Computer Systems Servicing NC II - Module 1

This flashcard set covers the types and parts of computers, basic operating system terminology, and peripheral device definitions base on the Grade 11 Module 1 Computer Systems Servicing transcript.

Peripheral Devices

Also known as computer peripheral or input/output device; any of various devices used to enter information and instructions into a computer for storage or processing and to deliver the processed data.

Input Device

A device that sends information to a computer system for processing.

Output Device

A device that reproduces or displays the results of processing.

Operating Systems

A set of programs that manage computer hardware resources and provide common services for application software.

MAC

The computer operating system for Apple Computer's MacIntosh line of personal computers and workstations.

Linux

A Unix-like, open source and community-developed operating system for computers, servers, and mainframes; created by Linus Torvalds.

Windows

A series of operating systems developed by Microsoft, which was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen on April 4, 1975.

GUI

Stands for Graphical User Interface; a user interface that includes graphical elements such as windows, icons, and buttons.

Solid State Drive (SSD)

A new generation of storage device that uses flash-based memory, providing significantly faster operation, noiseless usage, and lower power consumption than traditional mechanical disks.

Volatile

From the Latin volatilis meaning to fly; used to describe memory content that is lost when the power is interrupted or switched off.

Software

A set of programs designed to perform a well-defined function.

Hardware

The physical and tangible components of a computer that can be seen and touched, such as the system unit or mouse.

Analogue Computer

Computers designed to process analogue data, which is continuous data that changes and cannot have discrete values (e.g., speedometers or mercury thermometers).

Digital Computer

A computer designed to perform calculations and logical operations at high speed using raw data in the form of digits or binary numbers ($0$ and $1$).

Hybrid Computer

A computer that features both analogue and digital computer capabilities, capable of processing both continuous and discrete data.

Supercomputer

The biggest and fastest computers designed to process trillions of instructions in a second; the first was developed by Roger Cray in 1976.

Mainframe computer

Designed to support hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously and execute different processes simultaneously, ideal for banking and telecom sectors.

Minicomputer (Miniframe)

A midsize multiprocessing computer consisting of two or more processors that can support $4$ to $200$ users at one time.

Workstation

A computer or group of computers used by a single user featuring a faster microprocessor, large amount of RAM, and high-speed graphic adapters for professional computation.

Microcomputer

Also known as a personal computer (PC); a general-purpose computer designed for individual use with a microprocessor as its central processing unit.

Motherboard

Also known as a Mobo; a printed circuit board that acts as the foundation of a computer, allocating power and allowing communication between hardware components.

Power Supply

The component that powers all other components of the machine, usually plugging into the motherboard.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Referred to as the computer's brain; it processes instructions received by software and other hardware components and acts as a powerful calculator.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

A temporary form of volatile memory where the computer places applications and data while they are open.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

A persistent storage device consisting of several spinning platters with an arm that physically writes data to the disk using magnetic storage.

Video Card

Also called a display card, graphics card, or graphics adapter; used to enhance the quality of images and control their appearance on the screen.

System Unit

Also known as a tower or chassis; the main part of a desktop computer that includes the motherboard, CPU, RAM, and other components.

Digitizer

Also known as a Tablet or Graphics Tablet; an input device that converts graphics and pictorial data into binary inputs.

Braille reader

An electronic output device for blind persons that converts monitor text into Braille by raising rounded pins through a flat surface.

Plotter

A computer hardware device used for printing vector graphics by using a pen, pencil, or marker to draw continuous lines.

Blu-ray disc (BD)

A digital optical disc format that can store $25\,GB$ on a single-layer disc and $50\,GB$ on a dual-layer disc.

CUI

Short for Character User Interface or Command-Line User Interface; a text-based way for users to interact with computer programs by issuing lines of text.

Cortana

A native digital personal assistant introduced by Microsoft in Windows 10.