DCIT 21A Full set

Operating System

A collection of programs that manage and coordinate all computer activities, acting as an intermediary between users, applications, and hardware.

Multitasking

The ability of an operating system to have more than one program open at a time, switching between them quickly to appear simultaneous.

Multithreading

The ability of a CPU or program to execute multiple threads concurrently within a single process, with each thread being the smallest unit of execution.

Multiprocessing

The use of two or more processors within one computer system to execute multiple tasks simultaneously.

Parallel Processing

A technique where one large task is divided into smaller sub-tasks that run at the same time across multiple processors or cores.

Memory Management

The process of optimizing the use of main memory (RAM) for efficient computer operation.

Virtual Memory

A part of a hard drive or SSD that acts as extra RAM when physical memory is full, helping computers run smoothly with many programs open.

Buffering

Temporary memory storage that holds data while being transferred between devices or programs.

Spooling

The process of placing data in temporary storage so it can be processed later by a device at its own pace.

Command Line Interface (CLI)

A text-based interface requiring users to input commands through the keyboard.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

A graphics-based interface used in most modern operating systems for easy navigation.

Personal (Desktop) Operating System

Designed for individual users to perform tasks like browsing, office work, and gaming (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux).

Server (Network) Operating System

Designed to manage network resources, handle multiple users, and provide services like web hosting or file sharing.

File Management

Refers to how an OS stores, organizes, retrieves, and protects files on storage devices.

File System

The method and data structure an OS uses to organize and manage data on storage devices.

FAT32

An older Windows file system compatible with many devices but limited to 4 GB file size and 2 TB partitions.

NTFS

Default Windows file system supporting large files, permissions, encryption, and journaling for stability and security.

exFAT

File system for flash drives and external storage that supports large files but lacks journaling and permissions.

HFS+

Older macOS file system supporting large files and journaling but not optimized for SSDs.

APFS (Apple File System)

Default macOS file system optimized for SSDs, featuring encryption, snapshots, and space sharing.

EXT2

Early Linux file system without journaling.

EXT3

Linux file system adding journaling for crash recovery.

EXT4

Common Linux file system supporting large files, journaling, and backward compatibility.

Btrfs

Modern Linux file system with snapshots, compression, RAID, and self-healing features.

XFS

High-performance Linux file system ideal for handling large files in enterprise servers.

Android File Systems

Typically uses EXT4 or F2FS, optimized for flash memory, speed, and data reliability.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The brain of the computer that executes instructions, performs calculations, and manages decision-making.

Instruction Cycle

The process of fetching, decoding, executing, and storing instructions in the CPU.

Control Unit (CU)

Directs the flow of data and instructions within the CPU.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Performs calculations and logical operations.

Registers

Small, fast storage inside the CPU used for temporary data.

Cache

High-speed memory storing frequently used data for quick CPU access.

Intel Core Series

Common CPU line for desktops and laptops (i3, i5, i7, i9).

AMD Ryzen Series

CPUs known for strong multi-core performance.

Apple M1/M2 Chips

ARM-based processors used in Apple devices for high efficiency.

Qualcomm Snapdragon

RISC-based processors found in mobile phones.

Motherboard

The main circuit board connecting all computer components and enabling communication between them.

CPU Fan & Heatsink Mounts

Spots for attaching cooling systems to prevent CPU overheating.

Northbridge

Chipset managing communication between the CPU, RAM, and graphics card.

Southbridge

Chipset handling slower I/O devices like USB, audio, and storage.

RAM Slots

Slots for installing memory modules that store temporary data for active processes.

IDE Connector

Old connector for hard drives and optical drives before SATA.

SATA Port

Connector used to link storage devices like HDDs and SSDs to the motherboard.

Power Connector

Provides electrical power from the PSU to the motherboard.

PCI Slots

Expansion slots for adding devices such as sound cards or network cards.

CMOS Battery

Small battery that keeps BIOS settings (like date and boot order) saved when the PC is off.

PGA (Pin Grid Array)

A CPU design where the pins are on the processor itself, plugging into holes on the motherboard socket (used in older AMD CPUs).

LGA (Land Grid Array)

A CPU design where pins are located on the motherboard socket, while the CPU has flat contacts (common in Intel desktop CPUs).

BGA (Ball Grid Array)

A CPU or chip soldered directly to the motherboard using small solder balls, making it non-replaceable and common in laptops or compact devices.

Thermal Paste

A heat-conductive compound placed between the CPU and cooler to fill small gaps and efficiently transfer heat to the heatsink.

Static RAM (SRAM)

Memory using flip-flops that doesn’t need refreshing, very fast but expensive, and used in CPU cache.

Dynamic RAM (DRAM)

Memory using capacitors that must be refreshed constantly, slower but cheaper and used as main memory.

SDR (Single Data Rate)

Type of DRAM that transfers data once per clock cycle.

