Chapter 2 - Understanding the Parts Flashcards
2-in-1 PC
Similar to a laptop but the monitor swivels and folds flat allowing it to function as both a conventional laptop and tablet
All-in-one computer
A desktop system unit that houses the computer’s processor, memory and monitor in a single unit
All-in-one printer
A device that combines the functions of a printer, scanner, copier and fax
Application software
The set of programs you use on a computer to help you carry out tasks (such as writing a paper or creating a spreadsheet or editing a digital photo)
Aspect ratio
The width-to-height proportion of a monitor
Assistive (adaptive) technology
Any device, software feature or app that is designed to improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities
Byte
Eight bits combine to create one byte
Chromebook
A special breed of laptop that uses the Google Chrome OS and is designed to be connected to the Internet at all times. Documents and apps are stored primarily in the cloud as opposed to on the local hard drive
Bluetooth technology
A type of wireless technology that uses radio waves to transmit data over short distances; often used to connect peripherals such as printers and keyboards to computers or headsets to cellphones
Blu-ray disc (BD)
A method of optical storage for digital data, developed for storing high-definition media. Largest storage capacity of all optical storage options
Hardware
Any part of the computer you can physically touch
Central processing unit (CPU)
The part of the system unit of a computer that is responsible for data processing; largest and most important chip in the computer - controls all the functions performed by the computer’s other components and processes all the commands issued to it by software instructions
Laptop computer
A portable computer that has a keyboard, monitor, and other devices integrated into a single compact case
Cloud storage
A service that keeps files on the Internet rather than storing files solely on a local device
CMYK
A color model in which all colors are described as a mixture of four base colours (cyan, magenta, yellow and black)
Cold boot
The process of starting a computer from a powered-down or off state
Computer
A data-processing device that gathers, processes, outputs and stores data and information
Connectivity port
A port that enables a computing device to be connected to other devices or systems such as networks, modems, and the Internet
Data
Numbers, words, pictures or sounds that represent facts, figures or ideas. Raw input users have at the start of a job
System software
Set of programs that enables your computer’s hardware devices and application software to work together
Digital video disc (DVD)
A method of optical storage for digital data that has greater storage capacity than compact discs
Digital video interface port (DVI)
Video interface technology that newer LCD monitors as well as other multimedia devices such as televisions, DVD players and projectors use to connect to a PC
Distributed (grid) computing
A software system in which components located on networked computers interact to achieve a common goal
Drive bay
A special shelf inside a computer that is designed to hold storage devices
Embedded computer
A specially designed computer chip that resides inside another device, such as a car. These self-contained computer devices have their own programming and typically neither receive input from users nor interact with other systems
Ergonomics
How a user sets up his or her computer and other equipment to minimize risk of injury or discomfort
Ethernet port
A port that is slightly larger than a standard phone jack and that transfers data at speeds of up to 10,000 Mbps. It is used to connect a computer to DSL or cable modem or to a network
Expansion cards
A circuit board with specific functions that augment the computer’s basic functions and provide connections to other devices (examples include sound and video cards)
External hard drive
A hard drive that is enclosed in a protective case to make it portable. Connected to the computer with a data transfer cable and is often used to back up data
Flash drive
A drive that plugs into a USB port on a computer that stores data digitally
Flash memory card
A form of portable storage (often used in digital cameras, smartphones, video cameras and printers)
Gigahertz (GHz)
One billion hertz
Green computing (green IT)
A movement that encourages environmentally sustainable computing
Hard disk drive (HDD)
The computer’s nonvolatile, primary storage device for permanent storage of software and documents
Hibernate
A power-management mode that saves the current state of the current system to the computer’s hard drive
High definition multimedia interface port (HDMI)
A compact audio-video interface standard that carries both high-def video and uncompressed digital audio
Impact printer
A printer that has tiny hammer-like keys that strike the paper through an inked ribbon making a mark (most common is dot-matrix printer)
Information
Data that has been organized or presented in a meaningful fashion (result that users require at the end of a job)
Inkjet printer
A nonimpact printer that sprays tiny drops of ink onto paper
Input device
A hardware device used to enter, or input data and instructions into a computer (for example keyboards and mice)
Intelligent personal assistant
Software designed to perform tasks or services for individuals
Internal hard drive
A hard drive that resides within the computer’s system unit and that usually holds all permanently stored programs and data
Keyboard
A hardware device used to enter typed data and commands into a computer
Large format printer
A printer that prints on oversized paper (often used for creating banners and signs)
Laser printer
A nonimpact printer known for quick and quiet production and high-quality printouts
Legacy technology
Comprises computing devices, software or peripherals that use techniques, parts and methods from an earlier time that are no longer popular
Light-emitting diode (LED)
