Chapter 2 Vocab Flashcards
Computer (definition)
Is an electronic device that can perform calculations
Hardware
Is the physical stuff that you can touch or hold in your hand
Operating system (OS)
Controls the hardware and enables you to tell the computer what to do
User interface (UI)
Which means the software parts with which you can interact
Graphical user interface
The UI that offers images or icons to select (as opposed to making you type commands)
Applications
(Or programs) enable you to do specialized tasks on a computer, such as
- type a letter
- send a message from your computer in Houston to your friend’s computer in Paris etc.
Computing process (the most basic)
Hint: 3 stages
- input
- processing
- output
Input
Clicking the mouse, typing on the keyboard, or touching the touch screen.
Processing
The parts inside the device or case take over at that point as the operating system tells the hardware to do what you’ve requested
Central processing unit (CPU)
This is at the heart of every computing device. Usually a single, thin wafer of silicon and tiny transistors. The CPU handles the majority of the processing tasks and is, in a way, the “brain” of the computer.
Output
Once the computer has processed your request, it shows you the results by changing what you see on the display or playing a sound through the speakers.
Data storage
Means saving a permanent copy of your work so that you can come back to it later
Network connection
Often describes how one computer connects to one or more other computers
Ports
Connector points on the back on the pc. Some ports connect to output devices such as monitors. Other ports are exclusively used for input devices. USB handle input and output
Software
Any premade set of binary instructions that a CPU can read and react to is software. All applications are software. Any operating systems such as Microsoft Windows or apples iOS running on your iPhone are also software.
