computer basics

G.U.I

Graphical User Interface - Interface uses grpahics/ pics to help user navigate / access programs

Taskbar

graphic tool - helps access program and files

clock and start menu found here

“quick launch: - 1 click access

Tabs

sections inside applications / browsers

each window has its own menu - menu toolbar with several words that has a drop-down menu of options and actions

vary program to program

(Home insert, layout, mailings, references)

Gigabyte

unit of digital storage (GB= 1 billion bytes)

Power Supply

Takes electricity and converts it into a current that can work for the computer. Has to be exact/ near needed wattage voltage, processor and memory are sensitive.

Icon

small pics that are linked to programs / files

Dos

Disk Operating System - early operating system

Ram

Random Access Memory - chip will remember what told to and can change it to remember new info but when turned off, forgets everything 

save work

CPU

Central Processing Unit - controls info and tells other parts what to do

generates heat- fan close

type of CPU determine computer speed

BIOS

Basic Input Output System - important chip - wakes up computer when turned on and reminds it what the part are / do

Input

data/ instructions YOU PUT INTO computer program to make it run (mouse, keyboard, scanners, digital camera)

Operating System

large program made of smaller programs that control how CPU talks with other hardware components - user friendly 

4 functions of a computer

input, output, processing, storage

File

collection of data 

saved with name and extension

.exe

Executable file (program)

.txt

Plain text file

.xlxs

Microsoft excel file

.ppt

Microsoft Power Point presentation file

.pdf

Portable Document Format file

.gif

Graphics Interchange Format (image file)

.jpeg

Joint Photographic Experts Group (image file)

jpeg

image file format

.docx

Microsoft word doc file

Output

devices that display information in a way you can understand (non touch screen monitor, laser/ inkjet printer, speakers)

Motherboard

mother to all boards - largest circuit board, smaller boards plugged into it- holds all important parts of computer

NIC

Network interface card - handles interface to a computer network and allows a network-capable device (wired or wireless)

Rom

Read Only Memory - good at remembering but can’t be changed 

holds info built into it