computer vocabulary

Computer

A programmable electronic device designed to accept data, perform prescribed operations at high speed, and display the results

Machine

A piece of equipment that uses electricity or an engine in order to do a particular kind of work; normally not controlled by pre--programmed instructions

Classify

Defining things with similar characteristics

Computing

Processing or doing something with data

Processing Cycle

The sequence of events in processing information

Input

The act of entering data into the computer

Data

Raw input

Output

Any data that has been processed by and sent out from a computer

Processing

Manipulation of data by a computer, carrying out the programmed instructions

Information

Processed data

Storage

Computer components used to retain digital data; also where data is stored when not being processed

Platform

Consists of the basic hardware and software on which software applications can be run

Hardware

The visible, touchable parts of the computer; can be inside or outside of the computer case

Peripheral device

A device that plugs into the computer to extend its capacity

Software

the programs and other operating information used by a computer; instructions the computer follows to carry out a task

Operating system

Software that coordinates the resources and activities of a computer, required for computer to operate

Program

prerecorded list of instructions

input device

any device used to send information to the computer

Keyboard

used to input symbols, letters, and numbers

Mouse

Used to show position on screen

Webcam

used to send video and audio to the computer

Output device

Any device used to send information out of the computer

Monitor

The display device used on desktop computers

Video card

An expansion board that plugs into a personal computer to give it display capabilities

Sound card

An expansion board that enables a computer to manipulate and output sound

speakers

used to amplify sound

Processing device

CPU/Chip - the brains of the computer

Processor

Responsible for carrying out the computing functions

Storage device

A device that holds data that the computer has processed for later retrieval

Hard drive

where data is held when it is not being processed

Flash drive

Electronic and peripheral storage

Optical drive

Uses lasers to read and write to a disk

Memory

A holding place for information

RAM

Random access memory - type of memory used to store data while it is being processed

ROM

Read only memory. Prerecorded data that holds program instructions.

Motherboard

Contains the principal components of a computer, with connectors into which other circuit boards can be slotted

Fan and heat sink

Attached to a microprocessor chip to keep it from overheating by absorbing its heat and dispersing into the air