Discovering Computers Quiz 1

Start button

A button that provides access to Windows Vista programs, documents, and information in the internet.

Pointer

A small object, such as an arrow, that moves ont eh screen as you move a mouse

Taskbar

A strip that contains buttons to give you quick access to common tools and programs currently running

Notification Area

An area that displays icons corresponding to services running in the background, such as internet connection

Date/Time control

An element that shows the current date and time, and lets you set the clock

right-clicking

Clicking an object with the right button, opens the short-cut menu

Monitor

Component that displays the computer output

Mouse and Keyboard

Components that allow the user to input data to the computer

Servers

Computer controls access to: Hardware, software and other resources on a network Provide a centralized storage area for: Programs Data Information

Gaming Consoles

Computing device designed for single or multi- player video games: Handheld controller - input device Output to TV Hard Drive/Cartridge/DVDs Memory Card - storage Handheld Game Unit

Embedded Computers

Computing devices built to function as a component of larger product or system. Limited input and output capabilities, depending on purpose. Automobile: Engine timing and control Cruise Control GPS/Guidance System Home: Thermostat Alarm and security Appliances

Categories of Computers

Desktop Computers Mobile Computers: Handheld, Laptop, Tablet Consoles Servers Mainframes Embedded Computers

Hardware (H/W)

Electronic components or mechanical parts of a computer system. Anything you can touch or feel.

Mobile Computers

Includes laptops, netbooks, tablets, handhelds and smartphones: Portable and lightweight Battery operated Optional disk storage Flash memory or SSD Wireless network enabled

Desktop Computers

Microsoft OS; Intel, AMD processor based Apple OS; Intel, Motorola based

Mainframes

Power Server with Client workstations Larger, much powerful and expensive computer Handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously.

Software (S/W)

Programs and instructions that control electronic components.

Desktop

Your workplace on the screen

Icon

a small picture that represents an object available to your computer

Input Devices

any hardware that allows you to enter data and instructions: Keyboard/Touch screen Mouse/Joystick/Tablet Microphone Scanner Digital Camera PC Video Camera

Output Devices

any hardware that conveys information to user: Printer Monitor Speakers Portable Media Player

Communications Devices

hardware that enables a computer to transmit (send) and receive data, instructions, and information: Modem Network Card Routers Hubs Access Points

Storage Devices

holds data, instructions, and information for future use: Hard Disk Drive CD-ROM DVD-ROM Blue-ray USB Flash Drive

Clicking

pressing the left mouse button and immediately releasing it

operating system

software that helps the computer perform essential tasks such as displaying information on the computer screen and saving data on disks

Ribbon

strip across windows that shows what WordPad can do.

Double-clicking

to click the left mouse button twice in quick succession