Computer Tech - Hardware cred: seth kampta

cluster

A _____ may also be used to define a group of computers or servers that share the work. Making one big computer instead of multiple smaller computers.

digital camera

A _____ that captures images and stores them as bit patterns on disks or other digital storage media instead of using film.

mouse

A computer _____ is a handheld hardware input device that controls a cursor in a GUI and can move and select text, icons, files, and folders. For desktop computers, the _____ is placed on a flat surface such as a mouse pad or a desk and is placed in front of your computer.

optical mark reader

A reading device that uses reflected light to determine the location of pencil marks on standardized test answer sheets and similar forms.

radio frequency identification (RFID) reader

A reading tool that uses radio waves to communicate with __ tags.

magnetic tape

A storage medium used with a tape drive to store large amounts of information in a small space at relatively low cost. A magnetically thin coated piece of plastic wrapped around wheels capable of storing data. Tape is much less expensive than other storage mediums, but it is a much slower solution that was typically only used for backup.

compatible (compatibility)

The ability of a software program to run on a specific computer system. Also, the ability of a hardware device to function with a particular type of computer.

Barcode

Lines of different widths and sizes representing data, that when read determine what the scanned object is.

Bar-code reader (BCR)

A _____ (__)or scanner, also known as a point of sale (POS) scanner is a hardware device capable of reading a barcode.

hard disk [drive]

A _____ drive (sometimes abbreviated as Hard drive, HD, or HDD) is a non-volatile memory hardware device that permanently stores and retrieves data on a computer. A _____ drive consists of one or more platters to which data is written using a magnetic head, all inside of an air-sealed casing.

plotter

A _____ is a computer hardware device much like a printer that is used for printing vector graphics. Instead of toner, _____ use a pen, pencil, marker, or another writing tool to draw multiple, continuous lines onto paper rather than a series of dots like a traditional printer. Though once widely used for computer-aided design, these devices have more or less been phased out by wide-format printers. _____ are used to produce a hard copy of schematics and other similar applications.

digit

A _____ is a single character in a numeric system. For example, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 are all _____.

multicore processor

A _____ is a single computing component comprised of two or more CPUs that read and execute the actual program instructions. The individual cores can execute multiple instructions in parallel, increasing the performance of software which has been written to take advantage of the unique architecture.

printer

A _____ is an external hardware output device that takes the electronic data stored on a computer or other device and generates a hard copy of it.

file

A _____ is an object on a computer that stores data, information, settings, or commands used with a computer program. In a graphical user interface (GUI) such as Microsoft Windows, _____ display as icons that relate to the program that opens the _____. For example, the picture is an icon associated with Adobe Acrobat PDFfiles. If this _____ was on your computer, double-clicking the icon in Windows would open that _____ in Adobe Acrobat or the PDF reader installed on the computer.

PC card

A credit-card-sized card that can be inserted into a slot to expand memory or add a peripheral to a computer; common in older portable computers. Sometimes called by its original name, PCMCIA.

output device

A device for sending information from the computer, such as a monitor or printer. An _____ is any peripheral that receives data from a computer, usually for display, projection, or physical reproduction. For example, the image shows an inkjet printer, an _____ that can make a hard copy of any information shown on your monitor, which is another example of an output device. Monitors and printers are two of the most common output devices used with a computer.

sensor

A device that enables digital machines to monitor a physical quantity of the analog world, such as temperature, humidity, or pressure, to provide data used in robotics, environmental climate control, and other applications.

magnetic ink character reader

A device that reads numbers printed with magnetic ink on checks.

radio frequency identification (RFID) tag

A device that, when energized by a nearby RFID reader, broadcasts information to the reader for input into a computer. Short for_____, __ are small tags that enable a store or company to keep track of inventory. The picture shows an example of the back of a __.

