Unit 1 - Key Terms Flashcards
IT
The use of technology for input, processing, storage and transmission of data and the output of information
Data
Raw facts and figure that are input into an IT system
Computer Storage
The place where data is held by the computer
Primary Storage
Part of the computer’s internal memory
RAM (Random Access Memory)
Holds data in memory
ROM (Read-Only Memory)
Contains data that the computer’s manufacturers do not want to be changed
Secondary Storage
Is where the files are permanently stored
Cloud Storage
Cloud computing model in which data is stored on remote servers accessed from the internet
Hardware
Computer equipment that you can physically touch
Software
Applications or programs which are installed into a digital device
Peripheral Device
A computer device that is not part of the essential computer
Internet
A global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities
WWW (World Wide Web)
An information system on the internet which allows documents to be connected to other documents by hypertext links enabling the user to search for information by moving from one document to another
Operating System
The platform that manages and controls hardware and enables applications or programs to operate on a digital device
Application Software
Software which users process text, numbers, still and moving images and sound
PAN (Personal Area Network)
A wirelessly connected network between an individual’s digital devices
LAN (Local Area Network)
A local area network that provides a connection between digital devices within a small area or building
WAN (Wide Area Network)
A WAN uses telecommunications over a wide area with the potential to connect digital devices around the globe
Digital Device
An electronic device that can receive, store, process or transfer digital information
Emerging Technologies
One that is just starting to have an impact on the wider world
IT infrastructure
An enterprise’s entire collection of hardware, software, networks, data centers, facilities and related equipment used to develop test, operate, monitor, manage and/or support information technology services
VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
A category of hardware and software that enables people to use the internet as the transmission medium for telephone calls by sending voice data in packets using IP rather than by traditional circuit transmissions of the PSTN
Digital Divide
The gap between demographics and regions that don’t have access to modern information and communications technology, and those that don’t or have restricted access
Early Adopters
A person who starts using a product as soon as it becomes available
Multifunction Device (MFD)
A device that performs a variety of functions which connects to the internet or printer (which scans and photocopies)
Personal Computer
A computer designed for use by one person at a time
Standalone Computer
A computer not reliant on any other computers or digital devices to function
Entertainment System
A set of audio and video components that mimic the way theaters provide entertainment
Still Digital Camera
An electronic camera used to take photographs and stores digital images in computer memory
Video Digital Camera
A device that records videos to formats
GPS
A constellation of approximately 30 well spaced satellites that orbit the Earth and make it possible for ground receivers to pinpoint their geographic location
Data capture and collection systems
The action or process of gathering data
A system that evaluates sets of information in a consistent and efficient way
Communication devices and systems
A hardware device capable of transmitting an analog or digital signal over telephone, communication wire or wirelessly
Collection of individual communications networks that are capable of interconnection to form an integrated whole
