Computer Systems - VOCABULARY Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key concepts from the notes on computer systems, hardware/software, generations, networks, Internet, the Web, and related technologies.

Computer

A device that takes input, processes it according to stored instructions, and produces output.

Input

Data or signals entered into a computer for processing.

Process

The manipulation of input data by a computer using instructions.

Output

The result produced by a computer after processing.

High Speed

The rapid processing capability of computers.

Accuracy

The precision and correctness of computations performed by a computer.

Storage Capability

The ability of a computer to store large amounts of data and programs.

Diligence

Computer performance that is tireless and consistent.

Versatility

The ability to perform a wide range of tasks.

Reliability

Consistent and dependable computer operation.

Automation

Performing tasks with minimal human intervention.

Reduction in Paper Work and Cost

Decrease in manual processes and expenses due to computing.

No IQ

Computers lack general, human-like intelligence.

Dependency

Reliance on computer systems for operations.

Environment

Environmental factors that can affect computer performance.

No Feeling

Computers do not have emotions.

Business

Use of computers for commercial activities and operations.

Banking

Financial transactions and records managed by computer systems.

Insurance

Computers used to manage insurance processes.

Education

Use of computers for teaching, learning, and administration.

Marketing

Use of computers in market analysis, advertising, and sales.

Healthcare

Computers used in medical records, diagnostics, and management.

Engineering

Use of computers in design, analysis, and development.

Military

Applications of computing in defense, communications, and simulations.

Government

Public administration and services supported by computer systems.

1st Generation

1946–1959: Vacuum Tube computers; large, costly, unreliable, heat generation, AC required.

2nd Generation

1959–1965: Transistor-based; smaller, faster, less heat; more reliable; some machine/assembly language support.

3rd Generation

1965–1971: Integrated Circuits; smaller, faster, more reliable; supports high-level languages.

4th Generation

1971–1980: VLSI/microprocessor; very cheap, portable, PCs; internet concept introduced.

5th Generation

1980–Onwards: ULSI/microprocessor; AI, natural language processing, parallel processing, multimedia.

Personal Computer (PC)

A single-user computer with a moderately powerful microprocessor.

Workstation

A single-user computer similar to a PC but with a more powerful processor.

Mini Computer

A multi-user computer capable of supporting hundreds of users.

Mainframe

A large multi-user computer system for extensive computing needs.

Supercomputer

An extremely fast computer capable of hundreds of millions of instructions per second.

A Computer

Takes input, processes it, and produces output.

Data

Raw facts and figures that have not been processed.

Information

Processed data that is meaningful and useful.

Bit

The smallest unit of information; can be 0 or 1.

Byte

Eight bits; a basic unit of storage.

Hardware

Physical components of a computer system.

Software

Programs and operating systems that control hardware.

Peopleware

The human aspect involved in developing and using computer systems.

Input Devices

Tools used to enter data into a computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse, touch screen, stylus).

Keyboard

Primary input device; layout typically QWERTY.

Mouse

Cursor control device; alternative input option to keyboard.

Touch Screen

Input device that accepts input by touching the screen.

Stylus

Pen-like device used for precise input on touch screens.

MICR

Magnetic Ink Character Recognition; uses magnetic ink for reading characters.

Bar Code Reader

Device that reads barcodes to identify products or items.

Output Devices

Devices that present results from a computer (e.g., display, printer).

Soft Copy

Visual or audible output such as digital displays or voice.

Modem

Modulator-Demodulator; enables computer communication over telephone lines.

Storage Systems

Components that retain data and instructions.

ROM

Read-Only Memory; non-volatile storage containing firmware.

RAM

Random Access Memory; volatile, read/write working memory.

SIMMs

Single Inline Memory Modules; memory modules for RAM.

Optical Disk

Storage read by laser; includes CD/DVD formats.

CD-ROM

Compact Disc Read-Only Memory; stores data read by laser.

WORM

Write Once, Read Many; optical storage that cannot be rewritten.

Erasable Disk

Disk storage that can be rewritten or erased.

Magnetic Disk

Magnetically coated disks used for storage (hard drives, floppies).

Hard Disk

Magnetic storage in a rigid disk drive with substantial capacity.

The Processor (CPU)

Central Processing Unit; interprets and executes instructions.

Control Unit

Coordinates processor components and instruction flow.

ALU

Arithmetic & Logic Unit; performs calculations and logic operations.

Registers

Small, fast storage locations inside the CPU for instructions and data.

Internet

Global network of computers linked to share information.

Network

Interconnected computers sharing resources.

LAN

Local Area Network; confined to a small area like a building.

MAN

Metropolitan Area Network; spans a city or campus-sized area.

WAN

Wide Area Network; links geographically dispersed networks.

WLAN

Wireless Local Area Network; uses RF for mobility within coverage.

Intranet

Private network using Internet tools accessible within an organization.

Extranet

Secure network for sharing information with business partners.

ARPANET

Early packet-switched network that evolved into the Internet.

Protocols

Rules for data exchange in networks (e.g., FTP, SMTP, HTTP).

FTP

File Transfer Protocol; used to transfer files between hosts.

SMTP

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol; for sending emails.

POP/IMAP

Protocols for retrieving email from servers.

MIME

Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions; supports attachments.

HTTP

HyperText Transfer Protocol; transfers web pages.

World Wide Web

System of interlinked hypertext documents accessed via the Internet.

Web Server

Computer that stores and serves web pages to clients.

Domain Name

Human-readable address of an Internet resource.

Email

Electronic mail; messages exchanged over the Internet.

Browser

Software that retrieves and displays web pages.

Web Site

A collection of related web pages under a common domain.

Web Page

A single document on the World Wide Web.

DOS

Disk Operating System; single-tasking, command-driven OS for Intel PCs.

Windows

Graphical user interface-based OS with network and multimedia support.

Macintosh OS

Multi-tasking GUI-based OS designed for Mac systems.

GUI

Graphical User Interface; uses icons and windows for interaction.

Menu Driven UI

User interface navigated via menus to select commands.

Command Driven UI

User interface where commands are entered directly.

Application Software

Programs designed to perform specific tasks for users.

Special Purpose

Software tailored for a particular function (e.g., payroll, accounting).

General Purpose

Software suitable for a wide range of tasks (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets).

Integrated Software

Suite where data can be shared across applications; uses OLE.

OLE

Object Linking and Embedding; links data between applications.