Grade 11 Computer Applications Technology - Flashcards

module 2.1

Memory

Holds the data and instructions that the computer is using whilst it is on and working; electronic, fast to access, needs power to keep its contents (volatile).

Storage

Holds programs and data far more permanently; Magnetic (hard drive), optical (CD, DVD) or electronic (flash drives and SSD), slow, keeps contents even when computer is switched off (non-volatile).

Online storage

Disk space that is allocated to you on a server on the internet.

Cloud Computing

Actual programs run on a server on the internet, and you access those programs through your web browser. (Differs from online storage, which only involves storing files online.)

Backing up

Creating a copy of data that must be easy to restore from the backup media and quick and easy to make a backup. Popular backup media include flash drives, portable hard drives and online backup services

Formatting

Preparing a disk to store data.

Disk scanning

Checking a drive for errors and bad sectors.

Disk defragmentation

A utility that puts the parts of files back together again, speeds your computer up by organizing scattered files on the disk.

Disk Cleanup

Removing unnecessary files to free up space, such as temporary files, deleted files in the Recycle Bin, and unused Windows components.

Motherboard

Large circuit board where all the other components plug into.

CPU

Central Processing Unit that does all the processing; speed is measured in GHz; can have multiple cores.

RAM

Random Access Memory where the CPU obtains instructions and data that it needs to work on; a program only runs when it is loaded into memory.

ROM

Read Only Memory which holds the programs that control the basic hardware of the computer.

Boot program

Loads operating system