INTRO TO COMPUTING REVIEWER 2023 BSCS 1

Computer

Computer

A combination of electromechanical and electronic components that accepts structured input, processes it according to prescribed rules, and produces the result as output.

Electronic Data Processing (EDP)

The storage of instructions and data in a machine-readable form.

Hardware

The physical components of a computer system.

Software

The programs and instructions that tell the computer what to do.

Data/Information

The raw facts and figures that are inputted into the computer for processing.

Procedures

The set of instructions or rules that govern the operation of a computer system.

People

The individuals who interact with and use the computer system.

Communications

The means by which computers can exchange information with each other or with users.

Mainframes

The largest and most powerful computers.

Supercomputers

Computers designed for extremely high-performance computing tasks.

Network Computers

Also known as "dumb terminals," these computers rely on a network for processing power.

Personal Computers

Computers designed for personal use, often referred to as "desktop computers."

Laptop

Also known as "notebook computers," these are portable computers designed for personal use.

Tablet

A mobile operating system with a touchscreen display and processing circuitry.

Smartphones

Mobile phones with advanced features such as operating systems and web browsing capability.

The Information Processing Cycle

The process by which a computer accepts input data, processes it into information, and outputs or stores the result.

Input

The stage of the information processing cycle where data is entered into the computer.

Process

The stage of the information processing cycle where the computer performs calculations or manipulations on the input data.

Output

The stage of the information processing cycle where the computer presents the processed data as a result.

Storage

The stage of the information processing cycle where data is saved for future use.

Computer Science

The study of computers, their design, operations, and the use of computers to process data into information.

Decimal

A number system composed of 10 symbols:0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.

Binary

A number system composed of two symbols:0 and 1.

Octal

A number system composed of eight symbols:0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.

Hexadecimal

A number system composed of sixteen symbols:0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E, and F.

Codes

Groups of symbols used to represent information.

Binary-Coded Decimal (BCD)

A code where each digit of a decimal number is represented by its binary equivalent.

Alphanumeric Codes

Codes that represent both letters and numbers, such as the ASCII code.

Computer Keyboard

An input device with numeric and alphabetic keys used to enter data into the computer.

Terminal

An input device that accepts customer inputs for processing.

Smart Terminal

A terminal with advanced features and capabilities.

Dumb Terminal

A terminal that relies on a central computer for processing power.

Intelligent Terminal

A terminal with built-in processing capabilities.

Touchtone

An input device that accepts data when you push the buttons on a telephone.

Mouse

A handheld pointing device used to move the cursor on the computer screen.

Joystick

A pointing device with a base and vertical handle used for controlling movement in games or simulations.

Touch Screen

An input device that allows users to interact with the computer system by touching the screen.

Graphics Tablet/Digitizing Tablet

An input device that allows users to sketch images by using a wire connected to a light pen.

Space Mouse

An input device with X, Y, and Z axes used for controlling movement in 3D applications.

Scanning Devices

Input devices that translate images of text, photos, and other media into digital form.

Optical Character Reader (OCR)

A scanning device used to read printed characters, such as those on price tags.

Barcode Reader

A scanning device used to read barcodes on products.

Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)

A scanning device used to read numbers printed at the bottom of checks.

Fax Machines/Facsimile Transmission Machines

Devices that scan hardcopies and transmit data using telephone lines.

Multimedia Devices

Devices used to record music and other sound signals into digital format.

Video Converters

Devices used to transform video or film into a digital format.

Sensor

A device that collects data from the environment and converts it into computer-readable data.

Output Devices

Devices that transform processed data into a human-readable format.

Display Screens (Monitors)

Devices that present visual output from the computer system.

Cathode-ray tube (CRT)

A type of display screen that uses a vacuum tube to display images.

Flat-panel Displays

Thinner, lighter, and more power-efficient display screens.

Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD)

A type of flat-panel display screen commonly used in computers and televisions.

Electroluminescent (EL)

A type of flat-panel display screen that emits light when an electric current passes through it.

Gas-Plasma Display

A type of flat-panel display screen that uses small cells containing electrically charged ionized gases.

Graphics Adapter Card

A circuit board in the computer that determines the resolution of the display screen.

Printers

Output devices that print characters and symbols from the computer onto paper.

Dot-matrix

A type of printer that forms characters and images by striking pins against an ink ribbon.

Inkjet

A type of printer that sprays tiny droplets of ink onto the paper to form characters and images.

Laser Printers

A type of printer that uses a laser beam to produce high-quality text and graphics on paper.

Thermal Printers

A type of printer that uses heat to transfer characters and images onto paper.

Plotter

A device that imprints in white and black colors and is commonly used for technical drawings.

Speakers

Output devices that produce sound input from the computer.

Smartphone

A mobile phone with advanced features such as a TV-like screen and a built-in camera.

Multifunctional Device

A device that combines printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities into a single device.

Virtual Reality (VR)

A computer-generated simulated reality that allows users to interact with a virtual environment.

Robots

Automatic devices that perform functions ordinarily ascribed to human beings.

Industrial Robots

Robots used in manufacturing and production processes.

Perception Systems

Robots equipped with sensors to perceive and interact with their environment.

Mobile Robots

Robots designed to move around and perform tasks in various environments.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The part of the computer responsible for processing and converting data.