computer:
a machine that can receive, store, transform, and output data of all kinds
computer chip microprocessor
a silicon chip containing the circuitry for a computer processor
hardware
the actual computer equipment
software
set of programs associated with a computer
program
a list of instructions that enables a computer to perform a specific task
binary number
number whose digits are 0 and 1
memory cell
an individual storage location in memory
address of a memory cell
the relative position of a memory cell in the computer's main memory
contents of a memory cell
information stored in a memory cell, either a program instruction or data
stored program concept
a computer's ability to store program instructions in main memory for execution
byte
amount of storage required to store a single character
bit
a binary digit, 0 or 1
data storage
setting individual bits of a memory cell to 0 or 1, destroying its previous contents
data retrieval
copying the contents of a particular memory cell to another storage area, doesn't destroy contents
random access memory
part of main memory that temporarily stores programs data and results
Read-only memory (ROM)
part of main memory that permanently stores programs or data
volatile memory
memory whose contents disappear when computer is shut off
secondary storage
units such as disks or flash drives that retain data even when power is shut off
disk
thin platter of metal or plastic on which data are represented by magnetized spots alligned in concentric circles called tracks
optical drive
device that uses a laser to access or store data on a CD or DVD
flash drive
device that plugs into USB port and stores data bits as trapped electrons
file
named collection of data on a stored disk
directory
a list of the names of files stored on a disk
subdirectory
list of names of files that relate to a particular topic
central processing unit (CPU)
coordinates all computer operations and performs arithmetic and logical operations on data
fetching an instruction
retrieving an instruction from main memory
register
high speed memory located inside the cpu
multiprocessor
computer with more than one cpu
cursor
moving place marker that appears on monitor
function keys
special keyboard keys that perform particular operations that depend on the program being used
mouse
input device that moves cursor on computer screen
icon
picture representing computer operation
hard copy
printed version of info
local area networ (LAN)
computers, printers, scanners, and storage devices connected by caples or wireless network for intercommunication
file server
computer in a network that controls access to secondary storage device such as a hard disk
wide area network (WAN)
a network such as the internet that connects computers and LANs over a large geographic area
world wide web
part of the Internet whose graphical user interfaces make associated network resources easily navigable.
graphical user interface (GUI)
pictures and menus displayed to allow user to select commands and data
modem
device that converts binary data into audio signals that can be transmitted between computers over telephone lines
DSL connection (Digital Subscriber Line)
high speed internet connection that uses a telephone line and does not interfere with simultaneous voice communication on the same line. 1.5 million bits per second
cable internet access
two-way highspeed transmission of internet data through two of the hundreds of channels available over the coaxial cable that carries cable television signals.