K204 Terms Chapter 2

Computer

A device that can accept, process, and store data

Analog Computer

A computer that uses continuous physical signals (like movement or voltage) to perform tasks; difficult to update or repurpose.

Digital Computer

A programmable computer that uses binary code (0s and 1s) to process data and perform complex operations.

Form Factor

The physical size, shape, and intended use of a computer (e.g., desktop tower, laptop, micro PC).

Peripheral Device

Any external device connected to a computer, such as a keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer, or scanner.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The “brain” of the computer that performs calculations using the steps: fetch, decode, execute, writeback.

Motherboard

The main circuit board that connects and allows communication between all internal components.

NIC (Network Interface Controller)

Hardware that enables a computer to connect to a network through wired or wireless communication.

Power Supply

A component that converts AC (wall power) into DC power used by computer components.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Temporary, volatile memory that stores active data and instructions for fast access by the CPU.

ROM (Read‑Only Memory)

Permanent, non‑volatile memory that stores firmware such as the BIOS.

Operating System (OS)

Software that manages hardware, memory, processes, and provides a user interface (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux).

Kernel

The core of the operating system that manages memory, hardware communication, and system processes during startup.

LAN (Local Area Network)

A network covering a small geographic area, such as a home, office, or classroom.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

A network covering a large geographic area; the Internet is the largest WAN.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A secure virtual connection that allows remote devices to behave as if they are on the same internal network.

Hardware

The physical parts of a computer you can touch, like the keyboard, screen, or internal parts.

Software

The programs on a computer that tell the hardware what to do, like apps or the operating system.