Common Computing Devices

Flashcards from Common Computing Devices lecture notes.

An Information Technology (IT) system is one that __.

Processes, stores, and transfers information.

Three elements are required for a computer to perform useful tasks: __.

Hardware, software, and the computer's user.

Parts connected to the computer are called __.

Peripheral devices.

A basic software environment is established by the computer's __.

Operating System (OS).

A mouse and a monitor, provide an interface between the user and the computer.

Input and output hardware devices.

When a user selects a command, the software application receives the command and converts a series of instructions, which are stored in system memory, commonly referred to as __.

Random Access Memory (RAM).

The __ retrieves each instruction or data file from memory and processes it.

Central Processing Unit (CPU).

When the computer receives data entered by the user through peripheral devices, such as mice, keyboards, scanners, cameras, and microphones, this is called __.

Input.

When data is written to memory and manipulated by the CPU, acting on instructions from the operating system and applications software, this is called __.

Processing.

When processed data is shown or played to the user through a monitor or loudspeaker system, this is called __.

Output.

When data may be written to different types of storage devices, such as hard disks or optical discs, because data stored in most types of system memory is only preserved while the computer is powered on, this is called __.

Storage.

The term __ is generally understood to apply to versions of the IBM PC, developed in 1981.

Personal Computer.

The IBM PC was based on a microprocessor or Central Processing Unit (CPU) designed by Intel. This is also called the __.

x86 architecture or platform.

As the miniaturization of electronics continues, many ordinary appliances and systems are being designed with processing and communications capabilities, creating an __.

Internet of Things (IoT).

A workstation type of PC is housed in a case that can sit on or under a desk. Consequently, they are often referred to as __.

Desktop PCs or desktops.

Some of a PC's components are attached to a __ contained within the computer's case.

Motherboard.

The __ determines the basic speed of the computer.

The speed of the CPU.

__ makes it possible to run more applications simultaneously and process large amounts of data more quickly.

More system memory.

The capacity of the __ determines how much data can be stored on the computer when it is switched off.

Main storage drive.

Legacy hard drives were a serious performance bottleneck, but these are being replaced by __, which can work much more quickly.

Solid state drives.

Desktop PCs can also be purchased as __ units, where the computer components are contained within the monitor case.

All-in-one.

A __ is any computer providing services to other computers, but usually the term implies a powerful computer that supports a number of users simultaneously in a computer network.

Server.

Servers need to be very reliable and fault tolerant. This is achieved by specifying high quality components and also by using __.

Extra copies of components for redundancy.

A __ is one that integrates the display, system components, and input/output devices within a single, portable case (or chassis).

Laptop computer.

Laptops use __ to provide lightweight, slimline screens that are built into the case.

flat-panel display technologies.

Portable computers use __ to connect to networks rather than cabled connections.

Wireless radio technologies.

The term __ is used for laptops meeting a particular Intel specification for performance, size/ weight, and battery life.

Ultrabook.

Most companies producing PCs and laptops are referred to as __.

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM).

Another personal computer vendor, __, with a different operating system (Apple Mac OS) and a different hardware platform to the IBM PC-compatible vendors.

Apple, ship Macintosh computers.

, laptops built to run Chrome OS and interface primarily with Google's web apps.

Chromebooks.

A __ is a device with roughly the same functionality as a personal computer that can be held in one hand.

Smartphone.

Modern smartphones use __, making them much easier to operate.

Touchscreen displays.

__ are similar to laptops with touchscreens, but without a physical keyboard.

Tablets.

Smartphones sized between the 5" and 7" form factors are often called __.

Phablets.

The __ refers to a world in which many different types of things are embedded with processing and networking functionality.

Internet of Things (IoT).

Pretty much anything from a clock to an alarm system or a refrigerator can be controlled over the Internet by __ software, if the appliance or device is smart.

Home automation.

Hubs are usually controlled using __.

Voice recognition systems and smartphone apps.

Most devices support ordinary __ standards-based wireless networking.

Wi-Fi.

__ monitor and adjust your home or office Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) controls from an app installed on your phone.

Thermostats.

__ monitor and control alarms, locks, lighting, and videophone entry systems remotely.

Security systems.

Some vehicles are now fitted with a "black box," or event data recorder, that can log the car's __ (acceleration, braking, and position).

telemetry

Another rapidly developing sector is that of __.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).

__ represent another class of devices where use of electronics to remotely monitor and configure the appliance is expanding rapidly.

Medical devices.

A __ contains many of the same components as a workstation, using an HD (High Definition) TV for a display and operated by a gaming pad rather than a keyboard and mouse.

Gaming console.

__ is the study of factors affecting the performance of people at work.

Ergonomics.

__ is a condition that occurs when the same task is carried out repeatedly for a long period, making use of the same muscles continuously.

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).

When using a keyboard, keep your forearms parallel with the keyboard. It will help if you learn to __.

Touch-type.

An OS provides tools for configuring the hardware, such as the __ in Windows.

Settings app.

The computer performs a __ to check that the main components work and then loads Windows.

Power-On Self-Test (POST).

The __ is principally used to manage open windows (applications and files).

Taskbar.