Computer Technology Flash Card
2
Mouse
An input device that allows the user to manipulate
objects on the screen by moving the mouse along the
surface of a desk.
Data
Refers to the symbols that represent facts, objects, or
ideas.
Hardware
Includes the electronic and mechanical devices that
process the data; refers to the computer as well as
peripheral devices.
Network
Two or more computers and other devices that are
connected, for the purpose of sharing data and
programs.
Storage
Area of the computer that holds data on a
permanent basis when it is not immediately needed
for processing.
Data, Hardware, Mouse, Network, Storage
Computer Technology Flash Card
3
Peripheral devices
Used to expand the computer’s input, output and
storage capabilities.
Keyboard
An arrangement of letters, numbers, and special
function keys that act as the primary input device to
the computer.
Input
Whatever is put into a computer system.
System unit
Case that holds the power supply, storage devices, and
the circuit boards (including the motherboard).
Memory
Area of the computer that temporarily holds data
waiting to be processed, stored, or output.
Input, Keyboard, Memory, Peripheral Devices, System Unit
Computer Technology Flash Card
4
Processing
Manipulation of the data in many ways.
Information
The results of the computer storing data as bits and
bytes; the words, numbers, sounds, and graphics.
Sound Card
A circuit board that gives the computer the ability to
accept audio input, play sound files, and produce
audio output through speakers or headphones.
Computer
A device that accepts input, processes data, stores
data, and produces output, all according to a series of
stored instructions.
Software
A computer program that tells the computer how to
perform particular tasks.
Computer, Information, Processing, Software, Sound Card
Computer Technology Flash Card
5
Storage devices
Used to keep data when the power to the computer is
turned off.
Gigabyte
Approximately 1 billion bytes.
Circuits
The path from one component of a computer to
another that data uses to travel.
RAM
The ability of a storage device to go directly to a
specific storage location without having to search
sequentially from a beginning location.
Silicon Chips
Melted sand; what the circuits are embedded into to
keep them together.
Circuits, Gigabyte, RAM, Silicon Chips, Storage Devices
Computer Technology Flash Card
6
Kilobyte
Approximately 1,000 bytes.
Boot process
Sequence of events that occurs between the time you
turn on a computer and the time that it becomes ready
to accept commands.
Pentium
Name of the CPU; 5th generation of the Intel
processor.
Bit
Each 0 or 1.
ROM
Drives can read data from disks, but cannot store new
data on them.
Bit, Boot Process, Kilobyte, Pentium, ROM
Computer Technology Flash Card
7
Terabyte
Approximately 1 trillion bytes.
Binary Numbers
A method for representing numbers using only two
digits, 0 and 1.
Megahertz
A measurement used to describe the speed of the
system clock.
Megabyte
Approximately 1 million bytes.
Byte
8 bits.
Binary Numbers, Byte, Megabyte, Megahertz, Terabyte
Computer Technology Flash Card
8
CPU
Where the processing in a computer takes place, often
called the brain of the computer.
Storage Devices
Used to keep data when the power to the computer is
turned off.
Workstation
Powerful desktop computer designed for specialized
tasks.
Printer
Output device that produces text or graphical images
on paper.
Mainframe
Large expensive computer capable of simultaneously
processing data for hundreds or thousands of users.
CPU, Mainframe, Printer, Storage Devices, Work Station
Computer Technology Flash Card
9
Input devices
Units that gather information and transform that
information it into a series of electronic signals for the
computer.
Monitor
Display device that forms an image by converting
electrical signals from the computer into points of
colored light on the screen.
Output devices
Devices that display, print, or transmit the results of
processing from the computer’s memory.
Laptop Computer
A portable, compact computer that can run on an
electrical wall outlet or a battery unit.
Microcomputer
A personal computer; designed to meet the computer
needs of an individual
Input Devices, Laptop Computer, Microcomputer, Monitor, Output Devices
Computer Technology Flash Card
10
Desktop Computer
Microcomputer that fits on a desk and runs on power
from a wall outlet
Modem
Device that sends and receives data to and from
computers over telephone lines.
Supercomputer
A computer that was the fastest in the world at the
time it was constructed.
Server
A computer that has the purpose of supplying its
users with data; usually through the use of a LAN
(local area network).
Handheld
A computer that fits into a pocket, runs on batteries,
and is used while holding the unit in your hand.
Desktop Computer, Handheld, Modem, Server, Supercomputer,
Computer Technology Flash Card
11
Hard Disk
Usually mounted inside the computer’s system unit
and can store billions of characters of data.
Platform
Underlying hardware and software of the computer
system.
Folders
The subdirectory or subdivision, of a directory that
can contain files or other folders.
Resolution
The density of the grid used to display or print text
and graphics; the greater the horizontal and
vertical density, the higher the resolution.
