Vocab 1-8 Flashcards
computer
An electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory.
- Collects data (input)
- Processing
- Produces information (output)
application software
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computer literacy
Also known as digital literacy.
Having a current knowledge and understanding of computers and their uses.
data
A collection of unprocessed items, which can include text, numbers, images, audio, and video.
Information
Conveys meaning and is useful to people.
input device
Allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer.
hardware
Electric, electronic, and mechanical components of a computer.
output device
Hardware component that conveys information to one or more people.
system unit
Case that contains the electronic components of the computer that are used to process data.
storage media
Devices used by the computer to store data, instructions, and information.
storage device
Records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from storage media.
communications device
A hardware component that enables a computer to send (transmit) and receive data. instructions, and information to and from one or more computers or mobile devices.
Advantages of Using Computers
- Speed
- Reliability - rarely break or fail
- Consistency - given the same input and processes, a computer will produce the same results.
- Storage - Transfer data quickly.
- Communications - share information easily and quickly
Output
Data that has been processed into a useful form.
output device
Aany type of hardware component that conveys information to one or more people. Such as:
- Display devices
- Printers
- Speakers, headphones, and earbuds
- Data projectors
- Interactive whiteboards
- Force-feedback game controllers
- Tactile output
display device
Visually conveys text, graphics, and video information.
monitor
Packaged as a separate peripheral:
- LCD monitor
- Widescreen
LCD
Liquid crystal display: uses a liquid compound to present information on a display device.
LCD monitors use a digital signal and should plug into a DVI port, an HDMI port, or a DisplayPort
The quality of an LCD monitor or LCD screen depends primarily on:
- Resolution
- Response time
- Brightness
- Dot pitch
- Contrast ratio
Resolution
The number of horizontal and vertical pixels in a display device: A higher resolution uses a greater number of pixels
GPU
The graphics processing unit: controls the manipulation and display of graphics on a display device.
Plasma monitors
Display devices that use gas plasma technology and offer screen sizes up to 150 inches.
Televisions
A good output device (Require a converter if you are connecting your computer to an analog television).
DTV
Digital television offers a crisper, higher-quality output.
HDTV
The most advanced form of digital television.
printer
Produces text and graphics on a physical medium
Printed information is called a hard copy, or printout
Print in Landscape or Portrait Orientation
nonimpact printer
Forms characters and graphics on a piece of paper without actually striking the paper:
- Ink-jet printers
- Photo printers
- Laser printers
- Thermal printers
- Mobile printers
- Label and postage printers
- Plotters
- Large-format printers
ink-jet printer
- Forms characters and graphics by spraying tiny drops of liquid ink onto a piece of paper
- Color or black-and-white
- Printers with a higher dpi (dots per inch) produce a higher quality output.
Photo printer
Produces color photo-lab-quality pictures.
- Most use ink-jet technology.
- PictBridge allows you to print photos directly from a digital camera.
- Print from a memory card and preview photos on a built-in LCD screen.
MFP
A multifunction peripheral is a single device that prints, scans, copies, and in some cases, faxes.
- 3-in-One (print, scan, copy)
- 4-in-One adds FAX
audio output device
produces music, speech, or other sounds
Voice output
Occurs when you hear a person’s voice or when the computer talks to you through the speakers.
- Some Web sites dedicate themselves to providing voice output.
- Often works with voice input.
- VoIP uses voice output and voice input.
Other Output Devices
Other output devices are available for specific uses and applications:
- Data projectors
- Interactive whiteboards
- Force-feedback game controllers
- Tactile output
data projector
A device that takes the text and images displaying on a computer screen and projects them on a larger screen:
- LCD projector
- Digital light processing (DLP) projector
interactive whiteboard
A touch-sensitive device, resembling a dry-erase board, that displays the image on a connected computer screen.
Force-feedback
Sends resistance to the device in response to actions of the user.
Tactile output
Provides the user with a physical response from the device.
System software
Consists of the programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices.
- Operating systems
- Utility Programs (Utilities)
OS
An operating system is a set of programs containing instructions that work together to coordinate all the activities among computer hardware resources.