Blu-ray (BD) drive

A drive that can read and write on optical media that hold up to 50 gigabytes on two layers.

fax modem

A hardware peripheral that enables a computer to send onscreen documents to a receiving fax machine by translating the document into signals that can be sent over phone wires and decoded by the receiving fax machine.

ergonomic keyboard

A keyboard that places the keys at angles that allow your wrists to assume a more natural position while you type, potentially reducing the risk of repetitive-stress injuries.

inkjet printer

A non-impact printer that sprays ink directly onto paper to produce printed text and graphic images.

laser printer

A non-impact printer that uses a laser beam to create patterns of electrical charges on a rotating drum. The charged patterns attract black toner and transfer it to paper as the drum rotates.

optical computer

A potential future alternative to silicon-based computing, in which information is transmitted in light waves rather than in electrical pulses.

random access

A storage method that allows information retrieval without regard to the order in which it was recorded. Sometimes referred to as machine access or _____, direct access is a term used to describe a computer's ability to immediately locate and retrieve data from a storage device. This method is often contrasted with sequential access, in which the device must start at the beginning and read through all of the information in order until the requested data is found. A hard drive is a good example of a device capable of directly accessing data.

sequential access

A storage method that requires the user to retrieve information by zipping through it in the order in which it was recorded. Alternatively referred to as serial access, _____ is a method of retrieving data from a storage device. With _____, the device must move through all information up to the location where it is attempting to read or write. This method is often contrasted with random access, in which the device may move directly to a specified location in memory.

sleep

A suspended animation state in which a system uses just enough power to preserve RAM.

photo printer

A type of newer inkjet printer specially optimized to print high-quality photos captured with digital cameras and scanners.

KB (K or kilobyte) (abbreviated as K, kB, KB)

Abbreviated as __, __, and __, a _____ is equal to 1,024 bytes,

microprocessor

Alternately referred to as a processor, central processor, or CPU, the _____ is the "brain" of the computer. A computer's _____ handles all instructions it receives from hardware and software running on the computer.

expansion slot

Alternatively referred to as a bus slot or expansion port, an _____ is a connection or port located inside a computer on the motherboard or riser board that allows a computer hardware expansion card to be connected. For example, if you wanted to install a new video card in the computer, you'd purchase a video expansion card and install that card into the compatible _____.

graphics tablet

Alternatively referred to as a drawing tablet and pen tablet, a _____ is a hardware input device that enables an artist to draw or sketch digitally using a pen or stylus.

display (monitor)

Alternatively referred to as a video display terminal (VDT) and video display unit (VDU), a _____ is an output device that displays video images and text. A _____ is made up of circuitry, a screen, a power supply, buttons to adjust screen settings, and casing that holds all of these components.

monitor (display)

Alternatively referred to as a video display terminal (VDT) and video display unit (VDU), a _____ is an output device that displays video images and text. A _____ is made up of circuitry, a screen, a power supply, buttons to adjust screen settings, and casing that holds all of these components.

expansion card

Alternatively referred to as an add-on card, expansion board, internal card, interface adapter, or card, an _____ is a PCB that fits into an expansion slot on a desktop computer. An _____ is used to give a computer additional capabilities, such as enhanced video performance via a graphics card.

optical disc drive (ODD)

Alternatively referred to as optical media, optical storage, and optical disk, an _____ (__) is any media read using a laser assembly. The most common types of optical media are Blu-ray, CDs, and DVDs. Computers can read and write to CDs and DVDs using a CD Writer or DVD Writer drive, and a Blu-ray is read with a Blu-ray drive.

input device

An _____ is any hardware device that sends data to a computer, allowing you to interact with and control the computer.

multifunction printer (MFP)

An all-in-one output device that usually combines a scanner, a laser or inkjet printer, and a fax modem.

digital

An electronic signal that is sent as binary digits of either ON (the number one) or OFF (the number zero). In the illustration, a _____ signal is the segments that are up or down for either ON or OFF and discontinuous; unlike an analog signal, which is continuous and more like a wave.

bay

An expansion _____ or _____ is an open section on the computer used for expansion for add-ons to your computer, such as a hard drive and CD-ROM drive. Drive _____ are available in 3.5-inch and 5.25-inches.

peripheral

An external device, such as a keyboard or monitor, connected via cables to the system central processing unit. Alternatively referred to as an auxiliary device, a _____ is hardware input device or output device that gives a computer additional functionality. _____ devices, however, are not essential for the computer to perform it's basic tasks; they can' be though of as an enhancement to the user's experience.

line printer

An impact printer used by mainframes to produce massive printouts. They print characters only, not graphics. A _____ is a high-speed printer capable of printing an entire line of text at once.

