Business Technology Applications

Computer Basics Vocab

Central Processing Unit

The main chip that processes information, performs calculations, and manages the flow of information through a computer system.

Also known as the brain of the computer

Hardware

The physical components that make up a computer.

Examples: monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, speakers

Input Devices

Transports data into the computer.

Examples: keyboard, mouse, scanner

Output Devices

Displays information sent from the computer.

Examples: printers, monitor, and speakers

Modem

Allows computers to talk to each other.

Software

A detailed set of computer instructions that tells the computer what to do.

2 Types of Software

1. Operating Software –software that manages the computer’s files and programs and acts as a graphic interface that translates mouse and keyboard actions into programming code.

Examples: Windows, Mac OS X

2 Types of Software

2. Application Software –provides the tools needed to complete a task (file management, web surfing, word processing, etc.)

Word Processing

Software that is used to create and print documents such as letters, memos, and reports.

Spreadsheet

Software used for analysis and reporting of statistical or numerical data.

Database

Software that allows the user to collect, store, organize, modify, and extract data.

Memory

Computer memory is composed of circuits that are contained in tiny computer chips.

The number of memory locations is stated in terms of BYTES.

A byte is a unit of storage capable of holding a single character.

Memory

A byte is equal to 8 bits.A kilobyte is equal to 1,025 bytes.A megabyte is equal to 1,048,576 bytes.A gigabyte is equal to 1,073,741,824 bytes.Twenty megabytes of memory can hold data equivalent to what could be saved on one box of floppy disks.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Electronic memory that temporarily stores data inside a computer.

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

Computer memory on which data has been prerecorded.

ROM can only be read, it cannot be changed or deleted.

Port

Places on the outside of the computer where you plug in hardware

Example: USB

Graphics

Pictorial information displayed, plotted, or printed by a computer.

Resolution

Clarity and sharpness of an

on-screen image.

Pixels

A series of dots that can be seen when looking closely at the computer screen. The more pixels the higher the resolution.

Storage Devices

Allow instructions and data to be saved.

Hard drive – internal storage device.

Floppy DisksCD ROM Flash drive

CD-ROM (compact disk-read only memory)

They store large amounts of information, graphics, video, and audio.

Hackers

Irresponsible individuals who discover ways to break codes and hack into classified files

*See malware presentation to familiarize yourself with types computer infections.