CD-Rom
Storage device that uses laser technology to read data
that is permanently stored on compact disks, cannot
be used to write data to a disk.
CD-Rom, Folders, Hard Disk, Platform, Resolution
Computer Technology Flash Card
12
Program
Set of detailed, step-by-step instructions that tell a
computer how to solve a problem or carry out a task.
Application
Software
Set of computer programs that help a person carry out
a task.
Multi-tasking
Running more than one program at a time or making
sure that the instructions and data from one area of
memory don’t interfere with memory allocated for
other programs.
Floppy disk
Round piece of flexible Mylar plastic covered with a
thin layer of magnetic oxide and sealed inside a
protective covering.
Magnetic Storage
Recording of data onto disks or tape by magnetizing
particles of an oxide based surface coating.
Application Software, Floppy disk, Magnetic Storage, Multi-tasking, Program
Computer Technology Flash Card
13
Digital Audio Tape
Method of storing large amounts of data on tape using
helical scan technology to write data at high densities
across the tape at an angle.
Optical Storage
Means of recording data as light and dark spots on CD
or DVD with the use of a low-power laser light.
Operating System
Master controller for all activities that take place
within a computer; primary purpose is to help the
computer system monitor itself in order to function
efficiently.
GUI
A type of user interface that features on-screen
objects, such as menus and icons, manipulated by a
mouse.
File
A named collection of data that exists on a storage
medium.
Digital Audio Tape, File, GUI, Operating System, Optical Storage
Computer Technology Flash Card
14
Keyboard
An arrangement of letters, numbers, and special
function keys that act as the primary input device to
the computer.
Silicon Chips
Melted sand; what the circuits are embedded into to
keep them together.
Monitor
Display device that forms an image by converting
electrical signals from the computer into points of
colored light on the screen
Information
The results of the computer storing data as bits and
bytes; the words, numbers, sounds, and graphics.
ROM
Drives can read data from disks, but cannot store new
data on them.
Information, Keyboard, Monitor, ROM, Silicon Chips,
Computer Technology Flash Card
15
Mainframe
Large expensive computer capable of simultaneously
processing data for hundreds or thousands of users.
Output devices
Devices that display, print, or transmit the results of
processing from the computer’s memory.
CD-Rom
Storage device that uses laser technology to read data
that is permanently stored on compact disks, cannot
be used to write data to a disk.
Storage
Area of the computer that holds data on a permanent
basis when it is not immediately needed for
processing.
Floppy Disk
Round piece of flexible Mylar plastic covered with a
thin layer of magnetic oxide and sealed inside a
protective covering.
CD-Rom, Floppy Disk, Mainframe, Output devices, Storage
Computer Technology Flash Card
16
Mouse
An input device that allows the user to manipulate
objects on the screen by moving the mouse along the
surface of a desk.
Memory
Area of the computer that temporarily holds data
waiting to be processed, stored, or output.
Server
A computer that has the purpose of supplying its
users with data; usually through the use of a LAN
(local area network).
File
A named collection of data that exists on a storage
medium.
Program
Set of detailed, step-by-step instructions that tell a
computer how to solve a problem or carry out a task.
File, Memory, Mouse, Program, Server
Computer Technology Flash Card
17
Computer
A device that accepts input, processes data, stores
data, and produces output, all according to a series of
stored instructions.
Byte
8 bits.
Resolution
The density of the grid used to display or print text
and graphics; the greater the horizontal and
vertical density, the higher the resolution.
Operating System
Master controller for all activities that take place
within a computer; primary purpose is to help the
computer system monitor itself in order to function
efficiently.
Printer
Output device that produces text or graphical images
on paper.
Byte, Computer, Operating System Printer, Resolution
Computer Technology Flash Card
18
LAN
Computer network that is located within a limited
geographical area, such as a school or small business
Network
Two or more computers and other devices that are
connected, for the purpose of sharing data and
programs.
Client
Refers to the software on a computer that allows the
user to access the server
WAN
Interconnected group of computers and peripherals
that cover a large geographical area, such as multiple
buildings
IP Address
A unique identifying number assigned to each
computer connected to the internet
Client, IP Address, LAN, Network, WAN
Computer Technology Flash Card
19
Ethics
The rules or standards governing the conduct of a
person or the members of a profession
Copyrights
A form of legal protection that grants certain
exclusive rights to the author of a program
E-Mail
Sending an electronic message to another person or to
a group of people
Acceptable Use
Policies
Used to protect a network and the users on that
network and provide guidelines to how a network can
and should be used
Software Licenses
A legal contract that defines the ways in which you
may use a computer program
Acceptable Use Policies, Copyright, E-Mail, Ethics, Software Licenses
Computer Technology Flash Card
20
Input
Whatever is put into a computer system.
