WEEK 2-Classification of Computers

A set of 100 vocabulary flashcards summarizing key terms, examples, and measurement units from the lecture on computer classifications, storage, and performance.

Analog Computer

A computer that measures continuous physical quantities and does not deal directly with numbers.

Digital Computer

A computer that processes discrete binary data (0s and 1s); provides accurate and fast results.

Hybrid Computer

A system that combines analog measurement with digital storage and processing features.

Continuous Physical Quantity

A variable—such as voltage, current, or speed—that changes smoothly and is measured by analog devices.

Discrete Digital Data

Information represented in separate, countable values (binary 0s and 1s) handled by digital computers.

Analog Signal

A continuously varying electrical signal used by analog computers and sensors.

Digital Signal

A signal that alternates between distinct high- and low-voltage states to represent binary 0 and 1.

Binary Digit (Bit)

The smallest unit of data in computing; can be either 0 or 1.

Byte

A group of 8 bits; enough to store one ASCII character.

Kilobyte (KB)

A unit of digital information equal to 1,024 bytes.

Megabyte (MB)

A unit of digital information equal to 1,024 KB (1,048,576 bytes).

Gigabyte (GB)

A unit of digital information equal to 1,024 MB (1,073,741,824 bytes).

Terabyte (TB)

A unit of digital information equal to 1,024 GB.

Petabyte (PB)

A unit of digital information equal to 1,024 TB.

Exabyte (EB)

A unit of digital information equal to 1,024 PB.

Zettabyte (ZB)

A unit of digital information equal to 1,024 EB.

Yottabyte (YB)

A unit of digital information equal to 1,024 ZB.

Millisecond (ms)

One-thousandth of a second; timing unit for computer events.

Microsecond (µs)

One-millionth of a second; used to describe faster computer operations.

Nanosecond (ns)

One-billionth of a second; common measure for modern processor actions.

Picosecond (ps)

One-trillionth of a second; extremely fine time interval for advanced electronics.

MIPS

Millions of Instructions Per Second; a measure of processing speed.

Megahertz (MHz)

Millions of clock cycles per second; older measure of processor speed.

Gigahertz (GHz)

Billions of clock cycles per second; common unit for modern CPU speed.

Supercomputer

Fastest, most powerful computer type used for complex calculations like weather forecasting.

Mainframe Computer

Very large, expensive system that supports hundreds to thousands of simultaneous users.

Minicomputer

Mid-size multi-user system supporting 4–200 users; common in small enterprises.

Microcomputer

Another name for a personal computer; desktop-sized and single-user.

Personal Computer

A microcomputer designed for individual use at home or in the office.

Workstation

A powerful desktop computer for technical or scientific tasks, often networked.

Server

Powerful computer that stores and manages data for other networked devices.

Embedded Computer

Small computer built into a larger device or appliance for dedicated control tasks.

Data Handling Classification

Scheme dividing computers into analog, digital, and hybrid types.

Size and Purpose Classification

Scheme categorizing computers as super, mainframe, mini, micro, or workstation.

Computer Storage Capacity

Measurement of how much data a system can hold, expressed in bytes and their multiples.

Computer Processing Speed

Rate at which a computer executes instructions, measured in time units or cycles.

Measurement

Analog function of capturing continuous physical data.

Storage

Digital function of retaining data for later use.

Processing

Digital action of performing computations on data.

Accuracy

Quality associated with digital computers’ precise binary calculations.

Real-Time Monitoring

Hybrid capability of instantly displaying measured analog data in digital form.

Portable Computer

General term for laptops, tablets, and similar devices designed for mobility.

Handheld Computer

Very small, easily carried computer such as smartphones or PDAs.

Multi-User Computer

System designed to serve several users simultaneously, such as minicomputers or mainframes.

High-Performance Computing

Use of supercomputers to execute extremely demanding computational tasks.