Computers and Their Function Definitions Flashcards
How easily a computer can be transported.
Portability
The length of the monitor, typically the diagonal measured in inches.
Screen Size
Amount of clock cycles a processor can perform in a second, measured in hertz
Processing Speed
Storing and processing data over the Internet rather than on personal computer hardware.
.Cloud Computing
A mobile phone that incorporates the same functionality as a computer.
Smartphone
A computer that uses a touch screen as its primary input.
Tablet Computer
The “brains” of the device; it performs computations and logic operations sent to it by application software, and returns results to be acted upon.
“CPU”
Central Processing Unit
Mode by which data enters the computer.
Input
Mode by which data is delivered.
Output
The working memory of a computer that transfers data from the hard disk upon starting the device.
“RAM”
Random Access Memory
Form of data storage that uses flash memory; all data is stored on a microchip.
Solid-State Drive
“SSD”
Computer storage that only holds data while power remains on.
Volatile
Computer system in which a centralized server provides data to connected computers over a network.
Client-Server
A group of computers connected for the purpose of communication and the sharing of data and resources.
Computer Network
Computer network that links computers within a building.
Local Area Network
“LAN”
An electronic device that use a combination of hardware and software to manipulate data.
Computer
A group of computers connected for the purpose of communication-sharing of data and resources.
Computer Network
Information, or a collection of facts.
Data
The part of the information system that you can touch; the physical components of the technology.
Hardware
A combination of technology, people, and processes that collect, create, distribute, and exploit useful information.
Information System
A hardware component that is not natively a part of the system.
Peripheral
The set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do.
Software
The “brains” of the device; it performs computations and logic operations sent to it by application software, and returns results to be acted upon.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Generates images on the monitor; also referred to as the video card.
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
