Computer Skills and Artificial Intelligence - Chapters 1 & 2

Vocabulary flashcards covering core computing concepts, Microsoft Word 2021 text processing essentials, and Microsoft Excel 2021 data analysis, formulas, and dashboards.

Computing

A broad field encompassing the design, development, and use of computers and computational systems to solve problems, process data, and enable communication.

Computer

An electronic device that receives data and instructions as input from the user, processes the data based on these instructions, and produces the desired output.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The primary processing unit, often referred to as the 'brain' of the computer, that performs arithmetic, logic, control, and input/output operations sequentially.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

A key component of the CPU that performs arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) as well as logical comparisons.

Control Unit (CU)

A component of the CPU that coordinates the operations of all other components and manages the flow of data and instructions between them.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

A high-performance processor with thousands of cores designed for parallel calculations, rendering graphics, and powering Artificial Intelligence model training.

Motherboard

The central circuit board that connects all processing devices and enables communication among electronic components; known as the heart of the computer.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Volatile primary memory directly accessible by the CPU to temporarily store data and instructions while performing tasks; erased when the computer is turned off.

ROM (Read Only Memory)

Non-volatile primary memory that permanently stores critical system instructions and data needed to boot up the computer and allow it to function properly.

Secondary Memory

Non-volatile storage that provides long-term preservation of data, applications, and operating systems even when power is lost (e.g., SSD, Hard disk).

Operating System

System software that acts as an interface between the user and hardware, managing resources like the CPU, memory, storage, and input/output devices.

Device Drivers

Specialized programs that allow the operating system to communicate with attached hardware devices, such as printers or graphics cards.

Software Suite

A collection of related software programs bundled together by the same vendor, sharing a common user interface and designed to work together seamlessly.

Word Processor

A type of general-purpose application software used for creating, editing, formatting, and printing text documents.

Template

A pre-designed document that provides a ready-made layout and formatting; saved with the .dotx extension in Microsoft Word.

Insertion Point

A blinking vertical line that indicates where text or elements will appear when typed into a document.

Strikethrough

A text formatting effect that draws a horizontal line through the middle of text to indicate that it has been removed or is no longer relevant.

Format Painter

A tool on the Home tab clipboard that copies formatting styles from one section of text and applies them to another.

Watermark

A faded image or text placed in the background of a document to denote status (such as 'Confidential') or display branding.

Multilevel List

A hierarchical list structure in Microsoft Word that organizes items into multiple outline tiers or nested levels.

Footnote

A supplementary note or citation placed at the bottom of the current page, linked by a superscript number in the text.

Endnote

A citation or additional note placed collectively at the end of a section or the end of the entire document rather than at the bottom of the page.

Table of Contents (TOC)

A list typically placed at the start of a document showing chapters, headings, and their corresponding page numbers for easy navigation.

Bookmark

A feature in Microsoft Word that flags a specific location or section within a document for quick reference and navigation.

Hyperlink

An interactive link attached to words, phrases, or pictures that navigates to a webpage, file, or a specific spot within the document.

Track Changes

A collaborative feature in Microsoft Word that logs all document revisions, insertions, deletions, and formatting changes for review.

Prompt

A clear and detailed instruction, context, or query provided to an AI tool such as Microsoft Copilot to generate relevant outputs.

Data Analysis

The systematic process of inspecting, cleaning, transforming, and modeling data to uncover useful information and support decision-making.

Worksheet

A single page in an Excel workbook consisting of a grid of cells organized in lettered columns and numbered rows.

Active Cell

The currently selected cell in an Excel worksheet, recognized by a bold green outline, where data can be entered or edited.

Formula Bar

The interface bar located to the right of the Name Box used to view, enter, and edit values or formulas in the active cell.

AutoFill

An Excel tool that quickly generates and populates a series of numbers, dates, or formulas across cells using the fill handle (+).

Wrap Text

An alignment option in Excel that displays long cell contents across multiple lines within the cell while increasing row height.

Print Titles

A page layout setting in Excel that repeats specified row or column headings on every printed page of a large dataset.

Freeze Panes

A View feature in Excel that locks specific rows or columns in place so they remain visible while scrolling through large spreadsheets.

Pivot Table

An interactive Excel reporting tool used to summarize, sort, reorganize, and analyze large datasets without modifying original records.

Data Validation

An Excel tool that restricts the type or value of inputs allowed in a cell to maintain data accuracy and integrity.

Conditional Formatting

A feature that automatically applies cell formatting (such as colors, data bars, or icon sets) when cell values meet designated criteria.

SUMIF Function

A Math & Trig function in Excel that adds cells in a range only if they meet a designated condition or criterion.

COUNTIF Function

A Statistical function in Excel that tallies the number of cells within a range that meet a specified single criterion.

LEN Function

A Text function in Excel that calculates and returns the total number of characters in a string, including spaces and punctuation.

Key Performance Indicator (KPI)

A quantifiable measurement used to evaluate performance and progress toward specific goals, business targets, or operational objectives.

Strategic Dashboard

A Business Intelligence dashboard designed for high-level managers, providing snapshots of business health, key KPIs, and forecasts.

Analytical Dashboard

An interactive dashboard providing detailed context, comparisons, and drill-down capabilities for deep exploration of historical data.

Operational Dashboard

A real-time dashboard focused on continuous tracking of dynamic activities and live operational data requiring immediate response.