Folders
The subdirectory or subdivision, of a directory that
can contain files or other folders.
Sound Card
A circuit board that gives the computer the ability to
accept audio input, play sound files, and produce
audio output through speakers or headphones.
Hard Disk
Usually mounted inside the computer’s system unit
and can store billions of characters of data.
Circuits
The path from one component of a computer to
another that data uses to travel.
Circuits, Folders, Hard Disk, Input, Sound Card
Computer Technology Flash Card
21
Software
A computer program that tells the computer how to
perform particular tasks.
Pentium
Name of the CPU; 5th generation of the Intel
processor.
Megahertz
A measurement used to describe the speed of the
system clock.
Data
Refers to the symbols that represent facts, objects, or
ideas.
CPU
Where the processing in a computer takes place, often
called the brain of the computer.
CPU< Data, Megahertz, Pentium, Software
Computer Technology Flash Card
22
Computer Virus
Set of program instructions that attaches itself to a
file, reproduces itself, and/or spreads to other files
Time Bomb
Watches for the PC clock to reach a certain date to
activate the virus
Trojan Horse
Computer program that seems to perform one function
while actually doing something else
Logic Bomb
Watches for a specific set of input to activate the virus
File Virus
Virus that attaches to an application program
Computer Virus, File Virus, Logic Bomb, Time Bomb, Trojan Horse
Computer Technology Flash Card
23
Boot Sector Virus
Infects the system files that your computer uses every
time it is turned on
Worm
Software program designed to enter a computer
system usually through a network, through security
holes and then replicate itself
LAN
Computer network that is located within a limited
geographical area, such as a school or small business
Macro Virus
A virus that affects a miniature program that usually
contains legitimate instructions to automate a
document or task
E-Mail
Sending an electronic message to another person or to
a group of people
Boot Sector Virus, E-Mail, LAN, Macro Virus, Worm
Computer Technology Flash Card
24
Application
Software
Set of computer programs that help a person carry out
a task.
GUI
A type of user interface that features on-screen
objects, such as menus and icons, manipulated by a
mouse.
Hardware
Includes the electronic and mechanical devices that
process the data; refers to the computer as well as
peripheral devices.
Gigabyte
Approximately 1 billion bytes.
Modem
Device that sends and receives data to and from
computers over telephone lines.
Application Software, Gigabyte, GUI, Hardware, Modem
Computer Technology Flash Card
25
RAM
The ability of a storage device to go directly to a
specific storage location without having to search
sequentially from a beginning location.
System Unit
Case that holds the power supply, storage devices, and
the circuit boards (including the motherboard).
Bit
Each 0 or 1.
Copyrights
A form of legal protection that grants certain
exclusive rights to the author of a program
Laptop Computer
A portable, compact computer that can run on an
electrical wall outlet or a battery unit.
Bit, Copyright, Laptop Computer, RAM, System Unit
Computer Technology Flash Card
26
Magnetic Storage
Recording of data onto disks or tape by magnetizing
particles of an oxide based surface coating.
Kilobyte
Approximately 1,000 bytes.
Workstation
Powerful desktop computer designed for specialized
tasks.
Time Bomb
Watches for the PC clock to reach a certain date to
activate the virus
Peripheral Devices
Used to expand the computer’s input, output and
storage capabilities.
Kilobyte, Magnetic Storage, Peripheral Devices, Time Bomb, Workstation
Computer Technology Flash Card
27
Terabyte
Approximately 1 trillion bytes.
Processing
Manipulation of the data in many ways.
WAN
Interconnected group of computers and peripherals
that cover a large geographical area, such as multiple
buildings
Optical Storage
Means of recording data as light and dark spots on CD
or DVD with the use of a low-power laser light.
Computer Virus
Set of program instructions that attaches itself to a
file, reproduces itself, and/or spreads to other files
Computer Virus, Optical Storage, Processing, Terabyte, WAN
Computer Technology Flash Card
28
Boot Sector Virus
Infects the system files that your computer uses every
time it is turned on
Handheld
A computer that fits into a pocket, runs on batteries,
and is used while holding the unit in your hand.
IP Address
A unique identifying number assigned to each
computer connected to the internet
Software Licenses
A legal contract that defines the ways in which you
may use a computer program
Input Devices
Units that gather information and transform that
information it into a series of electronic signals for the
computer.
Boot Sector Virus, Handheld, Input Devices, IP Address, Software Licenses
Computer Technology Flash Card
29
Logic Bomb
Watches for a specific set of input to activate the virus
Boot Process
Sequence of events that occurs between the time you
turn on a computer and the time that it becomes ready
to accept commands.
Client
Refers to the software on a computer that allows the
user to access the server
File Virus
Virus that attaches to an application program
Binary Numbers
A method for representing numbers using only two
digits, 0 and 1.
