Chapter 1:Computer Basics
byte
a group of bits combined into groups of eight or more.
computer
a machine that changes information from one form into another by performing input, processing, output, and storage.
central processing unit (CPU)
a piece of the computer's hardware that processes and compares data and completes arithmetic and logical operations.
application software
a program that allows you to create documents, listen to music, or play games on the computer.
universal serial bus (USB)
a standard that allows communication between devices, such as between a flash drive and a computer.
operating system (OS)
a system that allows hardware devices to communicate with one another, run efficiently, and support software programs.
processing
a task a computer carries out with data in response to a command
cloud storage
areas on the Internet servers where data and applications can be stored and accessed.
storage
devices, such as hard drives and CD-ROM drives, that permanently hold data and program instructions for a computer to use.
utility software
programs that are used to maintain and repair the computer.
system software
programs that help the computer work properly.
software
programs that tell a computer what to do and how to do it.
input
raw information, or data, that is entered into a computer.
peripheral
separate input, output, and storage hardware.
random-access memory (RAM)
special chips that store data and instructions while the computer is working.
hardware
the physical parts of a computer.
output
the result of a computer's processing, displayed on-screen printed on paper, or heard through a speaker.
bit
the smallest unit of information with values of either 0 or 1; a number that is a building block for computer languages; short for binary digit.