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Chapter 2

Terms in this set (67)

computer
data processing device
four functions of a computer
1. input
2. process
3. output
4. storage
data
representation of a fact, word, picture, ect
information
data that has been organized in a meaningful fashion
processing
manipulating, calculating, or organizing
input
gathers data
output
displays data
storage
saves data
binary language
consists of just two digits (0 and 1)
bit
binary digit ( 0 or 1)
byte
eight bits/binary digits
kilobyte
1,000 bytes
megabyte
1 million bytes
gigabyte
1 billion bytes
terabyte
1 trillion bytes
petabyte
1,000 terabytes
hardware
any part of the computer you can physically touch
software
set of computer programs that enables the hardware to perform different functions
application software
set of programs you use on a computer to help you carry out tasks such writing a research paper
system software
set of programs that enables your computer's hardware devices and application software to work together
operating system (OS)
the program that controls how your computer system function, manages the hardware such as the monitor and printer, and provides means by which users can interact with the computer
netbook
a full-featured computer that is 7-10 inches wide and has a longer battery than a laptop (sacrifice performance for portability)
Ultrabook
small laptop computer (7-10 inches), low power processor and solid-state drive to reduce size and extend battery
peripheral device
component such as monitor or keyboard
mainframe computer
large, expensive, supports many users simultaneously, can manage large amounts of data
supercomputer
specially designed, perform complex calculations at rapid speeds
embedded computer
specially designed computer chip that resides in another device
ex: thermostat
liquid crystal display (LCD)/ flat-panel monitor
most common type of monitor, light and energy efficient
light-emitting diode/ LED
more energy efficient than LCD and may have better color accuracy and thinner panels than LCD
organic light-emitting diode (OLED)
uses organic compounds that produce light when exposed to an electric current, do not require backlight to function
aspect ratio
width-to-height proportion of a monitor
resolution
clearness or sharpness of image, reflects number of pixels on the screen
nonimpact printer
such as inkjet, sprays ink or uses laser beams to transfer marks onto paper
impact printer
has tiny hammer-like keys that strike the paper through an inked ribbon to make marks on the paper
inkjet printer
affordable, produce high quality printouts quickly and quietly, they spray ink
laser printer
uses laser beams and static electricity
thermal printer
either melts wax-based ink or burns dots on coated paper
motherboard
main circuit board that contains the electronic components of the computer, including the processor (CPU),its memory and the many circuit boards that help the computer to function
expansion/adapter cards
circuit boards that provide additional functionality
ex: sound and video cards
sound card
provides connection for the speakers and the microphone
video card
provides connection for the monitor
network interface card (NIC)
enables your computer to connect with other computers or to a cable modem to facilitate a high-speed internet connect (often integrated into the motherboard
random access memory ( RAM)
place in a computer where the programs and data the computer is currently using is being stored
volatile storage
temporary storage
ex: RAM
read-only memory (ROM)
holds all of the instructions the computer needs to start up when it's powered on
nonvolatile storage
data isn't erased when the power is turned off
ex: ROM
central processing unit (CPU)
controls the functions performed by the computers others components and processes all of the commands issued to it by the software instructions
gigahertz (GHz)
billions of machine cycles per second
hard drive
computer's primary device for permanent storage of software and documents
internal hard drive
resides within the system unit and usually holds all permanently stored programs and data
solid-state drive (SSD)
more efficient than external hard drives, make no noise and run more efficiently
external hard drives
offer similar storage capacities as internal hard drive, its just outside of the system unit and connects to the computer via a port
drive bay
where permanent storage devices are located in the desktop
internal drive bay
cannot be seen or accessed from outside of the system unit, usually reserved for internal hard drives
external drive bay
can be accessed form outside the system unit, can house CD and DVD drives for example
cloud storage
service that keeps your files on the internet
flash drive
uses solid-state flash memory, storing info on an internal memory chip
flash memory card
such as SD card, uses solid-state flash memory, tiny
optical drive
can read and write from CD's, DVD's, data is saved to discs
compact disc (CD)
store audio files
thunderbolt ports
allows you to connect up to six different peripherals
connectivity port
can give you access to networks and the internet
HDMI port
audio-video interface
VGA port
older LCD monitors and TV's connect
DVI port
older LCD monitors and TVs connect
power supply
housed inside the system unit, transforms the wall voltage to the voltage required by the computer chips
ergonomics
science that deals with the design and location of machines and furniture so that the people using them aren't subjected to an unsafe experience
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