chapter 2 Flashcards
what is a computer
data processing devices
what are the 4 major functions of a computer
input, process, output, storage
what is input function
- gather data
- allows users to enter data
what is process function
manipulates, calculates, organises data into info
what is output function
- displays data in a suitable form for users
what is the storage function
saves data and information for later use
what is data
representation of fact, figure or idea
can be a number, word, picture, sound
what is information
data orgnanized or presented in meaningful fashion
binary language
only 2 digits: 0 and 1
called binary digit or bit
put together = bytes
0= no electric current
1= electric current
what are bytes
combination of bites
can be small or large
always 8 bits series
what are bytes stored in
hardware and software
what is hardware
any part of computer you can physically touch
what is software
set of computer programs making hardware perform various tasks.
what are the 2 types of software
application software and system software
what is application software
set of programs used on a computer helping to carry out tasks
what is the most common type of system software
operating system
what is distributed computing
putting your computer to work while you sleep
what are the 2 basic types of computers
portable and stationary
what are the 5 different types of portable computers
tablet computer
laptop or notebook computer
ultrabook
2-in-1 pc
chrome book
what is a mainframe
large expensive computer supporting many users simultaneously
what is a supercomputer
specially designed computer that can perform complex calculations really fast
what is an embedded computer
special computer chip residing in other device
what is an input device
lets you enter data and instructions into computer
what does wireless technology use
radio frequency, a radio transmitter sending signals by device or bluetooth
what are toogle keys
keys whose function changes between 2 options
what is near field communication (NCF)
connects devices by proximity of each other
what is a resistive system
maps exact location of pressure point
what is capacitive system
uses change in electrical charge on panel to generate a location
surface acoustic wave system
display’s software translates touch to operating system
microphone types
- close talk
- omnidirectional
- unidirectional
- clip-on
omnidirectional microphone
picks up sound from all directions
unidirectional microphone
picks up sound from one direction
4 types of monitors
- liquid crystal display
- light-emitting diode
- legacy technology
- organic light-emitting diode displays
pixels
millions of tiny dots illuminated by light waves by fluorescent panel at back of screen
6 aspects to consider when shopping for monitor
- aspect ratio
- screen resolution
- contrast ratio
- viewing angle
- brightness
- response time
2 types of printers
- nonimpact printer
- impact printer
3 specialty printers
- all-in-one printer
- large format printer
- thermal printer
4 things to consider when choosing printer
- speed
- resolution
- color output
- cost of consumables
motherboard
main circuit board containing central electronic components of computer
network interface card
enables coputer to connect with others or cable modern for high-speed internet. can also use usb
random access memory (RAM)
where data and programs are stored in the computer
bunch of small cards plugged in slots called memory cards
read-only memory (ROM)
permanent storage containing info about start up about computer
volatile storage and nonvolatile storage
RAM is temporary, ROM is permanent
cache memory
auxiliary memory from which high-speed retrieval is possible
central processing unit (CPU or processor)
brains of computer controlling all functions by computer’s other components
processing all commands issued by software
can perform many tasks simultaneously
what is CPU measured in
hertz
machine cycle
processing of CPU getting data or instructions from RAM
internal hard drive
system unit holding all stored programs and data
drive bay
permanent storage devices located in desktop or laptop
2 types of drive bays
internal and external drive bays
port
place where peripheral device attaches to computer so data can be exchanged
what does usb stand for
universal serial bus
connectivity port
gives access to internet and networks called ethernet port
power supply
transforms voltages required by computer chips
cold boot
powering computer from a completely turned off state
sleep mode
keeps data in RAM so when computer is restarted its quickly accessible
hibernate
similar to sleep mode, but data stored on hard drive
warm boot
restarting system while its powered
BIOS
basic input output system
POST
power on self test
ergonomics
how you set up computer and equipment
