Introduction to Computing and ICT Concepts Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering fundamental ICT concepts, computer hardware and software components, operating systems, and computing historical milestones based on the lecture transcript.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Refers to the technologies, tools, systems, and resources used to create, collect, process, store, retrieve, transmit, and exchange information.

Information

Processed or organized data that has meaning.

Communication

The exchange of information between people, organizations, or systems.

Technology

Tools, machines, systems, and techniques used to accomplish tasks.

Internet of Things (IoT)

Physical devices connected to the internet that can collect, exchange, or process data.

Computer

An electronic device that accepts data as input, processes data according to instructions, produces information as output, and can store data and information for future use.

Hardware

Physical components of a computer system that can be seen and touched.

Software

Programs and instructions that tell computer hardware what to do.

Motherboard

The main circuit board that connects major computer components, providing power and connections for the CPU, RAM, storage, expansion cards, and peripherals.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

A processor chip inside a computer system that executes instructions and performs calculations and logical operations.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Fast, volatile temporary working memory that holds data and programs currently being used by the computer.

Storage

Non-volatile long-term data storage that keeps files, programs, and documents intact even when power is turned off.

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

Internal computer component that provides electrical power to all other components.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Component that processes and renders graphics for gaming, 3D modeling, video editing, and visual workloads.

Input Devices

Devices that send data or commands into the computer system.

Output Devices

Devices that display or present processed information from the computer.

Supercomputer

A computer designed specifically for performing extremely complex scientific calculations.

Mainframe

A large-scale computer designed to process huge volumes of transactions and support many users simultaneously.

Server

A midrange computer that provides services, files, or resources to other computers over a network.

Embedded Computer

A computer built into another device to perform a specific, dedicated function.

Computer Troubleshooting

A systematic process of identifying, diagnosing, and resolving problems involving computer hardware, software, networks, or other components.

Operating System (OS)

System software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides an environment where application programs can run.

Kernel

The essential core program at the center of an operating system that acts as a bridge between software applications and hardware.

Disk Operating System (DOS)

A command-line-oriented operating system historically used on personal computers where users interact primarily by typing commands.

Human-Machine Interface (HMI)

The means or bridge through which a human communicates or interacts with a machine or computer system.

Run-Time System

A runtime environment that provides execution support, libraries, and memory services required while a program is executing.

Proprietary Software

Software controlled by an individual or organization with restricted licensing where source code is generally not provided for unrestricted modification.

Open-Source Software

Software whose source code is made available under an open-source license, allowing users to inspect, modify, and redistribute it.

Shareware

Software offered for trial or evaluation before purchase or full licensing, often with time limits or feature restrictions.

Freeware

Software that is completely free to use forever without monetary cost.

Malware

Software designed specifically to perform harmful, unauthorized, or unwanted actions on a computer system.

System Software

Software that controls, manages, and supports the operation of a computer system and its hardware components.

Device Drivers

Software that acts as a translator allowing the operating system to communicate with a particular hardware device.

Utility Software

System software that performs maintenance, management, protection, or optimization tasks for a computer.

Firmware

Low-level operational instructions stored in non-volatile memory chips (such as BIOS or UEFI) for hardware devices.

Application Software

Programs designed to perform specific tasks directly for users, such as word processing, spreadsheets, or web browsing.

High-Level Languages

Human-readable programming languages that are portable across computers and allow developers to focus on what a program should accomplish.

Low-Level Languages

Programming languages close to machine code that provide greater control over hardware but are harder for humans to write.

Assembly Language

A programming language that uses simple symbolic instructions called mnemonics, which an assembler translates into machine code.

Machine Code

First-generation programming language using binary instructions (0s and 1s) directly executed by the processor.

Transistor

A semiconductor device invented in 1947 at Bell Laboratories that controls electrical current by acting as an electronic switch or amplifier.

Integrated Circuit (IC)

A small silicon chip containing many electronic components, especially transistors, developed in the late 1950s.

Microprocessor

A complete central processing unit contained on a single chip that fetches, decodes, and executes instructions.