Introduction to Information Technology – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering all major hardware, storage, connectivity, power, and ergonomic concepts from the lecture notes.

Input Device

Hardware used to enter data or commands into a computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone).

Output Device

Hardware that conveys processed information from a computer to the user (e.g., monitor, printer, speakers).

Storage Device

Hardware that saves data and information for later use (e.g., HDD, SSD, flash drive).

Bit

The smallest unit of digital information; a binary digit valued at 0 or 1.

Byte

A group of 8 bits representing a single character or value.

Portable Computer

A computing device designed for mobility, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

Stationary Computer

A non-portable system, including desktops and all-in-one PCs.

Keyboard

Primary text-entry input device featuring physical or virtual keys.

Touch Screen

A display that also serves as an input surface, responding to finger or stylus touches.

Mouse

Hand-held pointing device that controls on-screen cursor movement.

Touch Pad (Trackpad)

Flat touch-sensitive surface on laptops for cursor control.

Digital Camera

Device that captures still images in digital form for input into computers.

Scanner

Input device that converts physical documents or images into digital files.

Microphone

Input device that captures sound for voice recognition or audio recording.

Sensor

Component that detects physical conditions (e.g., motion, temperature) and inputs data to a computer.

Monitor

Primary visual output device displaying text, images, and video.

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

Flat-panel monitor type that uses liquid crystals and backlighting; energy-efficient.

Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Display

An LCD variant with LED backlighting for better color accuracy and lower power use.

Organic LED (OLED) Display

Panel that generates light per pixel, yielding thinner screens and longer battery life.

Pixel

The smallest addressable element on a display that combines to form images.

Aspect Ratio

The width-to-height proportion of a display screen (e.g., 16:9).

Resolution

Number of pixels displayed; determines image sharpness.

Speaker

Output device that converts digital audio signals into sound.

Surround-Sound Speakers

Multiple speaker setup that produces immersive, multi-channel audio output.

Headphones / Earbuds

Personal audio output devices that prevent disturbing others.

Inkjet Printer

Printer that sprays microscopic ink droplets onto paper; affordable and quiet.

Laser Printer

Printer that uses laser beams and toner for fast, high-quality printouts.

All-in-One Printer

Device combining printer, scanner, copier, and fax functions.

Large-Format Printer (Plotter)

Printer designed for oversized, precision prints such as posters or architectural plans.

3D Printer

Device that creates three-dimensional objects by layering material based on digital models.

Motherboard

Main circuit board housing CPU, memory, and expansion slots.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Computer’s ‘brain’ that executes instructions and controls component functions.

Clock Speed

CPU speed measured in hertz (Hz); indicates cycles per second (e.g., GHz).

Processor Core

Individual processing unit within a CPU; multiple cores allow parallel task handling.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Volatile memory that temporarily stores data and instructions for quick access.

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

Non-volatile memory containing permanent instructions (e.g., BIOS).

Cache Memory

High-speed memory inside or near the CPU that stores frequently used data for quick retrieval.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Magnetic, non-volatile local storage device with rotating platters.

Solid-State Drive (SSD)

Flash-based storage with no moving parts; faster, quieter, and more energy-efficient than HDDs.

Flash Drive

Portable USB storage device using flash memory chips.

Flash Memory Card

Small removable flash storage used in cameras, phones, and other devices.

Cloud Storage

Online service that stores files on Internet-connected servers for remote access.

Compact Disc (CD)

Optical disc originally designed for audio; stores ~700 MB of data.

Digital Video Disc (DVD)

Optical disc that stores more data than a CD, commonly video content.

Blu-ray Disc (BD)

High-capacity optical disc capable of holding high-definition video (~25 GB per layer).

Port

Physical interface on a computer used to connect external devices.

Thunderbolt

High-speed hardware interface supporting data transfer up to 20 Gbps and video output.

Universal Serial Bus (USB)

Standard port type for connecting peripherals; versions range from USB 1.0 (12 Mbps) to USB 3.2 (20 Gbps).

Ethernet Port

RJ-45 connector providing wired network connectivity up to 10 Gbps.

HDMI Port

Interface that transmits uncompressed high-definition audio and video to displays.

FireWire (IEEE 1394)

Interface for high-speed data transfer, especially audio/video equipment.

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

Component that converts AC to DC power for computer components.

Sleep Mode

Low-power state where session data remains in RAM for quick resume.

Hibernate

Power state that saves RAM contents to disk and fully powers down the computer.

Warm Boot

Restarting the computer without turning off power completely.

Cold Boot

Starting the computer from a powered-off state.

Ergonomics

Design practice aimed at setting up equipment to reduce user discomfort and injury.

Assistive (Adaptive) Technologies

Hardware or software that enhances computer use for individuals with disabilities.