Computer Systems: Hardware, Software, and Memory - Vocabulary (Lecture Notes)

Vocabulary flashcards covering hardware, software, memory, storage, interfaces, and common software concepts from the lecture notes.

Hardware

The physical equipment used for the input, processing, output, and storage activities of a computer system.

Software

Computer programs that provide instructions for the computer to perform tasks; includes systems software and application software.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The microprocessor that performs the actual computations inside a computer.

Primary storage (main memory)

Stores data and instructions for immediate use by the CPU; volatile memory.

Secondary storage

Stores large amounts of data for extended periods; non-volatile and slower than RAM.

Input technologies

Devices and methods that allow data to enter a computer (e.g., keyboards, mice, barcode readers).

Output technologies

Devices that present results to users (e.g., monitors, printers, speakers).

Source-data automation

Automation devices that input data without manual typing (e.g., bar code readers).

Bar code readers

Devices used to read barcodes as a form of input data.

Human data-entry devices

Human-operated input devices such as keyboards, mice, touchscreens, styluses, and voice input.

Moore’s Law

Prediction that microprocessor complexity doubles roughly every two years.

Microprocessor

A CPU on a single integrated circuit (chip).

Transistors

Tiny switches on a microprocessor that enable logic operations; the building blocks of integrated circuits.

Registers

Small, very fast memory locations inside the CPU that hold instructions/data immediately before/after processing; volatile.

Cache memory

High-speed memory that stores frequently used data to speed up CPU access; volatile.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Volatile primary memory that holds programs and data currently in use.

ROM (Read-Only Memory)

Nonvolatile memory that stores critical instructions and cannot be easily changed by the user.

Supercomputers

The fastest computers used for highly demanding computations on very large data sets.

Mainframe computers

Computers designed for transaction processing and supporting thousands of users concurrently.

Midrange computers (minicomputers)

Less powerful than mainframes; perform similar functions on a smaller scale.

Personal computers (PCs)

Smallest, most affordable general-purpose computers; includes desktops, notebooks, tablets, etc.

Magnetic disks (hard disks)

Magnetic storage devices used for large, persistent data storage.

Solid-state drives (SSDs)

Non-volatile storage using flash memory with no moving parts; faster than HDDs.

Optical storage devices

CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs used for data storage.

Flash memory devices

Non-volatile portable storage such as memory cards and USB flash drives.

Systems software

Software that acts as an intermediary between hardware and application software (e.g., the operating system).

Application software

Programs that provide specific functionality to the user (e.g., word processors, spreadsheets).

Operating system (OS)

System software that manages hardware, schedules tasks, and provides an interface between user and hardware.

Graphical user interface (GUI)

User interface that uses visual objects like icons to interact with the computer.

Natural user interfaces (NUIs)

Interfaces that allow natural interactions, including haptic, social, and gesture-based controls.

Open-source software

Software whose source code is available to the public for use, modification, and distribution.

Licensing

The legal permission to use software; unauthorized copying is illegal.

Software package

A vendor-developed bundle of software made available for purchase in a prepackaged form.

Spreadsheets

Software for numerical data analysis using rows and columns (e.g., Excel).

Word processing

Software for creating and editing textual documents (e.g., Word).

Desktop publishing

Software to produce finished documents with text and graphics (e.g., Pages, InDesign).

Data management software

Programs to store, retrieve, and manipulate related data (e.g., databases).

Presentation software

Tools for creating and delivering slide-based presentations (e.g., PowerPoint).

Graphics software

Programs for creating and editing images, diagrams, and graphics.

Personal information management

Software to manage calendars, contacts, and tasks (e.g., Outlook).

Personal finance software

Tools to track finances, investments, and budgeting.

Web authoring

Software used to design and publish websites (e.g., Dreamweaver).

Communications software

Programs that enable email, messaging, and collaboration (e.g., Outlook).

MIS (Management Information Systems)

A function/department that supports software development, acquisitions, and upgrades within an organization.