Competency Quiz Flashcards
Binary
a numeric system that only uses two digits: 0 and 1
Binary Data
Computers use binary to create this; the basic unit can only be 0 or 1.
Bit
short for binary digit; the smallest unit of measurement to quantify data; contains a value of 0 or 1.
Byte
Unit of measurement used to measure data which contains eight bits.
This is the most fundamental unit of measurement for all data storage.
Components
the
the internal hardware of a computer, the parts that are inside the case
Peripherals
Outside parts
Hardware
The physical parts of the computer; determines speed, storage capacity, and other functions
System Unit/Computer Case
This refers to the primary part of a desktop computer. This is the external
an enclosure which holds and protects vital computer components inside.
The Motherboard
This is the main circuit
board to which all
computer hardware is
connected to. Through this
connection, the
motherboard allows the
computer hardware to
communicate with each
other.
The Power Supply
The function of this component is to
supply power to the computer. It
converts AC (alternating current) from
the power outlet to DC (direct current)
and regulates voltage to prevent
overheating, both of which are required
by the computer.
The Central Processing Unit (CPU)
This is the main computer
component that processes
instruction, it is considered the
‘brain’ of the computer. A
computer’s speed is usually
determined by the power (number cores/amount of cache memory of this) and speed (GHz)
of this.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
The memory from this is continuously accessed by the CPU, which creates,
stores, and deletes information within it. This memory is received from
the computer’s hard drive. This is also similar to a computer’s “short-term
memory.” The more of this you have, the moreshort-term storage your computer
will be able to handle.
The Drive
used to store data. The primary storage
device is a Hard Disk Drive or Solid State Drive. Others include a CD-ROM drive, DVD drive, Blu-Ray drive, or the now-extinct floppy drive.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
This is the most common type of
internal storage; This
component is where all data is
stored; various files, music, videos,
computer software, etc. It utilizes a
rotating magnetic disks to store
memory called platters. The data is
created or read by a magnetic head
attached to an actuator arm, much
like a record player.
Solid State Drive (SSD)
This serves the same function as
the HDD, however instead of
storing information in a rotating
disk, it utilizes interconnected
flash memory chips. They are faster, more expensive and more resilient than HHD, it
also helps shrink the physical
space needed to store memory.
Optical Drives
utilizes laser beams to read and/or write data on removable
disks such as CD-ROMs (800MB), DVD-Roms (4.7 to 16GB), and Blu-Rays
(25-50GB).
Data is stored on these discs by creating tiny ’bumps’ and ’dips’ much like
old vinyl records. Lasers within it can read the data, while
more powerful lasers can ‘burn’ data on blank discs.
Video Card
An additional piece of hardware
dedicated to processing the graphics
portion of the processing load. This
“relieves” the CPU of the rigorous
processing load required for graphics,
therefore increasing the speed and
productivity of a computer. This is
exceptionally helpful for graphic
design, photo and video editing, and
computer gaming.
Computer Display
This is the user’s visual interface with the computer, whether it’s a
computer monitor, a television, or a projector.
Computer Software
This is a general term that describes computer programs and applications.
It is not tangible or physical, it is created virtually using countless
lines of code.
The Operating System
This is the most important software on a computer. It is the
software that manages all of the computer’s resources: memory,
processes, software, and hardware. It allows the hardware to
communicate with other software stored on the computer. It also
allows the user to interface with the computer in without knowing
the computer’s language.
Microsoft Windows 10
The most recent (2015) OS developed by Microsoft for personal and
business use. Compared to its predecessors (Windows 8, Windows
7, Windows Vista, Windows XP) is that it improved user experience
on tablets and mobile devices.
Apple OS X
The most recent series of
operating system developed by
Apple. Released in 2001,
updated versions of the OS were
released to keep up
technological changes: OS X El
Captain, 2015; OS X Yosemite,
2014; OS X Mavericks, 2013; OS
X Mountain Lion, 2012.
Linux
a unique piece of
software as it is an open-
source OS that is free and
available to the public. It
also allows users to easily
customize and edit the main
source code of the program.
Mobile Operating Systems
Android, IOS, Windows Phone
Transmission Control Protocol
This protocol handles the message. It breaks the message down into smaller packets that can be transmitted over the network. When it is received, it is reassembled into the original message.
Internet Protocol (IP)
This protocol handles the transmission process. In order for a computer to be recognized on a network, it is assigned an IP address.
IP Address
A unique address that identifies a network-capable device on a local network or the internet. It is usually a series of three digit numbers from 0 to 255
Local Area Network (LAN)
these are networks that are limited to a building or a campus/business. This is used when groups and organizations want to keep access to information, computers, printers, scanners, storage devices, etc, within the geographical confines of the network. Computers on this are usually connected to an Ethernet cable.
Wide Area Network
Similar to the LAN but much larger. It is not confined to one geographical location. It can span the country or the whole planet. It can span long distances via telephone lines, fiber optics, satellite links, and more. It can also consist of several LANs. The Internet is arguably the largest WAN.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
The function is the same as a LAN,
however the distribution method is wireless. It can utilize a current LAN
connection and expand it wirelessly, or be created solely without cable.
WI-FI
Wireless networking technology that allows computers and other devices
to connect and communicate with each other using a wireless signal. All
wireless devices contain a Wi-Fi chip that allows them to connect with
wireless routers. Once connected to the router, it can communicate with
other computers or devices connected to the router.
The World Wide Web (www)
It is actually a subset of the Internet.
It is the network of online content that is formatted in HTML and
accessed via HTTP. Anything that requires “www” to access it
HTML
Hypertext Markup Language
which is used to display web pages on
the Internet. This plaintext code is
compiled to format text, photos, media
elements, to be easily viewed on a
browser for human consumption.
Uniform Resource Locator (URL)
Tells you the location of a web page. It is the web address of a resource
on the Internet. It indicates the protocol needed to access the
information, the server name of the information, and the path to the
directory of a specific file.
Domain Name
A unique name that identifies a website.
The Firewall
A barrier in the form of hardware or software that is used to keep
unwanted connections out and to keep a secure environment within a
network or device.
Businesses or organizations may use it to keep their LAN safe;
Home computers and personal devices will have software firewalls to
protect their devices
The Internet Service Provider (ISP)
The provider of the internet, typically major telecommunication
companies that have or own access to telecommunication infrastructure
such as phone lines, cable networking, fiber optics, satellite, or cell phone
lines.
The Router
It is a hardware device that routes data from a local area network (LAN) to another network connection. It can
receive and transmit through wire or wirelessly, depending on the
specifications of the router.
The Cable Modem
It is a peripheral communications device that is used to connect to the internet. It utilizes coaxial cable lines and provides high speed services. This device is connected to a router which provides internet service to a typical home.
The Server
A server is a computer, a device or a program that is dedicated to managing network resources. It provides data to other computers on a LAN or a WAN.
Cloud Computing
One of the most recent ideas to redefine how users interact with
computers and the internet. This refers to applications and services
provided over the internet.
Instead of typing a word document on your computer, you are able to use
Google Docs or Word Online with Microsoft Office 365.
