5.00 Understand Business Technology
Embedded system
A computer system that is part of a larger machine and which controls how that machine operates.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
"Random" means that the memory cells can be accessed in any order. The type of silicon chip used to implement main memory.
World Wide Web (WWW)
A collection of websites or web pages stored in web servers and connected to local computers through the Internet.
Smartphone
A mobile phone with advanced capabilities, such as accessing the Internet.
Global positioning system (GPS)
A navigational system that uses satellite technology to determine location and provide directions.
Personal identification number (PIN)
A number you choose to gain access to an account.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
A particular computer will have a particular type of processor.
Viruses
A pieces of code which is capable of copying themselves and typically have a detrimental effect, such as corrupting the system or destroying data.
Cells
A rectangular area formed by the intersection of a column and a row.
Search engines
A software program on the Internet that allows you to search documents and files for keywords and returns files that match.
Network
A system of computers connected together by telephone wires, cable wires, or other means.
Formulas
An equation that makes calculations based on the data in your spreadsheet.
Intranet
An internal network similar to the Internet that is accessible only by authorized personnel; used to access information and communicate with others within an organization. A computer network that is restricted to the organization it serves, an internal Internet.
Satellite
An object placed into orbit by humans; most are used for communications purposes.
Main memory
Closely connected to the processor, stored data are quickly and easily changed, holds the programs and data that the processor is actively working with.
Motherboard
Components are connected to the main circuit board of the computer.
Expert system
Computer software designed to mimic the knowledge of a human expert.
Database
Computerized storage for information and facts.
Secondary memory
Connected to main memory, stored data are easily changed, but changes are slow compared to main memory, and used for long-term storage of programs and data.
Computer system
Consists of hardware (physical parts of the computer) and software (programs and data used with the physical computer).
Network
Consists of two or more computers connected so that they can exchange data and programs.
Columns
Contain definitions of each field.
Processor
Contains billions of transistors; responsible for the fundamental computing within the system, and directly or indirectly controls all the other components.
Database
Designed to create databases and to store, manage, search, and extract the information contained within them.
Word processor
Enables users to enter and store written work into many types of documents.
Output device
Monitor, printer, speakers; any piece of computer hardware equipment which converts information into human-readable form.
Data
Facts and figures.
Spreadsheet
File made of rows and columns that help sort, organize, and arrange data efficiently, and calculate numerical data.
Attachments
Files included with emails.
Data processing
Handling information, especially facts. Converting facts and figures into useful information. Analyzing collected facts and figures and putting them into formats useful to a business.
Distribution lists
Help you email multiple people at once.
Keywords
Ideas and topics that define what your content is about.
Input devices
Keyboards, mouse, scanners, cameras, joysticks, and microphones; a piece of equipment used to provide data and control signals to an information processing system.
Operating system
Responsible for starting up application programs, running them, and managing the resources that they need.
Cloud storage
Online storage that enables users to upload, store, and access their files via the Internet; users' files are maintained by a third-party at a remote database storage facility.
Software
Programs that instruct computers to perform specific operations.
Application programs
Programs that people use to get their work done.
Cookies
Text files that are put on a website visitor's hard disk and then later retrieved during subsequent visits to the site in order to track internet behavior. Mechanisms used by websites to track users' browsing histories.
Queries
Requests for data that match a set of criteria.
Browsers
Software programs that allow you to view webpages, such as Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox, or Google Chrome.
Presentation Software
Software used to create a sequence of text and graphics, and often audio and video, to accompany a speech or public presentation.
Internet telephony
Technology that allows users to communicate over the Internet rather than through traditional public networks.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
Technology that allows users to make telephone calls over the Internet.
Address book
Store your contacts, which makes it easy to correspond and share contact information with others.
Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
The use of computer software to control machines, tools, and processes involved in manufacturing products.
Hardware
The physical components of a computer system (e.g., the central processing unit, hard drive, modem).
Technology
The practical application of science to society and industry.
Computer-aided design (CAD)
The use of computer technology to plan, design, test, and alter products.
Uniform resource locator (URL)
Used to identify and link to a web page.
ROM (Read Only Memory)
Used to make a section of main memory read-only.
Telecommuting
Working from home or a remote location.
Information technology
integration of computer with telecommunication equipment for retrieving, manipulating, and storage of data.
Information system
set of coordinated network of components, which act together towards producing, distributing and/or processing information.
Data migration
the process of transferring data between storage types, formats, or computer systems.