Computer-is an electronic device operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory.
Information processing cycle- input, process, output, and storage.
Data- is a collection of unprocessed items which can include text, numbers, audio, and video.
Information-conveys meaning and is useful to one or more people.
Computer-users-people who uses the computer directly or use the information it provides.
Computer program-instructions for a computer.
Software-instructions of a computer.
System unit- the processor, memory, and storage devices are housed in a box like case.
Input device- is any hardware component that allows you to enter data, programs, and commands, and
user responses into a computer.
Keyboard- is an input device that contains keys to enter data into the computer.
Stylus-is a small metal or plastic devices that look like a ballpoint pen, but uses pressure instead of link
to write, draw, or make selections.
Mouse-is a pointing device that fits comfortably under the palm of your hand.
Pointer/mouse pointer-makes selections on screen.
Motherboard-sometimes called a system board is the main circuit board of the system unit.
Processor- also called the central unit, interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate a
computer.
Control unit- interprets the instructions.
Arithmetic/logic unit- performs the logical and arithmetic processes.
Memory- also called random access memory or RAM consists of electronic components that temporarily
store instructions waiting to be executed by the processor data needed by those instructions and the
results of processed data.
Kilobyte- equals approximately 1,000 memory locations and one.
Megabyte- equals approximately one million memory locations.
Gigabyte-equals approximately one billion memory locations.
Memory location/byte-usually stores one character such as the letter.
Output devices-make the information resulting from processing available for use.
Impact printer- prints by striking an inked ribbon against the paper.
Nonimpact printer-such as ink jet printers and laser printers form characters by means other than
striking a ribbon against paper.
Photo printers- some ink jet printer.
Display device- is an output device that visually conveys text, graphics, and video information.
Monitor-is a display device that is packaged as a separate unit.
Flat panel monitor-monitor that is flat.
LCD monitor- the most popular type of flat panel monitor.
CRT/cathode ray tube- television like monitor.
Pixels- the surface of the screen of either a CRT monitor or LCD monitor is composed of individual
picture elements.
Storage device- is used to store instructions, data, and information when they are not being used in
memory.
Magnetic disks-use magnetic particles to store items such as data, instructions, and information on a
disk’s surface.
Formatting – is the process of dividing the disk must be formatted.
Track- is a narrow instructions, and information on the disk.
Sectors- the disk’s storage locations consist of pie-shaped sections, which break the tracks into small
arcs.
Portable storage medium- means you can remove from one computer and carry it to another computer.
Hard disk- also called a hard disk drive is a storage device that contains one or more inflexible circular
platters that magnetically store data, instructions, and information.
Head crash- when a read/write head touches a platter, usually resulting in loss of data or sometimes the
entire drive.
Backup- is a duplicate of a file, program, or disk that you can use in case the original is lost, damaged, or
destroyed.
Floppy disk/ diskette- another older form of magnetic storage.
Floppy disk drive- is a device that can read from and write on a floppy disk.
Access time- the time required to access and retrieve data.
CD-ROM – is a type of optical disc that users can read but not write on (record) or erase.
CD-ROM drive- place where you insert the disc.
CD-R- is an optical disc onto which you can record your own items such as text, graphics, and audio.
CD-RW- is an erasable optical disk you can write on multiple times.
DVD-ROM-is very high capacity optical discs capable of storing from 4.7 GB to 17 GB.
DVD-ROM drive- you need this to read a DVD-ROM.
DVD-R/DVD+R- are competing DVD- recordable formats, each with up to 4.7 GB storage capacity.