Introduction To Computers Flashcards
(25 cards)
Storage
In computing, any device in which information is stored
Input
The data that is entree into a computer. The act of entering data into a computer
Processing
The manipulation of data by a microprocessor or embedded possessor according to instructions given to it by a program or embedded in the chip itself
Output
The computer-gathered information that is displayed to the user in some discernible form such as a screen display, printed page or sound
Hardware
The physical parts of the computer system that you can touch or feel such as the keyboard, monitor, and computer case
Software
The programs and data that make computer hardware function
Microprocessor
The main possessing unit of a computer or information possessing device; the brains of the machine carrying out instructions, performing calculations, and interacting with the components used to operate the computer. The microprocessor handles the fetch, decode, and execute steps of the computer.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
The memory that is available on a computer for storing data and programs currently being processed. It is automatically erased when the power is turned off. Information is the RaM that needs to be stored for further use must be saved onto a disk or a tape.
Read Only Memory (ROM)
A systems permanent, stored instructions, witch are never changed; it holds it’s contents even when the power is turned off. Data is placed in ROM only once, it stays there permanently. ROM is generally installed by the manufacturer as part of the system.
Hard drive
The main device that a computer uses to store information. Hard disks are rigid aluminum or glass disks about 3.5 inches in diameter in a personal computer, and a mallet I’m a laptop. They are coated with ferromagnetic material and rotate around a central axle. Data is transferred magnetically by a read/write head. A hard disk drive for a personal computer may contain as many as eight hard disks, rotating around the same axle.
Optical discs
Optical disks are used to store computer or media. Common formats include CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD, HD-DVD, and Blu-ray. Optical drives use laser light to read the data stored on optical disks. Commonly, optical disks can record and read data.
Removable media
A portable device allowing for the storage of computer data. Examples can include, memory sticks, magnetic tapes, CD-ROM, and DVD R.
Data
An item or items of information. Data becomes information when it is conveyed in a context that has meaning to people
Integrated circuit
A complete circuit on a chip, built by a chop fabrication possess.
Embedded processors
A chip designed with a specific set of usable instructions. The user cannot change the instructions an embedded processor was programmed to understand.
Download
To transfer files or data from one computer to another. To download means to revive; to upload means to transmit.
Semiconductor
A material that when combined with some other material can be turned into an insulator or a conductor
Transistor
A type of switch that contains no moving parts and uses electricity to turn itself on or off.
Binary
A coding system that relies on the use of bits–0s and 1s–to encode information.
Bit
A binary digit, a 0 or a 1
Pixel
Short for picture element. A pixel is the smallest logical unit of visual information that can be used to build an image. Pixels are the little squares that can be seen when graphics image is enlarged. The more pixels I’m am image, the better it’s resolution.
ASCII
An agreed method for pairing the alphanumeric character set with binary representations used in computers
Fetch
The portion of the microprocessor dedicated to requesting and receiving instructions.
Decode
Translation of information from a code into a form that has meaning to the microprocessor
