomputers |
Largest and fastest computers, capable of storing and processing tremendous volumes of data. |
