Introduction to Computer Hardware, Software, and Processing Systems

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering basic computer architecture, software classifications, programming paradigms, circuit concepts, and computer device types based on the lecture material.

Computer

A machine that changes information from one form into another by performing four basic actions: input, processing, output, and storage.

Information processing cycle

The set of four basic actions performed by a computer: input, processing, output, and storage.

Program

A set of instructions followed by a computer to turn raw data into organized, usable information.

Analog computer

A type of computer that measures data on a scale with many continuous values.

Digital computer

A computer that works with data that has fixed values in digital or number form.

Input

The raw information or data entered into a computer using devices such as a keyboard or digital camera.

Bit

Short for binary digit, it is the fundamental building block unit of computer code that can only have a value of $0$ or $1$.

Byte

A unit of digital data composed of $8$ bits.

Processing

The second step of the information processing cycle where the computer performs operations on data based on program instructions.

Output

The third step of the information processing cycle where the computer converts processed bytes back into a human-understandable form, such as a screen image or printed document.

Storage

The fourth step of the information processing cycle in which the computer saves information for future access.

Hardware

Physical devices such as keyboards, mice, processors, monitors, and disk drives used to input, process, display, and store data.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The primary hardware component that processes data, consisting of a small, thin piece of silicon covered with electrical circuits.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Volatile primary storage used by the computer to hold data and instructions temporarily while actively processing.

Hard drive

A storage device that uses a stack of disk platters to store large amounts of data permanently.

Universal Serial Bus (USB) port

A standard connection port used to plug external devices, such as portable hard drives and peripherals, into a computer.

Cloud storage

Online data storage provided on various internet websites.

Peripheral

Separate hardware components that can be connected externally to the computer case.

Serial port

A connection port that moves data one bit at a time, historically used to connect devices like modems.

Parallel port

A connection port that transfers data in groups rather than one bit at a time.

Software

All of the programs that provide instructions telling computer hardware what to do and how to do it.

System software

Programs designed to help the computer run and function properly.

Application software

Programs created to assist users in completing specific tasks, such as writing papers or building graphs.

Operating System (OS)

Core software that manages communication between hardware devices and supports application execution (e.g., Microsoft Windows, Macintosh OS).

Utility software

Programs that perform maintenance and repair tasks that the operating system cannot perform on its own.

Command

An explicit instruction given to a computer to perform a specific action, such as printing a file.

Multicore processor

A CPU arrangement containing two or more processing units (e.g., dual-core with $2$ CPUs or quad-core with $4$ CPUs) to process data faster.

Read Only Memory (ROM)

Non-volatile memory chips containing fixed instructions that start the computer upon boot-up.

Transformer

A electrical device that transfers electricity between circuits and uses winding wires to lower voltage before entering a house.

Ohm's law

A rule stating that electrical current flowing through a wire is directly proportional to voltage and inversely proportional to resistance.

Alternating current

Electric current that rapidly reverses its direction back and forth over $50$ times per second.

Procedural programming

A programming approach based on step-by-step sequence instructions telling the computer exact actions to execute.

Object-oriented programming

A programming methodology structured around creating and managing objects that contain both data and processing instructions.

Compiler

A program that converts human-written source code into binary object code made of zeros and ones for computer execution.

Interpreter

A program that directly translates and executes source code actions without needing a compiler step.

Boolean algebra

A mathematical system utilizing only two logic values, where $1$ represents true and $0$ represents false, used to write programming logic.

Algorithm

A designed sequence of calculations or steps in a program that are performed in a strict order to achieve a specific result.

Supercomputer

The largest, fastest, and most powerful scientific computers designed for complex high-volume data calculations like weather forecasting.

Mainframe

Large central computers used by government agencies and corporations for centralized storage and processing of massive data sets.

Server

A central computer on a network that stores data and programs for access by connected client computers.

Tablet computer

A small, portable computer featuring a flat touchscreen display, typically measuring around $6\text{ inches}$ wide by $8\text{ inches}$ tall.

Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)

A small, highly portable handheld computer primarily used for note-taking and schedule tracking.

Wearable computer

A small computer designed to be worn directly on the body to keep the user's hands free.