- Start and shut down a computer
- Provide a user interface
- Manage programs
- Manage memory
- Coordinate tasks
- Configure devices
- Establish an Internet connection
- Monitor performance
- Provide utilities
- Automatically update
- Control a network
- Administer security
booting
The process of starting or restarting a computer
Cold boot
Turning on a computer that has been powered off completely.
Warm boot
Using the operating system to restart a computer.
boot drive
The drive from which your computer starts.
- You can boot from a boot disk.
- A recovery disk contains a few system files that will start the computer.
Operating System Power Configuration - Sleep mode
Saves any open documents and programs to RAM, turns off all unneeded functions, and then places the computer in a low-power state.
Operating System Power Configuration - Hibernate
Saves any open documents and programs to a hard disk before removing power from the computer.
Operating System Power Configuration - Hybrid Sleep
Combines Sleep and Hibernate
UI
A User Interface controls how you enter data and instructions and how information is displayed.
GUI
A Graphical User Interface uses icons and visual images (graphics), plus menus
Command Line Interface
A user uses the keyboard to enter data and instructions
How an operating system handles programs directly affects your productivity
- Single-user & Multi-user
- Single-tasking & Multi-tasking
- Foreground and background
- Pre-emptive Multi-tasking
- Multi-processing
Memory management
Optimizes the use of RAM (Random Access Memory).
Virtual memory
A portion of a storage medium (e.g., hard drive) functioning as additional RAM.
driver
A small program that tells the operating system how to communicate with a specific device.
Plug and Play
Automatically configures new devices as you install them.
Internet and Network connections
Operating systems provide a means to establish Internet and Network connections
performance monitor
Aprogram that accesses and reports information about various computer resources and devices.
Operating systems often provide ways to:
- Manage files
- Search for files
- View images
- Secure a computer
- Uninstall programs
- Clean up disk space
- Defragment disks
- Diagnose problems
- Back up files and disks
- Configure screen savers
swap file
The operating system swaps files to and from memory and virtual memory as needed to speed up system performance and use the physical RAM more efficiently.
thrashing
- A computer’s virtual memory subsystem is in a constant state of paging, rapidly exchanging data in memory for data on disk, to the exclusion of most application-level processing.
- This causes the performance of the computer to degrade or collapse.
paging
- One of the memory-management schemes by which a computer can store and retrieve data from secondary storage for use in main memory.
- The operating system retrieves data from secondary storage in same-size blocks called pages.
Windows Update and Mac Software Update
Can automatically install software updates
A network administrator uses the server operating system to:
- Add and remove users, computers, and other devices.
- Install software and administer network security.
server operating system
Organizes and coordinates how multiple users access and share resources on a network.
stand-alone operating system
Acomplete operating system that works on a desktop computer, notebook computer or mobile computing device:
- Windows 8
- Mac OS X
- Chrome
- Linux
Server Operating Systems
- Windows Server 2012
- UNIX
- Linux
- Solaris
- NetWare
embedded operating system
Resides on a ROM* chip on a mobile device or consumer electronic device.
- Android
- iOS
- BlackBerry OS
- Windows Phone 8
- Symbian
- WebOS
- Windows Embedded CE
- Embedded Linux
utility program
Atype of system software that allows a user to perform maintenance tasks.
file manager
A utility that performs functions related to file management:
- Displaying a list of files.
- Organizing files in folders.
- Copying, renaming, deleting, moving, and sorting files and folders.
- Creating a shortcut (known as an alias in Mac OS).
search utility
A a program that attempts to locate a file on your computer based on criteria you specify.
Virtualization
The practice of sharing or pooling computing resources.
image viewer
Allows users to display, copy, and print the contents of a graphics file.
uninstaller
Removes a program, as well as any associated entries in the system files.
disk cleanup utility
Searches for and removes unnecessary files:
- Downloaded programfiles
- Temporary Internetfiles
- Deleted files
- Unused programfiles
disk defragmenter
Reorganizes the files and unused space on a computer’s hard disk so that the operating system accesses data more quickly and programs run faster.
backup utility
Allows users to copy files to another storage medium.
restore utility
Reverses the process and returns backed up files to their original form.
screen saver
Causes a display device’s screen to show a moving image or blank screen if no activity occurs for a specified time.
personal firewall
Detects unauthorized intrusions and protects a personal computer from them.
virus
A potentially damaging computer program that has negative effects.
worm
Copies itself repeatedly in memory or over a network.
