Unit 1 - Computer Basics Flashcards
Application Software
Provides user with the ability to accomplish a goal or purpose.
Binary Number System
Base-two numbering system used by computers to work with data; includes the digits 0 and 1.
Bit
A contraction of ‘binary digit;’ a digit containing either a 0 or 1.
Byte
A unit of digital data, containing a string of eight binary units (0s or 1s).
CD/DVD-ROM Drive
Drive bay used to insert CDs and DVDs.
CPU
Central Processing Unit
The ‘brains’ of the device; it performs computations and logic operations sent to it by application software, and returns results to be acted upon.
Client-Server
Computer system in which a centralized server provides data to connected computers over a network.
Cloud Computing
Storing and processing data over the Internet rather than on personal computer hardware.
Computer
An electronic device that use a combination of hardware and software to manipulate data.
Computer Network
A group of computers connected for the purpose of communication-sharing of data and resources.
Computer Programming
Process used by computer programmers to develop software that solves problems.
Data
Information, or a collection of facts.
Decimal Number System
Base-ten numbering in which each column in the number represents a power of ten; includes the digits 0-9.
Digital Camera
Input device that captures a picture and converts it to digital information.
Flash Drive
Form of data storage that attaches to the USB connector on PCs.
GPU
Graphics Processing Unit
Generates images on the monitor; also referred to as the video card.
Hard Disk
The location for long-term data storage when the computer is turned off, and where data is retrieved when the computer is turned on.
Hard Disk Controller
A hard disk component that enables the CPU to access, modify, read, and write data to and from the hard disk, CD-ROM, and any other drive.
Hardware
The part of the information system that you can touch; the physical components of the technology.
Hertz
A unit of frequency used to describe the speed of computing devices; abbreviated Hz.
Hexadecimal Number System
A numbering system based on sixteen digits; includes the digits 0-9 and A-F.
Information System
A combination of technology, people, and processes that collect, create, distribute, and exploit useful information.
Input
Mode by which data enters the computer.
Input Device
Any hardware component that sends data into the computer.
Keyboard
Device that provides text and or numeric input into a computer system.
LAN
Local Area Network
Computer network that links computers within a building.
Monitor
Output device used to display video, images, and text.
Motherboard
The main circuit board on the computer, to which the CPU, memory, and storage connect.
Mouse
Device that can be moved across a flat surface to move an on-screen pointer.
Network Interface Card
Expansion card that provides a computer with the ability to connect to a network.
Numbering System
Method of representing numbers of a certain type.
Octal Number System
Numbering system based on eight digits; includes the digits 0-7.
Operating System
Software that performs the task required to keep the system running and provides the main interface for the user.
Optical Disc
A form of removable storage media that stores data on the surface of the disc.
Output
Mode by which data is delivered.
Output Device
Any hardware component that sends data out from the computer.
Peripheral
A hardware component that is not natively a part of the system.
Pointing Device
Device that moves an on-screen pointer and provides buttons for input.
Portability
How easily a computer can be transported.
Ports
Area into which device cables can be connected to the system unit.
Printer
Output device that generates a hard copy of work created on a computer.
Processing Speed
Amount of clock cycles a processor can perform in a second, measured in hertz.
Productivity Software
Subcategory of application software that provides office employees the ability to complete their work.
Programming Software
Software whose purpose is to make more software.
RAM
Random-Access Memory
The working memory of a computer that transfers data from the hard disk upon starting the device.
ROM
Read-Only Memory
A form of memory in which the data stored can only be read; it cannot be changed.
Scanner
Input device that allows users to input documents as images or text.
Screen Size
The length of the monitor, typically the diagonal measured in inches.
Smartphone
A mobile phone that incorporates the same functionality as a computer.
Software
The set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do.
SSD
Solid-State Drive
Form of data storage that uses flash memory; all data is stored on a microchip.
Sound Card
Expansion card that produces sound through the speakers or headphone.
Status Lights
Provide user with feedback as to the current operation with the system.
Tablet Computer
A computer that uses a touch screen as its primary input.
Touchpad
Touch sensitive pad that behaves like a mouse built into laptop computers.
Unit Prefix
A group of letters attached to the beginning of a unit; common prefixes include kilo, mega, giga, and tera.
Utility Software
Software that allows you to fix or modify your computer in some way.
Vent
Provides area for internally generated heat to be dissipated.
Volatile
Computer storage that only holds data while power remains on.
