Computer System Servicing Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards identifying key terms, components, and concepts from the Computer System Servicing lecture.

Computer

An electronic device that manipulates information, or data, with the ability to store, retrieve, and process data.

Binary

The native language of a computer consisting of ones and zeros.

Machine language

Native binary code that provides all instructions and data to the computer.

Charles Babbage

An English polymath, mathematician, and inventor who originated the concept of a digital programmable computer.

Abacus

The first computer.

Input

The data that is entered into a computer.

Process

The function handled by the CPU (Central Processing Unit) in a computer.

Storage

Any computing hardware used for storing, porting, and extracting data files and objects.

Output

The computer generated information or processed data.

Hardware

The tangible features of a computer system.

Software

The intangible features or computer programs.

Firmware

The built-in program of a computer.

Peopleware

The person who works or operates on a computer.

Keyboard

An input device used to type text, numbers, and symbols, typically containing $101$ or $104$ keys.

Mouse

An input device used to manipulate the arrow and the cursor.

Monitor

An output device that provides displays which have been generated by the computer's video card.

System Unit

A box containing the essence of a computer, including the motherboard, CPU, and power supply.

Webcam

An input device used to capture images or videos.

AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator)

A device used to regulate voltage by taking fluctuate voltage and changing it into a constant voltage.

Speaker

An output device that provides sounds.

Primary Storage

The built-in storage of a computer, comprised of RAM and ROM.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Temporary memory that the computer uses to store applications and data that are in use.

ROM (Read Only Memory)

Long term memory within the computer's primary storage.

Hard (Fixed) Disk

The main large data storage area inside a computer used to store programs and data.

Secondary Storage

Storage connected to the motherboard using cables, such as removable media like flash drives and CDs.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

Also known as the microprocessor, it is considered the brain of the computer because it performs all computer calculations.

Mainboard

Also called the motherboard or system board, it is the biggest board inside the system unit where all main components connect.

Floppy Disk

Also called diskettes, these are slow storage devices that hold a smaller amount of data compared to hard disks or CD-ROMs.

DVD

Acronym for Digital Video Disc or Digital Versatile Disc.

CD ROM

Acronym for Compact Disc.