ICOM-REVIEWER.docx

Computing Device

An electronic machine that uses binary data to automatically perform calculations.

Personal Computer

A computing device designed to be used by one person at a time. It is commonly found in offices, schools, and homes and can run commercial software applications, access the internet, and create new applications.

Desktop Computer

A computing device designed to be placed on or near a user's desk. It is larger in size and needs to be plugged into a power source.

Laptop Computer

A small, compact, lightweight, and portable computing device. It has specialized hardware for use in a smaller portable system, can run on battery or AC power, and can connect to other devices.

Mobile Device

A computing device that is portable and can be carried around. It includes tablets and smartphones.

Tablets

Mobile devices that fall into the tablet PC category. They range in size from larger tablets with touchscreens to smaller notebook-sized devices that operate similarly to smartphones.

Smartphones

High-end mobile devices that provide users with various functions such as portable media players, video cameras, GPS, touchscreens, web browsers, and phone service. They can run on different operating systems like Android, iOS, KaiOS, Tizen, HarmonyOS, and Linux-based custom ROMs.

Server

A network computer that shares resources and responds to requests from computers, devices, and other servers on the network. It provides centralized access and storage for resources such as applications, files, printers, and email.

Rack Servers

Servers used in data centers designed for heavy-duty computing tasks.

Tower Servers

Servers that resemble traditional desktop computers but are optimized for server tasks.

Blade Servers

Compact servers designed to fit into a blade chassis, allowing for efficient use of space and resources.

Supercomputer

The fastest and most expensive computer among all types. It is often used in research and simulations by hospitals, universities, and governments for specialized tasks.

Mainframe

A large computer that serves a large organization. It has more processing power and storage capacity than other computers and is accessed through terminals.

Gaming Consoles

Dedicated gaming devices such as Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo consoles designed for gaming and multimedia.

Embedded Systems

Specialized computing systems designed to perform dedicated functions or tasks within a larger mechanical or electrical system.

Calculators

Basic handheld devices used for mathematical calculations.

Kiosks

Stand-alone computers used for self-service applications like ticketing machines and information kiosks.

Televisions

Some modern smart TVs have advanced computing capabilities, including app support and web browsing.

Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)

A mobile handheld device that provides computing, information storage, and retrieval capabilities.1. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA):A handheld device primarily used for keeping schedules, calendars, and address book information handy.

Computer Components

The physical parts or devices that make up a computer system.

Motherboard

The main circuit board of a computer system that acts as the backbone and contains chips and other electrical components.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The computer chip where most of the computing calculations take place.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

The component that provides workspace for a processor and requires a constant source of electricity to store data.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

A specialized electronic circuit designed to accelerate the rendering of images and video on a computer's display.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

Provides network connectivity, allowing the computer to connect to local networks or the internet.

Optical Drive

Used for reading and writing optical discs such as CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs.

Power Supply

A metal box attached to the computer chassis and system board that provides power to system components.

Expansion Slot

A slot on the computer's system board where an expansion card can be installed to expand the functionality of the computer.

Cooling System

Strategies employed to prevent computers from overheating, including cooling fans, liquid cooling, and heat sinks.

Storage Device

A hardware component or medium used to store, access, and retain digital data and files.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Uses magnetic spinning disks to store data and has moving read/write heads.

Solid-State Drive (SSD)

Uses NAND flash memory to store data and has no moving parts.

Speed

SSDs are significantly faster than HDDs due to the absence of mechanical parts.

Durability

SSDs are more durable than HDDs as they have no moving parts and are less prone to physical damage.

Noise and Vibration

HDDs can produce noise and vibration during operation, while SSDs are completely silent.

Weight

HDDs are heavier due to their mechanical components, while SSDs are lightweight.

Power Consumption

HDDs consume more power, while SSDs are more power-efficient.

Size and Form Factor

HDDs are physically larger and bulkier compared to SSDs, making SSDs more suitable for slim devices.1. Capacity:The amount of data that a storage device can hold. HDDs and SSDs have different capacities.

Price

The cost of a storage device, usually measured in price per gigabyte. HDDs are generally more cost-effective than SSDs.

Performance

The speed and efficiency of a storage device. SSDs offer faster data transfer rates and quicker application loading compared to HDDs.

External Hard Drive

A portable storage device that connects to a computer via USB or other interfaces, providing additional storage capacity.

USB Flash Drive

A small, portable storage device that connects to a computer's USB port, used for data storage and transfer.

Memory Cards

Small, removable storage devices commonly used in cameras, smartphones, and portable gaming consoles.

Optical Discs

CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs that store data in an optical format using laser technology.

Network-Attached Storage (NAS)

A specialized networked storage solution that provides centralized storage accessible to multiple users and devices over the network.

Cloud Storage

Services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and iCloud that store data on remote servers accessed via the internet.

Monitor

An external display device that shows the computer's graphical user interface, applications, and content.

Keyboard

An external input device used for typing, entering commands, and navigating the computer.

Mouse

A pointing device that allows users to control the cursor on the screen and interact with the user interface.

Speaker

External audio output devices that allow users to listen to music, videos, and other multimedia content from the computer.

Microphone

External devices used for audio input, such as voice recording and video conferencing.

Webcam

An external camera used for video conferencing, online streaming, and capturing video or photos.

