CCAS chapter 3 quiz

System software

software that allows application software to interact with a computer

Operating System (OS)

the principal component of system software

Utility

a basic component of system software used to support, enhance, or expand existing programs

Booting

the process of loading an operating system into a computer's main memory, accomplished automatically by programs stored permanently in the computer's electronic circuitry (ROM)

Cold booting

when a user pushes the power switch and turns on a computer

Warm booting

when a user restarts a computer that is already turned on

Hard drive

where the computer normally boots

Data file

a named collection of data

Pathname

the route through a computer's file system

Multitasking

when a user runs two programs at the same time on a computer with one or two central processors

Device drivers

in system software, special programs that allow input and output devices to communicate with the computer system

Utility (service) programs

in system software, the programs that perform tasks related to the control and allocation of computer resources

User interface

the user controllable display screen that allows a user to communicate with a computer

Function keys

Usually positioned along the top of the keyboard and are used to execute commands specific to the software being used. They are labeled as F1, F2, F3, and so on, up to F12. The functionality of these keys differs from program to program.

Macro

a single keystroke or command used to automatically issue a longer, predetermined series of keystrokes or commands

Icons

small pictorial figures that represent programs, data files, or procedures

Desktop

the system's main interface screen

Rollover

a small text box explaining the icon’s function, appears when you roll the mouse pointer over the icon; may also produce an animated graphic

Pull down (drop down) menu

displays a list of options descending from the top of the screen

Toolbar

the area across the top of a window, below the title bar and the menu bar, that displays menus and icons representing frequently used options or commands are displayed

Taskbar

the bar across the bottom of the desktop screen that contains the Start button and that shows which files are open

Platform

the particular processor model and operating system on which a computer is based

Command-line interface

a text-based application for viewing, handling, and manipulating files on your computer

Copyright

the exclusive legal right that prohibits illegal copying of intellectual property

Custom software

software that is written to meet the needs of a specific company or individual

Public-domain software

software that is not protected by copyright and that allows anyone to make copies

Pirated software

software programs that have been obtained illegally

Shareware

copyrighted software that is given away but requires payment for continued use

Documentation

a user guide or reference manual that provides a narrative and graphical description of a program

Tutorial

a prescribed number of steps in an instruction book or following a program

Installed

All types of programs must be _ on your computer -- from a download or a CD/DVD -- before you use them.

File

a named collection of data or a program existing in a computer's secondary storage

Extension

three or four letters added after a period at the end of the file name that indicate what kind of a file it is

Executable file

a file that contains the instructions that tell the computer how to perform a particular task

Exporting

the process of transforming data into a format that can be used in another program and then transmitting it

Data compression

a method of removing repetitive elements from a data file so that it requires less storage space and thus less time to transmit

Word processing software

software that allows a user to create, edit, format, print, and store text material

Template

a preformatted document that provides basic tools for structuring and formatting the final document

Default settings

the settings automatically used by a program unless the user specifies otherwise

Spreadsheet program

a program that allows users to create tables and financial schedules by entering data and formulas into rows and columns arranged as a grid on the display screen

Analytical (business) graphics

graphical forms such as bar charts and pie charts, which make numeric data in spreadsheet files easier to analyze

Relational database

a database in which data is organized into related tables, the most widely used form of database

Software suite

a collection of individual programs bundled together in a single package

Personal Information Manager

software that helps the user keep track of and manage information used on a daily basis, such as addresses, phone numbers, appointments, and to-do lists

Personal Finance Managers

let you keep track of income and expenses, write checks, do online banking, prepare taxes, and plan financial goals

Desktop publishing

involves mixing graphics to produce high-quality output for commercial printing

Animation

the simulation of movement created by displaying a series of still pictures, or frames, very quickly in sequence

Project management software

software that is used to plan and schedule people, costs, and resources for completing jobs on time

Portable Document Format (PDF)

developed by Adobe Systems, a multiplatform file format that allows documents to be used with any operating system

Computer Aided Design

programs that are intended for the design of products, structures, civil engineering drawings, and maps

Computer Aided Manufacturing

software that allows products designed with CAD to be entered into an automated manufacturing system that creates products

Screentip

small windows that display descriptive text when you rest the pointer on a command or control