Chapter 4 Flashcards
Operating system
a collection of computer programs that administer the hardware and software of a computer so that they work properly, one basic task it has it to store data and information like document files and spreadsheets in the most efficient manner possible
CPU (central processing unit)
is small very quick memory because it stores copies of information and data from the most regularly used part of main memory. helps decrease the time it takes to access memory
RAM (random access memory)
is a primary storage that allows stored data to be accessed in any random order without physical movement of the storage media. it is considered volatile memory because its contents will be lost if not saved to a non volatile device like a hard drive
Registers
are extremely fast small memory locations used to quicken the implementation of computer programs by providing access to commonly used calculated values
Virtual Memory
is memory the operating system uses to coordinate, track, and efficiently allocate the use of CPU cache, registers, RAM, and disk storage. is a technique that lets application programs like spreadsheets use fragmented pieces of memory making it easier for larger applications to use physical memory
Disk storage
non volatile, secondary storage that is recorded to a physical device like a hard drive or optical disk with read/write apparatus
Defragmentation
a program reorganizes the hard disk after data and information or files are deleted on the hard disk and new information is added and the disk ends up with fragments of information scattered all over. it also moves data to the inside concentric tracks of a hard drive, its a lengthy process that needs to be performed o a regular basis to keep the FAT well organized
Folders
aka Hierarchy of directors that make up file managers
File Management
a way to store and organize a users work in computer files on the memory of a computer
GUI (graphical user interface)
the inner workings of a physical filing cabinet that contains folders that house paper files, it’s a computer program that employs a graphical user interface to display and work with computer files.
Hierarchy
sometimes referred to as a tree, is a way to rank and organize files
Stand alone computers
computers that are not connected to any other computer
network
1 or more computers connected to one another
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol
a set of rules for transferring information from one computer to another kind of like a traffic light that times everything to ensure traffic can pass through safely without intersection
Packets
what files are called after TCP/IP breaks them up and then passes them from one computer to another
