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Technology in Action - Chapter 2

Terms in this set (50)

Computer
A data processing device that performs four major functions:
Input: It gathers data or allows users to enter data.
Process: It manipulates, calculates, or organizes that data into information
Output: It displays data or information in a form suitable for the user.
Storage: It saves data and information for later use.
Data
A representation of a fact, a figure, or an idea. It can be a number, a word, a picture, or even a recording of sound.
Information
Data that has been organized or presented in a meaningful fashion.
Kilobyte (KB)
Approximately 1,000 bytes
Megabyte (MB)
About 1 million bytes
Gigabyte (GB)
Around 1 billion bytes
Terabyte (TB)
Around 1 trillion bytes
Petabyte (PB)
1,000 terabytes of data
Software
The set of computer programs that enables the hardware to perform different tasks
Application Software
The set of programs you use on a computer to help you carry out tasks such as writing a research paper
System Software
The set of programs that enables your computer's hardware devices and application software to work together
Operating System
The program that control how your computer system functions
Tablet computer
A portable computer integrated into a flat multitouch-sensitive screen
Laptop or Notebook Computer
A portable computer that has a keyboard, monitor, and other devices integrated into a single compact case
Netbook
A small, lightweight laptop computer that is generally 7 to 10 inches wide and has a longer battery life than a laptop
Ultrabook
Full-featured but lightweight laptop computer designed to compete with the MacBook Air.
Tablet (convertible) PC
Similar to a laptop computer, but the monitor swivels and folds flat.
Peripheral Device
A component, such as a monitor or keyboard, that connects to the computer.
Mainframe
A large, expensive computer that supports many users simultaneously.
Supercomputer
A specifically designed computer that can perform complex calculations extremely rapidly.
Embedded Computer
A specifically designed computer chip that resides in another device, such as your car or the electronic thermostat in your home.
QWERTY Keyboard
The most common keyboard layout. Originally designed for typewriters and was meant to slow down typist and prevent typewriter keys from jamming.
Bluetooth Technology
A wireless transmission standard that lets you connect devices to peripheral devices such as keyboards and headsets.
Optical mouse
Uses a internal sensor or laser to detect the mouse's movement.
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
An LCD monitor, also called a flat panel monitor, is light and energy efficient.
Light-Emitting Diode (LED)
More energy efficient and may have better color accuracy and thinner panels than LCD monitors.
Aspect Ratio
Width-to-height proportion of a monitor; traditionally the ratios are 4:3, but newer models have ratios of 16:9 to accommodate HD format video.
Nonimpact Printer
Such as inkjet printer sprays ink or uses lasers beams to transfer marks onto the paper.
Impact Printer
Tiny hammer-like keys that strike the paper through an inked ribbon to make marks on the paper
Motherboard
The main circuit board that contains the central electronic components of the computer, including the computer's processor (CPU), its memory, and the many circuit boards that help the computer function.
Expansion Cards (adapter cards)
Circuit boards that provide additional functionality
Sound Card
Provides a connection for the speakers and microphone
Video Card
Provides a connection for the monitor
Network Interface Card (NIC)
Enables your computer to connect with other computer or to a cable modem to facilitate a high-speed internet connection, is often integrated into the motherboard.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
The place in the computer where the programs and dats the computer is currently using are stored. RAM is much faster to read from and write to than the hard drive and other forms of storage. RAM is temporary
Volatile Storage
Temporary storage, the data is erased when powered off.
ROM (Read Only Memory)
ROM holds all the instructions that the computer needs to start up when it's powered on. ROM is permanent.
Nonvolatile Storage
Permanent storage, the data isn't erased when the power is turned off.
Gigahertz (GHz)
Billions of machine cycles per second.
Drive Bay
Permanent storage devices located in your desktop or laptop computer in a space
Green Computing
A movement to encourage environmentally sustainable computing (or IT).
Thunderbolt Ports
Very useful for laptops and ultrabooks because one port can allow you to connect up to six different peripherals to your computer.
FireWire 800
Provides a fast transfer rate of 800 Mbps
Ethernet Port
Transfer data at speeds up to 10,000 Mbps
Power Supply
Housed inside the system unit, transforms the wall voltage to the voltages required by the computer chips.
Cold Boot
Powering on your computer from a completely turned off state.
Sleep Mode
All documents, applications, and data you were using remain in RAM (memory) where they're quickly accessible when you restart your computer.
Hibernate
All documents, applications, and data you were using is stored on your hard drive instead of RAM and your computer is powered off.
Warm Boot
Restarting the system while its powered on.
Ergonomics
The science that deals with the design and location of machines and furniture so that the people using them aren't subjected to an uncomfortable or unsafe experience.
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