Computers and Computer Systems

Bit

A bit (short for binary digit) is the smallest unit of data in a computer. A bit has a single binary value, either 0 or 1. Although computers usually provide instructions that can test and manipulate bits, they generally are designed to store data and execute instructions in bit multiples called bytes.

Database Server

A database server is a computer program that provides database services to other computer programs or computers, as defined by the client-server model. The term may also refer to a computer dedicated to running such a program.

Desktop Computer

A desktop computer is a personal computer designed for regular use at a single location on or near a desk or table due to its size and power requirements.

FAT (File Allocation Table)

A file allocation table (FAT) is a table that an operating system maintains on a hard disk that provides a map of the clusters (the basic units of logical storage on a hard disk) that a file has been stored in.

Machince Cycle

A machine cycle, also called a processor cycle or a instruction cycle, is the basic operation performed by a central processing unit (CPU). A CPU is the main logic unit of a computer

Processor, multicore

A multi-core processor is a single computing component with two or more independent actual processing units (called "cores"), which are the units that read and execute program instructions.

Network Drive

A network drive is a storage device on a local access network (LAN) within a business or home. Within a business, the network drive is usually located on a server or a network-attached storage (NAS) device.

Notebook Computer

A notebook computer is a battery- or AC-powered personal computer generally smaller than a briefcase that can easily be transported and conveniently used in temporary spaces such as on airplanes, in libraries, temporary offices, and at meetings.

Remote Storage

A remote, online, or managed backup service, sometimes marketed as cloud backup or backup-as-a-service, is a service that provides users with a system for the backup, storage, and recovery of computer files.

Byte

A sequence of adjacent bits operated on as a unit by a computer. A byte usually consists of eight bits. Amounts of computer memory are often expressed in terms of megabytes (1,048,576 bytes) or gigabytes (1,073,741,824 bytes). Our Living Language : The word bit is short for binary digit.

Track

A track is a physical division of data in a disk drive, as used in the Cylinder-Head-Record (CCHHRR) addressing mode of a CKD disk. The concept is concentric, through the physical platters, being a data circle per each cylinder of the whole disk drive.

Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU)

An arithmetic logic unit (ALU) is a digital circuit used to perform arithmetic and logic operations. It represents the fundamental building block of the central processing unit (CPU) of a computer

Execution Cycle or E-Cycle

An instruction cycle (sometimes called fetch-decode-execute cycle) is the basic operation cycle of a computer. It is the process by which a computer retrieves a program instruction from its memory, determines what actions the instruction requires, and carries out those actions.

Fetching

An instruction cycle (sometimes called fetch-decode-execute cycle) is the basic operation cycle of a computer. It is the process by which a computer retrieves a program instruction from its memory, determines what actions the instruction requires, and carries out those actions.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

CPU (pronounced as separate letters) is the abbreviation for central processing unit. Sometimes referred to simply as the central processor, but more commonly called processor, the CPU is the brains of the computer where most calculations take place.

Storing

Computer data storage, often called storage or memory, is a technology consisting of computer components and recording media used to retain digital data. It is a core function and fundamental component of computers. The central processing unit (CPU) of a computer is what manipulates data by performing computations.

Processor, dual-core

Dual-Core Processor. A processor with two cores. Much like the processor chip is the "brain" of a device, the core is the "brain" of the processor. Therefore a dual-core processor chip is like two processors on one chip.

Executing

Execution in computer and software engineering is the process by which a computer or a virtual machine performs the instructions of a computer program. The instructions in the program trigger sequences of simple actions on the executing machine.

Memory

In computing, memory refers to the computer hardware devices used to store information for immediate use in a computer; it is synonymous with the term "primary storage".

Information

Information is the summarization of data. Technically, data are raw facts and figures that are processed into information, such as summaries and totals.

Optical Storage Device

Optical storage is the storage of data on an optically readable medium. Data is recorded by making marks in a pattern that can be read back with the aid of light, usually a beam of laser light precisely focused on a spinning disc.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM (random access memory) is the place in a computer where the operating system, application programs, and data in current use are kept so that they can be quickly reached by the computer's processor.

BIOS ROM

ROM BIOS. (ROM Basic Input Output System) The BIOS in a PC stored on a ROM chip. Early PCs used a ROM BIOS, but PCs today use a flash memory BIOS because it can be updated in place. In order to update a ROM BIOS, the computer case had to be opened, and the ROM chip had to be located and replaced.

Solid-State Storage

Solid-state storage (SSS) is a type of computer storage media made from silicon microchips. SSS stores data electronically instead of magnetically, as spinning hard disk drives (HDDs) or magnetic oxide tape do.

Control Unit

The control unit (CU) is a component of a computer's central processing unit (CPU) that directs operation of the processor. It tells the computer's memory, arithmetic/logic unit and input and output devices how to respond to a program's instructions.

Instruction Cycle or I-Cycle

The information cycle is the progression of media coverage of a newsworthy event. Understanding the information cycle can help you determine what kind of information you are likely to find about your topic. The infographic below illustrates the Information Cycle

Web Server

Web servers are computers that deliver (serves up) Web pages. Every Web server has an IP address and possibly a domain name. For example, if you enter the URL http://www.webopedia.com/index.html in your browser, this sends a request to the Web server whose domain name is webopedia.com.

Personal Computer (PC)

a computer designed for use by one person at a time.

Server

a computer or computer program that manages access to a centralized resource or service in a network.

Tablet PC

a computer that accepts input directly onto an LCD screen rather than via a keyboard or mouse.

Laptop Computer

a computer that is portable and suitable for use while traveling

File Saver

a device that controls access to separately stored files, as part of a multiuser system.

Supercomputer

a particularly powerful mainframe computer.

Mobile Device

a portable computing device such as a smartphone or tablet computer.

Motherboard

a printed circuit board containing the principal components of a computer or other device, with connectors into which other circuit boards can be slotted.

Hard Disk

a rigid nonremovable magnetic disk with a large data storage capacity.

Circuit Board

a thin rigid board containing an electric circuit; a printed circuit.

Computer

an electronic device for storing and processing data, typically in binary form, according to instructions given to it in a variable program.

USB Flashdrive

an external flash drive, small enough to carry on a key ring, that can be used with any computer that has a USB port.

Decoding

convert (audio or video signals) into another form, e.g., to analog from digital in sound reproduction.

ROM (Read-only Memory)

memory read at high speed but not capable of being changed by program instructions.

Special-Purpose Computer

special-purpose computer - Computer Definition. A computer designed from scratch to perform a specific function. Contrast with general-purpose computer. See ASIC.

Hardware

the machines, wiring, and other physical components of a computer or other electronic system

Software

the programs and other operating information used by a computer.

Data

the quantities, characters, or symbols on which operations are performed by a computer, being stored and transmitted in the form of electrical signals and recorded on magnetic, optical, or mechanical recording media.