A newer, more energy-efficient technology used in monitors. It may result in better color accuracy and thinner panels than traditional LCD monitors
Liquid crystal display (LCD)
Technology used in flat-panel computer monitors
Main frame
A large expansive computer that supports hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously and executes many different programs at the same time
Microphone
A device that allows you to capture sound waves, such as those created by your voice and transfers them to digital format on your computer
Monitor (display screen)
A common output device that displays get, graphics and video as soft copies (meaning they can be seen only on screen)
Motherboard
A special circuit board in the system unit that contains the CPU, memory (RAM) chips and the slots available for expansion cards (all the other boards connect to it to receive power and to communicate)
Mouse
A hardware device used to enter user responses and commands into a computer
Near field communication (NFC)
A set of communication protocols that enable devices to communicate with each other when they are held in close proximity (commonly used for mobile payments)
Network interface card (NIC)
An expansion card that enables a computer to connect to other computers or to a cable modem to facilitate a high-speed internet connection
Nonimpact printer
A printer that sprays ink or uses laser beams to make marks on the paper (most common are inkjet and laser)
Nonvolatile storage
Permanent storage as in read-only memory (ROM)
Optical drive
A hardware device that uses lasers or light to read from, and even write to, CDs, DVDs or Blu-ray discs
Optical mouse
A mouse that uses an internal sensor or laser to control the mouse’s movement - the sensor sends signals to the computer telling it where to move the pointer on the screen
Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays
Displays that use organic compounds to produce light when exposed to an electric current (do not require a backlight to function so they draw less power and have a much thinner display than LCDs)
Output device
A device that sends processed data and information out of a computer in the form of text, pictures, sounds or video
Pixel
A single point that creates the images on a computer monitor. They are illuminated by an electron beam that passes rapidly back and forth across the back of the screen so that the pixels appear to glow continuously
Port
An interface through which external devices are connected to the computer
Power supply
A power supply regulates the wall voltage to the voltages required by the computer chips (it is housed inside the system unit)
Printer
A common output device that creates tangible or hard copies of text and graphics
Processing
Manipulating or organizing data into information
Projector
A device that can project images from your computer onto a wall or viewing screen
QWERTY keyboard
A keyboard that gets its name from the first six letter on the top-left row of alphabetic keys on the keyboard
Random access memory (RAM)
The computer’s temporary storage space or short-term memory
- located in a set of chips on the system unit’s motherboard
- capacity is measured in megabytes or gigabytes
Read-only memory (ROM)
A set of memory chips, located on the motherboard which stores data and instructions that cannot be changed or erased
- holds all the instructions the computer needs to start up
Resolution
The clearness or sharpness of an image, which is controlled by the number of pixels displayed on the screen
Scanner
A type of input device that inputs images into computers
Sleep mode
A low-power mode for electronic devices such as computers that saves electric power consumption and saves the last-used settings
- when device is “woken” work is resumed more quickly than when cold booting
Smartphone
A device with features of a computer including a wide assortment of apps, media players, high quality cameras and web connectivity
Solid-state drive (SSD)
A storage device that uses the same kind of memory that flash drives use but that can reach data in only a tenth of the time a flash drive requires
Sound card
An expansion card that attaches to the motherboard inside the system unit and that enables the computer to produce sounds by providing a connection for the speakers and microphone
Speakers
Output devices for sound
Stylus
A pen-shaped device used to tap or write on touch-sensitive screens
Supercomputer
A specially designed computer that can perform complex calculations extremely rapidly
- used in situations in which complex models requiring intensive mathematical calculations are needed (weather forecasting or atomic energy research)
Surround-sound system
A system of speakers set up in such a way that it surrounds an entire area with sound
Thermal printer
A printer that works either by melting wax-based ink onto ordinary paper or by burning dots onto specially coated paper
Thunderbolt port
A high speed input/output port
- Thunderbolt 2 provides channels of 20 Gbps capacity on one port
Touch pad
A small touch-sensitive screen at the base of a laptop keyboard that’s used to direct the cursor
Touch screen
A type of monitor (or display in smartphone or tablets) that accepts input from a user touching the screen
Universal serial bus (USB) port
A port that can connect a wide variety of peripheral devices to the computer, including keyboards, printers, mice, smartphones, external hard drives, flash drives and digital cameras
Video card
An expansion card that is installed inside a system unit to translate binary data into images viewed on the monitor
Video graphics array (VGA) port
A port to which a cathode ray tube monitor connects
Voice recognition software
Software that allows you to control your computing devices by speaking into the microphone instead of using a keyboard or mouse
Volatile storage
Temporary storage such as in random access memory (RAM)
- when the power is off the data in volatile storage is cleared out
Warm boot
Restarting the system while it is powered on
Webcam
A small camera that sits on top of a computer monitor or that is built into a laptop computer and is usually used to transfer live video