FireWire

An industry standard for a fast serial communications protocol developed by Apple, especially well-suited for multimedia applications such as digital video.

multi-touch

An input device that allows you to use multi-finger or multi-hand gestures to accomplish complex tasks quickly.

scanner

An input device that makes a digital representation of any printed image. See flatbed _____, slide _____, drum _____, and sheet-fed _____. When referring to hardware, a _____ or optical _____ is a hardware input device that optically "reads" and image and converts it into a digital signal. For example, a _____ may be used to convert a printed picture, drawing, or document (hard copy) into a digital file which can be edited on a computer.

facsimile (fax) machine

An output device capable of sending, in effect, a photocopy through a telephone line, allowing for fast and convenient transmission of information stored on paper.

information

Anything that can be communicated. (Some more restrictive definitions of _____ say that it is data that is organized or processed.)

TB (terabyte)

Approximately 1 million megabytes

MG (meg or megabyte)

Approximately 1,000 KB, or 1 million bytes. An __ is a measurement used with computer storage media that can equal to 1,048,576 (220) bytes

GB (gig or gigabyte)

Approximately 1,000 MB.

Unicode

Coding scheme that supports 65,000 unique characters

quantum computers

Computers based on the properties of atoms and their nuclei and the laws of quantum mechanics. A _____ is a device that uses quantum-mechanical phenomena such as superposition and entanglement to perform operations on data. A conventional digital computer uses electronic circuits on a plate of semiconducting material (e.g. silicon) to represent binary digits (bits), each in a state of either 1 or 0. In contrast, _____ use qubits that can represent a "superposition" of both 1 and 0, simultaneously.

repetitive-stress injuries

Conditions that result from repeating the same movements over long periods, such as keyboarding-induced carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful affliction of the wrist and hand.

resolution

Density of pixels, measured by the number of dots per inch. _____ is the image quality produced by a printer or displayed on a monitor. With monitors, the _____ is measured by the number of pixels horizontal by pixels vertically as shown in the picture. Printers also have a measure of _____ called DPI (dots per inch).

architecture

Design that determines how individual components of the CPU are put together on the chip. More generally used to describe the way individual components are put together to create a complete computer system. The word "_____" typically refers to building design and construction. In the computing world, "_____" also refers to design, but instead of buildings, it describes the design of computer systems. Computer _____ is a broad topic that includes everything from the relationship between multiple computers (such as a "client-server" model) to specific components inside a computer.

multiprocessing

Employing two or more microprocessors in a computer in order to improve overall performance. Also known as symmetric _____. _____ is an ability of a computer to utilize two or more processors for computer operations. With multiple processors, the computer performance can be significantly increased. AKA symmetric _____

liquid crystal display (LCD)

Flat-panel displays, once primarily used for portable computers but now replacing bulkier CRT monitors for desktops. Short for _____, __ is a flat display technology used in laptops, cell phones, calculators, digital cameras, and flat screen displays. The __ is made of two sheets of a flexible polarizing material and a layer of liquid crystal solution between the two. An __ is available as an active matrix, dual-scan, or passive-matrix display and are most common with laptop computers

data

In general, _____ is any set of characters that has been gathered and translated for some purpose, usually analysis. It can be any character, including text and numbers, pictures, sound, or video. If _____ is not put into context, it doesn't do anything to a human or computer.

cores

In relation to computer processors, a _____ is the processing unit which receives instructions and performs calculations, or actions, based on those instructions. A set of instructions can allow a software program perform a specific function. Processors can have a single _____ or multiple _____. A processor with two _____ is called a dual-_____ processor and four _____ is called a quad-_____ processor. Processors for home computers can even have six or eight _____. The more _____ a processor has, the more sets of instructions the processor can receive and process at the same time, which makes the computer faster.

keyboard

Input device, similar to a typewriter keyboard, for entering data and commands into the computer.

storage device

Long-term repository for data. Disks and tapes are examples. Alternatively referred to as digital storage, storage, storage media, or storage medium, a _____ is any hardware capable of holding information either temporarily or permanently.

ROM (read-only memory)

Memory that includes permanent information only. The computer can only read information from it; it can never write any new information on it. Short for _____, __ is a storage medium that is used with computers and other electronic devices. As the name indicates, data stored in __ may only be read. It is either modified with extreme difficulty or not at all. __ is mostly used for firmware updates. A simple example of __ is the cartridge used with video game consoles, which allows one system to run multiple games.

