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Information Technology Chapter 1

Terms in this set (51)

Application Software
Software that can preform useful work such as word processing, cost estimating, or accounting tasks. the user primarily interacts with application software.
Basic Application
Applications known as productivity applications; common task software, such as browsers, word processors, spreadsheets, databases, managment systems, and presentation
Communications Devices
Hardware that allows computers to talk to other computers; modems, network cards, WI-Fi.
Compact Disk
Widely used optical disk format also known as a CD
Computer Compentency
Becoming profecient in computer-related skills.
Connectivity
Data and information sent over telephone or cable lines and through the the air so that computers can talk to each other and share information.
Data
Raw unprocessed facts that are input into a computer system.
Database File
File containing highly structured and organized data created a management programs.
Desktop Computer
Computer small enough to fit on top or along the side of a desk and yet too big to carry around.
Device Driver
The special program assoiciated with a device that allows communication between the operating system and the device.
DVD
Similar to CD-ROMs except that more data can be packed into the same amount of space also called digital versatile disc or digital video disk.
Document File
File created by a word processor.
End User
Person who uses mircocomputers or has acess to larger computers.
Flash Memory Card
A solid-state storage device widely used in notebook computers that is also used to capture and transer data .
Hard Disk
Enclosed drive containing one or more metallic disks, that use magnetic charges to record data and have large storage capacities.
Hardware
Equipment that includes a keyboard, monitor, printer, the computer itself, and other devices.
Hi Def Disc
The next generation of optical disc, which offers increased stroage capacities.
Information
Data that has been processed (manipulated) by a computer system.
Information System
Collection of hardware, software, people, data, and procedures that work together to provide information essential to running an organiztaion.
Information Technology
Computer and communication technologies, such as communication links to the internet, that provide help and understanding to the end user.
Input Devices
Equipment that translates data into a form a computer can process, such as mouse and keyboard.
Internet
The largest physical network of computers.
Mainframe Computer
This computer can process serveral million program instruction per second. Sizeable organizations rely on these room-size systems to handle large programs and a great deal of data.
Media Center System Unit
This is a desktop system with specialized graphics cards for interfacing with televisions and other home entertainment devices.
Memory
This is the holding area for data instructions and information.
Microcomputer
Small, low-cost computer designed for individaul users. These include desktop, notebook, and personal digital assistant computers.
Minicomputer
Refrigerator-sized machines falling between microcomputers and mainframes in processing speed and data-storing capacity. Also call Midrange computers.
Modem
Short for modulator-demodulator. It translates electronic signals from a computer into electronic signals that can travel over telephone lines.
Monitor
Output device like television screen that displays data processed by the computer.
Mouse
Device that typicaly rolls on the desktop and directs the cursor on the display screen.
Netbook
A type of microcomputer that is smaller, lighter, and less expensive than a notebook computer.
Network
The arrangement in which various communications channels are connected through two or more computers.
Notebook computer
Portable computer, also known as a laptop computer, weighing between 4 or 10 pounds.
Operating System
Software that interacts between applications software and the computer.
Optical Disc
Storage device that use lasers are used to record and read data on the disc.
Output Device
Equipment that translates processed information from the central processing unit into a from that can be understood by humans.
Personal Digital Assistant
PDA is a device that combines pen input, writing recognition, personal orgainzational tools, and communication capabilitys in a very small package.
Presentation File
A file that contains audience handouts, speaker notes, and electronic slides.
Printer
Device that produces paper output.
Procedures
Rules or guidelines to follow when using hardware, software, and data.
Programs
Instructions for the computer to follow to process data.
Random Access Memory
Volatile, temporary storage that holds the program and data the CPU is presently processing. (RAM)
Secondary Storage
Permanent storage used to preserve programs and data that can be retained after the computer is turned off.
Smart Phone
A type of cell phone that offers a variety of advanced functionality, including Internet and e-mail.
Software
Computer program consisting of step-by-step instructions, directing the computer on each task it will preform.
Solid-State Drive
Designed to be connected inside a microcomputer system and contains solid-state memory instead of magnetic disks to store data. (SSD)
Solid-State Storage
A secondary storage device that has no moving parts.
Specialized Application
Programs that are narrowly focused on specific disciplines and occupations.
Supercomputer
Fastest calculating device ever invented, processing billions of program instructions per second.
System Software
Software, that consists of the operating system, utilities, device drivers, and language translators. It works with application software to handle the majority of technical details.
System Unit
Also known as the system cabinet or chassis. it is the container that houses most of the electronic components that make up the computer system.
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