DGS 3.3- Computing Devices

Computer

A machine or device that processes data, performs calculations, and conducts operations based on algorithms provided by software and programs.

Embedded computer

A combination of hardware and software designed to perform a specific task, incorporated into an electronic or mechanical system.

Personal Computer

A general-purpose computer designed for individual use.

Moore’s law

The number of transistors in a dense integrated circuit doubles every two years.

Mainframe

A large computer used by businesses to host databases and servers for transactions and business applications.

Server

A large computer dedicated to managing network resources.

Central processing unit (CPU)

The part of a computer that carries out and controls the computer’s instructions.

Motherboard

A circuit board that allows data to travel to the different components in a computer.

Cache

The small amount of memory built into the CPU that stores data while it is being processed.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Short-term memory where data is stored temporarily while it is being processed or viewed on screen.

Secondary storage

Non-volatile, long-term memory used to store programs and data until they are required.

Graphic Processing Unit (GPU)

Display for the interface.

Power supply

Converts electrical current from alternate current (AC) to direct current (DC) to provide energy.

Input devices

Any information or data sent to the computer.

Output devices

Devices that receive data from the input process to be shown.

Sensors

Devices used to record data from the environment.

Operating system

Software that manages hardware, software, and memory of a computer and provides a user interface.

User interface

Allows users to interact with digital technology, including GUI, Haptic, and CLI.

Utility software

Software designed to perform specific useful tasks to analyze, configure, or maintain the computer.

Application software

Software that serves a specific purpose, such as a word processor or video editor.

Malicious software (malware)

Software designed to steal data or damage computers/IT systems.

Open-source software

Software that is free to charge, free of copyright, allowing the source code to be modified.

Proprietary software

Software downloaded after paying for a license, which restricts access to the source code.

Machine code

Written in binary (0 & 1) or hexadecimal instructions that computers can directly respond to.

Assembly language

A low-level programming language used to write code for specific hardware quickly.

High-level language

Programming language written in a form that is closer to human language.

Compiler

A program that translates source code into machine code, bytecode, or another programming language.

Interpreter

A program that translates source code line-by-line.

Quantum computing

Technology that uses quantum mechanics to create hardware capable of solving complex problems faster than supercomputers.