Flash Cards
Computer Technology
Flash Cards #1
A device that accepts input, processes data,
stores data, and produces output.
Data
Hardware
Computer
Storage
Network
Collection of unprocessed items, which can
include text, numbers, images, audio and
video.
Physical components of a computer that you
can touch including the processor and
peripheral devices.
Two or more computers and other devices that
are connected, for the purpose of sharing
data and programs.
Area of the computer that holds data,
instructions, and information for future
use.
Flash Cards #2
External components connected to
the computer, but not inside the
system unit.
The primary input device to the
computer.
When a user enters data into a
computer.
Case that holds the power supply,
storage devices, and the circuit
boards.
Area of the computer that
temporarily holds data waiting to be
processed, stored, or output.
Flash Cards #3
Manipulation of the data in many ways.
RAM
Information
Processing
Software
Storage
Devices
The results of processed data. It conveys
meaning and is useful to one or more people.
Used to keep data when the power to the
computer is turned off.
The main memory of the computer.
Information stored here is lost when the power
to the computer is turned off.
A computer program that tells the computer
how to perform particular tasks.
Flash Cards #4
Approximately 1,000 bytes.
Bit
Boot
Process
Kilobyte
Sequence of events that occurs between the
time you turn on a computer and the time that
it becomes ready to accept commands.
Approximately 1 billion bytes
Gigabyte
Each 0 or 1.
ROM
Drives can read data from disks, but cannot
store new data on them.
Flash Cards #5
Approximately 1 trillion bytes.
Binary
Code
The language of a computer--it consists of only
two digits, 0 and 1.
Byte
Megabyte
A measurement used to describe the speed of
the processor.
Megahertz
Approximately 1 million bytes.
Terabyte
8 bits.
Flash Cards #6
CPU
Where the processing in a computer takes
place, often called the brain of the computer.
Input
Devices
One of the most important innovations of
mankind. It paved the way for modern PCs.
Also called microchip or integrated circuit.
Output
Devices
Units that gather information and transform
that information into a series of electronic
signals for the computer.
Silicon
Chip
Devices that display, print, or transmit the
results of processing from the computer’s
memory.
Work
Station
Powerful desktop computer designed for
specialized tasks.
Flash Cards #7
Large expensive computer capable of
processing data for hundreds or thousands of
users.
Mainframe
Laptop
Computer
Display device that show an image on a
computer screen.
Microcomputer
Output device that produces text or graphical
images on paper.
Monitor
A portable, compact computer that can run on
an electrical wall outlet or a battery unit.
Printer
A personal computer; designed to meet the
computer needs of an individual.
Flash Cards #8
Desktop
Computer
Microcomputer that fits on a desk and runs on
power from a wall outlet
Handheld
Software required for the computer to run:
Windows, Mac OS, Linux
Operating
System
A computer that was the fastest in the world at
the time it was constructed.
Server
Supercomputer
A computer that supplies its users with data;
usually through the use of a LAN (local area
network).
A computer that fits into a pocket, runs on
batteries, and is used while holding the unit in
your hand.
Flash Cards #9
Usually mounted inside the computer’s system
unit and can store billions of characters of
data.
CD-Rom
Folders
Hard Disk
Underlying hardware and software of the
computer system.
The subdirectory or subdivision, of a directory
that can contain files or other folders.
Platform
Resolution
The density of the grid used to display or print
text and graphics.
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.
Flash Cards #10
A unique identifying number assigned to each
computer connected to the internet.
GUI
LAN
Virus
IP Address
A user interface that features on-screen
objects, such as menus and icons, manipulated
by a mouse.
Interconnected group of computers and
peripherals that cover a large geographical
area, such as multiple buildings
A program intentionally designed to cause
annoyance or damage to computer hardware
or software.
WAN
Computer network that is located within a
limited geographical area, such as a school or
small business.
Flash Cards #11
Application
Software
Recording on a CD or DVD with the use of a
low-power laser light.
Floppy disk
Software designed to that help a person carry
out a specific task.
Magnetic
Storage
Running more than one program at a time.
Multitasking
Optical
Storage
Portable magnetic storage medium
usually read in the A: drive
Type of storage media that uses magnetic
particles to store items on a disk’s surface
Flash Cards #12
Ethics
Copyright
E-mail
Acceptable
Use Policy
Software
License
Used to protect a network and the users on that
network and provide guidelines to how a
network can and should be used
A form of legal protection that grants certain
exclusive rights to the author of a program
A legal contract that defines the ways in which
you may use a computer program
The rules or standards governing the conduct
of a person or the members of a profession
Sending an electronic message to another
person or to a group of people