Computer Science 8 - Chapter 1: What is a Computer

Vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts from Chapter 1 of Computer Science 8.

Computer

A programmable (usually electronic) machine that converts raw data into useful information.

Information Processing Cycle

The process that converts data into information, including Input, Processing, Storage, and Output.

Computer

A programmable (usually electronic) machine that converts raw data into useful information.

Information Processing Cycle

The process that converts data into information, including Input, Processing, Storage, and Output.

Bit

The smallest unit of digital/binary data, equating to a single transistor on a computer chip, which can have only 2 values (1 or 0).

Byte

A unit of measurement that equals 8 bits.

ASCII

A character encoding standard developed for English, uses 8 bits for each character.

Unicode

A character encoding standard developed to handle characters from almost all languages, using 16 bits for each character.

Moore's Law

The prediction that the number of transistors on a computer chip would double approximately every 2 years.

Supercomputer

The fastest, most expensive computers capable of performing complex calculations, usually found in research institutions.

Client/Server Computing

A model where a server provides services to client computers over a network.

Embedded Computer

A specialized computer that is part of another device, such as gasoline pumps and microwave ovens.