Chapter 1: Introduction to the World of Technology – VOCABULARY Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from Chapter 1 about computers, networks, the Internet, and the World Wide Web.

Pervasive computing (ubiquitous computing)

Computing that is everywhere and integrated into daily life, with devices and systems seamlessly embedded in the environment.

Computer

A programmable, electronic device that accepts data, processes it, stores it, and follows programmed instructions.

IPOS cycle

The four primary operations of a computer: Input, Processing, Output, Storage, and Communications.

Input device

Hardware used to input data into a computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse, scanner, camera, microphone).

Processing unit (CPU)

The central processor that performs calculations and controls a computer’s operations; may include GPUs and memory.

Output device

Hardware that presents results from a computer (e.g., monitor, printer, speakers).

Storage device

Hardware used to store data and programs for later use (e.g., hard drives, CD/DVD, USB drives).

Communications device

Hardware that enables data transmission and network access (e.g., modems, network adapters, routers).

Data

Raw, unorganized facts that have no meaning by themselves.

Information

Data that has been processed into a meaningful form.

Hardware

The physical components of a computer system.

Software

Programs and instructions that tell hardware what to do.

Operating system

System software that starts up and controls a computer’s operations; examples include Windows, OS X, Linux, Android, and iOS.

GUI (Graphical User Interface)

A user interface that uses graphical elements like windows, icons, and menus to interact with software.

First-generation computer

1946–1957; vacuum tubes, huge size, high power usage; examples include ENIAC and UNIVAC.

Second-generation computer

1958–1963; transistors replaced tubes; input via punch cards; magnetic tape for storage.

Third-generation computer

1964–1970; integrated circuits on a single chip; keyboards for input; monitors for output.

Fourth-generation computer

1971–present; microprocessors; keyboards, mice, networks, and diverse storage; Internet developed.

Fifth-generation computer

Now and future; AI based; includes voice and touch input and potential optical or nanotech computing.

Moore’s Law

Prediction that the number of transistors on a chip doubles approximately every two years, accelerating computing power.

Embedded computer

A computer designed to perform a specific task within a larger product (e.g., appliances, cars, thermostats).

Mobile device

A small, portable device with built-in computing or Internet capability (smartphones, tablets, smartwatches).

Personal computer (PC)

A small, single-user computer (desktop or laptop) intended for one person.

Server

A midrange computer that hosts programs and data for a networked set of users; can be virtualized.

Mainframe computer

A high-powered computer used by large organizations to manage vast amounts of centralized data, often in data centers.

Supercomputer

The fastest and most powerful type of computer, typically expensive and used for complex tasks.

Network

A collection of connected hardware and devices that share data and resources.

Internet

The largest global network of networks that connects devices and enables communication.

World Wide Web (Web)

A vast collection of web pages accessible via the Internet, using hyperlinks and web servers.

Web browser

Software used to view and navigate web pages (e.g., Chrome, Edge, Firefox).

URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

A unique address that identifies a web page, including protocol, server, path, and filename.

IP address

A numeric address that uniquely identifies a computer on a network.

Domain name

A human-readable name that corresponds to an IP address (e.g., example.com).

Top-level domain (TLD)

The far right part of a domain name that indicates the type or location of the organization.

Cloud computing

Resource storage and processing provided over the Internet from remote servers, accessible on demand.

E-mail

Electronic mail; messages exchanged over a network, often with attachments.

Web page

A document on the Web that can be viewed in a browser and may contain hyperlinks.

Hyperlink

Clickable text or image that navigates to another web page or resource.

Data vs Information

Data are raw facts; information is data processed into a meaningful form.

Web page URL structure

specifies the protocol, Web server, folders, and the page filename.