Chapter 1: Introduction To Computers

Front 1

Computer

Back 1

Electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, that can accept data, process the data according to specified rules, produce results, and store the results for future use.

Front 2

Computer literacy

Back 2

Having a current knowledge and understanding of computers and their uses. See also digital literacy.

Front 3

Data

Back 3

Collection of unprocessed items, which can include text, numbers, images, audio, and video.

Front 4

Desktop computer

Back 4

Computer designed so the system unit, input devices, output devices, and any other devices fit entirely on or under a desk or table.

Front 5

Embedded computer

Back 5

Special-purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger product.

Front 6

Graphical user interface

Back 6

Type of user interface that allows a user to interact with software using text, graphics, and visual images, such as icons.

Front 7

Hardware

Back 7

Electric, electronic, and mechanical components contained in a computer.

Front 8

Information

Back 8

Processed data that conveys meaning and is useful to people.

Front 9

Input device

Back 9

Any hardware component that allows users to enter data and instructions into a computer.

Front 10

Installing

Back 10

Process of setting up software to work with the computer, printer, and other hardware components.

Front 11

Output device

Back 11

Any hardware component that conveys information to one or more people.

Front 12

Internet

Back 12

Worldwide collection of networks that connects millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals.

Front 13

Mainframe

Back 13

Large, expensive, powerful computer that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously, storing tremendous amounts of data, instructions, and information.

Front 14

Network

Back 14

Collection of computers and devices connected together, often wirelessly, via communications devices and transmission media, allowing computers to share resources.

Front 15

Program

Back 15

Series of instructions that tells a computer what to do and how to do it. Also called software.

Front 16

Run

Back 16

Process of using software.

Front 17

Software

Back 17

Series of instructions that tells a computer what to do and how to do it. Also called a program.

Front 18

Server

Back 18

Computer that controls access to the hardware, software, and other resources on a network and provides a centralized storage area for programs, data, and information.

Front 19

Supercomputer

Back 19

Fastest, most powerful, and most expensive computer, capable of processing more than 135 trillion instructions in a single second.

Front 20

Storage device

Back 20

Hardware used to record (write and/or read) items to and from storage media.

Front 21

Storage media

Back 21

The physical material on which a computer keeps data, instructions, and information.

Front 22

Tablet PC

Back 22

Special type of notebook computer that resembles a letter-sized slate, which allows a user to write on the screen using a digital pen.

Front 23

Web

Back 23

Worldwide collection of electronic documents called Web pages, the Web is one of the more popular services on the Internet. Also called the World Wide Web.