Computer Lab Glossary Flashcards
Back up
A duplicate of an original program or data made as a precaution against loss or damage of the original. Ex: Flash drive
Bit
The smallest amount of information a computer can store. Computers must use information in this form because the electronic circuits they are made of can have only two states: on or off.
Byte
The space a character, letter, or number takes up in the computer. it is made up of a group of eight bits
CPU– Central processing unit
A.k.a. control unit. The unit of the computer systems that contains the circuits which control the functions and perform the execution of instructions; composed of the following three parts: memory (primary storage), arithmetic/logic unit, and the control unit.
Cd ROM
Compact disc read only memory; a compact disc from which stored data can be read by a laser beam
Computer
A device that manipulates data according to a series of instruction stored in its memory. Electronic device that can except data, perform instructions on the data, and deliver the results of the processed data.
Computer system
And organization of hardware and software designed to accomplish a data processing function
Customer software
the user tells the programmer what he/she wants to be able to do and the programmer writes a set of instructions to perform a specific task for the particular user.
Data
Information that the computer manipulates
Database
And organized collection of related data
Data input
The process of entering data into the computer system
Data processing
Any procedure for receiving information and producing a specific result. The rearrangement and refinement of raw data into a form suitable for further use.
Desktop publishing
The use of a computer to design and print typeset documents
Disc/media drives
A thin disk of magnetic material capable of storing a large amount of information
Fixed/hard disk
A device containing a sealed, rigid magnetic disk and read/write mechanism, usually built directly into the computer
Format
To prepare a new disc for use by the computer or an old one for reuse. erases all previous information.
Hardware
The physical equipment or device which makes up the computer system, including its input and output devices. Everything except the programs in the computer system.
Input
The information that is entered into a computer from an outside source. Data entered into the computer system for processing
Input device
A mechanical unit designed to bring data to be processed into a computer
Integrated software
A set of several different applications that have been program together, permitting data from one application program to be transferred directly to another
I/O
Abbreviation for input/output
Local area network (LAN)
A way of linking a number of computers –such as in an office–through communication lines so that they can share I/O devices in data
Mainframe
A central computer, usually applies to medium and/or large-scale computer systems
Machine language
Instructions consisting of a series of numbers or a coded pattern of digits which convey information between people and machines
Memory
An area for storage of data inside the computer. It contains the programs and data being used by the computer. The primary storage or most accessible storage of the computer.
Microcomputer– Personal computer
A small computer designed to sit on a desk. also a laptop, tablet, etc.
Modem
A device that converts electrical impulses produced by the computer into sound impulses and vice versa that can be transmitted over telephone lines. An acronym for modulate/demodulate
Motherboard
A circuitboard that contains most of the electronic components of the system unit, sometimes called the main board or systemboard
Mouse
A device for interacting with the monitor
Network– Networking
A group of two or more computers linked together electronically that can communicate with each other
Operating system
A program that helps to overcome the problems involved in running a computer. It makes sure that the proper programs are in the right place in memory at the right time, handles I/O operations, and allows the computer to work for long periods without the direct intervention of the operator.
Output
The act of transferring data from a primary/internal storage device to a secondary/external storage device
Peripherals– Input/output devices
Physical devices that allows for data to be entered into a computer, data to be returned to the user, or functions to both enter and return data
Prepackaged/horizontal software
Software that is designed to be used by anyone who might benefit
Primary/internal storage
The memory that is built into the computer
Processing
Handling or manipulating data. The rearrangement in refinement of raw data entry for suitable for further use.
Processor
The primary electronic chip on the motherboard which controls and perform the execution of instructions
Program
A set of instructions arranged in proper sequence that can direct the computer to do something useful
Programming
The task of writing a series of instructions that will cause the computer to do something useful
Random Access Memories – RAM
The working memory of the computer. It is the usable memory which data or programs may be written to or read from
Read only memory/ROM
Memory which has been manufactured with predetermined information or programs. Usually used to store the control program of the computer
Secondary/external storage
Data storage that is outside the main memory of the computer
Software
The computers programs
Spreadsheet
A program for manipulating numbers in tabular form. A grid, somewhat like a ledger sheet, is displayed
Statistical program
A program designed specifically for performing statistical calculations
Store
Transmit the data from the computer to a memory device
Storage device
A device into which data can be entered and from which it can be retrieved at a later time
Utility program
Program to do often needed tasks in managing the computer, but not an application or which the user bought the computer
Vertical market software
Software designed and marketed to a particular industry or profession. I.e. funeral service
Word Processing
The use of computerized equipment to create, store, recall, correct, and produce written documents.
Application software
Computer programs designed for specific uses; relatively easy to use without technical knowledge or programming. Ex: Microsoft word
