Computer concepts- Chapter 2

Compact disk (CD)

An optical storage medium used to store digital information, read-only.

Linux platform

Essentially a standard PC with the Linux operating system installed.

Touch screen

Overlays a screen, which aids in collecting input.

Pixels

The small dots of light that form an image.

Blu-ray

25 GB capacity per thin layer.

Gigahertz (GHz)

A billion cycles per second.

High-definition multimedia interface (HDMI)

A compact audio-video interface for transmitting uncompressed digital data.

Solid state drive (SSD)

A data storage device that uses solid-state memory to store persistent data.

Game controller

A device used with games or entertainment system used to control a playable character or object.

Hard disk platter

A flat rigid disk made of aluminum or glass and coated with magnetic iron oxide particles.

LED display

A flat-screen device in which an array of light-emitting diodes can be selectively activated to display numerical and alphabetical information, used esp in pocket calculators, digital timepieces, measuring instruments, and in some microcomputers.

Megahertz (MHz)

A million cycles per second.

Smartphone

A mobile phone that offers more advanced computing ability and connectivity than a contemporary basic feature.

Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory

A non-volatile chip that requires no power to hold data.

Firewire

A serial bus interface standard for high-speed communications and isochronous real-time data transfer.

Netbook

A small laptop computer that is smaller than a notebook, designed primarily for accessing Internet-based applications.

Memory card

A small, flat flash drive used esp, in digital cameras and cell phones.

Notebook computer

A small, lightweight portable computer that opens like a clamshell to reveal a screen and keyboard.

Video graphics array (VGA)

A standard for defining colour display screen for computers.

Magnetic storage

A technology for recording data onto disks or tape by magnetizing particles of an oxide-based surface coating.

Microprocessor clock

A timing device that sets the pace for executing instructions.

Dynamic RAM

A type of physical memory used in most personal computers.

Virtual keyboard

A virtual keyboard is a software component that allows a user to enter characters.

Pointing device

Allows you to manipulate an on-screen pointer and other screen based graphical controls.

Digital video disk or digital versatile disc

An optical storage medium similar in appearance and technology to a CD but with higher storage capacity.

MAC Platform

Based on a proprietary design for a personal computer called the Macintosh, manufactured almost exclusively by Apple Inc.

PC Platform

Based on the design for one of the first personal computer superstars- the IBM PC.

Duplex printer

Can print on both sides of the paper

Mouse

Computer`s primary pointing device.

Universal serial bus (USB)

Connects peripherals.

Plug & Play

Describe devices that work with a computer system as soon as they are connected.

Peripheral device

Designated input, output and storage equipment that might be added to a computer system to enhance its functionality.

Card reader

Device that reads and writes data on solid-state storage.

Desktop computer

Fits on a desk and runs on power from an electrical wall outlet.

Virtual memory

If a program exceeds its allocated space, it uses this area of the hard disk to store parts of the programs or data files until they are needed.

ROM BIOS

Instructions that tell the computer how to access the hard disk, find the operating system and load it into RAM.

Hard disk drive

Main storage device on most computers that contains one of more platters and their associated read-write heads.

Storage device

Mechanical apparatus that records and retrieves data from a storage medium.

Ink jet printer

Nozzle like print head that sprays ink onto paper to form characters.

Tablet computer

Portable computing device featuring a touch-sensitive screen that can be used as a writing or drawing pad.

USB flash drive

Portable storage device that plugs directly into a computer's USB port using a built in connector.

Dot matric printer

Produces characters and graphics by using a grid of fine wires.

Volatile

Required electrical power to hold data.

Floppy disks

Round pieces of flexible mylar plastic covered with a thin layer od magnetic oxide and sealed inside a protective casing.

Multi-core processor

Single microprocessor that contains circuitry for more than one processing unit.

Graphics card

Small circuit board inside a display-monitor and contains a GPU.

Portable computer

Small lightweight computer with a screen, keyboard, storage and processing components integrated into a single unit that runs on power supplied by an electrical outlet or battery.

Optical storage

Stores data as a microscopic light and dark spots on the disk surface (CD-DVD storage technologies)

Read-only technology (ROM)

Stores data permanently on a disk that cannot be added to or changed.

Graphics processing unit (GPU)

Stores screen images as they are processed but before they are displayed.

Solid state storage (Flash memory)

Technology that stores data in erasable, rewriteable circuitry, rather than on spinning disks or streaming tape.

LCD display (liquid crystal display)

Technology used for flat panel computer screens typically found on notebook computers.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Temporary holding area for data application program instructions and the operating system.

System unit

The case that holds the computer's main circuit boards, microprocessor, memory, power supply, and storage devices.

Digital visual interface (DVI)

The digital interface is used to connect as video source to a display device, such as a computer monitor.

Storage medium

The disk, tape, CD, DVD, paper or other substance that contains data.

Read-only memory (ROM)

Type of memory circuitry that holds the computer's start-up routine.

Trackpad

Use your fingers to move the pointer for a computer.

Recordable technology (R)

Uses a laser to change the color in a dye layer sandwiched beneath the clear plastic disk surface.

Rewriteable technology (RW)

Uses a phase change technology to alter a crystal structure on the disk surface.

Laser printer

Uses the same technology as a photocopier to paint dots of light on a light-sensitive drum.