Trojan horse
Hides within or looks like a legitimate program.
antivirus program
Protects a computer against viruses.
Spyware
A program placed on a computer without the user’s knowledge that secretly collects information about the user.
spyware remover
Detects and deletes spyware and other similar programs.
adware remover
Program that detects and deletes adware.
Filters
Programs that remove or block certain items from being displayed:
- Web filtering software
- Anti-spam programs
- Phishing filters
- Pop-up blockers
file compression utility
Shrinks the size of files;
- Compressing files frees up room on storage media
zipped files
Compressed files
- Can be uncompressed with a utility program
- Some self-extract
- Most common compression type is .zip
media player
Allows you to view images and animation, listen to audio, and watch video on your computer.
Disc burning software
Writes text, graphic, audio, and video files to a recordable (R) or rewritable (RW) optical disc (typically a CD or DVD).
personal computer maintenance utility
Identifies and fixes operating system problems, detects and repairs disk problems, and can improve performance.
Green computing
Involves reducing the electricity consumed and environmental waste generated when using a computer
Strategies include:
- Recycling
- Regulating manufacturing processes
- Extending the life of computers
- Immediately donating or properly disposing of replaced computers
network
A collection of connected computers and devices, often wirelessly, via communications devices and transmission media.
Internet
A worldwide collection of networks that connects millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals.
social networking Web site
Encourages members to share their interests, ideas, stories, photos, music, and videos with other registered users.
Software
Also called a program, tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them.
- System Software:
- Operating system
- Utility programs (“Utilities”)
- Application Software
Installing
Process of setting up software to work with the computer, printer, and other hardware.
programmer
Develops software or writes the instructions that direct the computer to process data into information.
personal computer
Can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself.
Mobile Computer
Personal computer you can carry from place to place.
- Examples include: notebook computers, laptop computers, netbooks, ultra-thins, and Tablet PCs
Mobile Device
Computing device small enough to hold in your hand.
- Examples include: smart phones, e-book readers, handheld computers, portable media players, wearable computers, and digital cameras.
game console
A mobile computing device designed for single-player or multiplayer video games.
server
Controls access to the hardware, software, and other resources on a network.
- Provides a centralized storage area for programs, data, and information.
mainframe
A large, expensive, powerful computer that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously.
supercomputer
The fastest, most powerful computer.
- Fastest supercomputers are capable of processing more than one quadrillion instructions in a single second.
embedded computer
A special-purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger product.
Elements of an Information System
- Hardware
- Software
- Data
- People
- Procedures
native resolution
LCD’s are designed/geared for a specific resolution
Internet
A worldwide collection of networks that links millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals
Internet originated as
ARPANET* in September 1969 and had two main goals:
- Allow scientists in different physical locations to share information and work together
- Function even if part of the network were disabled or destroyed by a disaster or attack
Who is in charge of the internet?
No one:
- Each organization is responsible only for maintaining its own network
- The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) oversees research and supports Open Stand, The Modern Paradigm for Standards.
- Internet2 connects, via a high-speed private network, 220 universities, 60 leading corporations, 70 government agencies, 38 regional and state education networks, and more than 65 national research and education networking partners representing over 100 countries
high-speed broadband Internet service
- Cable Internet Service
- DSL
- Fiber to the Premises (FTTP)
- Fixed Wireless
- Cellular Radio Network
- Wi-Fi
- Satellite Internet Service
access provider
A business that provides individuals and organizations access to the Internet free or for a fee.
ISP
Internet Service Provider
- Regional ISPs provide Internet access for a specific geographical area
- National ISPs provide Internet access in cities and towns nationwide
Wireless Internet Service Provider
- Provides wireless Internet access to computers and mobile devices
- May require a wireless modem
IP address
A number that uniquely identifies each computer or device connected to the Internet
domain name
The text version of an IP address Top-level domain (TLD).
DNS server
Domain Name System server -
Translates the domain name into its associated IP address.
World Wide Web, or Web
Consists of a worldwide collection of electronic documents (Web pages).
Web site
A collection of related Web pages and associated items.
Web server
A computer that delivers requested Web pages to your computer.
Web 2.0
Refers to Web sites that provide a means for users to interact.
