Cambridge IGCSE - ICT - Chapter 1

Motherboard

A circuit board that contains all of the computer system's main components.

Database

A collection of data organized in a manner that allows access, retrieval, and use of that data

Word Processor

A computer application used to create, modify, print, and e-mail documents.

Compiler

A computer program created to read an entire program and convert it into a lower-level language and ultimately to assembly language used by the processor.

Virtual Reality

A computer-simulated environment that can be a simulation of the real world or an imaginary world

Hard Disk

A data storage unit inside a computer that can store a large quantity of data (60GB or more)

Sound Card

A device that can be slotted into a computer to allow the use of audio components for multimedia applications.

Spreadsheet

A grid of rows and columns in which you enter text, numbers, and the results of calculations.

Laptop Computer

A portable computer designed to fit on the lap. Carries out same functions as a desktop computer but in a compact version that is light enough to be carried

Software

A program or instructions that give directions to the computer.

Link Editor

A program that combines object code files into an integrated set of executable code with a consistent scheme of memory addresses and references.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

A scientific field that focuses on creating machines capable of performing activities that require intelligence when they are done by people.

Device Driver

A software program that provides the instructions your computer needs to communicate with a device, such as a scanner.

Solid State Drive (SSD)

A storage device that uses the same kind of memory that flash drives use but that can reach data in only a tenth of the time a flash drive requires.

Quantum Cryptography

A type of asymmetric cryptography that attempts to use the unusual and unique behavior of microscopic objects to enable users to securely develop and share keys.

Read-only Memory (ROM)

A type of memory that contains data that is retrievable but cannot be changed.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

A visual display on a computer's screen that allows you to interact with your computer more easily by clicking graphical elements.

Smartphones

Allow normal phone calls but have an operating system (IOS, Android or Windows)

Video Card

An interface card installed in the computer to control visual output on a monitor. Also called display adapter or graphics card.

Command Line Interface (CLI)

An interface that accepts text commands at a prompt, usually for immediate execution with immediate display of output.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Brain of the computer that performs instructions defined by software

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Computer location where instructions and data are stored on a temporary basis. This memory is volatile.

Applications

Computer programs with a user interface

Tablet

Is a mobile device, typically with a mobile operating system and touchscreen display processing circuitry, and a rechargeable battery in a single, thin and flat package.

Holographic Imaging

Is a technology that allows 3-D images to be produced.

Mainframe computers

Large, powerful computers that are used for centralized storage, processing, and management of very large amounts of data.

Video Editing Software

Manipulates video footage and adds the desired effects to convey the intended message

Vision Enhancement

Night vision goggles can have pictures taken inside them and sent to ICT systems so people can see what was there in the darkness.

Operating Systems

Provide an interface between the user or application program and the computer hardware.

Photo Editing Software

Software designed to enhance photo quality or apply special effects such as blurring elements or feathering the edges of a photo.

Robotics

Technology dealing with the design, construction, and operation of robots in automation.

Utilities programs

Utility software is system software designed to help to analyze, configure, optimize or maintain a computer.

Computer-assisted Translation

Where a human translator uses computer software to help in the translation process. They are spell checkers, translation memory software and language search engines.

Smartwatches

Wrist-mounted wearable computers.

Graphics Manipulation Software

allows bitmap and vector images to be changed

Personal Computer (PC)

is a multi-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and price make it feasible for individual use.

Hardware

the physical parts of a computer system such as the monitor, keyboard, and hard drive