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Info 1 Key Terms

Terms in this set (69)

Manual entry
Entering data into a computer system via a physical device e.g. touchscreen or keyboard
Automatic entry
A data input method where data is automatically recorded by the computer system e.g. sensors / OCR
Screen resolution
The number of horizontal and vertical pixels on a display screen. The more pixels, the more information is visible without scrolling.
CRT (cathode raytube)
A vacuum tube that contains one or more electron guns and a phosphorescent screen to display images.
TFT (thin film transistor)
A type of LCD flat-panel display screen. Each pixel is controlled by one to four transistors.
Digital projector
Projects enlarged images on a screen.
Interactive board
Instruction tools allowing computer images to be displayed on a board using a projector - the instructions can then manipulate elements on the board.
Plasma screen
A flat display screen using an array of cells containing a gas plasma to produce different colours in each cell.
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
A small device that consists of a LCD screen and input device that is used as an organisational device.
Laser printer
A printer that forms images are formed on a page using a laser beam on a light-sensitive drum that uses electrostatic charges to attract toner particles. The page then passes over a heated fuser unit to melt the toner onto the page. Used in offices where many monochrome documents need to be printed quickly.
Inkjet printer
Basic models have four colours: magenta, cyan, yellow and black. Work by spraying the ink onto the paper. Used at home and photos as you can get specialist papers.
Multi-function printer
A printer that includes a built-in scanner so it can be used as a photocopier as well. Uses inkjet technology. Used in home environments or small offices.
Dot-matrix printer
Uses heated wires on heat-sensitive paper to produce text. Used to print on multi-part stationary.
Plotters (flatbed and drum)
Uses pens which move across paper to draw/produce a detailed and accurate image. Prints large sized technical drawings, extremely expensive.
Professional printer
Uses offset litho printing, in which each of the colours involved are printed one on top of another. Images/documents are printed onto huge rolls of paper and then cropped to size using cutting tools that leave a clean edge.
Photo printer
Special printers that are able to print 6x4 inch photographs.
Braille printer
An impact printer that renders text as tactile braille cells. Using braille translation software, a document can be embossed with relative ease, making braille production efficient and cost-effective.
Speaker
A sound output device that can either be internal or external.
Headphones
A device for personal sound output that can connect to the computer either directly or by using Bluetooth technology.
Touch screen kiosk
Information point in a shopping centre for customers to use to find shops and directions
Predictive text
An input technology that facilitates typing on a mobile device by suggesting words the end user may wish to insert in a text field.
Primary storage
Storage that uses chips within the control, arithmetic, and logic units (built-in storage) e.g. ROM
Secondary storage
Uses media that is outside the control, arithmetic, and logic units (External storage) e.g. External portable harddrive
Random access memory (RAM)
Where files are saved - personal files.
Read only memory (ROM)
Stores the basic input/output system (BIOS), system files.
Storage capacity
The amount of data a storage device such as a disk or tape can hold. Storage capacity is measured in kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB), gigabytes (GB) and terabytes (TB).
Access time
How long it takes to access a particular piece of data from a storage device or saved to a storage device is referred to as...
Transfer rate
What time it takes to transfer data to and from the storage device is referred to as the...
Magnetic storage
Data stored on magnetic surfaces e.g. Hard disks, floppy disks
Optical storage
Data stored on plastic coated disks and read by a laser beam which is passed over the surface e.g CD's, DVD's
Flash storage
This type of storage has no moving parts and is less likely to break - very small and light.
Floppy disk
Magnetic storage device that can only transfer small files from one machine to another. Popular in the past.
CD
Optical storage device that is small and portable often used to store sound files. Requires a specific drive.
DVD
Optical storage device that is small and portable often used to store audio/video files. Requires a specific drive.
Memory stick
Solid state, flash storage. Compact and portable storage device typically used by students.
Hard disk
Magnetic storage device that has a large storage capacity often used to backup files from an internal storage device.
Magnetic tape
A magnetic storage device that has a very high storage capacity. Used to backup important files from the hard disk and for long term storage and archiving of data.
Online storage
Unlimited cloud storage.
Memory card
Small magnetic storage device that are extremely portable. Typically used to store photos.
Operating system
Core program that allows a computer to function.
Processor management
The management of the execution of processes.
Memory management.
Management and allocation of random access memory as well as virtual memory.
Virtual memory
The operating uses the hard disk as a _______ ______ when there is no RAM available.
Application interface
Let's application programmers use functions of the computer and operating system without having to directly keep track of all the details in the CPU's operation.
User interface
Brings structure to the interaction between a user and the computer through the use of hardware and software.
Hardware
Physical components of a computer.
Software
Programs that allow the user to interact with the hardware to do something useful.
System software
Programs which help the user control and make the best use of the hardware.
Application software
Programs that have been written to perform a certain task.
Utilities software
System software designed to help analyze, configure, optimize or maintain a computer.
Driver software
A program that controls a particular type of device that is attached to your computer.
Compiler
Converts the program code into machine code and saves the machine code into a file which can be executed. This program can then be transferred to other PC's and used without the need for a compiler.
Interpreter
Code is executed straight away without being stored.
Desktop publishing
Offers a wide range of templates for both home and office use, objects are contained in frames, offers a limited selection of graphics and drawing tools.
Word processing
Offers templates and wizards for standard documents used by businesses. Layout tools focus on text. Special features to track changes.
Vector images
File that contains instructions for drawing the picture made using mathematical lines. Used in CAD, these graphics allow the user to manipulate objects as entire units.
Bitmap images
Binary stored data representing an image created using a grid of small squares called pixels.
Database management software
Offers features such as validation, sorts, queries, forms and reports.
Spreadsheet software
Mainly used to analyse and record numbers. Can perform advanced calculations using a variety of mathematical functions.
Animation
Allows the user to draw only the start and end of a position and the computer draws the frames in between.
Video editing
Sections of videos can be removed or the user can cut and past a section. Soung files and music can be added.
Sound editing software
Can change the pitch and the volume of sound, pattern of sound waves, cut and paste sections of waves, combine several tracks to be played together.
Music composition software
Can be used to drag notes directly onto a stave, transcribe music played on a keyboard connected to the computer, play a composition in the sound of many different instruments.
Multimedia software
Offers a unique opportunity to present material in a way that is accessible to a wide range of users with different needs. E.g. presentation and web authoring software.
Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
Caused by excessive use of a keyboard, mouse and even mobile phones. Can be painful and debilitating.
Eyestrain
An eye related injury caused by long hours spent in front of a screen.
Backache and neck problems
Caused by improper seating posture and position of the keyboard or screen over long periods.
Deep vein thrombosis
Caused by sitting still for very long periods of time and not moving the legs, develops blood clots which then track beat to the heart.
Glare
Reflective light of a surface.
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