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