Computer Software and Hardware Essentials: A Comprehensive Guide

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to computer software, operating systems, applications, and considerations when buying a computer, based on the provided lecture notes.

Hardware

Consists of all the physical parts of a computer.

Software

The broad term that encompasses every instruction a computer processes, from its first booting up to the games you play and browsers you use.

System software

Provides the structure and control necessary to run the computer and its peripheral devices.

Operating system (OS)

The most important software on your computer, providing the instructions necessary to run the central processing unit.

Utility software

Programs that provide maintenance support for a digital device and give users the ability to analyze and optimize their digital devices.

Computer platform

Refers to the operating system (OS) software that controls the functions of a computer and determines which applications can be used on a device.

Windows OS

The most common operating system for personal computers, owned by the Microsoft Corporation.

macOS

An operating system designed and distributed by Apple Incorporated, known for being easy to use and the industry standard for photo editing, film, and graphic design.

Android OS

A Google product based on the Linux OS, and the world's most popular operating system for mobile devices except Apple products.

iOS

Apple's iPhone operating system, developed by Apple for use on Apple mobile devices only (iPhone and iPad), known for being intuitive and easy to use.

Linux OS

Free, open-source software that anyone can use and modify, running most servers, mainframes, supercomputers, video game consoles, and the Android OS.

Open source software

Software that is available for use free of charge and can be modified from its original design.

Network operating systems (NOS)

Coordinate the activities of multiple computers across a network, enabling resource sharing and making networks run smoothly.

Applets

Small application programs, often utility programs, performing less complex operational functions and commonly used to execute tasks in the Control Panel of Microsoft Windows.

Productivity software

A specific type of application designed to allow users to work more efficiently.

Word processing programs

Application software used to create an assortment of documents, perform desktop publishing, and even create basic web pages.

Spreadsheet programs

Application software used to format spreadsheets and display numbers and text in cells, performing calculations and structuring data.

Presentation programs

Application software that helps to create visual aids that can be projected on a screen or displayed on a digital display.

Database

An organized collection of data, often a significant structural element of the World Wide Web.

Database management software

Combines structuring data with tools to manage the data, allowing data manipulation and providing data analytics.

Table (database)

A section of a relational database.

Record (database)

A row in a table, containing all related information about an individual transaction or account.

Field (database)

A column in a table, such as name, address, or account number.

Primary key

A key that uniquely identifies each record in a database, such as a student ID number.

Query (database)

A set of criteria used to extract data from a database.

Software license

A legal document that governs the use or redistribution of software.

End user license agreement (EULA)

A legal contract between the software manufacturer and the user of an application, explaining how the software can and cannot be used and any restrictions.

Single user license

A software license that restricts the use of the software to one user at a time.

Network license

A software license that gives anyone on a network the right to use the software.

Site license

A software license where the software is installed on the device of qualified users who request the software inside an organization, typically with time limits.

Installing software

The process of preparing a digital device for use by putting software on it or adding hardware components and drivers to it.

Uninstalling software

The process of removing unwanted software from a computer to free up hard drive space.

Apps

Short for computer applications, which are sets of instructions designed to execute specific tasks and run on phones, computers, or the Internet.

Control Panel

The system management tool in the Windows operating system for changing computer settings, managing tasks, and installing/uninstalling programs.

System Preferences

The system management tool in the Macintosh operating system for changing computer settings and managing tasks.

Solid state hard drive (SSD) / flash storage

A type of hard drive that is faster but more expensive than a traditional hard drive, requiring less energy and providing longer battery life.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

The amount of temporary memory a computer needs to efficiently multitask, with more RAM generally correlating to higher computer prices.

Screen resolution

Indicates how many pixels your screen can display horizontally and vertically, which determines the sharpness and clarity of an image.

Pixel

The smallest element in an electronic image.

Touchscreen

A type of display screen that is sensitive to the touch of a finger or stylus, used in phones, tablets, and laptops.

Optical drive

A type of computer drive that writes and reads data using lasers by rotating an inserted disc.

Optical media

Refers to the type of disc inserted into an optical drive, such as DVD, Blu-ray, or CD.

HDMI port

A High Definition Multimedia Interface port that is handy when you wish to display a presentation on a television.

SD card slot

A Secure Digital card slot, great for those who use digital cameras.

Futurist

One who studies and predicts the future, especially on the basis of current trends.