Course 1 Flashcards

Abstraction

To take a relatively complex system and simplify it for our use.

Address bus

Connects the CPU to the MCC and sends over the location of the data, but not the data itself.

Algorithm

A series of steps that solves specific problems.

Android

A mobile operating system based on Linux.

Application

A computer program designed for a specific use.

Application software

Any software created to fulfill a specific need, like a text editor, web browser, or graphics editor.

ARPANET

The earliest version of the Internet created by the US government project DARPA in the 1960s.

ASCII

The oldest character encoding standard used, representing the English alphabet, digits, and punctuation marks.

Assembly language

A language allowing computer scientists to use human-readable instructions, assembled into code that machines can understand.

ATA

The most common interface that hard drives use to connect to a system.

ATX (Advanced Technology eXtended)

The most common form factor for motherboards.

Automation

It makes processes work automatically.

Backward compatible

Older hardware works with newer hardware.

Binary system

The communication that a computer uses, also known as base-2 numeral system.

BIOS (Basic Input Output Services)

Software that helps initialize the hardware in a computer and gets the operating system up and running.

Block storage

Improves faster handling of data because it is stored in blocks, allowing quick access.

Boot

To start up a computer.

Bootloader

A small program that loads the operating system.

Browser

A user interface for displaying and interacting with web pages.

BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)

Allows people to use their own personal devices for work.

Byte

A group of 8 bits.

Cache

A stored location for recently or frequently accessed data.

Character encoding

Assigns binary values to characters for human readability.

Charge cycle

One full charge and discharge of a battery.

Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

Regulates information shown to children under the age of 13.

Chipset

Decides how components communicate with each other in a machine.

Chrome OS

A Linux-based operating system designed by Google.

Clients

Devices that receive data from a server.

Clock cycle

When voltage is sent to the clock wire.

Clock speed

The maximum number of clock cycles that can be handled in a set time period.

Clock wire

Sends a voltage to let the CPU know it can start calculations.

Coding

Translating one language to another.

Command Line Interface (CLI)

A shell that uses text commands to interact with the operating system.

Compiled programming language

Uses human-readable instructions processed through a compiler.

Computer

A device that stores and processes data by performing calculations.

Computer file

Data stored in a file, like a document, picture, or song.

Copyright

Used when creating original work.

CPU

Central Processing Unit.

CPU sockets

Series of pins connecting a CPU to the motherboard.

Cryptography

The practice of coding and hiding messages from third parties.

Data blocks

Data that can be broken into pieces and written to different parts of the hard disk.

Data sizes

Metrics referring to sizes like bit, byte, kilobyte, etc.

DDR SDRAM (Double Data Rate SDRAM)

A type of RAM that is faster and takes up less power than earlier versions.

Decimal form - base 10 system

System using digits 0-9.

Desktop

The main screen for navigating files, folders, and applications.

Digital divide

The gap between people with and without digital literacy skills.

DIMM

Dual Inline Memory Module.

Display port

A port that outputs audio and video.

Distribution

A version of the operating system.

Domain name

The part of the URL following www.

Domain Name System (DNS)

Resolves website names into IP addresses.

DRAM

Dynamic Random Access Memory.

Drivers

Provide instructions for the CPU to understand external devices.

DVI

Cables that output video.

Electrostatic discharge

A sudden flow of electric current between charged objects.

Error message

Indicators that assist in troubleshooting.

Etcher.io

Tool used to make a USB bootable.

Ethernet cable

Allows physical network connection via cable.

.exe

A file extension for executable files in Windows.

Expansion slots

Enable increased functionality of the computer.

External Data Bus (EDB)

A row of wires connecting parts of a computer.

Factory reset

Resetting a device to factory settings.

Fiber optic cable

Cables using light pulses to represent data.

File extension

The part of a filename indicating its file type.

File handling

The process of storing data using a program.

File system

Used to manage files.

Finder

The file manager for Macs.

Firmware

Software permanently stored on a computer component.

Folders/Directories

Used to organize files.

Form factor

A method for compensating for irregular shapes.

GIT

A version control system for tracking changes in files.

Globalization

The integration of communication and processes on an international scale.

Hard drive

A long-term memory component storing data.

Hardware

External or internal devices facilitating computer functions.

Hardware resource deficiency

Lack of system resources like memory or space.

HDD (Hard disk drive)

Uses spinning platters to read and write information.

HDMI

Cables that output both video and audio.

Heatsink

Dissipates heat from the CPU.

HFS+/APFS

Apple's journaling systems.

Hostname

Identifies the computer in a network.

Hubs

Central locations through which data travels.

Information technology

Use of digital technology to process data.

Input/Output device

Performs input and output functions.

Install image

Downloadable OS image for installations.

Instruction set

List of instructions a CPU can execute.

Internet

A worldwide system of interconnected networks.

Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4)

An address consisting of 32 bits.

Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6)

An address consisting of 128 bits.

Internet service provider (ISP)

Company providing internet connections.

Internet of Things (IoT)

Concept of multiple devices connected to the internet.

Interpreted programming language

A language not compiled ahead of time.

I/O management

Manages input and output of data.

iOS

Mobile operating system developed by Apple Inc.

IP address

Protocol aiding in information routing.

ITX (Information Technology eXtended)

A smaller motherboard form factor.

Kernel

The core of an operating system managing processes.

Land Grid Array (LGA)

CPU socket type protruding from the motherboard.

Lightning adaptor

Standard power, data, and display connector for mobile devices.

Linux OS

Open source OS widely used in business.

Logic gates

Allow transistors to perform complex tasks.