computer systems prelim

Computer System

A system that comprises elements that process raw data and instruction.

Data

The fundamental representation of facts and observations processed to provide information.

Software

Programs that define instructions executed by hardware including system and application programs.

Hardware

Physical devices that process store and move data within a computer system.

Microprocessor

Component where the computer processes all data and instructions.

Primary Storage

Temporary volatile storage for processed data and running applications such as RAM and cache.

Secondary Storage

Non-volatile storage used to store files applications and operating systems.

HDD

Non-volatile storage media that stores data on spinning magnetic disks.

SSD

Non-volatile storage media that stores data on solid-state flash memory with fast read and write speed.

Flash Drive

Portable non-volatile storage device that stores data in flash memory.

Input Devices

Hardware used to enter data into the computer system.

Output Devices

Hardware used to display or produce processed data from the computer.

Communication

Hardware and software that transport programs and data between interconnected systems.

Architecture

Design of computer components data flow and algorithms within a system.

Microcomputer

Small low-cost computer intended for one user or device.

Minicomputer

Multiuser computer system often used as a server platform.

Mainframe

Large powerful computer system supporting many concurrent users.

Input Output

Function that places data into or out of a computer system.

Data Transformation

Process of changing data from one form to another.

Data Sorting

Arrangement of data according to specific criteria.

Data Storage

Placement of data in non-volatile storage for later retrieval.

Moores Law

States that integrated circuit resources double approximately every 18 to 24 months.

Abstraction

Representation of a system using simplified models at different levels.

Computer Hierarchy

System organization structured from high level to low level.

Decomposition

Process of splitting a system into smaller manageable parts.

File Type

Name given to a specific kind of file.

File Format

Structure or layout of how data is organized in a file.

Metadata

Additional information describing a file or content.

File Attributes

Settings that define how a file can be accessed or modified.

ASCII

Standard character encoding developed by ANSI.

Unicode

Character encoding system supporting a large range of characters.

Bitmap

Image represented by pixels such as photographs.

Graphical Object

Image made of geometric shapes like lines and curves.

GIF

Image format supporting 256 colors and animation.

PNG

Compressed image format supporting high color depth and transparency.

JPEG

Image format using compression suitable for detailed photographs.

Sampling

Process of measuring analog sound at regular intervals.

Quantization

Process of approximating analog signals into discrete values.

Encoding

Conversion of discrete signals into binary form.

Boolean

Data type with true or false values.

Integer

Whole number data type positive or negative.

Real

Number data type containing decimal values.

Lossless Compression

Compression that restores data exactly to its original form.

Lossy Compression

Compression that reduces quality to save storage space.