COMPUTER CONCEPTS Vocabulary Chapter 1 Using Computers: Essential Concepts CIS 120
Central processing unit (CPU) The main processing unit in a computer, consisting of circuitry that executes instructions to process data. CIS 120
Computer A device that accepts input, processes data, stores data, and produces output. CIS 120
Data In the context of computing and data management, data refers to the symbols that a computer uses to represent facts and ideas. CIS 120
Input As a noun, "input" means the information that is conveyed to a computer. As a verb, "input" means to enter data into a computer. CIS 120
Memory The computer circuitry that holds data waiting to be processed. CIS 120
Output The results produced by a computer (for example, reports, graphs, and music). CIS 120
Process A systematic series of actions that a computer performs to manipulate data; typically represented on a DFD by a rounded rectangle. CIS 120
Storage The area in a computer where data is retained on a permanent basis. CIS 120
Hardware Electronic and mechanical devices used for input, output, processing, and storing data. CIS 120
Peripheral devices Components and equipment that expand a computer's input, output, and storage capabilities, e. g. , a printer or scanner. CIS 120
Software The instructions that set up a computer to do a task, indicate how to interact with a user, and specify how to process data. CIS 120
Desktop microcomputer A computer that is built around a single microprocessor chip and is small enough to fit on a desk. CIS 120
Microcomputer A category of computer that is built around a single microprocessor chip. The computers typically used in homes and small businesses (also called a personal computer). CIS 120
Notebook computer A small lightweight portable computer that usually runs on battery power. Sometimes called a laptop. CIS 120
Personal digital assistant (PDA) A computer that is smaller and more portable than a notebook computer (also called a palm-top computer). CIS 120
Minicomputer A midrange computer, somewhat larger than a microcomputer, that can carry out processing tasks for many simultaneous users. CIS 120
Terminal A device with a keyboard and a monitor, used for input and output, but not for processing. CIS 120
Mainframe A large, fast, and expensive computer generally used by businesses or the government to provide centralized storage processing and management for large amounts of data. CIS 120
Supercomputer The fastest and most expensive type of computer, capable of processing more than one trillion instructions per second. CIS 120
CD-ROM disk A high capacity read-only optical disk that can store up to 680 MB of data. An acronym for compact disc read-only memory. CIS 120
CD-ROM drive A storage device that uses laser technology to read data from a CD-ROM. CIS 120
Disk drive A computer storage device that records and retrieves data on disks. Drive types include floppy, Zip, and hard disk drives. CIS 120
DVD An optical storage medium similar in appearance and technology to a CDROM but with higher storage capacity. The acronym stands for "digital video disc" or "digital versatile disc. " CIS 120
DVD drive (Digital Video Disc) An optical storage device that reads data from CD-ROM and DVD disks. CIS 120
Floppy disk A removable magnetic storage medium, typically 3. 5" in size with a capacity of 1. 44 MB. CIS 120
Floppy disk drive A storage device that writes data on, and reads data from, floppy disks. CIS 120
Hard disk drive A computer storage device that contains a large-capacity "hard disk" sealed inside the drive case. A hard disk is not the same as a 3. 5" removable disk that has a rigid plastic case. CIS 120
Keyboard An arrangement of letter, number, and special function keys that acts as the primary input device to a computer. CIS 120
Monitor A display device that forms an image by converting electrical signals from the computer into points of colored light on the screen. CIS 120
Mouse An input device that allows the user to manipulate objects on the screen by moving the mouse on the surface of a desk. CIS 120
Storage media Storage medium The physical material used to computer data, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a CD-ROM. CIS 120
System unit The case or box that contains the computer's power supply, storage devices, the main circuit board, processor, and memory. CIS 120
Compatible platforms Computer brands or models that operate in essentially the same way, use the same software, and accept the same peripheral devices. CIS 120
Computer platform A hardware and software configuration shared by a group of computers that use the same software and peripheral devices. CIS 120
Macintosh computer (Mac) A microcomputer platform manufactured primarily by Apple Computer Inc. and based on a proprietary architecture. CIS 120
PC 1) A microcomputer that uses the Windows software and contains an Intelcompatible micro-processor. 2) A personal computer. CIS 120
Windows software Software that has been designed to run on computers with the Windows operating system. CIS 120
Computer network A collection of computers and related devices, connected in a way that allows them to share data, hardware, and software. CIS 120
