Computer Basics Lecture Notes

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System unit

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The main part of a desktop computer that contains electronic components.

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System unit

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Other names for the system unit: tower, chassis, or main unit.

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Vocabulary flashcards for reviewing key computer concepts and terms from the lecture notes.

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228 Terms

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System unit

The main part of a desktop computer that contains electronic components.

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System unit

Other names for the system unit: tower, chassis, or main unit.

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System unit

Part of the system unit including the motherboard, CPU, RAM, hard drive, expansion cards, and power supply.

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System unit

Peripheral devices like keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer are NOT part of this.

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System unit

Used to distinguish between the computer and its peripheral devices.

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Motherboard

The main circuit board of the computer.

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Motherboard

The system core of a computer.

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Motherboard

A computer's central structure that connects the different parts of a computer together.

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Motherboard

The whole computer system is connected, managed, and controlled by this.

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CPU (Central Processing Unit)

Often referred to as the brain or engine of a computer.

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CPU

Other common names: main processor, central processor.

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CPU

The primary component of a computer that executes, interprets, and carries out all instructions.

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RAM (Random-Access Memory)

A type of data storage that temporarily stores programs and data.

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RAM

Only holds onto data and programs while the computer is on.

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RAM

All information stored here is erased when the computer is turned off.

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computer system

the system unit along with all its software and peripheral device

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Computer monitor

A display screen used to show information processed by a computer.

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Keyboard

An input device that allows a user to enter characters into a computer.

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Mouse

A hand-held pointing device that controls the position of a cursor on a screen.

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Trackpad (or touchpad)

A small flat surface on a laptop that does the same things as a mouse.

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Hard disk drive (HDD)

The main data storage device in a computer.

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Hard disk drive

Other common names: hard disk, hard drive, fixed disk

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Hard disk drive

A spindle of stacked magnetic disks that records and stores information.

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Hard disk drive

Information is written here when you install programs or save data.

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Hard drives

Can be internal or external.

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USB drive

A small portable storage device used to store or transfer data.

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USB

Stands for Universal Serial Bus.

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USB drive

Other names: flash drive, USB stick, pen drive, thumb drive.

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Printer

An output device linked to a computer that transfers information to paper.

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Online communication

Sharing of information over a computer network.

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Email (electronic mail)

An Internet service that allows users to send and receive messages.

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Email

May contain attachments (files, photos, etc.).

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Email

Some free email accounts: Gmail, AOL Mail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail, etc.

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Video conferencing

A live video-based meeting between users in different locations.

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Video conferencing

Some popular video conferencing services: Skype, Zoom, Lifesize, etc.

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Social networking

The use of websites and Internet services to communicate with others.

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Social networking

Some popular social media websites: Facebook, WeChat, YouTube, etc.

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Blog (weblog)

A personal website or webpage that is like an online diary/journal.

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VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)

A telephone connection over the Internet.

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VoIP

Some popular VoIP: Skype for Business, RingCentral, 8x8, etc.

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Manage home budget

Personal finance software can help you create budget, track debt, plan tax, etc.

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Manage home budget

Some personal finance software: Personal Capital, Quicken, Buxfer, etc.

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Work from home

Some work from home jobs: data entry, web developer, freelance writer, etc.

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Online banking

A banking transaction system that allows customers to handle accounts online.

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Online banking

Allows user to make bill payments, view accounts details, apply for loans

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Entertainment

Computers are used in a variety of areas for entertainment purposes.

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Computer games

Some intelligence games are developed to improve cognitive abilities.

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Computers in education

Uses include distance education, online courses, and eLearning.

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Computers in business

Computers can help with marketing, archiving, budgeting, and e-commerce.

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Computers in healthcare

Storing medical data, managing appointments, medical imaging, and more.

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Computers in science/engineering

Research, design, modeling, simulation, and data analysis.

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Application program

A computer program that provides tools to accomplish a specific task.

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Word processor

A program that allows users to create, save, edit, and print documents.

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Word processing programs

Used to create assignments, notes, memos, letters, articles, etc.

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Word processing programs

Examples include Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Apple Pages, and LibreOffice Writer.

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Spreadsheet (electronic worksheet)

A program that organizes data into rows and columns (tabular form).

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Spreadsheet

Data can be arranged, sorted, calculated, and analyzed.

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Spreadsheet program

Can be used to create budgets, calculate grades, and balance bank accounts.

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Spreadsheet programs

Examples include Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Apple Numbers, and LibreOffice Calc.

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Presentation program

A program designed to present information in a slideshow format.

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Presentation programs

Commonly used in education, training, and business meetings.

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Presentation programs

Used to create slideshow presentations, lectures, and photo albums.

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Presentation programs

Examples include Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Apple Keynote.

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Database program (database management system)

A program for creating, editing, and maintaining databases.

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Database programs

Useful for keeping track of customers, employees, students, and inventory.

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Database programs

Used in banking, airline reservation, and library management.

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Database programs

Examples include Microsoft Access, Oracle Database, and Knack.

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Supercomputer

A powerful computer that can process large amounts of data quickly.

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Supercomputers

Used for science, engineering, education, defense, and aerospace.

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Supercomputers

Used for weather forecasting, climate research, and scientific simulation.

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Mainframe computer

A high-performance computer used for large information processing jobs.

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Mainframe computers

Used in institutions, research, academics, and large businesses.

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Mainframe computers

Useful for census taking and enterprise resource planning.

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Minicomputer

A mid-range computer intermediate in size and power.

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Minicomputers

Used by small organizations, now often called small/midsize servers.

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Personal computer (PC)

A small computer designed for use by a single user at a time.

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Personal computer (PC)

Uses a single chip (microprocessor) for its CPU.

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Microcomputer

Now primarily used to mean a PC, but can refer to any small computer.

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Desktop computer

Designed to stay at one location and fits on or under a desk.

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Laptop computer (or notebook)

A portable personal computer that is small enough to rest on a lap.

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Tablet

A wireless touchscreen PC smaller than a laptop.

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Smartphone

A mobile phone that performs many of the functions of a PC.

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Internet

A globally connected massive computer network system.

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World Wide Web (WWW or the web)

A system of Internet servers made from millions of interlinked websites.

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Firewall

A network security device designed to prevent unauthorized access.

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Router

A device that transfers data between computer networks.

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ISP (Internet Service Provider)

A company that provides Internet service to customers.

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HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)

A set of rules for transferring data using the web.

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URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

A web address of a specific web page or file on the Internet.

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IP (Internet Protocol)

A set of rules for sending data from one computer to another.

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FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

A set of rules for transferring files between computers.

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Cookie

A small text file stored in a user’s computer by a website.

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Link (hyperlink)

A word, phrase, or image that a user can click on to jump to another page.

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PC (Personal Computer)

A small computer designed for use by a single user at a time.

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Mac (Macintosh)

A type of personal computer made by Apple Inc.

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OS (Operating System)

A program that controls and coordinates a computer’s hardware and runs software.

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Reboot

To shut down and restart a computer.

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CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The brain or engine of a computer, where most processing takes place.

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RAM (Random-Access Memory)

A type of data storage that temporarily stores programs and data.

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ROM (read-only memory)

A type of data storage that permanently stores data and programs.