1: Introduction to the World of Computers

Question 1

the fact that few aspects of modern life remain untouched by computing technology

Answer 1

pervasive (ubiquitous) computing

Question 2

joining of multiple communication and entertainment devices into single units with many capabilities (ex. smartphones are capable of accessing internet, TV, gaming, music)

Answer 2

convergence

Question 3

the knowledge and understanding of basic computer fundamentals

Answer 3

computer literacy

Question 4

a programmable electronic device that accepts data input, performs processing operations on that data, and outputs and stores the results (IPOS)

Answer 4

computer

Question 5

process of entering data into a computer (can also refer to the data itself)

Answer 5

input

Question 6

performing operations on data that has been input into a computer to convert that input to output

Answer 6

processing

Question 7

process of presenting the results of processing (also refers to results themselves)

Answer 7

output

Question 8

operation of saving data, programs, or output for future use

Answer 8

storage

Question 9

transmission of data from one device to another (through internet etc.) - often considered the 5th primary computer operation

Answer 9

communications

Question 10

raw, unorganized facts used in processing

Answer 10

data

Question 11

data that has been processed into a meaningful form

Answer 11

information

Question 12

earliest computers, 1946-1957 - large and bulky, used vacuum tubes, and had to be physically wired and reset

Answer 12

first-generation computers

Question 13

computers in 1958-1963 - used transistors instead of vacuum tubes, with punch cards and paper printouts for input/output

Answer 13

second-generation computers

Question 14

computers in 1964-1970 - used chips that incorporated many circuits and transistors together, with keyboards and monitors for input/output, hard drives for storage

Answer 14

third-generation computers

Question 15

computers from 1971 to present - use microprocessors containing capabilities of an entire computer on a single chip, with keyboard, mouse, hard drives, optical drives, printers, internet, etc.

Answer 15

fourth-generation computers

Question 16

computers being developed for the future - use artificial intelligence to think and reason independently

Answer 16

fifth-generation computers

Question 17

the physical components of a computer system, both internal and external - keyboard, monitor, printer, etc.

Answer 17

hardware

Question 18

“brain” of the computer - main processing device inside computer that performs calculations and controls operations

Answer 18

central processing unit (CPU)

Question 19

instructions that are used to tell a computer what it should do (programs) - usually must be installed

Answer 19

software

Question 20

the main component of system software that enables a computer to operate, manage its activities and the resources under its control, run application programs, and interface with the user

Answer 20

operating system

Question 21

to start up a computer

Answer 21

boot

Question 22

programs that enable users to perform specific tasks on a computer

Answer 22

application software (apps)

Question 23

a tiny computer within a product, designed to perform specific tasks or functions for that product (ex. blind spot camera, auto braking system)

Answer 23

embedded computer

Question 24

a very small device with built-in computing or Internet capability

Answer 24

mobile device

Question 25

a mobile device based on a mobile phone that includes Internet capabilities and can run mobile apps

Answer 25

smartphone

Question 26

a mobile device, usually larger than a smartphone, that is typically used to access the Internet and display multimedia content

Answer 26

media tablet

Question 27

AKA microcomputer - a type of computer based on a microprocessor and designed to be used by one person at a time

Answer 27

personal computer (PC)

Question 28

a personal computer designed to fit on or next to a desk

Answer 28

desktop computer

Question 29

a small personal computer, such as a notebook or tablet, designed to be carried around easily

Answer 29

portable computer

Question 30

AKA laptop - a fully-functioning portable computer that opens up to reveal a screen and keyboard

Answer 30

notebook computer

Question 31

a portable computer about the size of a notebook with no built-in keyboard, designed to be used with a digital pen

Answer 31

tablet computer

Question 32

a portable computer that is smaller and has more limited features than a notebook computer

Answer 32

netbook

Question 33

a personal computer designed to access a network for processing and data storage, instead of performing those tasks locally (ex. school computer lab)

Answer 33

thin client

Question 34

an ordinary device that can be used to access the Internet (smart TV, gaming console)

Answer 34

internet appliance

Question 35

a computer used to host programs and data for a small network (small business, school) - typically larger, more powerful and expensive

Answer 35

server

Question 36

creating virtual (rather than actual) versions of a computing resource, such as several separate environments that are located on a single server but function as different servers

Answer 36

virtualization

Question 37

computer used in large organizations (hospitals, large businesses, universities) that manages large amounts of centralized data and runs multiple programs simultaneously

Answer 37

mainframe computer

Question 38

the fastest, most expensive, and most powerful type of computer - used for weather forecasting, controlling satellites, hosting complex sites (social network, search engine), etc.

Answer 38

supercomputer

Question 39

a collection of computers and other hardware devices that are connected together to share hardware, software, and data, as well as to communicate electronically with one another

Answer 39

computer network

Question 40

the largest and most well-known computer network, linking millions of computers all over the world

Answer 40

Internet

Question 41

a business or other organization that provides Internet access to others, typically for a fee

Answer 41

Internet service provider (ISP)

Question 42

the collection of Web pages available through the Internet

Answer 42

World Wide Web (WWW)

Question 43

a document, typically containing hyperlinks to other documents, located on a Web server and available through the World Wide Web

Answer 43

Web page

Question 44

a collection of related Web pages usually belonging to an organization or individual

Answer 44

Web site

Question 45

a computer that is continually connected to the Internet and hosts Web pages that are accessible through the Internet

Answer 45

Web server

Question 46

a program used to view Web pages (Chrome, Internet Explorer, etc.)

Answer 46

Web browser

Question 47

an address that identifies a computer (IP address), person (e-mail address), or Web page (URL) on the Internet

Answer 47

Internet address

Question 48

rightmost part of domain name, identifying the type of organization that runs the site or its location (.com, .edu, .gov)

Answer 48

top-level domain (TLD)

Question 49

a numeric Internet address used to uniquely identify a computer on the Internet

Answer 49

IP address

Question 50

a text-based Internet address used to uniquely identify a computer on the Internet (ex. microsoft.com)

Answer 50

domain name

Question 51

an internet address (usually beginning with http://) that uniquely identifies a Web page

Answer 51

Uniform Resource Locator (URL)

Question 52

an Internet address consisting of a username and computer domain name that uniquely identifies a person on the Internet

Answer 52

e-mail address

Question 53

a name that uniquely identifies an individual on a specific computer network

Answer 53

username

Question 54

electronic messages sent from one user to another over a network, usually the Internet

Answer 54

electronic mail (e-mail)

Question 55

a malicious software program designed to change the way a computer operates - form of malware

Answer 55

computer virus

Question 56

crime in which identity thieves send fraudulent e-mails to people masquerading as legitimate businesses to obtain Social Security numbers or other information needed for identity theft

Answer 56

phishing