Computers Glossary Flashcards

1
Q

Computer programs designed for a specific use and are relatively easy to use without any technical knowledge of programming

A

Applications Software

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2
Q

The part of the central processing unit (CPU) where numerical calculations and logical operations are performed

A

Arithmetic / Logic Unit - ALU

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3
Q

A commonly used code for representing data

A

ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange

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4
Q

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

A

Assembly Language

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5
Q

A duplicate of an original program or data made as a precaution against loss or damage of the original

A

Backup

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6
Q

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

A

Bit

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7
Q

The space a character, letter or number take up in the computer. It is made up of a group of 8 bits

A

Byte

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8
Q

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

A

Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)

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9
Q

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

A

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

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10
Q

A compact disk from which stored data can be read by a laser beam

A

CD-ROM Compact Disk Read-Only Memory

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11
Q

A computer monitor that can display more than one active color

A

Color Monitor

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12
Q

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

A

Computer

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13
Q

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

A

Computer System

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14
Q

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

A

Control Unit

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15
Q

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

A

Customized Software

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16
Q

The information that the computer manipulates

A

Data

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17
Q

An organized collection of related data

A

Database

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18
Q

The process of entering data into a computer system

A

Data Input

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19
Q

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

A

Data Processing

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20
Q

The use of personal computer (PC) to design and print professional-quality typeset documents

A

Desktop Publishing

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21
Q

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

A

Disk

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22
Q

The words, symbols, or numbers which appear in visual form

A

Display

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23
Q

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

A

Fixed / Hard Disk

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24
Q

A flexible, plastic disk on which data is stored magnetically

A

Floppy Disk / Diskette

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25
Q

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

A

Format

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26
Q

The production of pictures, charts, diagrams, etc.

A

Graphics

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27
Q

1,000 megabytes

A

Gigabyte

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28
Q

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

A

Hardware

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29
Q

Programming languages developed to make the task of programming easier

A

High Level Language

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30
Q

A device that prints one or more characters at a time by physically impacting or hitting the ribbon to the paper

A

Impact Printer

31
Q

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

A

Input

32
Q

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

A

Input Device

33
Q

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

A

Integrated Software

34
Q

Abbreviation for input / output

A

I/O

35
Q

A set of labeled leys to permit the entry of data into the computer system

A

Keyboard

36
Q

A measure of storage equal to 1,024 bytes (or characters)

A

Kilobyte - K/KB

37
Q

A way of linking a number of computers through communication lines so they can share VO devices and data

A

Local Area Network - LAN

38
Q

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

A

Language

39
Q

A program written in basic, simple instructions that the computer understands directly

A

Machine Language

40
Q

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

A

Mainframe

41
Q

Refers to a memory size of 1,048,576 bytes

A

Megabyte - MB

42
Q

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

A

Memory / Memory Unit

43
Q

A small computer designed to sit on a desk

A

Microcomputer / Personal Computer - PC

44
Q

A computer intermediate in size between a mainframe and a microcomputer

A

Minicomputer

45
Q

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

A

Modem

46
Q

A device for displaying video images; see cathode ray tube and video display terminal

A

Monitor

47
Q

A computer monitor that can display only one active color

A

Monochrome Monitor

48
Q

A device for interacting with a monitor

A

Mouse

49
Q

Networking; A group of 2 or more computers linked together electronically that can communicate with each other

A

Network

50
Q

A printing device which places marks on paper without any mechanical device coming in contact with the paper

A

Non-Impact Printer

51
Q

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

A

Operating System

52
Q

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

A

Output

53
Q

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

A

Pre-Packaged / Horizontal Market Software

54
Q

The memory that is built into a computer

A

Primary / Internal Storage

55
Q

A device that makes computer output visible on paper

A

Printer

56
Q

Handling or manipulating data

A

Processing

57
Q

A set of instructions arranged in proper sequence that can direct the computer to perform a desired task

A

Program

58
Q

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

A

Programming

59
Q

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

A

Random Access Memory - RAM

60
Q

Read-Only Memory

A

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

61
Q

Secondary / External Storage

A

Data storage that is outside the main memory of the computer, such as disks or tape units.

62
Q

Software

A

A computer’s program

63
Q

Spreadsheet

A

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

64
Q

Statistical Program

A

An applications program designed specifically for performing statistical calculations

65
Q

Store

A

To transmit the data from the computer to a memory device

66
Q

Storage Device

A

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

67
Q

Supercomputer

A

Designed to be markedly larger and/or faster than ordinary mainframe computers

68
Q

System / Computer System

A

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

69
Q

Tape Drive

A

A device for storing information or magnetic tape

70
Q

Terabyte

A

1,000 gigabytes

71
Q

Utility Program

A

A program to do often needed tasks in managing the computer, but not an application for which the user bought the computer

72
Q

Video Display Terminal - VDT

A

A device for displaying video images; see cathode ray tube and video display terminal

73
Q

Vertical Market Software

A

Software designed and marketed (sold) to a particular industry or profession, such as funeral service

74
Q

Word Processing

A

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