Binary Numbers, Boot Process, Client, File Virus, Logic Bomb
Computer Technology Flash Card
30
Digital Audio Tape
Method of storing large amounts of data on tape using
helical scan technology to write data at high densities
across the tape at an angle.
Megabyte
Approximately 1 million bytes.
Macro Virus
A virus that affects a miniature program that usually
contains legitimate instructions to automate a
document or task
Desktop Computer
Microcomputer that fits on a desk and runs on power
from a wall outlet
Ethics
The rules or standards governing the conduct of a
person or the members of a profession
Desktop Computer, Digial Audio Tape, Ethics, Macro Virus, Megabyte
Computer Technology Flash Card
31
Microcomputer
A personal computer; designed to meet the computer
needs of an individual
Acceptable Use
Policies
Used to protect a network and the users on that
network and provide guidelines to how a network can
and should be used
Worm
Software program designed to enter a computer
system usually through a network, through security
holes and then replicate itself
Platform
Underlying hardware and software of the computer
system.
Magnetic Storage
Recording of data onto disks or tape by magnetizing
particles of an oxide based surface coating.
Acceptable Use Policies, Magnetic Storage, Microcomputer, Platform, Worm
Computer Technology Flash Card
32
Supercomputer
A computer that was the fastest in the world at the
time it was constructed.
Trojan Horse
Computer program that seems to perform one function
while actually doing something else
Hardware
Includes the electronic and mechanical devices that
process the data; refers to the computer as well as
peripheral devices.
Ethics
The rules or standards governing the conduct of a
person or the members of a profession
Mainframe
Large expensive computer capable of simultaneously
processing data for hundreds or thousands of users.
Ethics, Hardware, Mainframe, Supercomputer, Trojan Horse
Computer Technology Flash Card
33
File
A named collection of data that exists on a storage
medium.
Software
A computer program that tells the computer how to
perform particular tasks.
Computer Virus
Set of program instructions that attaches itself to a
file, reproduces itself, and/or spreads to other files
ROM
Drives can read data from disks, but cannot store new
data on them.
Printer
Output device that produces text or graphical images
on paper.
Computer Virus, File, Printer, ROM< Software
Computer Technology Flash Card
34
Program
Set of detailed, step-by-step instructions that tell a
computer how to solve a problem or carry out a task.
Keyboard
An arrangement of letters, numbers, and special
function keys that act as the primary input device to
the computer.
Worm
Software program designed to enter a computer
system usually through a network, through security
holes and then replicate itself
Binary Numbers
A method for representing numbers using only two
digits, 0 and 1.
Acceptable Use
Policies
Used to protect a network and the users on that
network and provide guidelines to how a network can
and should be used
Acceptable Use Policies, Binary Numbers, Keyboard, Program, Worm
Computer Technology Flash Card
35
ROM
Drives can read data from disks, but cannot store new
data on them.
Network
Two or more computers and other devices that are
connected, for the purpose of sharing data and
programs.
Hard Disk
Usually mounted inside the computer’s system unit
and can store billions of characters of data.
Trojan Horse
Computer program that seems to perform one function
while actually doing something else
Folders
The subdirectory or subdivision, of a directory that
can contain files or other folders.
Folders, Hard Disk, Network, ROM, Trojan Horse
Computer Technology Flash Card
36
Server
A computer that has the purpose of supplying its
users with data; usually through the use of a LAN
(local area network).
Modem
Device that sends and receives data to and from
computers over telephone lines.
Memory
Area of the computer that temporarily holds data
waiting to be processed, stored, or output.
E-Mail
Sending an electronic message to another person or to
a group of people
IP Address
A unique identifying number assigned to each
computer connected to the internet
E-Mail, IP Address, Memory, Modem, Server
Computer Technology Flash Card
37
Mouse
An input device that allows the user to manipulate
objects on the screen by moving the mouse along the
surface of a desk.
Copyrights
A form of legal protection that grants certain
exclusive rights to the author of a program
Client
Refers to the software on a computer that allows the
user to access the server
Time Bomb
Watches for the PC clock to reach a certain date to
activate the virus
RAM
The ability of a storage device to go directly to a
specific storage location without having to search
sequentially from a beginning location.
Client, Copyrights, Mouse, RAM, Time Bomb
Computer Technology Flash Card
38
Boot Process
Sequence of events that occurs between the time you
turn on a computer and the time that it becomes ready
to accept commands.
Platform
Underlying hardware and software of the computer
system.
Resolution
The density of the grid used to display or print text
and graphics; the greater the horizontal and
vertical density, the higher the resolution.
Software Licenses
A legal contract that defines the ways in which you
may use a computer program
System Unit
Case that holds the power supply, storage devices, and
the circuit boards (including the motherboard).
Boot Process, Platform, Resolution, Software License, System Unit