computer Flashcards
Operating Systems
Microsoft Windows, Linux, Apple OS X, iOS, Android
Applications
Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Chrome
Drivers
special programs that tell the operating system how to communicate with the computer’s hardware
Accept Input
Input devices send data to the computer for processing
Process Data
Computers process the data they receive from input devices using software running on the system
Internal components that temporarily store and process data include
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Random Access Memory (RAM)
CPU
Central Processing Unit
RAM
Random Access Memory
Computers store and maintain data on long-term storage devices. This allows the data to be retrieved and used at a later time.
Hard disk drives (internal and external)
Optical drives (CD-ROM, DVD, and Blu-ray)
Flash storage devices
Output Data
Once the computer is done processing data, it can present, play, or transmit the information using output devices
Share Data
Computers can share data with each other over a network. Networks use special equipment to create communication channels between computers, allowing them to send and receive data.
USB
Universal Serial Bus
VGA
Video Graphics Array
DVI
Digital Visual Interface
HDMI
High-Definition Multimedia Interface
RJ-45
Registered Jack 45
FireWire port
allows you to connect external devices, such as digital cameras, extra hard drives, and scanners, to the computer
common peripheral device
Mice are input devices that allow you to use a point-and-click graphical user interface to interact with the computer
common peripheral device
Digital cameras, digital camcorders, and webcams can be used to input digital images and video into a computer
common peripheral device
Keyboards are input devices that allow you to type information for the computer to process
common peripheral device
Scanners are input devices that allow you to convert physical documents and pictures into digital files on a computer
common peripheral device
Printers allow you to output physical documents and images from digital files on a computer
common peripheral device
External storage devices, such as flash drives or external hard disks, are frequently connected to computing devices to add additional storage capacity
Before disconnecting storage devices
you need to stop them before removing them to prevent data corruption
For some peripheral devices, you may need to load drivers before connecting the device for the first time
Drivers contain software instructions that the computer needs in order to communicate with the device
spray small dots of ink from an ink reservoir onto a sheet of paper
Inkjet printers
high-quality output and are relatively inexpensive to purchase
Inkjet printers
Ink cartridges have limited print capacities
The ink tends to bleed into the paper
Prints tend to fade over time
Inkjet printers
use electrical charges and heat to fuse tiny plastic particles to the paper
Laser
electrical charges and heat to fuse tiny plastic particles
toner
produce higher-quality print output
laser printer
can print documents much faster
laser printer
ideal for large volume print jobs
laser printer
Replacement toner cartridges are more economical than inkjet cartridges
laser printer
They are better suited for sharing over a network
laser printer
The ink is waterproof and doesn’t fade.
The output doesn’t bleed into the paper.
laser printer
They are more expensive to purchase.
They are more difficult to maintain.
laser printer
analyzes, configures, and optimizes the computer
Utility software
used to support and maintain the computer system itself
Utility software
Backup software
Utility software
Compression software
Utility software
Disk cleaners
Utility software
Antivirus software
Utility software
which creates backup copies of data and restores them if the original data is lost or corrupted
Backup software
which compresses and decompresses files, making storage more efficient
Compression software
which delete temporary or unnecessary information from disk drives
Disk cleaners
which prevents viruses and other malware from harming the computer system
Antivirus software
software that helps an operating system communicate with hardware devices
device driver
hardware devices that communicate with computer operating system using device driver software
such as printers, video cards, scanners, and cameras
preinstalled, read-only software on a device that tells it how to work
Fireware
Firmware can be found
televisions, remote controls, game consoles, printers, cameras, music players, and even automobiles
Sometimes, manufacturers release firmware updates that fix
bugs and add new features
software running on the system that contains instructions to tell the computer how to communicate with the printer
printer driver
creates print jobs and sends them to the printer
application
FILE STORAGE START
