Hardware and Software Basics Flashcards
software
The set of instructions that the hardware executes to carry out specific tasks.
computer
Electronic device operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory that can accept, manipulate, and store data.
central processing unit (CPU) (or microprocessor)
The actual hardware that interprets and executes the program (software) instructions and coordinates how all the other hardware devices work together.
control unit
Interprets software instructions and literally tells the other hardware devices what to do, based on the software instructions.
arithmetic/logic unit (ALU)
Performs all arithmetic operations (for example, addition and subtraction) and all logic operations (such as sorting and comparing numbers).
megahertz (MHz)
The number of millions of CPU cycles per second.
gigahertz (GHz)
The number of billions of CPU cycles per second.
complex instruction set computer (CISC) chip
Type of CPU that can recognize as many as 100 or more instructions, enough to carry out most computations directly.
reduced instruction set computer (RISC) chip
Limits the number of instructions the CPU can execute to increase processing speed.
primary storage
Computer’s main memory, which consists of the random access memory (RAM), cache memory, and read-only memory (ROM) that is directly accessible to the CPU.
random access memory (RAM)
The computer’s primary working memory, in which program instructions and data are stored so that they can be accessed directly by the CPU via the processor’s high-speed external data bus.
volatility
Refers to RAM’s complete loss of stored information if power is interrupted.
volatile
Must have constant power to function; contents are lost when the computer’s electric supply fails.
cache memory
A small unit of ultra-fast memory that is used to store recently accessed or frequently accessed data so that the CPU does not have to retrieve this data from slower memory circuits such as RAM.
read-only memory (ROM)
The portion of a computer’s primary storage that does not lose its contents when one switches off the power.
nonvolatile
Does not require constant power to function.
flash memory
A special type of rewritable read-only memory (ROM) that is compact and portable.
memory card
Contains high-capacity storage that holds data such as captured images, music, or text files.
memory stick
Provides nonvolatile memory for a range of portable devices including computers, digital cameras, MP3 players, and PDAs.
secondary storage
Consists of equipment designed to store large volumes of data for long-term storage.
megabyte (MB or M or Meg)
Roughly 1 million bytes.
gigabyte (GB)
Roughly 1 billion bytes.
terabyte (TB)
Roughly 1 trillion bytes.
magnetic medium
Secondary storage medium that uses magnetic techniques to store and retrieve data on disks or tapes coated with magnetically sensitive materials.
magnetic tape
Older secondary storage medium that uses a strip of thin plastic coated with a magnetically sensitive recording medium.
hard drive
Secondary storage medium that uses several rigid disks coated with a magnetically sensitive material and housed together with the recording heads in a hermetically sealed mechanism.
solid state drive
An all-electronic storage device that is an alternative to a hard disk and is faster than hard disks because there is zero latency (no read/write head to move).
adaptive computer device
Input devices designed for special applications for use by people with different types of special needs.
stylus
A pen-like device used to tap the screen to enter commands.
output device
Equipment used to see, hear, or otherwise accept the results of information processing requests.
communication device
Equipment used to send information and receive it from one location to another.
appliance
A computer dedicated to a single function, such as a calculator or computer game.
ebook
An electronic book that can be read on a computer or special reading device.
system software
Controls how the various technology tools work together along with the application software.
operating system software
Controls the application software and manages how the hardware devices work together.
dual boot
Provides the user with the option of choosing the operating system when the computer is turned on.
embedded operating system
Used for a single purpose in computer appliances and special-purpose applications, such as an automobile, ATM, or media player.
multitasking
Allows more than one piece of software to be used at a time.
utility software
Provides additional functionality to the operating system.
control panel
A Windows feature that provides a group of options that sets default values for the Windows operating system.
system clock
Works like a wristwatch and uses a battery mounted on the motherboard to provide power when the computer is turned off.
safe mode
Occurs if the system is failing and will load only the most essential parts of the operating system and will not run many of the background operating utilities.
system restore
Enables a user to return to the previous operating system.
application software
Used for specific information processing needs, including payroll, customer relationship management, project management, training, and many others.
personal information management (PIM) software
Software handles contact information, appointments, task lists, and email.
course management software
Contains course information such as a syllabus and assignments and offers drop boxes for quizzes and homework along with a grade book.
software updates (software patch)
Occurs when the software vendor releases updates to software to fix problems or enhance features.
software upgrade
Occurs when the software vendor releases a new version of the software, making significant changes to the program.
single user license
Restricts the use of the software to one user at a time.
network user license
Enables anyone on the network to install and use the software.
site license
Enables any qualified users within the organization to install the software, regardless of whether the computer is on a network.
application service provider license
Specialty software paid for on a license basis or per-use basis or usage-based licensing.
input device
Equipment used to capture information and commands.
