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