IT Tools and Business System - Computer Appreciation (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the IT Tools and Business System lecture notes (Chapter 1: Computer Appreciation and related topics).

Computer

An electronic device that stores data, processes information according to instructions, and provides results.

Input Unit

Hardware that accepts data from the user and feeds it to the computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse).

Keyboard

An input device used to type data and commands into a computer.

Mouse

An input device used to point, click, and interact with the computer interface.

Joystick

An input device used to control movement or direction in computer graphics and games.

Scanner

An input device that converts physical documents into digital data.

Barcode Reader

An input device that reads barcodes to input product or item information.

Output Unit

Devices that present the computer's results to users (e.g., monitor, printer, graphic plotter).

Monitor

An output device that displays text and graphics on a screen.

Printer

An output device that produces hard copies of documents on paper.

Graphic Plotter

An output device that draws images on large sheets of paper, usually for graphs and designs.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The core of a computer that interprets and executes instructions; includes ALU and CU.

ALU

Arithmetic and Logic Unit; performs arithmetic and logical operations.

CU

Control Unit; directs processor operation, data flow, and timing signals.

Memory (Storage Unit)

Stores programs, data, and results; includes primary (RAM/ROM) and secondary storage.

RAM

Random Access Memory; volatile primary storage used for temporary data and programs.

ROM

Read-Only Memory; non-volatile storage for firmware and essential data.

Primary Storage

Temporary, fast-access storage (e.g., RAM, ROM) directly connected to the CPU.

Secondary Storage

Permanent storage for data and programs (e.g., disks, CDs, SSDs).

Binary Number System

Base-2 numeral system using digits 0 and 1.

Decimal Number System

Base-10 numeral system using digits 0-9.

ASCII Code

American Standard Code for Information Interchange; character encoding standard.

Unicode

Universal character encoding standard that covers a wide range of characters and symbols.

Analog Computer

Computers that represent data with continuously varying physical quantities.

Digital Computer

Computers that process data numerically in binary form.

Hybrid Computer

Computers that combine analog and digital processing, converting analog signals to digital for processing.

Micro Computer

Small, inexpensive computer with a microprocessor as CPU; includes desktop, laptop, notebook, and PDA.

Desktop Computer

A personal computer designed for regular use at a single location with a separate monitor and keyboard.

Laptop Computer

A portable computer with similar capabilities to a desktop, designed for mobility.

Notebook Computer

A compact, portable computer with an attached screen and keyboard.

PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)

Palm-sized device for storing contacts, appointments, files, and programs.

Mini Computer

Small multi-user computer used for control, instrumentation, and communication; supports multiple users.

Mainframe Computer

Powerful multi-user computer capable of handling many users and high-speed processing; very expensive.

Super Computer

The fastest, most powerful type of computer with extremely high processing capacity.