1: Introduction to the World of Computers Flashcards
the fact that few aspects of modern life remain untouched by computing technology
pervasive (ubiquitous) computing
joining of multiple communication and entertainment devices into single units with many capabilities (ex. smartphones are capable of accessing internet, TV, gaming, music)
convergence
the knowledge and understanding of basic computer fundamentals
computer literacy
a programmable electronic device that accepts data input, performs processing operations on that data, and outputs and stores the results (IPOS)
computer
process of entering data into a computer (can also refer to the data itself)
input
performing operations on data that has been input into a computer to convert that input to output
processing
process of presenting the results of processing (also refers to results themselves)
output
operation of saving data, programs, or output for future use
storage
transmission of data from one device to another (through internet etc.) - often considered the 5th primary computer operation
communications
raw, unorganized facts used in processing
data
data that has been processed into a meaningful form
information
earliest computers, 1946-1957 - large and bulky, used vacuum tubes, and had to be physically wired and reset
first-generation computers
computers in 1958-1963 - used transistors instead of vacuum tubes, with punch cards and paper printouts for input/output
second-generation computers
computers in 1964-1970 - used chips that incorporated many circuits and transistors together, with keyboards and monitors for input/output, hard drives for storage
third-generation computers
computers from 1971 to present - use microprocessors containing capabilities of an entire computer on a single chip, with keyboard, mouse, hard drives, optical drives, printers, internet, etc.
fourth-generation computers
computers being developed for the future - use artificial intelligence to think and reason independently
fifth-generation computers
the physical components of a computer system, both internal and external - keyboard, monitor, printer, etc.
hardware
“brain” of the computer - main processing device inside computer that performs calculations and controls operations
central processing unit (CPU)
instructions that are used to tell a computer what it should do (programs) - usually must be installed
software
the main component of system software that enables a computer to operate, manage its activities and the resources under its control, run application programs, and interface with the user
operating system
to start up a computer
boot
programs that enable users to perform specific tasks on a computer
application software (apps)
a tiny computer within a product, designed to perform specific tasks or functions for that product (ex. blind spot camera, auto braking system)
embedded computer
a very small device with built-in computing or Internet capability
mobile device
a mobile device based on a mobile phone that includes Internet capabilities and can run mobile apps
smartphone
a mobile device, usually larger than a smartphone, that is typically used to access the Internet and display multimedia content
media tablet
AKA microcomputer - a type of computer based on a microprocessor and designed to be used by one person at a time
personal computer (PC)
a personal computer designed to fit on or next to a desk
desktop computer
a small personal computer, such as a notebook or tablet, designed to be carried around easily
portable computer
AKA laptop - a fully-functioning portable computer that opens up to reveal a screen and keyboard
notebook computer
a portable computer about the size of a notebook with no built-in keyboard, designed to be used with a digital pen
tablet computer
a portable computer that is smaller and has more limited features than a notebook computer
netbook
a personal computer designed to access a network for processing and data storage, instead of performing those tasks locally (ex. school computer lab)
thin client
an ordinary device that can be used to access the Internet (smart TV, gaming console)
internet appliance
a computer used to host programs and data for a small network (small business, school) - typically larger, more powerful and expensive
server
creating virtual (rather than actual) versions of a computing resource, such as several separate environments that are located on a single server but function as different servers
virtualization
computer used in large organizations (hospitals, large businesses, universities) that manages large amounts of centralized data and runs multiple programs simultaneously
mainframe computer
the fastest, most expensive, and most powerful type of computer - used for weather forecasting, controlling satellites, hosting complex sites (social network, search engine), etc.
supercomputer
a collection of computers and other hardware devices that are connected together to share hardware, software, and data, as well as to communicate electronically with one another
computer network
the largest and most well-known computer network, linking millions of computers all over the world
Internet
a business or other organization that provides Internet access to others, typically for a fee
Internet service provider (ISP)
the collection of Web pages available through the Internet
World Wide Web (WWW)
a document, typically containing hyperlinks to other documents, located on a Web server and available through the World Wide Web
Web page
a collection of related Web pages usually belonging to an organization or individual
Web site
a computer that is continually connected to the Internet and hosts Web pages that are accessible through the Internet
Web server
a program used to view Web pages (Chrome, Internet Explorer, etc.)
Web browser
an address that identifies a computer (IP address), person (e-mail address), or Web page (URL) on the Internet
Internet address
rightmost part of domain name, identifying the type of organization that runs the site or its location (.com, .edu, .gov)
top-level domain (TLD)
a numeric Internet address used to uniquely identify a computer on the Internet
IP address
a text-based Internet address used to uniquely identify a computer on the Internet (ex. microsoft.com)
domain name
an internet address (usually beginning with http://) that uniquely identifies a Web page
Uniform Resource Locator (URL)
an Internet address consisting of a username and computer domain name that uniquely identifies a person on the Internet
e-mail address
a name that uniquely identifies an individual on a specific computer network
username
electronic messages sent from one user to another over a network, usually the Internet
electronic mail (e-mail)
a malicious software program designed to change the way a computer operates - form of malware
computer virus
crime in which identity thieves send fraudulent e-mails to people masquerading as legitimate businesses to obtain Social Security numbers or other information needed for identity theft
phishing