RAM (random access memory)

Memory that stores program instructions and data temporarily. Alternatively referred to as main memory, primary memory, or system memory, _____ (__) is a hardware device that allows information to be stored and retrieved on a computer. __ is usually associated with DRAM, which is a type of memory module. Because information is accessed randomly instead of sequentially like it is on a CD or hard drive, the computer can access the data much faster. However, unlike ROM or the hard drive, __ is a volatile memory and requires power to keep the data accessible. If the computer is turned off, all data contained in __ is lost.

external drive (external storage)

More commonly referred to as an _____, _____ is storage that is not part of the computer. Examples of _____ are floppy disk drives, hard drives, tape drives, etc.

processor

Part of the computer that processes information, performs arithmetic calculations, and makes basic decisions based on information values. aka CPU

central processing unit (CPU)

Part of the computer that processes information, performs arithmetic calculations, and makes basic decisions based on information values. Stands for "_____." The __ is the primary component of a computer that processes instructions. It runs the operating system and applications, constantly receiving input from the user or active software programs. It processes the data and produces output, which may stored by an application or displayed on the screen.

impact printer

Printer that forms images by physically striking paper, ribbon, and print hammer together.

point-of-sale (POS) terminal

Short for "_____," __ is the process of using computer technology to record all pertinent data about an item, normally by scanning the Universal Product Code (UPC) on the item. When the scanner picks up that code, it not only tells the user the price of the item, it also records that item as being sold, so the store's inventory can be updated accordingly.

optical character recognition (optical character reader (OCR)

Short for _____ or _____, __ is the process of taking an image of letters or typed text and converting it into data the computer understands. A good example is companies and libraries taking physical copies of books, magazines, or other old printed material and using __ to put them onto computers. While far from perfect, __ is currently the best method of digitizing typed pages of text.

DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) (Digital Video Disc) (DVD-ROM)

Short for _____ or _____, a __ or __ is a disc capable of storing large amounts of data on one disc the size of a standard Compact Disc.

CD-RW (Read/Write)

Short for _____, __ is a drive and CD media that was first introduced in 1997 that is capable of being written to and read. Unlike a traditional CD-R disc that can only be written to once, these discs allow data to be erased and re-written multiple times.

Graphics processing unit (GPU)

Short for _____, __ is an electronic circuit used to speed up the creation of both 2D and 3D images. __ can either be integrated, meaning they are built into the computer's CPU or motherboard, or they can be dedicated, meaning they are a separate piece of hardware known as a video card. By having a separate processor, the __ allows the computer's CPU resources to be used for other important tasks. In the picture is an example of a __ on a video card without the heat sink.

cathode-ray tube (CRT) monitor

Short for _____, a __ is the electron beams within a monitor that move across your screen either interlaced or non-interlaced hitting phosphor dots on the inside glass tube. The picture is an example of the inside of a computer monitor that shows the __ connected to the screen.

non-impact printer (NIP)

Short for _____, an __ prints without making contact with the paper. They are generally quieter and more efficient than their impact counterparts. Laser and Inkjet printers are both good examples of a _____.

port

Socket that allows information to pass in and out. When referring to a physical device, a hardware _____ or peripheral _____ is a hole or connection found on the front or back of a computer. _____ allow computers to access external devices such as printers. Below is a short listing of the different computer _____ you may find on a computer. The picture shows an example of a type of _____ on the back of a computer.

handwriting recognition software

Software that translates the user's handwritten forms into ASCII characters.

bit (abbreviated as "b")

Sometimes abbreviated as __, a _____ is short for binary digit and is a single unit of information that can have a value of either 0 or 1 (off or on, false or true, low or high). Eight _____ make a byte. So, if you had two bytes (word) it would be 16 bits (2 x 8=16) and 10 bytes would be 80 bits (10 x 8=80).

backward (downward) compatible

Sometimes called _____, _____ is a term used to describe software or hardware that is compatible with previous versions of software or operating systems. Without _____, a program that works with one computer processor or operating system would stop working with the new version. For example, almost all software running on a Windows 7 computer would work after you upgrade to Windows 10.

interface standards

Standards for ports and other connective technology agreed on by the hardware industry so devices made by one manufacturer can be attached to systems made by other companies.

memory

Stores programs and the data they need to be instantly accessible to the CPU. Computer _____ is any physical device capable of storing information temporarily or permanently. For example, RAM, is a volatile _____ that stores information on an integrated circuit used by the operating system, software, and hardware.

motherboard

The _____ is a printed circuit board that is the foundation of a computer, located on the back side or at the bottom of the computer chassis. It allocates power and allows communication to the CPU, RAM, and all other computer hardware components.

