Hardware and Software Components (IST)

Card reader

a device that transfers data between a memory card and a computer.

Chromebook

a laptop using web-based software storing data in Google’s cloud-based Chrome Operating System rather than on a local hard disk.

Device driver

software that helps a peripheral device establish communication with a computer.

Executable file

a file that contains a computer program that is carried out step-by-step within the microprocessor.

Form factor

the size and dimensions of a device of components such as circuit boards and system units.

Gigahertz (GHz)

the size and dimensions of a device of components such as circuit boards and system units.

Integrated circuit

Another name for a chip, an integrated circuit (IC) is a small electronic device made from a semiconductor material.

Linux platform

uses a standard PC or Mac to run the Linux operating system.

Mac platform

based on a proprietary design for a personal computer called the Macintosh or Mac, manufactured almost exclusively by Apple Inc.

Malware

a program or a set of program instructions that are designed to enter a computer and disrupt its normal operations

Megahertz (MHz)

a measure of the frequency equivalent to one million cycles per second.

Mobile App

an application designed to be downloaded to a handheld device like a smartphone or tablet computer.

PC Platform

Based on the design for the IBM PC

Peripheral device

designates input, output, and storage equipment that might be added to a computer system to enhance its functionality.

Portable computer

a computer device such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones that operate on battery power

Service Pack

a collection of patches designed to correct bugs and/or add features to an existing software program

System Unit

the case that holds the computer's main circuit boards, microprocessor, memory, power supply, and storage devices.

System Utilities

can track down and fix disk errors, repair corrupted files, and give devices a performance-enhancing tune-up.

Wearable computer

computer-powered devices or equipment that can be worn by a user, including clothing, watches, glasses, shoes, and similar items.

Rear Connectors

Allows external devices to be connected to the computer.

Memory Slots

Allows computer memory to be inserted into the computer.   Also referred to as a RAM slot.

CPU Socket

The connector on the motherboard that houses a CPU and forms the electrical interface and contact with the CPU.

Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) Port

These are 40 pin connectors that provide a place to connect the ribbon cables from the drives (hard and CD/DVD).   All data between the motherboard and the drives is carried in these cables.

Serial ATA (SATA) Ports

These components connect via cables to various storage devices.

Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Slots

Allows components to be placed directly into the motherboard.

Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Express Slots

This type of PCI slot is full-duplex which means data is sent and received at the same time.

System Software

designed for computer-specific tasks such as defragmenting your disks.

Application software

assists users to perform a specific task, such as creating a document using word processing software

Security software

designed to protect computers from an assortment of viruses and unauthorized intrusions.