IT study Flashcards
Operating system
essential software which manages the hardware and allows the user to run application software
Kernel
the essential part of the operating system which is always in memory
Application software
optional software which performs a specific task
Motherboard
printed circuit board that connects the essential components for power and communication
CPU
central processing unit, which processes all commands
ALU
arithmetic logic unit, which is part of the CPU and which performs all arithmetic and logic calculations
CU
control unit, which is part of the CPU and which coordinates all instructions sent to the CPU
Registers
small storage areas in the CPU which hold the data with which the CPU is working
BIOS
basic input output system, which consists of basic instructions for starting up the computer
RAM
random access memory, which is volatile memory that holds all programs and data currently in use
ROM
read only memory, which is non-volatile storage that holds software
Volatile
a type of memory which loses its contents when it loses power
HDD
hard disk drive, using magnetic storage
SSD
solid state drive, using electronic storage
Hybrid
combines HDD and a small amount of SSD for increased speed. File allocation is managed by the operating system
Optical storage
CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray disks, which are read and written by a laser
Flash drive
small format electronic storage
SD card
very small flash memory card for portable devices
System software
software essential to the running of a computer; often included with a new machine
Creative Commons
free, copyrighted software which may shared with acknowledgement.
Proprietary software
paid-for software which includes support but does not give you access to source code. May not be shared
Open source software
free software with source code, which may be edited and shared
Freeware
free, copyrighted software, but no source code is included
Freemium
free, copyrighted software with limited features. You have to pay to get access to all the features.
Archive
moving files no longer used to another physical device to free up space
Backup
storing a copy of your files on another physical device in case you lose your computer.
