Computer Fundamentals Lesson 1

Server

A computer that serves up information to computers that are connected through a network

Hard Disk

A data storage unit inside a computer that can store a large quantity of data (60GB or more), Sometimes called the C: Drive

Personal Computer

A desktop or notebook (laptop) computer that is designed for use by one person at a time

USB Flash Drive

A small removable data storage device that communicates with the computer through the USB port

Notebook Computer

A small, portable personal computer.

Computer

An electronic device that receives, processes, and stores data and produces a result.

Port

An interface to which a peripheral device attaches to or communicates with the system unit.

Laser Printer

An output device that is a type of printer that produces images using the same technology as copier machines.

Inkjet Printer

An output device that is a type of printer that uses a nonimpact process. Ink is squirted from nozzles as they pass over the media.

Input Device

Any hardware component that allows you to enter data and commands into a computer

Output Device

Any hardware component that displays processed information to user(s)

Laptop Computer

Battery-powered portable computer

Random Access Memory (RAM)

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

Desktop Computer

Designed to be placed on a desk and are typically made up of a few different parts.

Memory

Electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed & data needed by those instructions

Tablet Computer

Handheld computers that use a touch-sensitive screen for typing & navigation

Data

Information entered into the computer to be processed that consists of text, numbers, sounds, and images.

Byte

Measures the size of memory

Hertz

Measures the speed of a microprocessor

System Case

Metal or plastic case that contains the main system components of the computer

Mainframe Computer

Performs processing tasks for hundreds to thousands of computers

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

Permanent storage; instructions are burned onto chips by the manufacturer.

Solid-State Storage Media

Removable medium that uses integrated circuits to process. Ex. Miniature mobile storage media, USB flash drive, etc.

Network Server

Supports anywhere from a few users to hundreds of users

Digital Literacy

The ability to effectively and critically navigate, evaluate, and create information using a range of digital technologies

Information Processing Cycle

The action of completing the four basic operations of the computer

Microprocessor

The brains of the computer; interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate a computer; central processing unit (CPU)

Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU)

The component of the CPU that performs arithmetic, comparison & other operators

Supercomputer

The largest and fastest type of computer, capable of storing and processing tremendous volumes of data.

Control Unit

The part of the central processing unit that directs and coordinates the flow of information through the processor.

Universal Serial Bus (USB)

The standard computer ports that support data transfer rates of up to 12 million bits per second.

Hardware

The tangible, physical equipment that can be seen and touched.

Optical Storage Devices

Use laser technology to read and write data on silver platters that contain a metal layer. Ex. CD's, DVD's, Blu-Ray, etc.

Magnetic Discs

Uses magnetic particles to store items on a disk's surface. Ex. Hard disks, 3 1/2 inch floppy disks, ZIP disks, etc.

Bluetooth

Uses radio waves to provide wireless communication