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.

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.

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.

peripheral

separate input, output, and storage hardware.

random-access memory (RAM)

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

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.