Introduction to Computers – Computing Fundamentals

Vocabulary flashcards that define essential terms, components, devices, and concepts from Module 1, Topic 1: Introduction to Computers.

Computer

An electronic device that inputs, processes, outputs, and stores data under the control of programmed instructions.

Information Processing System (IPS)

A system—often computer-based—that manipulates digitized information through hardware, software, and networks to produce meaningful output.

Data

A collection of independent, unorganized facts represented by symbols, numbers, images, or sounds.

Information

Processed and organized data presented in a meaningful form for decision-making.

Data Processing

The sequence of steps that transforms raw data into useful information.

Hardware

The tangible, physical components of a computer system that you can see and touch.

Software

The intangible set of instructions that tells the computer how to perform tasks.

Peopleware

The people who use, program, operate, and manage computer systems.

Information Processing Cycle

The four basic operations—input, process, storage, and output—used to convert data into information.

Input

Data or signals supplied to a computer by users, sensors, or other computers.

Processing

The manipulation of data by the CPU according to program instructions.

Output

The information produced by a computer after processing, delivered via display, print, sound, or signals.

Storage

The area where data and programs are held permanently or temporarily for later use.

Advantage: Speed

Computers can process billions of instructions per second, completing tasks quickly.

Advantage: Accuracy

Computers perform calculations and operations with minimal errors when properly programmed.

Advantage: Multitasking

The ability of a computer to perform several tasks simultaneously.

Disadvantage: Loss of Privacy

Risk that personal or organizational data may be exposed or misused.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The primary processor that interprets and executes instructions; considered the computer’s brain.

Processor

A device or set of circuits that performs data manipulation; synonymous with CPU in most computers.

Memory

Electronic storage chips that hold data or program instructions, either temporarily or permanently.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Volatile memory that temporarily stores data and instructions currently being used by the CPU.

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

Non-volatile memory that permanently stores essential instructions needed for computer startup.

Input Device

Hardware used to enter data and instructions into a computer, e.g., keyboard, mouse, scanner.

Output Device

Hardware that conveys processed information to users, e.g., monitor, printer, speakers.

Peripheral Device

Any auxiliary hardware that connects to and works with the computer, classified as input, output, or storage.

Keyboard

Primary text-entry input device consisting of keys arranged in a typewriter-like layout.

Mouse

Pointing device that controls an on-screen pointer; may be mechanical (ball) or optical (laser).

Joystick

Hand-held stick controller used mainly for gaming and simulation input.

Light Pen

Light-sensitive pointing device shaped like a pen, used to draw or select directly on a screen.

Stylus

Pen-like input device for writing or drawing on touch-sensitive screens or tablets.

Scanner

A device that converts physical images or documents into digital form for processing.

Communications Device

Hardware that transmits data, instructions, and information between sending and receiving devices; example: modem.

Monitor

Output device that visually displays information using technologies such as LCD, LED, or CRT.

Printer

Peripheral that produces a hard-copy representation of graphics or text; may be impact or non-impact type.

Storage Device

Hardware that holds data permanently, even when power is off, e.g., hard disks, SSDs, optical discs.

Secondary Storage

Non-volatile storage separate from primary memory, providing permanent data retention; also called auxiliary storage.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Magnetic storage device with spinning platters and read/write heads for data retention.

Solid-State Drive (SSD)

Fast, non-volatile storage device that uses flash memory chips instead of moving parts.

System Software

Programs that control hardware and maintain the computer so it runs efficiently, including operating systems and utilities.

Operating System (OS)

System software that manages hardware resources and provides common services for application programs.

Utility Program

System software that performs maintenance tasks such as antivirus scanning, disk cleanup, or backup.

Network Operating System

System software that manages network resources and allows computers to communicate and share data.

Application Software

Programs that tell the computer how to accomplish specific user tasks, such as word processing or graphic design.

Disk Operating System (DOS)

Early command-driven operating system for personal computers, exemplified by MS-DOS.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Visual interaction method using icons, menus, and dialog boxes, allowing users to control software more intuitively.

File

A named collection of data stored on a drive; when user-accessible, often called a document.

Folder

A directory used to organize and group files and other folders on a storage device.

File Extension

The suffix (e.g., .doc, .xls) following a filename that indicates its format or associated application.

File Format

The arrangement and coding scheme of data inside a file, defining how it is stored and interpreted.

Native File Format

The default format produced and used by the application that created the file.

Data File

A file containing text, images, or other data used by programs, not intended to be executed.

Executable File

A file containing program instructions that the computer can run to perform a task.