Hardware and Software

Flashcards containing terms and definitions about computer hardware and software.

Feature

A distinctive part or characteristic of a device.

Function

How a device is used; its main purpose and other potential uses.

Hardware

All the physical parts of a device, both internal and external, that you can see and touch.

Performance

How well a device works for its intended function.

Portability

How easy it is to carry a device around.

User Interface

The part of a device that a person uses to interact with it.

Connectivity

The ability to connect devices to other devices.

Expansion Capability

The ability to add elements, such as more storage space, to a device.

Biometric device

A type of security device that uses biological data as a form of password.

Biological data

Data that belongs to a human, for example a ngerprint, an iris, facial features, and their voice.

Storage Media

The type of storage that can be used for a device; for example, the device can have a memory card slot or a USB port that allows a USB drive to be connected.

Technological convergence

When two or more devices are combined to create a single device, product, or service.

Internet of Things (IoT)

The huge network of devices (e.g., a machine, toaster, and temperature sensors) that are connected to the internet.

Embedded system

A type of system that has a dedicated purpose.

Microprocessor

A small version of a processor where all the data is processed using a limited number of integrated circuits.

Firmware

Instructions that allow a system to function.

Basic input/output system (BIOS)

A set of instructions that are part of the rmware that control the basic input and output operations.

Bootloader

A program that is part of the rmware; it is responsible for loading the operating system when a computer is turned on.

Bit

This is the smallest measure of data.

Byte

8 bits

Systems Software

The purpose of systems software is to allow the computer to run efficiently.

Application Software

The purpose of application software is to perform services for the user.

Free software

Developed and then released, allowing the user a wide range of freedom to study the source code for the software, modify it, and share it.

Open- source

Allows the user to study, modify, and share the software code. Open-source software is nearly always provided without a fee.

Proprietary

Software that is not distributed with the source code. The source code is protected, meaning that the user cannot see it and is not able to study, modify, or redistribute the code.

Driver

A type of software that allows operating systems and devices to communicate.

Interrupt

A type of signal that is sent to the processor in a computer.

Multitasking

When multiple tasks are being executed by a computer at the same time.

Patch

A quick- x released by a software developer to x errors or improve functionality, often used to quickly x security vulnerabilities.

Automatic Software Update

A setting that is applied to software to cause updates to install without a user's intervention.

Software Upgrade

A whole new version of software that contains new features and functionality.

Compatibility Problems

Issues that can arise when an update causes the software to not function properly.