What is a Computer Vocabulary Terms

Byte

One of these is the equivalent of 8 bits of data

Bit

a binary digit, the smallest unit of data, a 1 or a 0

General purpose computer

a computer that can run many different programs (e.g. a smartphone)

Special purpose computer

a computer that has a fixed program (e.g. a calculator, a watch, a car's brakes)

Computer

a machine that processes information under the control of a program

High-level language

a programming language that is human readable (App Inventor) and provides the programmer with easy to understand abstractions

Machine language

a programming language that is machine readable (binary code), closer to the machine hardware, and provides abstractions that are difficult for the programmer to understand.

Program

a sequence of instructions that controls the computer. To run, it must be loaded into the computer's memory where the CPU executes it one instruction at a time.

Compiler

a software that translates source code (human readable code) into binary code

RAM (random access memory)

also called main memory stores the computer's programs and data temporarily while power is on

Input devices

bring data and programs into the computer (e.g. mouse, keyboard)

Motherboard

houses the computer's main electronic components

Operating System

is a collection of computer software that manages hardware resources and provides common services for computer programs. MacOS, Windows, Android, Linux, iOS are examples of this

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

is the hardware that carries out the instructions of a computer program

Integrated Circuit

packed with millions of electronic components

Memory

physical device used to store information for use in a computer or other digital electronic device (e.g. disk drive, flash drive)

Applications

program or group of programs designed for end users such as Firefox, Excel, Word, Angry Birds, etc.

Chips

the computer's electrical components are composed of these very tiny integrated circuits (ICs)

Hardware

the computer's electronic and mechanical components

Software

the programs that control computers

Output devices

transmit data to other computers or to users (e.g. printer, monitor)