Web browser, or browser
Allows users to access Web pages and Web 2.0 programs.
home page
Is the first page that a Web site displays.
links
Code on a web page that directs the browser to bring you to another web page.
Downloading
The process of receiving information.
URL* or Web address
A unique address for a Web page.
Tabbed browsing
Allows you to open and view multiple Web pages in a single Web browser window.
Multimedia
Refers to any application that combines text with:
- Graphics
- Animation
- Audio
- Video
- Virtual Reality
A graphic
A digital representation of non-text information. Graphic formats include: - BMP - GIF - JPEG - PNG - TIFF
thumbnail
A small version of a larger graphic.
Animation
Is the appearance of motion created by displaying a series of still images in sequence.
Audio
Includes music, speech, or any other sound
- Compressed to reduce file size.
You listen to audio on your computer using a
player
Streaming
The process of transferring data in a continuous and even flow.
Video
Consists of images displayed in motion.
VR
Virtual reality - The use of computers to simulate a real or imagined environment that appears as a three-dimensional space.
plug-in
A program that extends the capability of a Web browser.
Web publishing
The development and maintenance of Web pages.
- Plan a Web site
- Analyze and design a Web site
- Create a Web site
- Deploy a Web site
- Maintain a Web site
E-commerce
A business transaction that occurs over an electronic network.
M-commerce
Identifies e-commerce that takes place using mobile devices.
Categories of E-Commerce
- Business-to-consumer (B2C)
- Business-to-business (B2B
- Consumer-to-consumer (C2C)
IM
Instant messaging - A real-time Internet communications service.
chat
A real-time typed conversation that takes place on a computer.
chat room
A location on an Internet server that permits users to chat with each other.
VoIP
Voice over Internet Protocol - enables users to speak to other users over the Internet.
- Also called Internet telephony
FTP
File Transfer Protocol - An Internet standard that permits file uploading and downloading with other computers on the Internet.
- Many operating systems include FTP capabilities.
FTP server
A computer that allows users to upload and/or download files using FTP.
Netiquette
The code of acceptable Internet behavior.
Application software
Consists of programs designed to make users more productive and/or assist with personal tasks:
- To make business activities more efficient
- To assist with graphics and multimedia projects
- To support home, personal, and educational tasks
- To facilitate communications
System software
Serves as the interface between the user, application software, and hardware
- Utility programs.
Business application software categories:
- Word Processing
- Spreadsheet
- Database
- Presentation
- Note Taking
- Personal Information Manager
- Business Software for Phones
- Business Software Suites
- Project Management
- Accounting
- Document Management
- Enterprise Computing Software
Word processing software
Allows users to create and manipulate documents.
Clip art
A collection of electronic drawings, photos, and other images.
Additional word processing features include:
- AutoCorrect
- AutoFormat
- Collaboration
- Columns
- Grammar Checker
- Plus 13 others
Spreadsheet software
Allows users to organize data in rows and columns and perform calculations.
Charting (spreadsheet software)
Depicts data in a spreadsheet in graphical form.
database
A collection of data organized in a manner that allows access, retrieval, and output of that data.
DBMS
Database Management System: create, access, manage data.
Presentation software
Allows users to create visual aids for presentations to communicate ideas, messages, and other information to a group.
Note-taking software
Application software that enables users to enter typed text, handwritten comments, drawings, or sketches anywhere on a page.
software suite
A collection of individual programs available together as a unit.
PIM
Personal Information Manager - Application software that includes:
- Appointment calendar
- Address book
- Notepad
Project management software
plan, schedule, track, and analyze project events, resources, and costs
Accounting software
record and report financial transactions
Document management software
share, distribute, and search through documents by converting them into a format viewable by any user
Graphics and Multimedia Software
- Computer-aided design (CAD)
- Desktop publishing
- Image editing
- Video and audio editing
- Multimedia authoring
Web page authoring software
Helps users of all skill levels create Web pages that include multimedia and interactive content.
Web application
A Web site that allows users to access and interact with software from any computer or device that is connected to the Internet.
Communications Software
- Web Browser
- Instant Messaging
- Chat Room
- Text, Picture, Video Messaging
- RSS Aggregator
- Blogging
- Newsgroup/Message Board
- FTP
- VoIP
- Video Conferencing
Online Help
The electronic equivalent of a user manual:
- You can ask a question or access the Help topics by subject or in alphabetical order.
