What is a Computer? - Matching Activity

Computer

a machine that processes information under the control of a program

Input devices

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

Chips

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

Software

the programs that control computers

whitelist

a generic name for a list of email address or IP addresses that are considered to be spam free

Binary number

a number written in the binary system, a system that uses only two digits, 0s and 1s.

Abstraction

a simplified and general representation of some complex object or process.

Compiler

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

Motherboard

houses the computer's main electronic components

Integrated circuit

packed with millions of electronic components

Hardware

the computer's electronic and mechanical components

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

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

Bit

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

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.

Byte

One of these is the equivalent of 8 bits of data

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

Event-driven programming

a programming approach whereby the program's behavior is controlled by writing code that responds to various events that occur, such as Button clicks.

blacklist

in internet terminology, a generic term for a list of email addresses or IP addresses that are origination with known spammers

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

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.

Output devices

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

Moore's Law:

The number of transistors per square inch on integrated circuits has doubled every year since the integrated circuit was invented.

Highlevel 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.

RAM (random access memory)

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

Computational artifact

an object created by a human being that involves the use of computation in some way, for example a mobile app or a web page.