Chapter 1:Computer Basics

byte

a group of bits combined into groups of eight or more.

computer

a machine that changes information from one form into another by performing input, processing, output, and storage.

utility software

programs that are used to maintain and repair the computer.

system software

programs that help the computer work properly.

software

programs that tell a computer what to do and how to do it.

input

raw information, or data, that is entered into a computer.

random-access memory (RAM)

special chips that store data and instructions while the computer is working.

central processing unit (CPU)

a piece of the computer's hardware that processes and compares data and completes arithmetic and logical operations.

application software

a program that allows you to create documents, listen to music, or play games on the computer.

universal serial bus (USB)

a standard that allows communication between devices, such as between a flash drive and a computer.

operating system (OS)

a system that allows hardware devices to communicate with one another, run efficiently, and support software programs.

processing

a task a computer carries out with data in response to a command

cloud storage

areas on the Internet servers where data and applications can be stored and accessed.

storage

devices, such as hard drives and CD-ROM drives, that permanently hold data and program instructions for a computer to use.

peripheral

separate input, output, and storage hardware.

hardware

the physical parts of a computer.

output

the result of a computer's processing, displayed on-screen printed on paper, or heard through a speaker.

bit

the smallest unit of information with values of either 0 or 1; a number that is a building block for computer languages; short for binary digit.