Fundamentals of Computer & Applications - Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, computer generations, memory types, input/output devices, number systems, and Boolean algebra from UNIT - I.

Computer

An electronic data processing device that accepts and stores data input, processes the data input, and generates the output in a required format.

First Generation Computers

Computers characterized by vacuum tube technology, unreliable performance, support for machine language only, high heat generation, and large size requiring AC.

Second Generation Computers

Computers that used transistors, making them more reliable, smaller, and less power-consuming than first-generation computers.

Third Generation Computers

Computers that introduced IC (Integrated Circuit) technology, supported high-level language, were smaller and faster, and generated less heat.

Fourth Generation Computers

Computers based on VLSI technology that enabled the development of PCs, pipeline processing, internet concepts, and networks without requiring AC.

Fifth Generation Computers

Computers using ULSI technology, focused on true artificial intelligence, natural language processing, parallel processing, and superconductor technology.

Personal Computer (PC)

A single user computer system having a moderately powerful microprocessor.

Workstation

A single user computer system, similar to a personal computer, however having a more powerful microprocessor.

Mini Computer

A multi-user computer system, capable of supporting hundreds of users simultaneously.

Main Frame

A multi-user computer system, capable of supporting hundreds of users simultaneously, with software technology different from minicomputer.

Supercomputer

An extremely fast computer, which can execute hundreds of millions of instructions per second.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Considered as the brain of the computer; performs all types of data processing operations, stores data, intermediate results, and instructions, and controls the operation of all parts.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

A component of the CPU that carries out arithmetic and logic operations.

Control Unit (CU)

A component of the CPU that controls and directs the operations of all parts of the computer.

Mechanical Mouse

A type of computer mouse that has a rubber or metal ball on its underside and can roll in every direction.

Optical Mouse

A type of computer mouse that uses a laser for detecting movement.

Magnetic Ink Card Reader (MICR)

An input device generally used in banks to process large numbers of cheques printed with magnetic ink.

Optical Character Reader (OCR)

An input device that scans text optically character by character, converts them into machine-readable code, and stores the text in system memory.

Optical Mark Reader (OMR)

A special type of optical scanner used to recognize marks made by pen or pencil, specially used for checking multiple choice examination answer sheets.

Cache Memory

A very high speed semiconductor memory acting as a buffer between the CPU and main memory to hold frequently used data and programs.

Primary Memory

Main memory made of semiconductor devices that holds only data and instructions on which the computer is currently working; loses data when power is switched off.

Static RAM (SRAM)

Volatile memory using a matrix of 6-transistors per cell without capacitors, retaining content as long as power is supplied without requiring regular refresh cycles.

Dynamic RAM (DRAM)

System memory made up of cells composed of one capacitor and one transistor, which must be continually refreshed several hundred times per second.

Read Only Memory (ROM)

Non-volatile memory from which data can only be read, holding permanent instructions required for the bootstrap operation to start a computer.

Motherboard

The physical arrangement in a computer containing basic circuitry and components such as microprocessor, memory, BIOS, and expansion slots.

Port

A physical or programmatic docking point through which an external device connects to a computer or information flows.

Bit

A binary digit representing logical $0$ and $1$, indicating a passive or active state in an electric circuit.

Nibble

A data measurement unit consisting of a group of $4$ bits.

Byte

A data measurement unit consisting of a group of $8$ bits; the smallest unit representing a data item or character.

Word

A group of a fixed number of bits processed as a unit by a computer, with word length ranging from $8$ bits to $96$ bits.

Decimal Number System

A number system with base $10$ consisting of ten digits from $0$ to $9$.

Binary Number System

A number system with base $2$ that represents every value using only two digits, $0$ and $1$.

Octal Number System

A number system with base $8$ consisting of eight digits from $0$ to $7$.

Hexadecimal Number System

A number system with base $16$ consisting of sixteen alphanumeric values from $0$ to $9$ and $A$ to $F$.

Logic Gates

The fundamental building blocks used to create digital circuits, whose functions can be represented by a truth table or Boolean notation.

Boolean Algebra

Also called Binary Algebra or logical Algebra, a system invented by George Boole in 1854 to analyze and simplify digital circuits using binary numbers $0$ and $1$.