Unit 1 - Computer Basics

Question 1

Application Software

Answer 1

Provides user with the ability to accomplish a goal or purpose.

Question 2

Binary Number System

Answer 2

Base-two numbering system used by computers to work with data; includes the digits 0 and 1.

Question 3

Bit

Answer 3

A contraction of ‘binary digit;’ a digit containing either a 0 or 1.

Question 4

Byte

Answer 4

A unit of digital data, containing a string of eight binary units (0s or 1s).

Question 5

CD/DVD-ROM Drive

Answer 5

Drive bay used to insert CDs and DVDs.

Question 6

CPU

Answer 6

Central Processing Unit
The ‘brains’ of the device; it performs computations and logic operations sent to it by application software, and returns results to be acted upon.

Question 7

Client-Server

Answer 7

Computer system in which a centralized server provides data to connected computers over a network.

Question 8

Cloud Computing

Answer 8

Storing and processing data over the Internet rather than on personal computer hardware.

Question 9

Computer

Answer 9

An electronic device that use a combination of hardware and software to manipulate data.

Question 10

Computer Network

Answer 10

A group of computers connected for the purpose of communication-sharing of data and resources.

Question 11

Computer Programming

Answer 11

Process used by computer programmers to develop software that solves problems.

Question 12

Data

Answer 12

Information, or a collection of facts.

Question 13

Decimal Number System

Answer 13

Base-ten numbering in which each column in the number represents a power of ten; includes the digits 0-9.

Question 14

Digital Camera

Answer 14

Input device that captures a picture and converts it to digital information.

Question 15

Flash Drive

Answer 15

Form of data storage that attaches to the USB connector on PCs.

Question 16

GPU

Answer 16

Graphics Processing Unit
Generates images on the monitor; also referred to as the video card.

Question 17

Hard Disk

Answer 17

The location for long-term data storage when the computer is turned off, and where data is retrieved when the computer is turned on.

Question 18

Hard Disk Controller

Answer 18

A hard disk component that enables the CPU to access, modify, read, and write data to and from the hard disk, CD-ROM, and any other drive.

Question 19

Hardware

Answer 19

The part of the information system that you can touch; the physical components of the technology.

Question 20

Hertz

Answer 20

A unit of frequency used to describe the speed of computing devices; abbreviated Hz.

Question 21

Hexadecimal Number System

Answer 21

A numbering system based on sixteen digits; includes the digits 0-9 and A-F.

Question 22

Information System

Answer 22

A combination of technology, people, and processes that collect, create, distribute, and exploit useful information.

Question 23

Input

Answer 23

Mode by which data enters the computer.

Question 24

Input Device

Answer 24

Any hardware component that sends data into the computer.

Question 25

Keyboard

Answer 25

Device that provides text and or numeric input into a computer system.

Question 26

LAN

Answer 26

Local Area Network Computer network that links computers within a building.

Question 27

Monitor

Answer 27

Output device used to display video, images, and text.

Question 28

Motherboard

Answer 28

The main circuit board on the computer, to which the CPU, memory, and storage connect.

Question 29

Mouse

Answer 29

Device that can be moved across a flat surface to move an on-screen pointer.

Question 30

Network Interface Card

Answer 30

Expansion card that provides a computer with the ability to connect to a network.

Question 31

Numbering System

Answer 31

Method of representing numbers of a certain type.

Question 32

Octal Number System

Answer 32

Numbering system based on eight digits; includes the digits 0-7.

Question 33

Operating System

Answer 33

Software that performs the task required to keep the system running and provides the main interface for the user.

Question 34

Optical Disc

Answer 34

A form of removable storage media that stores data on the surface of the disc.

Question 35

Output

Answer 35

Mode by which data is delivered.

Question 36

Output Device

Answer 36

Any hardware component that sends data out from the computer.

Question 37

Peripheral

Answer 37

A hardware component that is not natively a part of the system.

Question 38

Pointing Device

Answer 38

Device that moves an on-screen pointer and provides buttons for input.

Question 39

Portability

Answer 39

How easily a computer can be transported.

Question 40

Ports

Answer 40

Area into which device cables can be connected to the system unit.

Question 41

Printer

Answer 41

Output device that generates a hard copy of work created on a computer.

Question 42

Processing Speed

Answer 42

Amount of clock cycles a processor can perform in a second, measured in hertz.

Question 43

Productivity Software

Answer 43

Subcategory of application software that provides office employees the ability to complete their work.

Question 44

Programming Software

Answer 44

Software whose purpose is to make more software.

Question 45

RAM

Answer 45

Random-Access Memory The working memory of a computer that transfers data from the hard disk upon starting the device.

Question 46

ROM

Answer 46

Read-Only Memory A form of memory in which the data stored can only be read; it cannot be changed.

Question 47

Scanner

Answer 47

Input device that allows users to input documents as images or text.

Question 48

Screen Size

Answer 48

The length of the monitor, typically the diagonal measured in inches.

Question 49

Smartphone

Answer 49

A mobile phone that incorporates the same functionality as a computer.

Question 50

Software

Answer 50

The set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do.

Question 51

SSD

Answer 51

Solid-State Drive Form of data storage that uses flash memory; all data is stored on a microchip.

Question 52

Sound Card

Answer 52

Expansion card that produces sound through the speakers or headphone.

Question 53

Status Lights

Answer 53

Provide user with feedback as to the current operation with the system.

Question 54

Tablet Computer

Answer 54

A computer that uses a touch screen as its primary input.

Question 55

Touchpad

Answer 55

Touch sensitive pad that behaves like a mouse built into laptop computers.

Question 56

Unit Prefix

Answer 56

A group of letters attached to the beginning of a unit; common prefixes include kilo, mega, giga, and tera.

Question 57

Utility Software

Answer 57

Software that allows you to fix or modify your computer in some way.

Question 58

Vent

Answer 58

Provides area for internally generated heat to be dissipated.

Question 59

Volatile

Answer 59

Computer storage that only holds data while power remains on.