Introduction to Computers: Key Concepts and Definitions

Hardware

Examples: Monitors, keyboards, mice, printers, speakers, hard drives, CPUs, Motherboards, RAM (Random Access Memory), graphics cards, scanners, and webcams.

Input Hardware

Keyboards, Mice, Touch screens.

Processing system

CPU.

Storage systems

Hard drives, USB sticks.

Output

Speakers.

Applications software

Example: MS Word, PowerPoint, Games (fortnite), MP3 Players.

Operating Systems software

Example: Mac OS, IOS, Microsoft Windows, Google's Android.

Cloud Computing

The practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or a personal computer.

Device Driver

A computer program that allows higher-level apps to interact with hardware devices, Device Drivers are 'Hardware-dependent' and 'Operating system specific'.

Dynamic Link Library (DLL)

A collection of drivers which can be called by a program that is running in the computer. Lets the app communicate with a specific hardware device such as a printer or a scanner.

Hard Drive

Only hardware with moving parts.

Crowd Sourcing

When a group of people perform a task instead of just 1 person.

Moore's Law

The observation that processing power doubles approximately every 2 years.

Resolution

Increased by adding more pixels.

Computer network

Connecting devices to share resources and information, using hardware like cables and wireless technologies, and following protocols for communication.

Server

The part of a computer that provides resources to clients.

Client

A computer or software program that requests and receives services or resources from a server.

TCP/IP

The core network protocols used by the internet are TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol).

IP address

A unique numerical identifier assigned to each device connected to a computer network or the internet, acting like a digital address for online communication. Ex. 192.168.1.1.

Router

A networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks.

Wireless Access Point

A device that allows you to connect wirelessly to a network, such as the internet or a local area network (LAN).

Firewall

Protects a network from outside threats (Virus).

Transistor

A switch with no moving parts.

Binary code

The fundamental language of computers, using only 0s and 1s (bits) to represent data and instructions.

ASCII code

A standard character encoding that uses 7-bit binary numbers to represent letters, numbers, and symbols, primarily for English characters.

Unicode

A broader character encoding standard that assigns a unique number to every character, supporting a wide range of languages and symbols, including those beyond English.

Password Best practices

You want to have capitals, symbols, and numbers.

Task Manager

A tool that allows you to manage running applications and processes.

Task Manager

Task Manager lets you see all apps that are open on your computer, You can open and close apps with it or you can disable and enable tasks.

Bit

1/8

Byte

1

Kilobyte (KB)

1 thousand

Megabyte (MB)

1 million

Gigabyte (GB)

1 billion

Terabyte (TB)

1 trillion

Petabyte (PB)

1 quadrillion

Exabyte (EB)

1 quintillion

Zettabyte (ZB)

1 sextillion

Yottabyte (YB)

1 septillion

Flash Memory

No moving parts, Flash memory stores data in memory cells made of floating-gate transistors.

Hard Drive

Moving parts, Data is stored magnetically on rotating disks (platters). The read/write head writes data onto or reads data from the platter as it spins.

RAM

No moving parts, type of volatile memory that stores data temporarily.

Solid State Drive (SSD)

No moving parts, SSDs store data in flash memory cells (similar to USB drives) and use controllers to manage the read and write processes.

Cookies

Cookies are files that contain personal info about websites you have visited.

Temporary Internet Files

To improve browsing speed and stores website data and images for faster loading.

Crowdsourcing

Outsourcing a task to a group (a crowd) of people, traditionally performed by a business.

Desktop

A computer display area that represents the kinds of objects found on top of a physical desk.

Taskbar

Lets you see running apps, switch apps, and open apps. At the bottom of your screen.

Recycle Bin

Where your trash goes to after you delete it.

Start Button

A button on the task bar that opens a window where you can search for apps.

Embedded Computer

Any computer system that is designed for a specific use and implemented as part of a larger device, intelligent system, or installation.

Mobile Computer

Mobile computers are portable, rugged devices, often handheld. Ex. Phones.

Personal Computer (PC)

A digital device designed for personal purposes, such as working, studying, gaming, and browsing the internet.

Game Consoles

Playstations or XBoxs.

Server

A type of powerful computer that provides you with various services such as web hosting, network storage, and application processing.

Mainframe

High-performance computers used by large organizations for critical applications like bulk data processing.

Supercomputer

A highly advanced computer designed for performing complex calculations and simulations at a significantly faster rate than conventional computers.

ENIAC

Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, was the world's first general-purpose electronic digital computer, completed in 1945.

ARPANET

U.S Department of Defense project, made to provide high-speed network communication links between supercomputers located at different sites around the world.

Ink Jet Printer

A type of printer that uses ink cartridges to spray ink onto paper.

Laser Printer

A type of printer that uses a laser beam to produce an image on a drum that is then transferred to paper.

Carpal Tunnel

A condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, becomes compressed.

RFID

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a wireless technology that uses radio waves to identify objects, animals, or people.

Ergonomics

The science of designing products, processes, and systems to fit the people who use them.

LCD

Liquid Crystal Display, a type of flat-panel display technology that uses liquid crystals to modulate light and create images.

OLED

Organic Light-Emitting Diode, a display technology where each pixel emits its own light, resulting in vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast ratios without the need for a backlight.

Resolution

On a computer screen, resolution refers to the number of pixels displayed horizontally and vertically. Higher resolution = higher quality.