System unit
The main part of a desktop computer that contains electronic components.
System unit
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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System unit
The main part of a desktop computer that contains electronic components.
System unit
Other names for the system unit: tower, chassis, or main unit.
System unit
Part of the system unit including the motherboard, CPU, RAM, hard drive, expansion cards, and power supply.
System unit
Peripheral devices like keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer are NOT part of this.
System unit
Used to distinguish between the computer and its peripheral devices.
Motherboard
The main circuit board of the computer.
Motherboard
The system core of a computer.
Motherboard
A computer's central structure that connects the different parts of a computer together.
Motherboard
The whole computer system is connected, managed, and controlled by this.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Often referred to as the brain or engine of a computer.
CPU
Other common names: main processor, central processor.
CPU
The primary component of a computer that executes, interprets, and carries out all instructions.
RAM (Random-Access Memory)
A type of data storage that temporarily stores programs and data.
RAM
Only holds onto data and programs while the computer is on.
RAM
All information stored here is erased when the computer is turned off.
computer system
the system unit along with all its software and peripheral device
Computer monitor
A display screen used to show information processed by a computer.
Keyboard
An input device that allows a user to enter characters into a computer.
Mouse
A hand-held pointing device that controls the position of a cursor on a screen.
Trackpad (or touchpad)
A small flat surface on a laptop that does the same things as a mouse.
Hard disk drive (HDD)
The main data storage device in a computer.
Hard disk drive
Other common names: hard disk, hard drive, fixed disk
Hard disk drive
A spindle of stacked magnetic disks that records and stores information.
Hard disk drive
Information is written here when you install programs or save data.
Hard drives
Can be internal or external.
USB drive
A small portable storage device used to store or transfer data.
USB
Stands for Universal Serial Bus.
USB drive
Other names: flash drive, USB stick, pen drive, thumb drive.
Printer
An output device linked to a computer that transfers information to paper.
Online communication
Sharing of information over a computer network.
Email (electronic mail)
An Internet service that allows users to send and receive messages.
May contain attachments (files, photos, etc.).
Some free email accounts: Gmail, AOL Mail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail, etc.
Video conferencing
A live video-based meeting between users in different locations.
Video conferencing
Some popular video conferencing services: Skype, Zoom, Lifesize, etc.
Social networking
The use of websites and Internet services to communicate with others.
Social networking
Some popular social media websites: Facebook, WeChat, YouTube, etc.
Blog (weblog)
A personal website or webpage that is like an online diary/journal.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
A telephone connection over the Internet.
VoIP
Some popular VoIP: Skype for Business, RingCentral, 8x8, etc.
Manage home budget
Personal finance software can help you create budget, track debt, plan tax, etc.
Manage home budget
Some personal finance software: Personal Capital, Quicken, Buxfer, etc.
Work from home
Some work from home jobs: data entry, web developer, freelance writer, etc.
Online banking
A banking transaction system that allows customers to handle accounts online.
Online banking
Allows user to make bill payments, view accounts details, apply for loans
Entertainment
Computers are used in a variety of areas for entertainment purposes.
Computer games
Some intelligence games are developed to improve cognitive abilities.
Computers in education
Uses include distance education, online courses, and eLearning.
Computers in business
Computers can help with marketing, archiving, budgeting, and e-commerce.
Computers in healthcare
Storing medical data, managing appointments, medical imaging, and more.
Computers in science/engineering
Research, design, modeling, simulation, and data analysis.
Application program
A computer program that provides tools to accomplish a specific task.
Word processor
A program that allows users to create, save, edit, and print documents.
Word processing programs
Used to create assignments, notes, memos, letters, articles, etc.
Word processing programs
Examples include Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Apple Pages, and LibreOffice Writer.
Spreadsheet (electronic worksheet)
A program that organizes data into rows and columns (tabular form).
Spreadsheet
Data can be arranged, sorted, calculated, and analyzed.
Spreadsheet program
Can be used to create budgets, calculate grades, and balance bank accounts.
Spreadsheet programs
Examples include Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Apple Numbers, and LibreOffice Calc.
Presentation program
A program designed to present information in a slideshow format.
Presentation programs
Commonly used in education, training, and business meetings.
Presentation programs
Used to create slideshow presentations, lectures, and photo albums.
Presentation programs
Examples include Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Apple Keynote.
Database program (database management system)
A program for creating, editing, and maintaining databases.
Database programs
Useful for keeping track of customers, employees, students, and inventory.
Database programs
Used in banking, airline reservation, and library management.
Database programs
Examples include Microsoft Access, Oracle Database, and Knack.
Supercomputer
A powerful computer that can process large amounts of data quickly.
Supercomputers
Used for science, engineering, education, defense, and aerospace.
Supercomputers
Used for weather forecasting, climate research, and scientific simulation.
Mainframe computer
A high-performance computer used for large information processing jobs.
Mainframe computers
Used in institutions, research, academics, and large businesses.
Mainframe computers
Useful for census taking and enterprise resource planning.
Minicomputer
A mid-range computer intermediate in size and power.
Minicomputers
Used by small organizations, now often called small/midsize servers.
Personal computer (PC)
A small computer designed for use by a single user at a time.
Personal computer (PC)
Uses a single chip (microprocessor) for its CPU.
Microcomputer
Now primarily used to mean a PC, but can refer to any small computer.
Desktop computer
Designed to stay at one location and fits on or under a desk.
Laptop computer (or notebook)
A portable personal computer that is small enough to rest on a lap.
Tablet
A wireless touchscreen PC smaller than a laptop.
Smartphone
A mobile phone that performs many of the functions of a PC.
Internet
A globally connected massive computer network system.
World Wide Web (WWW or the web)
A system of Internet servers made from millions of interlinked websites.
Firewall
A network security device designed to prevent unauthorized access.
Router
A device that transfers data between computer networks.
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
A company that provides Internet service to customers.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
A set of rules for transferring data using the web.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
A web address of a specific web page or file on the Internet.
IP (Internet Protocol)
A set of rules for sending data from one computer to another.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
A set of rules for transferring files between computers.
Cookie
A small text file stored in a user’s computer by a website.
Link (hyperlink)
A word, phrase, or image that a user can click on to jump to another page.
PC (Personal Computer)
A small computer designed for use by a single user at a time.
Mac (Macintosh)
A type of personal computer made by Apple Inc.
OS (Operating System)
A program that controls and coordinates a computer’s hardware and runs software.
Reboot
To shut down and restart a computer.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The brain or engine of a computer, where most processing takes place.
RAM (Random-Access Memory)
A type of data storage that temporarily stores programs and data.
ROM (read-only memory)
A type of data storage that permanently stores data and programs.