ODW Chapter 1 Terms to Know

Random access memory (RAM)

A holding area for data while your computer processes information. When you turn your computer off, the data temporarily stored in the holding area disappears. Also referred to as volatile memory.

Resolution

A measurement of the number of pixels on a screen.

Cache memory

A memory area, located on or near the microprocessor chip, for the most frequently used data.

Desktop computer

A non-portable computer whose central processing unit (CPU) might be housed in a tower configuration, or in some cases, within the monitor, as with the Apple iMac.

Storage

A permanent recording of information, data, and programs on a computer's storage medium, such as a magnetic disk, or optical disc, so then can be retreieved as needed.

Tablet PC

A portable computer that enables you to give commands via a touchscreen using easy controls. Enable you to add functionality via downloadable apps and are often used as e-readers and media-consumption devices.

Laptop

A portable computer with a built-in monitor, keyboard, and pointing device, along with the central processing unit (CPU) and a battery.

Binary system

A system consisting of two possible values, 0 and 1, called binary digits, or bits.

Computer

An electronic, programmable device that can assemble, process, and store data.

Technological convergence

when a device begins to use technologies traditionally thought to belong to another device, as when a cell phone performs tasks traditionally performed by a computer.

Microprocessor

A computer chip that can accept programming instructions that tell a computer what to do with the data it receives.

Digital computer

A computer that represents data using binary code.

Supercomputer

A computer with the ability to perform trillions of calculations per second, usually custom-made for a particular use or used as a large server.

File

A computer's basic storage unit, which might contain a report, spreadsheet, or picture for example.

Information processing cycle

A cycle of handling raw data and information that has four parts: input of data, processing of data, output of information, and storage of data and information.

Input

Data that is entered into a computer or other device, or the act of reading in such data.

Ubiquitous computing

Placing computing power in your environment as with, for example a system in your house that senses and adjusts lighting or temperature.

Information

Raw facts that are processed, organized, structured, or presented in a meaningful way. What you get out of a computer.

Data

Raw facts; what you put into a computer.

Computer memory

Temporary storage areas on your computer, including random access memory (RAM) and cache memory.

Output

The information that results from computer processing or the act of writing or displaying such data.

Processing

The manipulation of data by the computer to create information.

Central processing unit

The part of your computer system that interprets instructions and processes data.