MIS Concepts Chapter #2 - Bidgoli chapter 2, MindTap Internet and Computer Essentials

Application software

can be commercial software or software developed in house and is used to perform a variety of tasks on a personal computer.

arithmetic logic unit (ALU)

performs arithmetic operations (+, , *, /) as well as comparison or relational operations (<, >, =); the latter are used to compare numbers.

central processing unit (CPU)

the heart of a computer. It is divided into two components: the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and the control unit.

computer

a machine that accepts data as input, processes data without human intervention by using stored instructions, and outputs information.

CPU case

also known as a computer chassis or tower. It is the enclosure containing the computer's main components

disk drive

a peripheral device for recording, storing, and retrieving information

Input devices

send data and information to the computer. Examples include keyboards and mouses

Main memory

stores data and information and is usually volatile; its contents are lost when electrical power is turned off. It plays a major role in a computer's performance.

motherboard

the main circuit board containing connectors for attaching additional boards. It usually contains the CPU, Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), memory, storage, interfaces, serial and parallel ports, expansion slots, and all the controllers for standard peripheral devices, such as the display monitor, disk drive, and keyboard.

operating system (OS)

a set of programs for controlling and managing computer hardware and software. It provides an interface between a computer and the user and increases computer efficiency by helping users share computer resources and by performing repetitive tasks for users.

output device

capable of representing information from a computer. The form of this output might be visual, audio, or digital; examples include printers, display monitors, and plotters.

Random access memory (RAM)

volatile memory, in which data can be read from and written to; it is also called read-write memory

Read-only memory (ROM)

is nonvolatile; data can not be written to ROM

Secondary memory

holds data when the computer is off or during the course of a program's operation. It also serves as archival storage.

server

a computer and all the software for managing network resources and offering services to a network

control unit

tells the computer what to do, such as instructing the computer which device to read or send output to

Storage area network (SAN)

Dedicated high-speed network consisting of both hardware and software, onnect and manage shared storage devices

Network-attached storage (NAS)

Network-connected computer dedicated to provide file-based data storage services to other network devices

System software

works in the background and takes care of tasks such as deleting unneeded files