Web-based training
Type of CBT (Computer Based Training) consists of application software on the Web.
system unit
A case that contains electronic components of the computer used to process data.
The inside of the system unit on a desktop personal computer includes:
- Drive bay(s)
- Power supply
- Sound card
- Video card
- Processor
- Memory
motherboard
The main circuit board of the system unit:
- A computer chip contains integrated circuits.
processor
Also called the central processing unit (CPU), interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate a computer
Contains a control unit and an arithmetic logic unit (ALU):
- Dual-core processor
- Quad-core processor
- Multi-core processor
control unit
The component of the processor that directs and coordinates most of the operations in the computer.
ALU
The arithmetic logic unit - performs arithmetic, comparison, and other operations.
For every instruction ,a processor repeats a set of ______
Four basic operations, comprising a machine cycle:
Step 1 - The control unit fetches the math problem’s instructions and data from memory.
Step 2 - The control unit decodes the math problems instructions and sends the instructions and data to the ALU.
Step 3 - The ALU performs calculations on the data.
Step 4 - The results of the math problem are stored in memory.
Processor
A processor chip generates heat that could cause the chip to burn up.
Require additional cooling:
- Heat sinks
- Liquid cooling technology
Analog signals
Are continuous and vary in strength and quality.
Digital signals
Are in one of two states: on or off.
- Most computers are digital
The binary system
Uses two unique digits (0 and 1).
Bits and bytes.
- A computer circuit represents the 0 or the 1 electronically by the presence or absence of an electrical charge
- Eight bits grouped together as a unit are called a byte. A byte represents a single character in the computer.
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange - is the most widely used coding scheme to represent data.
Memory
Consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed by the processor, data needed by those instructions, and the results of processing the data
Stores three basic categories of items:
- The operating system and other system software
- Application programs
- Data being processed and the resulting information
Memory address and size
- Each location in memory has an address
- Memory size is measured in:
- kilobytes (KB or K) - 1 thousand bytes
- megabytes (MB) - 1 million bytes
- gigabytes (GB) - 1 billion bytes
- terabytes (TB) - 1 trillion bytes
kilobytes (KB or K)
1 thousand bytes
megabytes (MB)
1 million bytes
gigabytes (GB)
1 billion bytes
terabytes (TB)
1 trillion bytes
The system unit contains two types of memory:
- Volatile memory.
- Nonvolatile memory.
Volatile memory
- Loses its contents when power is turned off.
- Example includes RAM.
Nonvolatile memory
- Does not lose contents when power is removed.
- Examples include ROM, flash memory, and CMOS.
Memory cache
Speeds the processes of the computer because it stores frequently used instructions and data.
ROM
Read-only memory: refers to memory chips storing permanent data and instructions.
- Firmware uses ROM.
PROM
Programmable read-only memory chips: blank ROM chips that can be written to permanently.
- EEPROM can be erased
Flash memory
Can be erased electronically and rewritten.
CMOS technology
Provides high speeds and consumes little power.
Access time
The amount of time it takes the processor to read from memory: Measured in nanoseconds
expansion slot
A socket on the motherboard that can hold an adapter card.
adapter card
Enhances functions of a component of the system unit and/or provides connections to peripherals.
peripherals
Sound card and video card
Plug and Play
The computer automatically can configure adapter cards and other peripherals as you install them.
Removable flash memory
Includes:
- Memory cards
- USB flash drives
- PC Cards/ExpressCard modules
port
The point at which a peripheral attaches to or communicates with a system unit (sometimes referred to as a jack).
connector
Joins a cable to a port.
USB port
Can connect up to 127 different peripherals together with a single connector.
You can attach multiple peripherals using a single USB port with a USB hub.
power supply
Converts the wall outlet AC power into DC power.
- Some external peripherals have an AC adapter, which is an external power supply.
Input
Any data and instructions entered into the memory of a computer: Instructions can be entered into the computer in the form of programs, commands, and user responses.
program
A series of related instructions that tells a computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them:
- Programs respond to commands that a user issues.
user response
An instruction a user issues when replying to a question displayed by a program.
input device
Any hardware component that allows users to enter data and instructions into a computer.
keyboard
An input device that contains keys users press to enter data and instructions into a computer.
insertion point
Also known as the cursor: A symbol on the screen that indicates where the next character you type will appear.
