Intro to Computers

Touchpad

a small, flat, rectangular, pointing device near the keyboard that allows you to move the pointer by sliding a fingertip on the surface of the pad.

Smart Phone

a smart phone that can connect to the Internet and usually also provides personal information management functions such as a calander, an appointment book, an address book, a calculator,and a notepad.

Worm

a software program capable of reproducing itself that can spread from one computer to the next over a network

Computer

an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, that can accept data, process the data according to specified rules, produce results, and store the results for future use.

Keyboard

an input device that contains keys users press to enter data and instructions into the computer.

Printer

an output device that produces text and graphics on a physical medium such as paper.

Display device

an output device that visually conveys text, graphics, and video information.

Input device

any hardware component that allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer.

Application software

consists of programs designed to make users more productive and/or assist with personal tasks

Information

convey meaning and is useful to people.

Desktop computer

designed so that the system unit, input devices, output devices, and any other devices fit entirely on or under a desk or table.

Processer

interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate a computer.

Personal computer

is a computer that can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself.

Digital camera

is a device that allows users to take pictures and store the photographed images digitally, instead of on traditional film.

System software

software responsible for the general operation of a computer system, including the operation of hardware, running application software, and file management

Motherboard

the main circuit board of the system unit.

Virus

A computer program designed to damage computer files.

Internet

A global network connecting millions of computers, making it possible to exchange information.

Network

A group of computers that are connected to share resources and exchange information.

Trojan horse

A program advertised as performing one activity but actually doing something else.

Malware

A program or a set of program instructions that are designed to enter a computer and disrupt its normal operations

Web browser

A program with which you can view HTML files and access Web pages.

Software

A series of detailed step-by-step instructions that tell the computer what functions to complete and when to complete them.

Search engine

A software program you can use to find Web sites, Web pages, and Internet files.

Information Processing Cycle

Computer perform four basic operations- input, process, output, storage. These operations comprise the information processing cycle.

GUI

Graphic User Interface: software that allows you to interact with the computer software using text, graphics, and icons.

Cloud storage

Online storage that enables users to upload, store, and access their files via the Internet; users' files

Antivirus program

Program that protects a computer against viruses by identifying and removing any computer viruses found in memory, on storage media, or on incoming files.

Data

A collection of unprocessed items, which can include text, numbers, images, audio, and video.

CD-RW

Compact Disc - ReWritable: a CD that allows data to be erased and written again several times.

CD-ROM

Compact Disc - Read Only Memory: memory whose contents can be accessed and read but cannot be changed

CD-R

Compact Disc - Recordable: a multisession optical disc on which users can write to, but not erase files

ISP

(Internet Service Provider) A company that provides access to the Internet.

URL

(Uniform Resource Locator) A location or address identifying where documents can be found on the Internet; a Web address

Operating system

Also known as an "OS," this is the software that communicates with computer hardware on the most basic level. Without an operating system, no software programs can run.

DVD-ROM

Digital Versatile Disc - Read Only Memory: DVD format in which data can only be read and not written

WWW

World Wide Web; a system of interlinked hypertext documents contained on the internet

Mobile Devices

a device small enough to fit in your pocket, usually store programs and data permanently on memory inside the system unit or on small storage media such as memory cards.

Peripheral

a device that connects to the system unit and output devices, as well as some storage devices and communications devices.

Monitor

a display device that is packaged as a seperate peripheral.

Output devices

a hardware components that convey information to one or more people.

Blu-ray disc

a method of optical storage for digital data, developed for storing high-definition media. It has the largest storage capacity of all optical storage options

Portable media player

a mobile device on which you can store, organize, and play digital media.

Mouse

a pointing device that fits comfortably under the palm of your hand.

Laptop computer

a portable computer designed to fit on your lap.

Pointer

a small symbol on the screen whose location and shape changes as a user moves a pointing device.