Printer

A device that produces hard copies of digital documents and images.

Scanner

A device that converts physical documents or images into a digital format for storage, editing, and sharing on the computer.

Port

A hardware interface used to connect devices to a computer, transferring electronic signals between the device and the system unit.

Gender

Most ports and cables have genders, with the computer jacks being female connectors and the cable plugs being male connectors.1. Port Shapes:Different physical shapes of ports, such as round, rectangular, square, and oblong, used for computer connections.

Computer Connections

Physical access points that enable a computer to communicate with internal or external devices.

PS/2 Ports and Connectors

Round 6-pin ports, also known as Mini-Din connectors or PS/2 ports, used for connecting older keyboards and mice to the motherboard.

Serial Ports and Connectors

Personal computer connections that transfer data one bit at a time over a single wire, typically used for devices like fax cards or external modems.

Parallel Ports and Connectors

Computer connections that transfer data eight or more bits at a time over multiple wires, commonly used to connect printers to a system unit.

Power Connections and Connectors

Connectors responsible for supplying electrical power from the computer's power supply unit (PSU) to the motherboard and other components within the computer.

USB Ports and Connectors

Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports and connectors used for connecting various devices to a computer, with USB 3.0 being the latest standard.

FireWire Ports and Connectors

High-speed computer connections that provide an interface for peripheral devices using the IEEE 1394 standard, with FireWire 400 and FireWire 800 being common variants.

FireWire Terminology

Common name for all IEEE 1394 devices, initially promoted by Apple for Macintosh systems.1. Peripheral:A device that connects to a computer to expand its functionality, including input, output, storage, and data sharing.

External devices

Also known as peripheral devices, these devices provide alternative input or output methods or additional data storage.

Input devices

Devices that enable users to provide directions, commands, and interact with programs on a computer.

Output devices

Devices that allow users to retrieve information and data from a computer, such as printers, speakers, and displays.

Storage device

A hardware component or peripheral used to store, retrieve, and manage digital data on a computer or electronic system.

Share data

Devices that provide both input and output functionality, such as fax devices, external storage devices, and touchscreen devices.

Keyboard

A standard input device with keys used for typing and providing user input.

Ergonomic keyboard

A split keyboard designed for comfortable use, often with built-in wrist rests and integrated pointing devices.

Mouse

A small device with buttons that sends electronic signals to the graphical user interface (GUI) when moved across a flat surface.

Trackball

An upside-down mouse with a ball mounted on top of the case for controlling movement.

Touchpad

A touch-sensitive pad where users can run their fingers across the surface to control the pointer on the screen.

TrackPoint

A small joystick-like button commonly found on laptops, used to move the mouse pointer.

Joystick

A pivoting stick or lever used to control movement on a device.

Stylus

A pen-like device used with tablets or drawing tablets, often pressure-sensitive for drawing or selecting on touch-sensitive displays.

Microphone

A device that records sound and converts it to electronic or digital format.

Webcam

A camera used to send periodic images or continuous frames to a website for display.

Scanner

A device used to create a digital copy of physical documents by scanning them.

Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)

A line of characters on a check printed with unique ink that can be read by a reader.

Optical Mark Recognition (OMR)

A technique for collecting information on a form where people mark stylized "bubbles" to indicate their answers to questions.1. Output Device:Devices that enable the user to get information and data out of the computer, such as printers, speakers, and displays.

Monitor

A common output device that displays text, graphics, videos, and other visual information generated by the computer's software.

Speaker or Headphone

Devices that play audio out loud, without the need for headphones, and are connected to the line out port or jack on the sound card.

Printer

A device that produces text and images from electronic content onto physical media such as paper, photo paper, and labels.

Projector

An output device that displays computer-generated images or videos on a larger screen or surface, typically for presentations, movies, or gaming.

Plotter

Specialized output devices used for printing vector graphics and high-quality technical drawings, commonly used in engineering and architectural applications.

Braille Display

Output devices designed for visually impaired users, converting digital text and information into Braille characters.

Storage Device

A hardware component or peripheral used to store, retrieve, and manage digital data on a computer or electronic system.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Internal storage devices that use spinning magnetic disks to store data, commonly found in desktops and laptops.

Solid State Drive (SSD)

Storage devices that use NAND flash memory to store data, known for their speed, durability, and reliability.

Memory Card

Small, removable storage devices commonly used in cameras, smartphones, and portable gaming consoles.

Optical Discs

Discs like CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs that store data in an optical format using laser technology.

Network-Attached Storage (NAS)

Specialized networked storage solutions that provide centralized storage accessible to multiple users and devices over the network.

External Hard Drive

Portable storage devices that connect to a computer via USB, Thunderbolt, or other interfaces, providing additional storage capacity.

Cloud Storage

Services that store data on remote servers accessed via the internet, allowing users to upload, download, and synchronize files across devices and platforms.

Touchscreens

Displays that allow users to input commands or interact with a computer by touching the screen and also display information, graphics, or feedback based on the user's actions.

Smartphones and Tablets

Devices with touchscreens, cameras, and microphones that can be used for both input and output.

Headsets

Devices with headphones for audio output and a microphone for recording voice or providing voice commands.

Game Controllers

Controllers with buttons and analog sticks for input and vibration feedback for a more immersive gaming experience.