Ergonomic Keyboards
Has a design that reduces the chance of wrist and hand injuries.
Ergonomics
Combines comfort, efficiency, and safety into the design of the workplace.
pointing device
An input device that allows a user to control a pointer on the screen.
pointer
A small symbol on the screen whose location and shape change as a user moves a pointing device.
mouse
A pointing device that fits under the palm of your hand comfortably:
- Most widely used pointing device on desktop computers
- A mouse can be wired or wireless
Mouse operations
- Point
- Click
- Right-click
- Double-click
- Triple-click
- Drag
- Right-drag
- Rotate wheel
- Free-spin wheel
- Press wheel
- Tilt wheel
- Press thumb button
Other Pointing Devices
- trackball
- touchpad
- pointing stick
trackball
A stationary pointing device with a ball on its top or side.
touchpad
A small, flat, rectangular pointing device that is sensitive to pressure and motion.
pointing stick
A pressure-sensitive pointing device shaped like a pencil eraser that is positioned between keys on a keyboard.
touch screen
A touch-sensitive display device.
pen input
You touch a stylus or digital pen on a flat surface to write, draw, or make selections.
Digital Cameras
Two factors affect the quality of digital camera photos:
- Resolution
- Number of bits stored in each pixel
Resolution
The number of horizontal and vertical pixels in a display device.
pixel
The smallest element in an electronic display.
Number of bits stored in each pixel
- Each pixel consists of one or more bits of data
- The more bits used to represent a pixel, the more colors and shades of gray that can be represented.
Voice input
The process of entering input by speaking into a microphone.
Voice recognition
The computer’s capability of distinguishing spoken words.
Audio Input
Entering sound into the computer:
- Speech
- Music
- Sound Effects
Music Input
Music production software allows users to record, compose, mix, and edit music and sounds.
Video Input
Process of capturing and storing full-motion images:
- Record video on a digital video (DV) camera or use a video capture card to convert analog signals to digital
- Connect the camera to a port on the system unit
- Transfer video and images
Web cam
A type of digital video camera that enables a user to:
- Capture video and still images
- Send e-mail messages with video attachments
- Add live images to instant messages
- Broadcast live images over the Internet
- Make video telephone calls
video conference
A meeting between two or more geographically separated people.
Scanners and Reading Devices
- Flatbed
- Pen or Handheld
- Sheet-fed
- Drum
OCR
Optical character recognition - involves reading characters from ordinary documents.
turnaround document
A document you return to the company that creates and sends it.
OMR
Optical mark recognition - reads hand-drawn marks such as small circles or rectangles.
bar code reader
Also called a bar code scanner: Uses laser beams to read bar codes.
RFID
Radio Frequency Identification: uses radio signals to communicate with a tag placed in or attached to an object or within a human body.
RFID reader
Reads information on the tag via radio waves.
RFID can track:
- Times of runners in a race
- Locations of soldiers
- Employee wardrobes
- Airline baggage
- Skiers’ lift tickets
- Inventory
- Pressure and temperature of tires
- Library books
- Toll payments
- Hospital blankets with newborns
Magnetic stripe card readers
Read the magnetic stripe on the back of cards such as:
- Credit cards
- Entertainment cards
- Bank cards
- Other similar cards
MICR
magnetic ink character recognition - devices read text printed with magnetized ink.
- Banking industry uses MICR for check processing
MICR reader
Converts MICR characters into a form the computer can process.
Data collection devices
Obtain data directly at the location where the transaction or event takes place: Used in: - Restaurants - Grocery stores - Factories - Warehouses - Outdoors
Biometric Input
Biometrics authenticate identity by verifying a unique personal physical characteristic:
- Fingerprint reader
- Facial recognition
- Hand geometry
- Voice verification
- Signature verification
- Iris recognition
- Retinal scan
- Cardiac rhythm (ECG)
terminal
A computer that allows users to send data to and/or receive information from a host computer.
- A POS terminal - records purchases, processes payment, and updates inventory
- An automated teller machine (ATM) - allows users to access their bank accounts
- A DVD kiosk - a self-service DVD rental machine
Storage
Holds data, instructions, and information for future use.
storage medium
The physical material on which a computer keeps data, instructions, and information.
