Computer+Definitions+SMN


 * Play games on Word Dynamo to review the terms. Introduction to Computer Terms**

Process- to perform a series of operations on a set of data. For example, your computer's CPU processes information sent to it by various programs.
 * Know the following terms:**

CPU (Central Processing Unit)- central processing unit: the key component of a computer system, which contains the circuitry necessary to interpret and execute program instructions.

Input -to enter (data) into a computer for processing.

Output- to transfer (information) from internal storage to an external medium.

hardware- The machines, wiring, and other physical components of a computer or other electronic system.

monitor- a device that displays signals on a computer screen.

keyboard- the like.a data input device for computers; arrangement of keys is modelled after the typewriter keyboard.

printer (output device)- peripheral which produces a hard copy (permanent readable text and/or graphics)

scanner (input device)- an input device that scans documents such as photographs and pages of text.

mouse (input device)- one of the inportant input devices used with today's computers

speakers- output devices for sound

camera (input device)- A device for recording visual images in the form of photographs, movie film, or video signals.

Software- consists of lines of code written by computer programmers

script- a list of commands that are executed by a certain program or scripting engine. Scripts may be used to automate processes on a local computer or to generate Web pages on the Web.

program- executable software that runs on a computer.

operating system software (Apple mac OS, Windows)- A set of instructions that tell a computer on how to operate when it is turned on. It sets up a filing system to store files and tells the computer how to display information on a video display. Most PC operating systems are [|DOS] (disc operated system) systems, meaning the instructions are stored on a disc (as opposed to being originally stored in the microprocessors of the computer). Other well-known operating systems include UNIX, Linux, Macintosh, and Windows.

applications- Computer [|software] that performs a task or set of tasks, such as word processing or drawing. Applications are also referred to as programs.

boot- to start (a computer) by loading and initializing the operating system.

Storage Device- a device used to store (keep or hold) digital data or information, as a hard disk or CD.

hard drive- a disk drive that stores data

RAM (Random Access Memory)- random-access memory; computer memory available to the user for creating, loading, or running programs and for the temporary storage and manipulation of data, in which time of access to each item is independent of the storage sequence. As a storage medium ... As a storage medium

ROM (Read Only Memory)- computer memory in which program instructions, operating procedures, or other data are permanently stored, generally on electronic chips during manufacture, and that ordinarily cannot be changed by the user.