Introduction to Infrastructure, Hardware, Software, OS, and Data Communication

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts of computing infrastructure, computer hardware, application software, operating system functions, data communication components, and network types.

Computing Infrastructure

The composite hardware, software, network resources, and services required for the existence, operation, and management of an enterprise IT environment.

Hardware

The tangible, physical components of a computer system that provide the physical body for software to inhabit.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Often called the brain of the computer, it executes instructions through the fetch-decode-execute cycle.

Memory (RAM)

Random Access Memory; the volatile short-term memory that holds data the CPU needs immediately and is wiped when power is turned off.

Storage

Non-volatile long-term memory, such as Hard Drives or SSDs, where files live permanently.

Motherboard

The main circuit board that connects all computer components, allowing them to communicate with one another.

Application Software

Programs designed to perform specific tasks for users, providing purpose while hardware provides power.

General Purpose Application Software

Tools used for a wide range of tasks, such as word processors (Microsoft Word), spreadsheets (Excel), and web browsers (Chrome).

Specialized Application Software

Software designed for specific professions or industries, such as AutoCAD for engineers or Adobe Photoshop for designers.

Mobile Apps

Software optimized for handheld devices, focusing on touch interfaces and location-based services.

On-Premise Software

A software delivery model where software is installed directly on a local hard drive.

SaaS (Software as a Service)

A delivery model where applications are hosted in the cloud and accessed via the internet, such as Google Docs or Salesforce.

Operating System (OS)

The most important piece of system software that acts as an intermediary between the user and the computer hardware.

User Interface (UI)

An OS component providing a way for users to interact with the computer, either through a Graphical User Interface (GUI) like Windows 11 or a Command-Line Interface (CLI).

Resource Management

A key function of the Operating System that decides which application gets to use the CPU and how much RAM is allocated to each task.

File Management

An Operating System function that manages how data is stored, named, and organized on disks.

Security (OS Function)

An Operating System function that manages user permissions and protects the system from unauthorized access.

Data Communication

The process of using computing and communication technologies to transfer data from one place to another.

Sender

The device in a communication system that sends the data.

Receiver

The device in a communication system that receives the data.

Message

The information to be communicated within a communication system.

Transmission Medium

The physical path used for sending data in a communication system, such as Cables, Fiber Optics, or Wireless/Wi-Fi.

Protocol

The set of rules that govern data communication, such as TCP/IP.

LAN (Local Area Network)

A network type that connects devices in a small area, such as an office or home.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

A network type that connects devices over long distances, with the Internet being the largest example.

Computing Stack

The integrated structure formed by infrastructure components working together rather than in isolation.