Capacity
The number of bytes a storage medium can hold.
storage device
The computer hardware that records and/or retrieves items to and from storage media.
Reading
The the process of transferring items from a storage medium into memory (RAM), as when opening a file.
Writing
The process of transferring items from memory (RAM) to a storage medium, as when saving a file.
Access time
Measures:
- The amount of time it takes a storage device to locate an item on a storage medium.
- The time required to deliver an item from memory to the processor.
hard disk
Contains one or more inflexible, circular platters that use magnetic particles to store data, instructions, and information.
Hard disks data recording schemes
Can store data using:
- longitudinal recording
- perpendicular recording (usually results in more storage capacity)
Characteristics of a hard disk:
- Capacity
- Platters
- Read/Write Heads
- Cylinders
- Sectors and Tracks
- Revolutions per Minute
- Transfer Rate
- Access Time
Formatting
The process of dividing the disk into tracks and sectors so that the operating system can store and locate data and information on the disk.
head crash
Occurs when a read/write head touches the surface of a platter.
Always keep a _______ of your hard disk
backup
RAID
Redundant Array of Independent Disks - is a group of two or more integrated hard disks.
NAS device
A server connected to a network with the sole purpose of providing storage.
external hard disk
A separate free-standing hard disk that connects to your computer with a cable or wirelessly.
removable hard disk
A hard disk that you insert and remove from a drive.
Flash Memory Storage
Flash memory chips are a type of solid state media and contain no moving parts.
SSDs
Solid State Drives (SSDs):
- Available as replacements for hard disk drives
- Available in many laptops and desktops
Advantages of SSDs over magnetic hard disks
- Faster access time
- Faster transfer rates
- Generate less heat and consume less power
- Last longer
- No moving parts
- Store data without power (unlike RAM in Sleep)
- Faster read/write times
- No fragmentation (unlike HDDs)
memory card
A a removable flash memory device that you insert and remove from a slot in a computer, mobile device, or card reader/writer:
- Secure Digital (SD)
- CompactFlash (CF)
- Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC)
- microSD
- microSDHC
- xD Picture Card
- Memory Stick (Sony)
- Memory Stick Micro (M2) (Sony)
USB flash drives
Plug into a USB port on a computer or mobile device.
Cloud storage
An Internet-based storage service. Examples: - Dropbox - SkyDrive - Google Drive - iCloud
Benefits of Cloud storage:
- Access files from any Internet-connected computer
- Allow others to access files/collaborate online
- View time-critical data immediately
- Store offsite backups
- Provide data center functions
Cloud Backup Services
- Range of storage capacities
- Updates backup files to the Cloud in real-time
- Access backup from any connected device
- Files are encrypted
optical disc
Consists of a flat, round, portable disc made of metal, plastic, and lacquer that is written and read by a laser:
- Typically store software, data, movies, and music
- Read only vs. rewritable
- Commonly store items in a single track that spirals from the center of the disc to the edge
- Track is divided into evenly sized sectors
CD-ROM
Can be read from, but not written to:
- Read from a CD-ROM drive or CD-ROM player
CD-R
A multisession optical disc on which
users can write, but not erase.
CD-RW
An erasable multisession disc requiring use of a CD-RW drive.
DVD-ROM
A a high-capacity optical disc on which users can read, but not write or erase:
- Requires a DVD-ROM drive
BD-ROM
Blu-ray Disc-ROM - has a storage capacity of 100 GB.
DVD-RW, DVD+RW, and DVD+RAM
High-capacity rewritable DVD formats
Other Types of Storage
- Tape
- Magnetic stripe cards and smart cards
- Microfilm and microfiche
- Enterprise storage
Tape
Magnetically coated ribbon of plastic capable of storing large amounts of data and information.
tape drive
Reads and writes data and information on a tape.
Microfilm and microfiche
Store microscopic images of documents on a roll or sheet film.
magnetic stripe card
Contains a magnetic stripe that stores information.
smart card
Stores data on a thin microprocessor embedded in the card.
Enterprise storage
Stores huge volumes of data and information for large businesses:
- Uses special hardware for heavy use, maximum availability, and maximum efficiency.
