Computer Systems and Components Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering core computer concepts, hardware, software, memory, user interfaces, and operating systems based on the lecture notes.

Computer

An electronic machine that helps to store and process data, runs on electricity, and is small in size.

Computer System

A system made up of hardware, software, data, and networks.

Hardware

The physical components of a computer system that can be touched.

Software

A set of digital instructions that tell hardware what to do, representing the parts of a computer system that cannot be touched.

Input Devices

Hardware devices used to enter numbers, letters, and shortcut commands into a computer system, such as a keyboard, scanner, or touchpad.

Output Devices

Hardware devices used to display or output data from a computer system, such as a monitor, printer, or speaker.

Secondary Storage Devices

Devices that can store data in the computer system, such as a DVD, removable hard disk, or flash disk.

Motherboard

The main circuit board of a computer that has the CPU, ROM, RAM expansion slots, PCI slots, and USB ports attached to it.

CPU (Microprocessor)

The component that controls what the computer does and is responsible for performing calculations and data processing.

Expansion Card

An electronic card added into the expansion slot of a desktop computer to give the computer a new ability, such as connecting via a network cable.

Main Memory

The memory where data being processed by the CPU resides and where all files to be saved are placed.

Operating System

System software needed to run hardware properly by providing a user interface, managing application software, computer memory, and computer security.

System Software

Software that manages hardware and provides a platform for running application software.

CLI (Command Line Interface)

A user interface requiring typed text instructions in order to choose options from menus or open software.

GUI (Graphical User Interface)

A user interface that allows users to interact with a computer using pictures, symbols, or icons.

WIMP

The core components of a Graphical User Interface, standing for Windows, Icon, Menu, and Pointing devices.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

An internal chip where data is stored temporarily when running an application, which loses its data when power is turned off.

ROM (Read-Only Memory)

Permanent memory used to store data that cannot be changed and is not lost when power is turned off.