Chapter 4 - Hardware, Software, and Mobile Systems

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The brain of a computer; selects instructions, processes them, performs arithmetic and logical comparisons, and stores results in memory

Random Access Memory (RAM)

The main memory of a computer that temporarily holds active programs and data; it is fast and volatile

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

Non-volatile memory that permanently retains essential instructions and startup software even when the computer is powered off

Volatile Memory

Memory that loses all saved data when power is turned off, such as RAM

Non-Volatile Memory

Memory devices that retain stored data even when powered off, such as ROM, magnetic disks, and flash drives

Bit

The smallest unit of a computer data representing a binary 0 or 1 value

Byte

A group of 8 bits used to represent a single character, letter, or number

Client Computer

User devices like desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets that access resources and services provided by a server

Server

A specialized computer designed to process request, host data/programs, and deliver services to client devices

Server Farm

A large collection or rack of servers coordinated to handle high-volume processing requests

Internet of Things (IoT)

The network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity that allows them to collect and exchange data

Virtualization

The technology enabling a single physical computer to host multiple virtual machines running distinct operating systems simultaneously

Operating System (OS)

System software that controls computer hardware resources and provides a platform for executing application programs

Application Software

Programs designed to perform specific user tasks, such as spreadsheets, web browsers, or database tools

Firmware

Special software installed on read-only memory (ROM) that operates hardware devices like printers, routers, and communication equipment

Horizontal Applications

Off-the-shelf software designed to provide capabilities common across all industries and organizations, such as word processors or accounting software

Vertical Applications

Software specifically tailored to serve the unique operational requirements of a particular industry

One-of-a-Kind Applications

Custom-developed software created specifically for a unique organizational requirement that off-the-shelf options cannot meet

Native Applications

Software programs designed to run on a specific operating system, using specific programming languages

Web Applications

Software programs that run inside a web browser using languages like HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript, making them largely independent of the underlying operating system

BYOD (Bring your Own Device)

An organizational policy that governs employees using their personal mobile devices for work-related activities