Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering fundamental definitions, classifications of computers, server architectures, mobile devices, embedded systems, and technological concepts from Chapter 1.

Computer

An electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, that can accept data, process the data to produce information, and store the information for future use.

Computer Literacy (Digital Literacy)

Having a current knowledge and understanding of computers, mobile devices, the web, and related technologies.

Information Processing Cycle (IPOS)

The four-stage operational sequence comprising Input, Process, Output, and Store, representing how computer systems handle data.

Data

A collection of unprocessed items entered into a computer as input, such as item name, quantity ordered, item price, and amount received.

Information

Data that has been processed by a computer into a meaningful and useful form for users, such as a printed cash register receipt.

Mobile Computer

A portable personal computer designed so that a user can easily carry it from place to place.

Laptop

A lightweight mobile computer featuring a screen in its lid and a keyboard in its base, designed to fit on a user's lap and facilitate easy transport.

Ultrathin Laptop

A type of laptop that weighs less than traditional laptops, offers longer battery life, features fewer ports, and omits an optical disc drive.

Tablet

A thin, lighter-weight mobile computer that features a touch screen for user interaction.

Tablet Form Factors

The two primary designs for tablets: slate tablets (a standalone touchscreen unit that can mount in a stand or use a magnetic keyboard cover) and convertible tablets (a screen attached to a keyboard base with a swivel/folding mechanism).

Handheld Computer

A compact computer designed to be held in the hand, capable of communicating wirelessly and utilizing a miniature/specialized keyboard or a touch screen with a stylus.

Desktop Computer

A personal computer designed to remain in a stationary location, where all of its components fit on or under a desk or table.

All-in-One (AIO) Desktop

A desktop computer that does not have a separate tower, instead housing the display, system unit, and possibly an optical drive within the same case.

Server

A computer dedicated to providing one or more services to other computers or devices across a network, including centralized storage, access control, file backup, hardware sharing, and software sharing.

Server Form Factors

Physical hardware configurations for dedicated servers: rack servers (installed in slots of an equipment rack), blade servers (individual modular circuit boards housed inside a blade server chassis), and tower servers (built as standalone upright cabinets).

Mainframe

A large, expensive, and powerful server capable of handling hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously.

Supercomputer

The fastest, most powerful, and most expensive type of computer, capable of processing many trillions of instructions in a single second.

Terminal

A computer, usually with limited processing power, or a combination of a keyboard and output device (such as a video display unit) that enables users to enter data and exchange information with a host computer or server.

Point of Sale (POS) Terminal

An electronic retail device used to process card payments by reading card information, verifying available funds, transferring money between accounts, recording the transaction, and printing a receipt.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

A banking terminal activated by a card containing account details and a PIN that contacts a bank's computer system to verify balances, accept deposits, dispense cash, and transmit transaction notices.

Self-Service Kiosk

A freestanding terminal, typically equipped with a touch screen, designed for independent user interaction and specific automated tasks.

Financial Kiosk

A self-service terminal used to pay bills, deposit funds onto prepaid cards, and carry out other financial activities.

Photo Kiosk

A self-service terminal that enables users to print photos from digital images, occasionally edit them, or send them to a photo lab.

Ticket Kiosk

A self-service terminal found at airports, train stations, movie theaters, amusement parks, and rental companies used to print tickets.

Vending Kiosk

A self-service terminal that dispenses purchased goods, such as food, beverages, toys, phone cases, or apparel, after payment is completed.

Visitor Kiosk

A self-service terminal located at businesses, police stations, and hospitals used to register and manage visitors where access is controlled.

Smartphone

An Internet-capable phone that includes integrated applications such as a calendar, address book, calculator, notepad, games, web browser, and other software apps.

Digital Camera

A mobile device that captures photographs and stores the resulting image files electronically in a digital format.

Portable Media Player

A handheld mobile device used to store, organize, and play or view digital media such as audio and video files.

Digital Media Player

A standalone device that streams digital media from a computer or network directly to a television, projector, or other entertainment system.

E-Book Reader

A handheld mobile device designed primarily for reading electronic books and other digital publications.

Wearable Device

A small mobile computing device designed to be worn by an individual, such as smartwatches, smart jewelry, fitness trackers, smart clothing, implantables, and head-mounted displays.

Game Console

A dedicated mobile computing device designed specifically for single-player or multiplayer video games.

Handheld Game Device

A compact portable device that integrates a screen, speakers, controls, and game console hardware into a single unit.

Game Controllers

Input devices designed for interactive entertainment systems, including gamepads, joysticks, pedals and steering wheels, dance pads, balance boards, and motion-sensing game controllers.

Embedded Computer

A special-purpose computer that functions as an internal component within a larger system or product, such as automobiles, home automation devices, or appliances.

Telematics

A vehicular technology that combines wireless communications and embedded computing capabilities to deliver features like navigation, remote engine start, remote diagnostics, emergency alerts, and Internet access.

Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

The use of computers and robotics to direct and assist manufacturing processes, shortening time to market and reducing product development costs.