Computers Glossary Flashcards
Computer programs designed for a specific use and are relatively easy to use without any technical knowledge of programming
Applications Software
The part of the central processing unit (CPU) where numerical calculations and logical operations are performed
Arithmetic / Logic Unit - ALU
A commonly used code for representing data
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange
The computers uses a program called an assembler to translate the commands into its own machine language. It also keeps track of the symbolic names and assigns appropriate memory location to them. The assembler translates instructions on a one-for-one basis, so one instruction in assembly language becomes one instruction in machine language. Assembly language is a great help to the programmer
Assembly Language
A duplicate of an original program or data made as a precaution against loss or damage of the original
Backup
The smallest amount of information a computer can store. Computer must represent information in the form of bits because the electronic circuits they are made of can have only two states: on or off
Bit
The space a character, letter or number take up in the computer. It is made up of a group of 8 bits
Byte
A device like a TV screen in which a cathode ray (electron beam) hits a phosphorescent screen for the display of information. A terminal device similar to a television set on which input or outs may be displayed
Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)
The unit of a computer system that contains the circuits which control and perform the execution of instructions. That portion circuits that control and perform the execution of the following 3 parts: memory (primary storage), arithmetic/logic unit, and the control unit
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
A compact disk from which stored data can be read by a laser beam
CD-ROM Compact Disk Read-Only Memory
A computer monitor that can display more than one active color
Color Monitor
A device that manipulates data according to a series of instruction stored in its memory. An electronic device that can accept data, perform instructions on the data, and deliver the results of the processed data. By changing the instructions the computer can be made to do a completely different task
Computer
An organization of hardware and software designed to accomplish a data processing function
Computer System
A portion of the central processing unit (CPO) that directs the sequence of operations, interprets coded instructions, and initiates the proper commands to execute instructions
Control Unit
The user tells the programmer what they want to be able to do and the programmer writes a set of instructions (program) to the specific task for the particular user
Customized Software
The information that the computer manipulates
Data
An organized collection of related data
Database
The process of entering data into a computer system
Data Input
Any procedure for receiving information and producing a specific result. The rearrangement and refinement of raw data into a form suitable for further use
Data Processing
The use of personal computer (PC) to design and print professional-quality typeset documents
Desktop Publishing
A think disk of magnetic material capable of storing a large amount of information. It spins rapidly and heads similar to heads in tape recorders read and write information onto concentric tracks
Disk
The words, symbols, or numbers which appear in visual form
Display
A device containing a sealed, rigid magnetic disk and read/write mechanism, usually built directly into the computer’s cabinet
Fixed / Hard Disk
A flexible, plastic disk on which data is stored magnetically
Floppy Disk / Diskette
To prepare a new disk for use by the computer or an old one for re-use. Formatting erases all previous information. All new disks must be formatted before they may be used
Format
The production of pictures, charts, diagrams, etc.
Graphics
1,000 megabytes
Gigabyte
The physical equipment or device which make up a computer system, including its input and output devices. Everything except the programs or instructional in the computer system
Hardware
Programming languages developed to make the task of programming easier
High Level Language
A device that prints one or more characters at a time by physically impacting or hitting the ribbon to the paper
Impact Printer
The information that is entered into a computer from an outsider source. Data entered into a computer system for processing
Input
A mechanical unit designed to bring data to be processed into a computer
Input Device
A set of several different applications that have been programmed together, permitting data from one application program to be transferred directly to another
Integrated Software
Abbreviation for input / output
I/O
A set of labeled leys to permit the entry of data into the computer system
Keyboard
A measure of storage equal to 1,024 bytes (or characters)
Kilobyte - K/KB
A way of linking a number of computers through communication lines so they can share VO devices and data
Local Area Network - LAN
Instructions consisting of a series of numbers or a coded pattern of digits which convey information between people and machines
Language
A program written in basic, simple instructions that the computer understands directly
Machine Language
A central computer, usually applies to medium and/or large-scale computer systems
Mainframe
Refers to a memory size of 1,048,576 bytes
Megabyte - MB
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
Memory / Memory Unit
A small computer designed to sit on a desk
Microcomputer / Personal Computer - PC
A computer intermediate in size between a mainframe and a microcomputer
Minicomputer
A device that converts the electrical impulses (digital) produced by the computer into sound impulses (wave-like) and vice-versa that can be transmitted over telephone lines. An acronym for Modulate / Demodulate
Modem
A device for displaying video images; see cathode ray tube and video display terminal
Monitor
A computer monitor that can display only one active color
Monochrome Monitor
A device for interacting with a monitor
Mouse
Networking; A group of 2 or more computers linked together electronically that can communicate with each other
Network
A printing device which places marks on paper without any mechanical device coming in contact with the paper
Non-Impact Printer
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
Operating System
The act of transferring data from a primary / internal storage device to a secondary / external storage device
Output
Software that is designed to be used by anyone who might benefit
Pre-Packaged / Horizontal Market Software
The memory that is built into a computer
Primary / Internal Storage
A device that makes computer output visible on paper
Printer
Handling or manipulating data
Processing
A set of instructions arranged in proper sequence that can direct the computer to perform a desired task
Program
The task of writing a series of instructions that will cause the computer to do something useful
Programming
The working memory of the computer. It is usable memory which data or programs may be written to it or read from it
Random Access Memory - RAM
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, such as disks or tape units.
Software
A computer’s program
Spreadsheet
A program for manipulating numbers in tabulate form. A grid, somewhat like a ledger sheet, is displayed
Statistical Program
An applications program designed specifically for performing statistical calculations
Store
To 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
Supercomputer
Designed to be markedly larger and/or faster than ordinary mainframe computers
System / Computer System
An organization of hardware and software designed to accomplish a data processing function
Tape Drive
A device for storing information or magnetic tape
Terabyte
1,000 gigabytes
Utility Program
A program to do often needed tasks in managing the computer, but not an application for which the user bought the computer
Video Display Terminal - VDT
A device for displaying video images; see cathode ray tube and video display terminal
Vertical Market Software
Software designed and marketed (sold) to a particular industry or profession, such as funeral service
Word Processing
The use of computerized equipment to create, store, recall, correct, and produce written documents