Password A special set of symbols used to restrict access to a user's computer or network. CIS 120
User ID A combination of letters and numbers that serves as a user's "call sign" or identification. Also referred to as a user name. CIS 120
Internet The worldwide communication infrastructure that links computer networks using TCP/IP protocol. CIS 120
Web Short for World Wide Web. An Internet service that links documents and information from computers distributed all over the world. Uses HTTP protocol. CIS 120
User interface The software and hardware that enable people to interact with computers. CIS 120
Prompt A message displayed on the computer screen that asks for input from the user. CIS 120
Wizard A sequence of dialog boxes that direct the user through multi-step software tasks, such as creating a graph. CIS 120
Command An instruction that the user inputs into the computer to tell it to carry out a task. CIS 120
Command-line interface A type of user interface that requires the user to type in commands. CIS 120
Parameter A delimiting variable used to modify a command, i. e. , /ON modifies the DIR command so it displays files in order by name. CIS 120
Syntax Specifications or rules for the sequence and punctuation of command words and parameters. CIS 120
Syntax error An error that results when an instruction does not follow the syntax rules, or grammar, of the programming language. CIS 120
Menu A list of commands or options. CIS 120
Submenu An additional menu of choices that appears when a menu option is selected. CIS 120
Check box An on-screen box that allows the user to select options clicking the box. CIS 120
Dialog box An on-screen window that provides options associated with a command. CIS 120
Drop-down list A list of options that is displayed when the user clicks an arrow button. CIS 120
Option button An on-screen control that allows a user to select one of two or more options in a dialog box. Also referred to as radio buttons. CIS 120
Spin box A control within a graphical user interface that lets the user increase or decrease a number by clicking arrow buttons. CIS 120
Button An on-screen user interface element that simulates the action of a push button. By clicking the button, a user initiates a command or action. CIS 120
Graphical object A small picture on the computer screen that the user can manipulate, using a mouse or other input device. CIS 120
Icon A graphical representation of an object such as a disk, printer, or program. CIS 120
Window A rectangular representation of a work area in a graphical user interface. CIS 120
Graphical user interface (GUI) A type of user interface that features onscreen objects such as menus and icons, manipulated by a mouse. Abbreviated GUI (pronounced "gooey"). CIS 120
Pointer A symbol on the computer screen, usually shaped like an arrow, whose movement corresponds to the movement of the mouse. CIS 120
Cursor A symbol, usually an underline, that marks the user's place on the screen and shows where typing will appear. CIS 120
Function key The keys numbered Fl through F 12, located at the top of the computer keyboard, that activate program-specific commands. CIS 120
Insertion point A flashing vertical bar that appears on the screen, indicating where the user can begin entering text. CIS 120
Keyboard shortcut A combination of keys, such as Ctrl+C, that allows the user to activate a program function without clicking a series of menu options. CIS 120
Numeric keypad A calculator-style input device for entering numbers and arithmetic symbols. Often part of a standard computer keyboard. CIS 120
Toggle key A key such as the Caps Lock key that switches a device back and forth between two modes. CIS 120
Bitmap display A monitor or other display device that uses an on-screen matrix of pixels to display text and graphics. CIS 120
Character-based display Method of display in which the monitor screen is divided into a grid of rectangles, each of which can display a single character from the standard character set. CIS 120
Pixel Short for picture element, a pixel is the smallest unit in a graphic image. Computer display devices use a matrix of pixels to display text and graphics. CIS 120
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. CIS 120
Online Help On-screen documentation that is available to a user while a software application is running. CIS 120
Web browser software Computer software, such as Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer, that allows users to view Web pages and follow links to jump from one document to the next. CIS 120
Web search engine A feature of a Web site that allows users to search for information by entering key terms. CIS 120
Artificial intelligence (Al) A characteristic of computers that exhibit human-like intelligence or behaviors. A field of research that includes robotics, expert systems, and speech recognition. CIS 120
Boolean string A sequence of key words, field names and logical operators that specify a query. CIS 120
Computer program A set of detailed, step-by-step instructions that tells a computer how to solve a problem or carry out a task. CIS 120
Return to Title Page Prepared by James Q. Jacobs CIS 120
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