Introduction to Computers

smart phone

A Web-enabled telephone

system unit

A box-like case that contains electronic components of the computer that are used to process data.

network

A collection of computers and devices connected together via communications devices and transmission media

personal computer

A computer that can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself.

program or software

A series of instructions that tells the computer what to do and how to do it.

operating system

A set of programs that coordinates all the activities among computer hardware devices.

telecommuting

A work arrangement in which employees work away from a company's standard workplace and often communicate with the office through the computer.

Web site

a collection of related Web pages.

data

a collection of unprocessed items, which can include text, numbers, images, audio, and video.

storage media

a computer keeps data, instructions, and information on storage media. Examples: floppy disks, USB flash drives, hard disks, CDs, DVDs, and memory cards.

handheld computer

a computer small enough to fit in one hand while you opperate it with the other hand.

communications device

a hardware component that enables a computer to send (transmit) and receive data, instructions, and information to and from one or more computers.

mainframe

a large, expensive, very powerful computer that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously.

laptop computer or notebook conputer

a portable, personal computer small enough to fit on your lap.

internet

a worldwide collection of networks that connects millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals.

utility program

allows a user to perform maintenance-type tasks usually related to managing a computer, it's devices, or its program.

computer

an electronic device, operating under the control of the instructions stored in its own memory that can accept data, manipulate the data according to specified rules, produce results, and store the results for future use.

input devices

any hardware component that allows you to enter data or instructions into the computer.

output device

any hardware component that conveys information into one or more people. Ex: printer, monitor, speakers

hardware

computer that contains electric, electronic, and mechanical components. it includes input devices, output devices, a system unit, storage devices, and communication devices.

memory

consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed and data needed by those instructions.

system software

consists of programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices.

application software

consists of programs that preform specific tasks for users.

desktop computer

designed so the system unit, input devices, output devices, and any other devices fit entirely on or under a desk or table.

large business user

each person who uses a computer in a large business.

home user

family member spends time on the computer for different reasons.

telemedicine

health-care professionals in separate locations conduct live conferences on the computer.

small office/home office (SOHO)

includes any company with fewer than 50 employees, as well as self-employed who work from home.

Web page

it can contain text, graphics, audio, and video. It often as built-in connections, or links, to other documents, graphics, other webpages, or websites.

Web-enabled

meaning they can connect to the Internet wirelessly.

midrange server

more powerful and larger than a desktop computer. Supports several hundred and sometimes up to a few thousand connected computers at the same time.

Web or World Wide Web

one of the more popular services on the Internet; contains billions of documents called Web pages.

mobile users

people who work on a computer while away from a main office or school. Examples: sales representative, real estate agents, insurance agents, meter readers.

execute

process of a computer carries out the instructions in a program.

run

process of using software.

information

processed data; thats is, data that is organized, meaningful, and useful.

PDA or (personal digital assistant)

provide personal organizer functions such as a calendar, appointment book, address book, calculator, and notepad.

storage device

records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from storage media.

enterprise computing

refers to the huge network of computers that meets their diverse computing needs.

computer and aided manufacturing (CAM)

refers to the use of computers to assist with manufacturing processes such as fabrication and assembly.

power use

requires the capability of a powerful desktop called a workstation.

information processing cycle

seriers of input, process, output, and storage activities.

programmer

someone who develops application or system software.

central processing unit or processor

the electronic component that interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate the computer.

supercomputer

the fastest, most powerful computer-- and the most expensive computer.

installing

the process of setting up the software to work with the compter, printer, and other hardware components.

graphical user interface (GUI)

type the user interface that allows a user to interact with software using menus and text, graphics, and visual images.

online banking

user's access account balances, pay bills, copy monthly transactions for the bank's computer right into their own computers.

online

when a computer connect to a network.