Computer Basics Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards related to computer hardware, software, and networking concepts.

Input Devices

Hardware used to enter data (e.g., keyboard).

Output Devices

Hardware used to display results (e.g., monitor).

CPU

Brain of the computer, processes instructions.

CU (Control Unit)

Directs operations in the CPU.

ALU

Performs arithmetic and logic operations.

Storage Devices

Store data (e.g., hard drives, DVDs).

System Software

Manages hardware and basic functions (e.g., OS).

Application Software

Programs for specific tasks (e.g., Word, Excel).

Operating System (OS)

Manages computer hardware and software resources.

GUI

Uses graphics/icons for interaction.

CLI

Text-based command input.

Primary Storage

Temporary memory (RAM).

Secondary Storage

Permanent storage (hard drive).

Cloud Storage

Stores data online.

Bit/Byte

Units of data (1 byte = 8 bits).

Impact Printer

Strikes paper to print (e.g., dot matrix).

Non-impact Printer

Sprays or lasers ink (e.g., inkjet, laser).

Speakers

Play sound aloud.

Headphones/Headset

Personal audio devices.

BDU

Basic display unit.

LCD

Flat, energy-efficient screen.

LED

Brighter, longer-lasting version of LCD.

Biometric Systems

Use fingerprints/face for ID.

Scanners

Digitize physical images/documents.

Sensors

Detect and send physical info to computers.

Source Document

Original document where data is collected (e.g., receipt).

Quantitative

Numerical data.

Qualitative

Descriptive, non-numerical data.

Computer Misuse

Unauthorized or illegal computer use (e.g., hacking).

Computer Security

Protects computer systems from threats (e.g., antivirus).

Specification

Technical details of a device (e.g., RAM size).

Internet

Worldwide network of computers.

Intranet

Private network for an organization.

Extranet

Shared intranet with external users.

LAN

Local network (e.g., school).

WAN

Wide network (e.g., the internet).

MAN

Network covering a city.

Bandwidth

Data transfer capacity.

Switch/Router/Hub/Modem

Direct and manage network traffic.

Cables

Connect computers (fiber optic, twisted pair).

Wireless

Network without cables (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).

Protocols

Rules for data communication (e.g., TCP/IP).

Simplex

One-way communication.

Half-duplex

Two-way, one direction at a time.

Duplex

Two-way at the same time.

Point-to-point

Direct link between two devices.

Broadcast

Sends data to all devices.

Webpage

Single document on the internet.

Website

Collection of webpages.

Web Server

Hosts websites.