Introduction to IT in the Modern World and Computer Systems

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts of Information Technology, computing history, computer systems, hardware, software, CPU components, storage types, mobile devices, and peripherals based on the lecture slides.

Information Technology (IT)

The use of computers, software, networks, digital devices, and related technologies to create, collect, process, store, retrieve, protect, and communicate information.

Data

Raw facts, observations, measurements, symbols, or values that have not yet been given meaningful context.

Information

Data that has been processed, organized, interpreted, or given context so that it becomes meaningful and useful.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

A broader concept that emphasizes technologies used to create, process, store, access, transmit, and communicate information.

Digital Transformation

The process of using digital technologies to significantly improve or change how individuals, organizations, and societies operate, deliver services, and create value.

Digitization

Converting something from analog to digital.

Digitalization

Using digital technology to improve an existing process.

Digital Literacy

The ability to effectively, responsibly, critically, and safely use digital technologies to access, evaluate, create, communicate, and share information.

Computing

Broadly refers to the use of computational processes, algorithms, and computer systems to process information and solve problems.

Abacus

One of the earliest known calculating devices that uses beads arranged on rods to represent numerical values.

Pascaline

A mechanical calculator developed by Blaise Pascal in the 17th century capable of performing arithmetic operations.

Leibniz's Calculator

A mechanical calculating machine developed by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz that could perform more complex arithmetic operations.

Difference Engine

A mechanical machine designed by Charles Babbage in the 19th century to automatically perform mathematical calculations.

Analytical Engine

A 19th-century mechanical computer design by Charles Babbage that included key concepts of modern computers: input, processing, memory, output, and programmability.

Ada Lovelace

An early pioneer of computer programming who worked on Babbage's Analytical Engine and understood that a programmable machine could manipulate symbols beyond numbers.

1st Generation Computers

Computers from the 1940s–1950s that used vacuum tubes, generated high heat, were very large in size, and relied on machine language.

2nd Generation Computers

Computers from the 1950s–1960s that used transistors, making them smaller, faster, and more reliable, and utilized assembly language.

3rd Generation Computers

Computers from the 1960s–1970s that introduced Integrated Circuits (ICs), operating systems, and higher-level programming languages.

4th Generation Computers

Computers from the 1970s–Present based on microprocessors, which made personal computing, graphical user interfaces (GUIs), and networking widespread.

5th Generation Computers

Computers of the Present and Beyond that incorporate Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, robotics, and quantum computing.

Computer System

A combination of hardware, software, data, people, and procedures that work together to perform tasks involving information.

IPOS Model

The basic information processing cycle of a computer system consisting of Input, Processing, Output, and Storage.

Hardware

The physical components of a computer system that can be physically touched.

Software

Programs, instructions, and related digital components that tell computer hardware what to do.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The main component often referred to as the 'brain' of the computer that carries out program instructions and controls system operations.

Control Unit (CU)

The CPU component that directs and coordinates all activities within the computer according to instructions.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

The CPU component that carries out arithmetic operations, comparisons, and logical decisions.

Registers

Very small, high-speed storage locations within the CPU processor used to hold data, instructions, and addresses needed during processing.

Accumulator (ACC)

A CPU register that stores intermediate calculation results.

Program Counter (PC)

A CPU register that holds the memory address of the next instruction to be executed.

Instruction Register (IR)

A CPU register that holds the current instruction being executed.

Memory (RAM)

High-speed, volatile storage used to temporarily hold data and instructions that the CPU is currently and quickly using, losing its contents when powered off.

Storage

Non-volatile components with larger capacity used to retain files, programs, and documents for long periods even when the power is turned off.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

A storage device that uses spinning magnetic disks to store large amounts of data, generally slower and more vulnerable to physical shock than SSDs.

Solid-State Drive (SSD)

A fast, quiet storage device that uses flash memory with no spinning magnetic disks.

USB Flash Drive

A portable flash-storage device that connects to computers through a USB interface.

Optical Storage

Storage media that uses lasers to read or write data, including CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs.

Cloud Storage

A storage model that allows users to store, backup, and access data over the Internet through network-connected services.

Operating System (OS)

System software that manages computer hardware and provides a platform for applications and user interaction.

System Software

Software that manages and supports the basic operation of a computer system, such as operating systems, device drivers, and system utilities.

Application Software

Programs designed to help users accomplish specific tasks, such as word processors, web browsers, spreadsheets, and games.

Mobile Devices

Portable computing devices designed to provide computing and communication capabilities while allowing users to move freely.

Smartphone

A small, highly integrated computing system combining phone functionalities with a processor, storage, RAM, touchscreen, connectivity, and sensors.

Tablets

Portable computing devices with larger screens than most smartphones, commonly used for reading, online learning, media consumption, drawing, and productivity.

Wearable Devices

Digital devices designed to be worn on the body that collect real-time data such as movement, location, activity, and environmental conditions.

Peripheral Devices

Hardware components connected to a computer to provide additional input, output, storage, or communication capabilities.