Computer Systems, Hardware, Software, History, and Internet Concepts

Vocabulary flashcards covering core topics in hardware, software, system architecture, history of computing, and internet technologies from University of Mindanao lecture transcripts.

Storage Medium

The physical material on which a computer keeps data, information, programs, and applications.

Storage Device

The hardware that records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from storage media.

Reading

The process of transferring items from a storage medium into memory.

Writing

The process of transferring items from memory to a storage medium.

Access Time

Measures the amount of time it takes a storage device to locate an item on a storage medium, or the time required to deliver an item from memory to the processor.

Head Crash

Occurs when a read/write head touches the surface of a platter on a hard disk drive.

Solid State Drive (SSD)

A flash memory storage device that contains its own processor to manage its storage and offers faster access times and higher durability than traditional magnetic hard disks.

Network-Attached Storage (NAS)

A server placed on a network with the sole purpose of providing storage to users, computers, and devices attached to the network.

Storage Area Network (SAN)

A high-speed network with the sole purpose of providing storage to other attached servers.

Router

A communications device that connects multiple computers or other routers together and transmits data to its correct destination on a network.

Repeater

A device that amplifies and regenerates a network signal to extend its range.

Bandwidth

The amount of data, instructions, and information that can travel over transmission media.

Latency

The time it takes a signal to travel from one location to another on a network.

Computer System

A combination of hardware and software components that work together to perform specific tasks, such as processing data, storing information, and producing outputs.

System Unit

The case that contains the electronic components of the computer that are used to process data.

Graphics Tablet

Also called a digitizer, an electronic plastic board that detects and converts movements of a stylus or digital pen into signals sent to the computer.

CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor)

A chip that provides startup information including hardware settings, system date, and time settings.

Adapter Cards

Circuit components that enhance the functions of a component of a desktop or server system unit and/or provide connections to peripherals.

System Software

Programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices, helping run the computer.

Operating System

A set of programs that coordinates all the activities among computer or mobile device hardware, acting as both an interpreter and a manager.

Shareware

Software distributed free on a trial basis with the understanding that the user may need or want to pay for it later.

Open Source Software

Software distributed with its source code, making it available for use, modification, and distribution with its original rights.

Public Domain Software

Creative materials that are not protected by intellectual property laws (such as copyright, trademark, or patent laws) and can be used by anyone without permission.

Software Suite

A collection of individual related applications available together as a unit.

Charles Babbage

Known as the Father of the Computer; designed the Analytical Engine as a blueprint for modern computers incorporating memory and control flow.

Ada Lovelace

Recognized as the first computer programmer; developed instructions and wrote the first algorithm intended for Babbage's Analytical Engine.

Harvard Mark I

The first programmable digital computer made in the U.S., constructed in 1944 out of switches, relays, rotating shafts, and clutches by Harvard and IBM.

Grace Hopper

Primary programmer for the Mark I who discovered the first computer bug (a dead moth) and credited with coining the term debugging.

Atanasoff-Berry Computer

The first electronic computer designed at Iowa State between 1939 and 1942 that used the binary system.

ENIAC

A first-generation electronic computer built between 1943 and 1945 by John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert that filled a 20 by 40-foot room, weighed 30 tons, and used over 18,000 vacuum tubes.

UNIVAC

The first commercial (mass-produced) computer and the first computer to employ magnetic tape.

Vint Cerf

Known as the Father of the Internet; co-designed the TCP/IP protocols for the Internet architecture.

Tim Berners-Lee

Inventor of the World Wide Web, the HTTP protocol, and the first web browser.

ARPANET

The original precursor to the Internet established in September 1969 to allow scientists to share information and ensure communications survived disasters.

IP Address

A sequence of numbers that uniquely identifies the location of each computer or device connected to the Internet or any other network.

DNS Server

A server that translates a text-based domain name into its associated numerical IP address.

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)

A set of symbols that developers use to specify the headings, paragraphs, images, links, and other content elements contained on a webpage.

Infographic

A visual representation of data and information designed to communicate quickly, simplify complex concepts, or present patterns or trends.

Netiquette

The code of acceptable Internet behavior that users should follow while online.

Flame

An abusive or insulting message sent or posted online.