CompTIA A+ Chapter 2 Section 1

general purpose computer

can run many different programs

Examples of general purpose computers

PC, tablet, smartphones

specific purpose computers

A computer designed to handle a specific problem or to perform a specific task

Hardware

the physical parts of a computer

operating system

system software that allows hardware and other software to communicate with each other

software

Several programs or instructions that give directions to the computer.

program

An algorithm translated into code that can be run by a machine.

User Interface (UI)

software that a user interacts with

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Type of UI that allows a user to interact with software using text and graphics

Applications

A program or software designed for users to accomplish a specific task.

input

Data that is entered into the computer system via an input or storage device.

Processing

The process of transforming and executing input data.

What does the CPU do?

processes all of the data and instructions that make the system work

output

The results of processing.

storage

saving a permanent copy

network connection

a connection between computers