Computer Systems and Evolution (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering definitions of key terms from the computer science lecture notes.

Computer

A fast-electronic calculating machine; etymology from Latin computare; it accepts digitized input, processes it using stored instructions, and outputs data.

Input Device

A device used to enter data into the computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, webcam).

Output Device

A device used to display or present results (e.g., monitor, printer, speakers, projector).

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The computer’s brain; processes instructions and coordinates activities; includes ALU and CU.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Performs arithmetic calculations and logic operations.

Control Unit (CU)

Directs and coordinates the activities of the computer.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Handles graphics, images, and video rendering.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Primary, fast temporary storage; data is erased when power is off.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Traditional magnetic secondary storage; non-volatile.

Solid State Drive (SSD)

Faster non-volatile storage alternative to HDD.

USB Flash Drive

Portable storage using flash memory.

Memory Card

Removable storage used in phones and cameras.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

Enables network connection to a computer.

Wi‑Fi Adapter

Wireless networking adapter.

Modem

Device that connects the computer to the Internet.

Router

Forwards data between networks and shares Internet access.

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

Provides electrical power to all computer components.

Motherboard

Main circuit board; connects all components.

System Unit

The case and internal components (CPU, memory, storage, etc.).

Keyboard

Principal input device for typing instructions.

Monitor

Display output device to view work.

Mouse

Pointing device used to interact with the screen.

Printer

Output device that produces printed copies.

Speaker

Audio output device.

CD/DVD Drive

Reads CD/DVD discs.

Floppy Disk Drive

Reads from and writes to floppy disks.

Expansion Card

Card added to connect peripherals or add capabilities.

Expansion Slot

Connector on the motherboard to attach expansion cards.

RAM Modules

Memory modules that store data temporarily while you work.

Fan

Cools the CPU and other components.

Abacus

Originated in Asia; the first counting device in the mechanical era.

Pascaline

First mechanical digital calculator with gears, invented by Blaise Pascal (1642).

Jacquard Loom

1804 loom controlled by punched cards; precursor to punched-card programming.

Difference Engine

1812 design by Charles Babbage; automated calculations for long computations.

Ada Lovelace

First programmer; wrote notes on Babbage’s engine and concepts of programming.

Herman Hollerith Tabulating Machine

Early data-processing machine used to compile data for the US Census.

Turing Machine

Hypothetical device capable of performing logical operations; heralded programmable computers.

ENIAC

Electrical Numerical Integrator and Calculator; a large automatic digital computer.

Harvard Mark I

Large automatic digital sequence-controlled computer.

UNIVAC I

First commercially produced computer; Grace Hopper developed its compiler.

Transistor

Semiconductor device (1947) that replaced vacuum tubes in computers.

Vacuum Tube

Early electronic component used in First Generation computers.

Integrated Circuit (IC)

Miniaturized electronic circuit; first ICs produced around 1959.

BASIC

Beginners All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code; high-level language developed in 1960s.

Internet

Global network that started in 1969; foundational for modern networking.

Microsoft

Tech company founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975.

Apple

Company founded by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak; products include the Apple II and Macintosh.

Macintosh (Mac)

Apple’s line of GUI-based personal computers introduced in 1984.

IBM PC/AT

IBM Personal Computer/Advanced Technology; 1984 generation with faster processors.

Cray I

Early supercomputer introduced in 1976.

ULSI

Ultra Large Scale Integration; fifth-generation tech enabling advanced AI and complex systems.

Hardware

Physical computer components that can be touched.

Software

Programs and data; instructions stored electronically.

Data

Distinct pieces of information; can be numbers, text, or other formats; stored and processed by computers.

Peopleware

People involved in the computer system (users, programmers, technicians, etc.).

Kilobyte (KB)

1 KB = 1,024 bytes; about 140 words.

Megabyte (MB)

1 MB = 1,000 KB; about 1,000,000 bytes (~500 pages of text).

Gigabyte (GB)

1 GB = 1,000 MB; about 1,000,000 KB; ~1,000,000,000 bytes.

Machine Language

First-generation programming language consisting of binary instructions.

Assembly Language

Second-generation low-level programming language using mnemonic codes.

SQL

Fourth-generation language for database querying and management.

TeX

Fourth-generation language for high-quality text formatting.

BASIC (language)

High-level programming language designed for beginners (1960s).