Computer Lab Glossary

Question 1

Back up

Answer 1

A duplicate of an original program or data made as a precaution against loss or damage of the original. Ex: Flash drive

Question 2

Bit

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

Byte

Answer 3

The space a character, letter, or number takes up in the computer. it is made up of a group of eight bits

Question 4

CPU– Central processing unit

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

Cd ROM

Answer 5

Compact disc read only memory; a compact disc from which stored data can be read by a laser beam

Question 6

Computer

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

Computer system

Answer 7

And organization of hardware and software designed to accomplish a data processing function

Question 8

Customer software

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

Data

Answer 9

Information that the computer manipulates

Question 10

Database

Answer 10

And organized collection of related data

Question 11

Data input

Answer 11

The process of entering data into the computer system

Question 12

Data processing

Answer 12

Any procedure for receiving information and producing a specific result. The rearrangement and refinement of raw data into a form suitable for further use.

Question 13

Desktop publishing

Answer 13

The use of a computer to design and print typeset documents

Question 14

Disc/media drives

Answer 14

A thin disk of magnetic material capable of storing a large amount of information

Question 15

Fixed/hard disk

Answer 15

A device containing a sealed, rigid magnetic disk and read/write mechanism, usually built directly into the computer

Question 16

Format

Answer 16

To prepare a new disc for use by the computer or an old one for reuse. erases all previous information.

Question 17

Hardware

Answer 17

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.

Question 18

Input

Answer 18

The information that is entered into a computer from an outside source. Data entered into the computer system for processing

Question 19

Input device

Answer 19

A mechanical unit designed to bring data to be processed into a computer

Question 20

Integrated software

Answer 20

A set of several different applications that have been program together, permitting data from one application program to be transferred directly to another

Question 21

I/O

Answer 21

Abbreviation for input/output

Question 22

Local area network (LAN)

Answer 22

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

Question 23

Mainframe

Answer 23

A central computer, usually applies to medium and/or large-scale computer systems

Question 24

Machine language

Answer 24

Instructions consisting of a series of numbers or a coded pattern of digits which convey information between people and machines

Question 25

Memory

Answer 25

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.

Question 26

Microcomputer– Personal computer

Answer 26

A small computer designed to sit on a desk. also a laptop, tablet, etc.

Question 27

Modem

Answer 27

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

Question 28

Motherboard

Answer 28

A circuitboard that contains most of the electronic components of the system unit, sometimes called the main board or systemboard

Question 29

Mouse

Answer 29

A device for interacting with the monitor

Question 30

Network– Networking

Answer 30

A group of two or more computers linked together electronically that can communicate with each other

Question 31

Operating system

Answer 31

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.

Question 32

Output

Answer 32

The act of transferring data from a primary/internal storage device to a secondary/external storage device

Question 33

Peripherals– Input/output devices

Answer 33

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

Question 34

Prepackaged/horizontal software

Answer 34

Software that is designed to be used by anyone who might benefit

Question 35

Primary/internal storage

Answer 35

The memory that is built into the computer

Question 36

Processing

Answer 36

Handling or manipulating data. The rearrangement in refinement of raw data entry for suitable for further use.

Question 37

Processor

Answer 37

The primary electronic chip on the motherboard which controls and perform the execution of instructions

Question 38

Program

Answer 38

A set of instructions arranged in proper sequence that can direct the computer to do something useful

Question 39

Programming

Answer 39

The task of writing a series of instructions that will cause the computer to do something useful

Question 40

Random Access Memories – RAM

Answer 40

The working memory of the computer. It is the usable memory which data or programs may be written to or read from

Question 41

Read only memory/ROM

Answer 41

Memory which has been manufactured with predetermined information or programs. Usually used to store the control program of the computer

Question 42

Secondary/external storage

Answer 42

Data storage that is outside the main memory of the computer

Question 43

Software

Answer 43

The computers programs

Question 44

Spreadsheet

Answer 44

A program for manipulating numbers in tabular form. A grid, somewhat like a ledger sheet, is displayed

Question 45

Statistical program

Answer 45

A program designed specifically for performing statistical calculations

Question 46

Store

Answer 46

Transmit the data from the computer to a memory device

Question 47

Storage device

Answer 47

A device into which data can be entered and from which it can be retrieved at a later time

Question 48

Utility program

Answer 48

Program to do often needed tasks in managing the computer, but not an application or which the user bought the computer

Question 49

Vertical market software

Answer 49

Software designed and marketed to a particular industry or profession. I.e. funeral service

Question 50

Word Processing

Answer 50

The use of computerized equipment to create, store, recall, correct, and produce written documents.

Question 51

Application software

Answer 51

Computer programs designed for specific uses; relatively easy to use without technical knowledge or programming. Ex: Microsoft word