DDR (Double Data Rate)

Type of DRAM that transfers data twice per clock cycle for faster performance.

DDR2 / DDR3 / DDR4 / DDR5

Successive DDR generations offering increased speed, efficiency, and lower power use.

Video RAM (VRAM)

Special memory used by GPUs for rendering graphics, images, and videos.

Low Power DDR (LPDDR)

A power-efficient version of DDR RAM used in mobile devices and laptops.

IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics)

An older interface used for connecting hard drives and optical drives, replaced by newer technologies.

PATA (Parallel ATA)

Another name for IDE, transferring data in parallel using wide ribbon cables.

SATA (Serial ATA)

Modern storage interface transferring data serially for faster speeds and slimmer cables, used in most HDDs and SSDs.

NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express)

A high-speed SSD protocol that connects via PCIe slots, communicating directly with the CPU for maximum performance.

Data

A collection of raw, unorganized facts and figures.

Example: Numbers, letters, symbols or combination of these.

Information

A processed, organized, or structured data that has meaning and context. It helps in decision-making and understanding.

Example: “The student’s average score is 86%, meaning they passed the exam.”

Data Processing

The collection, manipulation, and conversion of raw data into meaningful information that can be used for decision-making, problem-solving, or analysis.

It involves steps like input, processing, storage, and output.

Manual Data Processing

Implies the extend use of manual labor in the processing of data. Such method is slow and relatively inaccurate and could not support the rapidly expanding information requirements.

Example: Recording sales in a notebook, counting votes manually.

Mechanical Data Processing

Involves the use of machines or devices that alter, transmit and direct applied forces. The advantages are greater computational speed.

Example: Typewriters, calculators, Hollerith’s punched card machines.

Electronic Data Processing

Has superior capacity to perform computations and other functions at incredible speeds.

Example: Payroll system in HR software, student grading systems.

Batch Processing

Collecting and processing data in large groups (batches) at a scheduled time.

Example: Bank check processing, monthly utility bill generation.

Real-Time Processing

Data is processed instantly as it is input. It Provides immediate output, crucial for time-sensitive applications.

Example: ATM transactions, airline booking systems.

Online Processing (Interactive Processing)

Users directly interact with a computer system to process data. It is interactive and user-driven, often used in business and education.

Example: Online shopping checkout system, Google Docs collaboration.

Distributed Data Processing

Data is processed across multiple computers connected in a network.

Example: Cloud computing services, online multiplayer gaming servers.

Input–Process–Output (IPO) Model

A simple framework that shows how raw data (input) is transformed into meaningful information (output) through a processing stage.

Data Collection

Gathering raw facts from various sources such as surveys, sensors, transactions, documents, or online systems.

Data Preparation

Also known as data cleaning or preprocessing. Involves removing errors, duplicates, or irrelevant information, and organizing the data into a structured format.

Data Input

The prepared data is entered into the system, database, or software for further use.

Can be manual (typing), mechanical (scanning), or automated (direct upload from a device).

Data Processing (Cycle)

The core stage where data is transformed using formulas, calculations, algorithms, or computer programs.

Data Interpretation

Also called data output or analysis. The processed data is analyzed to generate meaningful insights, reports, or visualizations.

Data Storage

The final stage where processed information (and sometimes raw data) is stored securely for future access, reference, or audits.

Hardware

Physical parts of a computer that you can see and touch. Includes input devices, output devices, storage, and processing units.

Software

A set of instructions or programs that tell the hardware what to do.

Includes system software, application software, and programming software.

Input Devices

Used to enter data into the computer.

Output Devices

Display or produce the processed information.

Storage Devices

Store data permanently or temporarily.

Processing Devices

A device that handles and executes instructions.

Networking Devices

Help computers communicate and share resources.

Monitor

An output device that displays text, images, videos, and other visual information processed by the computer.

Printer

An output device that produces a hard copy of digital documents, images, or graphics stored in a computer.

Storage Device

A hardware component used to store digital data permanently or temporarily.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

Known as the “brain of the computer”, this part performs most of the calculations and instructions needed to run programs.

GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

A processor designed specifically for rendering graphics and images quickly.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

A type of temporary memory that stores data and instructions while the computer is running. Volatile memory.

ROM (Read-Only Memory)

A type of non-volatile memory that permanently stores instructions needed for booting up and running a computer.

Motherboard

The main circuit board that connects all components of the computer, including CPU, RAM, storage, and expansion cards.

Router

Connects multiple devices to the internet and directs data between them.

Switch

Connects multiple devices within a local area network (LAN).

Modem

Converts digital signals from a computer into analog signals for transmission and vice versa.

Hub

A simple device that connects multiple devices in a network and broadcasts data to all connected devices.

NIC (Network Interface Card)

A hardware component inside a computer or device that allows it to connect to a network.

Firewall Device

A security device (hardware or software) that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic.

System Software

Controls and manages the computer hardware so other software can function.