Computer Concepts Chapter 1
A collection of raw, unorganized content in the form of words, numbers, sounds or images.
Data
The term ________ refers to information represented by the numbers 1 (on) and 0 (off).
Digital Bits
Data that has been organized to be meaningful and potentially useful
Information
A worldwide network of computers that are linked using communications software and media for the purpose of sharing information.
Internet
A piece of hardware connected to a computer, such as a keyboard or monitor
Peripheral Device
Main memory, which is also called ________, consists of banks of electronic chips that provide temporary storage for instructions and data during processing.
RAM
Computers are incredibly useful because of their speed, accuracy, versatility, reliability, storage, and
communications capabilities
An electronic device that accepts input (data), processes the data into information using programs, delivers output (information) to users, and stores data and information for later use.
computer
An electronic signal that's processed, sent, and stored in discrete parts called bits.
digital
A small, electronic chip that a manufacturer develops for use in another product (such as a digital camera or microwave oven) is called a(n)
embedded chip
A computer's physical components and devices
hardware
Data that has been processed into a useful form is called
information
A computer component that's contained on a single chip (a thin piece of silicon containing electrical circuitry) and often serves as the computer's central processing unit (CPU) is called a(n)
microprocessor
A(n) ________ operating system such as iOS or Droid runs many smartphones or handheld devices
mobile operating system
The main circuit board inside the cabinet of a PC that allows other electronic components to be installed and connected is the
motherboard
The processor and memory chips are the main components found on a computer's ________.
motherboard
A setup that consists of two or more computers or devices and software connected by one or more communications media (such as wireless) is called a(n)
network
A(n) ________, which is also called a host computer, is the computer to which other computers are connected and on which programs, data, and information are stored on a network.
network server
The software that contains instructions for starting the computer and coordinates the activities of all hardware devices and other software is the
operating system
A computer designed for use by a single individual and capable of performing its own input, processing, output, and storage.
personal computer
A self-contained computer capable of performing its own input, processing, output, and storage is called a
personal computer
USB flash drives and hard disk drives are examples of ________ devices.
secondary storage
A powerful computer capable of accommodating numerous client computers at the same time is called a(n)
server
An everyday device or item that has new capabilities provided by an embedded computer
smart device
A monitor produces output in ________ form; this type of output can be viewed but not physically handled.
soft copy
Programs containing instructions that direct the operation of the computer system.
software
Titan at Oak Ridge National Labs is an example of a
supercomputer
Software that tells the computer how to function is called ________.
system software
In a personal computer, the term computer identifies only the ________, which is the part of a desktop computer system that processes data into information.
system unit
Software that performs administrative tasks---- such as checking the computer's components to determine whether they are working properly---- is called________.
utility software
