computer science

Hardware

the physical parts of a computer

Software

the programs and other operating information used by a computer.

RAM

Random Access Memory

Data

Facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis

Application Software

computer software created to allow the user to perform a specific job or task

ROM

Read Only Memory

Device

a machine that does a particular job

Operating System

the software that supports a computer's basic functions, such as scheduling tasks, executing applications, and controlling peripherals.

File

A document that is stored on your computer. In Excel, a file is also known as a workbook.

Folder

A location on disk where you can store files.

Software engine

A way to search; example, google/yahoo

Binary numbers

Represents values using 0 and 1

Email

messages distributed by electronic means from one computer user to one or more recipients via a network.

IP address

A number assigned to any item that is connected to the Internet.

Byte

8 bits

social media

websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking.

Malware

software that is intended to damage or disable computers and computer systems.

Digital Data

Data that changes discreetly through a finite set of possible values

Virus

A piece of code that is capable of copying itself and typically has a detrimental effect, such as corrupting the system or destroying data

Phishing

An attack that sends an email or displays a Web announcement that falsely claims to be from a legitimate enterprise in an attempt to trick the user into surrendering private information

Cyberbulling

use of email, instant messaging, chat rooms, and cell phones to harass people

Safety online

Measures to protect individuals from digital threats.

Hacking

unauthorized access, modification, or use of an electronic device or some element of a computer system

bystander

one who looks on or observes, a person present but not taking part

account

a record summarizing all the information pertaining to a single item in the accounting equation

Password

A word or phrase that you must type for access to an encrypted file

Battery

A device that converts chemical energy to electrical energy

Cooling fans in computer

Help keep the computer cool

USB stick

A device you can use for saving files from your computer, or moving files between different computers. Sometimes called a flash stick

DVD

digital video disc or digital versatile disc

intel core

Example of desktop CPU

CPU

Central Processing Unit

Hz (Hertz)

Unit of frequency

MHz

megahertz

GHz

gigahertz

input

Something put into a system, such as resources, in order to achieve a result.

output

the amount of something produced by a person, machine, or industry

decoder

Device that translates the encoded message into an understandable form

hard disk

A data storage unit inside a computer that can store a large quantity of data (60GB or more)

processer

interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate a computer

flowchart

A diagram that shows step-by-step progression through a procedure or system especially using connecting lines and a set of conventional symbols.

rectangles in flowcharts

processing symbols

paralellograms in flowcharts

input/output

Pseudocode

An outline of the basic ideas behind how algorithms will work.

Diamonds in Flowcharts

decision

Oval in a flowchart

start/stop

Variable

A factor that can change in an experiment

Arrows in Flowcharts

Indicate the flow direction of the algorithm.

bolean

A data type that only has two values, usually denoted as true or false.

independent variable

The experimental factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied.

Example of Algorithm

Instruction manual for installing new software on your computer

pixels

dots that make up an image

dependent variable

The outcome factor; the variable that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable.

main memory

stores data and information and is usually volatile; its contents are lost when electrical power is turned off. It plays a major role in a computer's performance.

floppy disc

a flexible removable magnetic disk, typically encased in hard plastic, used for storing data.

SD card

secure digital card

Cloud Storage

Internet service that provides storage to computer users