INTO COM PRELIM

Computer

An electronic device that accepts data (input), processes it, and produces information (output), operating under instructions stored in its memory.

Digital Literacy

Knowledge and understanding of computers, mobile devices, the Internet, and related technologies.

Laptop (Notebook)

Thin, portable computer with screen on lid and keyboard on base.

Tablet

Portable computer with touchscreen interface.

Desktop

Stationary personal computer designed to fit on or under a desk.

Server

Powerful computer that manages resources and provides services to other computers on a network.

Smartphone

Internet-capable phone with apps, camera, messaging.

Digital Camera

Captures and stores images digitally.

Portable/Digital Media Player

Stores and plays music, videos, podcasts

E-book Reader

Device for reading digital books (e.g., Kindle).

Wearable Device

Tech worn on the body (smartwatch, fitness tracker).

Game Device

Dedicated hardware for gaming (console, handheld).

Data

Raw, unprocessed facts (numbers, text, images).

Information

Data processed into meaningful form.

Keyboard

Keys for entering data and instructions.

Pointing Device

Controls pointer (mouse, touchpad).

Scanner

Converts printed text/images into digital form

Printer

Produces text/images on paper (3D printers produce objects).

Display (Monitor)

Visual output device showing text/graphics/video.

Speakers/Headphones/Earbuds

Output sound/audio.

Memory (RAM)

Temporary storage of instructions/data for quick use.

Storage Device

Records and retrieves data for long-term use.

HDD, SSD, USB Flash Drive, Optical Disc, Cloud Storage.

Internet

Worldwide network connecting millions of computers.

World Wide Web (Web)

Collection of online documents (webpages).

Website

Collection of related webpages

Web Server

Computer that delivers webpages

Browser

Software to access/view websites (Chrome, Firefox).

Search Engine

Finds content on the web (Google, Bing).

Social Network

Platform for sharing content with others (FB, IG).

Malware

Harmful software (virus, worm, Trojan).

Privacy Concerns

Risks of personal data misuse.

Health Concerns

RSI, CVS (eye strain).

Environmental Issues

E-waste, high energy use.

Green Computing

Practices to reduce tech waste and energy use.

Software (Program)

Instructions that tell computer how to work

System Software

Operating System (Windows, macOS) + tools.

Application Software

Programs for specific tasks (MS Word, Photoshop).

Network

Group of connected devices sharing data/resources.

Wired vs Wireless

Wired (cables), Wireless (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC).

Home User

Uses tech for personal needs.

SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) User

Runs business from home.

Mobile User

Works while traveling.

Power User

Requires high-performance hardware/software.

Enterprise User

Uses large systems in corporations

Mobile Computer

Portable computer (laptop, tablet, handheld).

Personal Computer

Computer for one user at a time.

Server

Manages resources and provides services to clients.

Rack Server

Mounted in a rack.

Blade Server

Thin modular server that slides into a blade chassis.

Tower Server

Upright cabinet server

Virtual Server

Software-based server running on one physical machine.

Server Farm

Multiple servers housed together for large-scale computing.

Mainframe

Large, expensive, powerful server supporting thousands.

Supercomputer

Fastest, most powerful, processes trillions of instructions/sec.

Terminal

Device with limited processing, connects to a host.

Thin Client

Looks like a desktop but limited functions.

POS Terminal

Used in retail to record purchases and update inventory.

ATM

Self-service banking terminal.

Kiosk

Self-service touchscreen device (airline check-in, fast food).

Cloud Computing

Accessing services and resources over the internet. Examples: Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud.

Smartphone

Internet-capable, apps, touch screen, SMS/MMS

Digital Camera

Smart, Point-and-shoot, SLR.

Portable Media Player

Plays stored music/videos

Streaming Media Player

Streams content to a TV/projector.

E-Book Reader

Device for reading e-books.

Wearables

Smartwatch, fitness tracker

Game Console

For gaming on TV (PlayStation, Xbox

Handheld Game Device

Portable with screen + controls (Nintendo Switch Lite).

Game Controllers

Gamepads, Joysticks, Wheels, Motion-sensing.

Embedded Computer

Special-purpose computer built into another device (cars, appliances, robotics).

Port

Interface for connecting peripherals.

Connector

Cable end that attaches to a port.

USB

Connects multiple devices (up to 127).

Docking Station/Port Replicator

Expands connectivity of laptops.

Bluetooth

Short-range wireless connection.

Wi-Fi

Wireless internet connection.

NFC

Very short-range communication (tap-to-pay).

Physical Security

Locks, alarms, tracking apps.

Surge protector

Prevents power surges from damaging devices.

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

Backup battery + surge protection

RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury)

Pain from repetitive motions.

CVS (Computer Vision Syndrome)

Eye strain from screen use.

Ergonomics

Designing workplace for comfort & safety.

Tech Addiction

Overdependence on technology.

Keyboard

Enters text (standard, ergonomic, virtual, gaming).

Mouse

Controls pointer (optical, laser, touch).

Touchpad

Pressure-sensitive pad for pointer control.

Trackball

Ball-based stationary pointing device

Touchscreen

Direct input via touch.

Pen Input

Stylus, Digital Pen, Graphics Tablet.

Motion Input

Gesture recognition.

Voice Input

Speech commands, speech recognition.

Entering data by speaking.

Video Input

Capturing motion via webcam, DV camera

Scanners

Convert printed to digital (Flatbed, OCR, OMR).

Barcode Reader

Scans UPC codes.

QR Code Reader

Reads 2D matrix barcodes.

RFID

Uses radio tags for tracking.

Magstripe Reader

Reads card stripes (credit cards).

MICR Reader

Reads magnetized ink (bank checks).

Display/Monitor

Shows text, graphics, video.