Module 4 Key Terms

File Extension

A 3 or 4 letter sequence, preceded by a period, at the end of a file name that identifies the file as a particular type of document. When you save a file, the program or app assigns the file extension. EX .docx, .jpg, .rtf

Bootstrap program

A built-in startup program that occurs as part of the boot process. Executes a series of tests to check the components, including the RAM, keyboard, and storage, and identifies connected devices and checks their settings.

File

A collection of information stored on your computer, such as a text document, spreadsheet, photo, or song.

Control Panel

A collection of utility programs that determine how Windows appears and performs on your computer, contains the more advanced settings of the OS.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

A collective term for all the ways you interact with your device. A GUI is a feature of your operating system and controls how you interact with menus, programs, apps, and visual images.

Executable File

A file containing the instructions your device needs to run programs and apps. You cannot open and read an executable file, you run it to perform a task.

Data File

A file containing words, numbers, and pictures that you can manipulate. EX spreadsheet, database, word processing document.

Pointing device

A hardware device that lets you interact with your computer by controlling the movement of the pointer on your computer screen. EX: mouse, trackball, touchpad, or your finger.

Menu

A list of related items, including folders, applications, and commands. Many menus organize commands on submenus.

Folder

A named location on a storage medium that usually contains related documents. You name the folder so that you know what it contains, and in the folder you store related files.

Operating System

A program that manages the complete operation of your computer or mobile device and lets you interact with it. Accepts your instructions and data, provides information from the system to you, and manages interactions between hardware and software.

Window

A rectangular-shaped work area that displays an app or a collection of files, folders, and tools. Everytime you open a new program or file, a new window opens.

Boot process

A series of steps and checks to that occur automatically when you turn on your device. Must occur for you to interact with the operating system.

Tile

A shaded rectangle that represents an app or other resources, such as the Windows Start menu.

Icon

A small picture that represents a program, file, or hardware device.

Library

A special folder that catalogs specific files and folders in a central location, regardless of where the items are actually stored on your device. Library files might include pictures, music, documents, and videos.

The cloud

A storage area located on a server that you access through the Internet or a network. To access a cloud storage location you may need to download an app, such as dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, or iCloud.

Clipboard

A temporary Windows storage area used for copying or moving files. Clipboard holds the selections you copy or cut so you can use them later.

Cache

A temporary storage area designed to help speed up processing time, stores the most frequently used instructions and data.

Desktop Operating System

Also known as a PC operating system, an operating system installed on a single computer. Most are single-user.

Buffer

An area of memory that stores data and information waiting to be sent to an input or output device. By sending data to a buffer, the operating system frees up resources to perform other tasks while the data waits to be processed.

Platform

Another term for operating system.

Input

Any data and instructions entered into the memory of a device. You can input data simply by interacting with your touchscreen, or by using input devices such as microphones, touchpads, and webcams.

Web apps

Apps stored on an Internet server that can be run entirely in a web browser.

Settings app

Contains touch friendly categories of the most commonly used Windows settings.

Memory

Electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed by the processor, data needed by those instructions, and the results of processing the data into information. A byte is the basic storage unit in memory.

Virtual machine

Enables a computer or device to run another operating system in addition to the one installed.

User accounts

Includes information such as user name and password to protect your computer against unauthorized access, identifies the resources each user can access while using the computer.

Web Servers

Internet computers that store webpages and deliver them to your computer or device. Many use UNIX as their operating system.

Shortcuts

Links to files and apps that allow you to access the item from the desktop without going through a file manager or program menu.

ROM (Read Only Memory)

Memory chips that store permanent data and instructions. The data on most ROM chips cannot be modified. Type of nonvolatile memory.

iOS

Mobile OS derived from macOS, runs only on Apple devices.

Android

Mobile OS developed by Google based on Linux and designed to be run on many types of smartphones and tablets.

Server Operating System

Multi User OS designed to support all sizes of networks. Controls a single, centralized server computer that supports many users on networked computers. It manages the network and controls access to network resources such as network printers and many also enable virtualization.

