Computer Basic Vocab

Byte

8 bits = 1 character series of 0's 1's

Embedded processor

A chip designed with a specific set of usable instructions. The user cannot change the instructions an embedded processor can understand.

Integrated circuit

A complete circuit on a chip built by a chip fabrication process.

Scanner

A computer input device that can read text, images and barcodes, and translate them into digital code

Keyboard

A computer input device that uses a set of keys to put data into the computer

Personal Computer (micro computer)

A computer that serves one user at a time

Expansion slot

A connector designed to allow the addition of printed circuit boards daughter boards to the motherboard for adding special control unts such as soundboards

Internet

A global network connecting millions of computers, linking more than 100 countries for the exchange of data,news and opinions

Disk Drive

A mechanism that holds, spins, reads, and writes either magnetic or optical disks

Application

A program that helps the user accomplish a specific task; for example, a word processing program or a spreadsheet program. Application programs should be distinguished from system programs, which control the computer and run those applications programs, and utilities, which are small assistance programs.

DVD

A type of optical disc that uses the same diameter as a CD and looks like a CD but has a significantly higher storage capacity sometimes more than 25 times the digital storage of a compact disc.

Computer

An electronic device used for prcessing data. The physical parts that make up a computer (the central processing unit, input, outpuit,and memory) are called hardware. Programs that tell a computerwhat to do are called software

Palmtop

An electronic organizer

Chip

An integrated circuit. A thin piece of silicon that contains all the components of an electronic circuit

Tower

An upright case with more room

Information processing

Capturing, storing updating and retrieving data information

Software

Computer program that gives detailed set of instruction to tell the computer exactly what to do.

Output device

Example - monitor, printer, speakers, projector

System unit

Example: CPU, main memory, electronic component, drive bays for storage

Input device

Examples keyboard, mouse, joy stick, track ball, and scanner

Peripherals

Extra attachments and capabilities. Examples - modem, microphone, camera

Networks

Multiple compters linked together

Secondary storage device

Permanently stores data. (Floppy disk, hard drive)

Desktop

Sits on desk with separate monitor.

Read only memory (ROM)

Storage memory chips that are able to maintain their contents if the power is disrupted. This form of primary storage chips has their stored content entered at the time of their fabrication and can be written to play only once.

random access memory(ram)

Temporary storage memory chips that form the computer's primary workspace: contents arelost if the power is dirupted. This form of primary stage can be read and written to many times.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

The address that defines the route to a file on a Web server

Output

The computer generated information that is displayed to the user in some discernible form such as a screen display, printed paage, or sound.

HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language)

The document format used on the Internet

Motherboard (also called systemboard)

The main circuit board of a computer housing the microprocessor and providing the means of connecting all the components including memory sockets and expansion slots that make up the computer.

Microprocessor

The main processing unit of a computer or informaiton processing device; acts as the "brain" on the machine carrying out instructions, performing calculations, and interacting with all the componenet used to operate the computer. Handles the fetch, decode, and execute steps of the comptuer system.

Hardware

The physical part of the computer system that you can touch and feel such as the CPU (Central Processing Unit), Keyboard, monitor, and computer case

Operating system

The system necessary for a computer to operate

Memory

a place to store information see Ram Rom

server

designed to support a computer network that allows user to share datasoftware and peripherals

Input

the date that is entered into a computer. The act of entering data into a computer.