Introduction to Computers Vocab Flashcards
Information Processing Cycle
The four basic operations a computer performs — input, process, output, and storage.
Computer
An electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, that can accept data (input), process the data according to specified rules (process), produce results (output), and store the results (storage) for future use. Generally, the term is used to describe a collection of electric, electronic, and mechanical components known as hardware.
Data
A collection of unprocessed items, which can include text, numbers, images, audio, and video. Computers manipulate it to create information.
Information
Conveys meaning and is useful to people. It is out into some form, such as a printed report, or it can be stored on the computer for future use.
Computer Users / End Users / Users
People who use e computer directly or use the information it provides.
Green Computing
Involves reducing the electricity consumed and environmental waste generated when using a computer.
Peripheral
A device that connects to the system unit and is controlled by the processor in the computer. They can include input devices and output devices, as well as some storage devices and communications devices.
Personal Computer
A computer that can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself. It contains a processor, memory, and one or more input, output, and storage devices. They also often contain a communications device.
Mobile Computer
A personal computer you can carry from place to place.
Mobile Device
A computing device small enough to hold in your hand.
Desktop Computer
A computer designed in such a way so that the system unit, input devices, output devices, and any other devices fit entirely on or under a desk or table.
Notebook Computer / Laptop Computer
A portable, personal computer often designed to fit on your lap. These computers are thin and lightweight, yet can be as powerful as the average desktop computer.
Netbook
A type of notebook computer that is smaller, lighter, and often not as powerful as a traditional notebook computer.
Tablet PC
A special type of notebook computer resembling a letter-sized slate that allows you to write or draw on the screen using a digital pen.
Smart Phone
A phone that can connect to the Internet and usually also provides personal information management functions such as a calendar, an appointment book, an address book, a calculator, and a notepad.
Portable Media Player
A mobile device on which you can store, organize, and play digital media, such as music, videos, movies, television show, and pictures.
Digital Camera
A device that allows users to take pictures and store the photographed images digitally, instead of on traditional film. They typically allow users to review, and sometimes modify, images while they are in the device.
Input Device
Any hardware component that allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer. Five such components that are widely used include the keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner, and Web cam. The two primary ones are the keyboard and the mouse.
Keyboard
An input device that contains keys users press to enter data and instructions into the computer. All desktop versions of this device have a typing area that includes the letters of the alphabet, numbers, punctuation marks, and other basic keys. Many desktop versions also have a numerical keypad on the right side.
Stylus
A small metal or plastic device that looks like a tiny ink pen but uses pressure instead of ink.
Mouse
A pointing device that fits comfortably under the palm of your hand. With this device, users control the movement of the pointer. Generally, you use this device to move the pointer on the screen to an object such as a button, a menu, an icon, a link, or text. Then, you press a button on this device to perform a certain action associated with that object. The bottom of this device is flat and contains a mechanism (ball, optical sensor, or laser sensor) that detects movement of the device.
Pointer
A small symbol on the screen whose location and shape change as a user moves a pointing device.
Touchpad
A small, flat, rectangular pointing device near the keyboard hat allows you to move the pointer by sliding a fingertip on the surface of the device.
System Unit
A case that contains electronic components of the computer used to process data. This case is available in a variety of shapes and sizes. The case, also called the chassis, is made of metal or plastic and protects the internal components from damage.
Motherboard
Sometimes called a system board. The main circuit board of the system unit. Many electronic components attach to this circuit board; others are built into it.
Processor / Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Interprets and carries out basic instructions that operate a computer. It contains a control unit and an arithmetic/logic unit.
Control Unit
Directs and coordinates most of the operations in the computer.
Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU)
Performs arithmetic, comparison, and other operations.
Memory
Consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed and data needed by those instructions. Usually keeps data and instructions temporarily, which means its contents are erased when the computer is shut off.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
Also called main memory, it consists of memory chips that can be read from and written to by the processor and other devices. These chips are places on a memory module that fits in a slot on the motherboard in the system unit.
Byte
Usually stores one character, such as the letter A.
Kilobyte (KB or K)
Equals exactly 1,024 bytes of storage.
Megabyte (MB)
Equals approximately one million bytes of storage.
Gigabyte (GB)
Equals approximately one billion bytes of storage.
Terabyte (TB)
Equals approximately one trillion bytes of storage.
Output Devices
Hardware components that convey information to one or more people. Commonly used versions include display devices; printers; speakers, headphones, and earbuds; data projectors; and interactive whiteboards. The two devices widely used are the printer and a display device.
Printer
An output device that produces text and graphics on a physical medium such as paper. Ink-jet and laser versions are often used with personal computers.
Photo Printers
Ink-jet printers that produce photo-lab-quality pictures and are ideal for home or small-business use.
Multifunction Peripheral / All-in-One Device
A single device that looks like a printer or copy machine but provides the functionality of a printer, scanner, copy machine, and perhaps a fax machine. Some use color ink-jet printer technology, while others include a black-and-white or color laser printer.
Display Device
An output device that visually conveys text, graphics, and video information.
Monitor
A display device that is packaged as a separate peripheral.
LCD Monitor
Uses a liquid crystal display to produce images on the screen. The surface of the screen is composed of individual picture elements called pixels.
Pixels
Individual picture elements.
Resolution
The number of horizontal and vertical pixels in a display device.
Storage Device
The computer hardware that records and/or retrieves items to and from storage media.