UNIX

Multitasking OS with many versions, as the code is licensed to different developers. Available for most computer and devices.

macOS

OS available for Mac desktop computers and laptops. Includes the Siri virtual assistant, coordination with Apple mobile devices, and cloud file storage.

Chrome OS

OS available for chrome laptops. Based on Linux, uses the Google Chrome browser as its user interface, and primarily runs web apps.

Linux

OS available for desktop computers, laptops, and some tablets. Distributed under the terms of a General Public License (GPL), which allows you to copy the OS for your own use, to give to others, or to sell.

Windows

OS available for desktop computers, laptops, and some tablets. Supports the Cortana virtual assistant, touchscreen, input, HoloLens headsets, and built-in apps such as the Microsoft Edge browser.

Mobile Operating System

OS designed for mobile devices. Has features similar to those of a desktop OS but is focused on the needs of a mobile user and the capabilities of the device. Work especially well with mobile device features such as touchscreens and are designed to run using the limited memory of mobile devices.

Nonvolatile memory

Permanent memory that saves its contents even when the computer or device is turned off.

Open source

Programs that have no restrictions from the copyright holder regarding modification and redistribution. Because the code is public, coders can examine, correct, and enhance programs, and sell their versions to others. EX Linux .

Closed source

Programs that keep all or some of the code hidden, enabling developers to control and profit from the program they create. Features can only be customized using the operating systems tools. EX Microsoft Windows and macOS.

Administrator account

Provides full access to the computer. Responsibilities associated with an administrator account include installing programs and apps, adjusting security settings, and managing network access. (Used at schools and workplaces, not likely on a home computer)

File Format

Refers to the organization and layout of data in a file. Determines the type or types of programs and apps that you can use to open and display or work with a file.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

Software that is distributed online for a monthly subscription or annual fee. Instead of releasing a new complete version of the program to purchase, the company will provide updates to its subscribers.

Default settings

Standard settings that control how the screen is set up and how a document looks when you first start typing.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Storage location that temporarily stores open apps and document data while a computer or device is on, the most common type of volatile memory. Every program requires RAM.

macOS Server

Supports all sizes of networks and servers. One unique feature is that it lets authorized users access servers using their iPhones or other Apple devices.

Volatile memory

Temporary memory that loses its contents when the device is turned off.

Types of Windows

The active window- The window you are currently using, appears in front. The program window- Displays a running program on a desktop. The folder window- Displays the contents of a folder, drive, or device on a desktop.

Bytes

The basic storage unit in memory, usually represented in Kilobytes (thousands of bytes of data) Megabytes (millions of bytes of data), or Gigabytes (billions of bytes of data)

Virtual memory

The capability of an operating system to temporarily store data on a storage medium when a device has used up its available RAM. The area of the hard drive used for virtual memory is a swap file because it 'swaps' data, information, and instructions between memory and storage.

Resources

The components an operating system requires to perform work, such as the processor, RAM, storage space, and connected devices.

Kernel

The core of an operating system. Manages memory, runs programs, and assigns resources.

Output

The information from input interpreted and processed into a useful form. Includes text, graphics, audio, video, and devices like speakers and headphones.

Desktop

The main workspace of the OS. Contains icons for programs and files, as well as toolbars, taskbars, menus, and a notification area which displays date and time.

Virtualization

The practice of sharing computing resources, such as servers or storage devices, among computers and devices on a network.

Spooling

The process of placing data in a buffer so it can be retrieved by the appropriate device (such as a printer) when needed.

Windows Server

The server version of windows. It includes advanced security tools and a set of programs called Internet Information Services that manage web apps and services.

System Software

The software that runs a computer, including the operating system and utilities.

Utilities

The tools that allow you to perform maintenance-type tasks related to managing the computer or device, such as searching programs, viewing images, installing programs and apps, backing up files, etc.

Flash memory

Type of nonvolatile memory that can be erased electronically and rewritten. To increase the memory on many devices, you can add flash memory in the form of microSD cards.

Disk cleanup utility

Utility tool that finds and removes unnecessary files such as temporary internet files or files in the recycle bin.

Dialog boxes

Windows with controls that let you tell the operating system how you want to complete a command.