PB (petabyte)

The equivalent of 1024 terabytes, or 1 quadrillion bytes.

ergonomics

The science of designing work environments that enable people and things to interact efficiently and safely.

dot matrix [printer]

The term _____ refers to the process of using dots to form an image. In a _____ image, the image quality is determined by the number of dots per inch.

flash memory

This type of memory is an integrated circuit that does not need continuous power to retain the data, but is a bit more expensive than magnetic storage. Today, _____ is becoming more popular, and solid-state drives are a practical replacement for large hard drives if you have the extra money. _____ is widely used with car radios, cell phones, digital cameras, PDAs, solid-state drives, and printers.

parallel processing

Using multiple processors to divide jobs into pieces and work simultaneously on the pieces. _____ is the method of evenly distributing computer processes between two or more computer processors. This requires a computer with two or more processors installed and enabled. It also requires an operating system capable of supporting two or more processors, and software programs capable of evenly distributing processes between them.

bus

When referring to a computer, the _____ also known as the address _____, data _____, or local _____ is a data connection between two or more devices connected to the computer. For example, a _____ enables a computer processor to communicate with the memory or a video card to communicate with the memory. While the wheels on the _____ may go "round and round," data on a computer's _____ goes up and down. Each _____ inside a computer consists of set of wires that allow data to be passed back and forth. Most computers have several _____ that transmit data to different parts of the machine. Each _____ has a certain size, measured in bits (such as 32-bit or 64-bit), that determines how much data can travel across the _____ at one time. _____ also have a certain speed, measured in megahertz, which determines how fast the data can travel.

digitize

_____ describes the process of converting an image or text into digital data. A good example of _____ is when a computer scanner converts a non-digital image, such as a picture family picture, into a binary image file on the computer.

binary

_____ is a base 2 number system invented by Gottfried Leibniz that is made up of only two numbers: 0 and 1. This number system is the basis for all _____ code, which is used to write data such as the instructions that computer processors use, or the digital text you read every day.

express card

_____ is a new standard replacing the PC Card standard in laptop computers. _____ is also a standard that has been developed by PCMCIA and supports a much higher speeds, supports USB 2.0, smaller, uses less voltage, lower cost, and is hot-swappable.

byte

_____ is a term first coined by Werner Buchholz in 1956 and later became more of a standard thanks to Bob Bemer and others. A _____ is data equal to either seven or eight bits depending if it needs error correction (parity). You can think of a _____ as one letter, for example, the letter 'h' is one _____ or eight bits and the word 'hope' as four _____ or 32 bits (4*8). When looking at the size of a file, a _____ is the smallest measurement size listed in operating systems.

internal [drive] (internal hard drive)

_____ is a term used to describe a device that is installed within the computer. For example, a video card is an _____ and a printer is an external device. When referring to a drive, an _____ (e.g. _____) is any drive inside the computer.

hot swap[pable]

_____ is the capability of being able to disconnect and connect devices while the computer or another device is on and have those devices be detected without having to reboot the computer or device. For example, eSATA, FireWire, and USB are examples of interfaces that are _____ on computers.

open architecture

_____ refers to a hardware specification or design that is publicly released, allowing other manufacturers to produce similar products that are compatible and usually compliant with one another. A good example of _____ is IBM compatible computers; these computers allow anyone to purchase a product from any manufacturer with the understanding it will work with their compatible computer.

Blu-ray [Disc]

_____ was first introduced at the CES on January 4, 2006 and can store up to 25 GB single-layer disc and 50 GB on a dual-layer disc, each disc being the same size as a standard CD.

CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory)

_____, a __ is an optical disc which contains audio or software data whose memory is read only.

ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange)

_____, which represents characters as 8-bit codes. Allows the binary computer to work with letters, digits, and special characters. Short for _____, __ is an standard that assigns letters, numbers, and other characters within the 256 slots available in the 8-bit code. The __ decimal (Dec) number is created from binary, which is the language of all computers.

CD-R (Compact disc)

a writable disc and drive that is capable of having information written to the disc once and then having that disc read many times after that.