| A | B |
|---|
| Personal Computer | Operated by one person; include micro, notebook, and pocket computer |
| Desktop | computer that sits on or near individual user's desk |
| Touch Pad | input device sensitive to movements on its surface |
| Track Ball | input device similiar to a mouse whose movement is restricted to rolating the top part |
| Pointing stick | often a part of laptop keyboard used as a mouse |
| Pocket Computer | portable computer that can operate on batteries |
| PDA | computer that can fit in the hand which runs limited versions of desktop software |
| Tablet Computer | notebook computer with flat screen |
| workstation | desktop computer; general purpose computer; PC connected to company's network |
| Server | mini computer that handles all files for connected users |
| Operating System | fundamental programming that controls how computers interact. Ex. UNIX and Windows |
| Linux | operating system once called UNIX |
| web server | computer that runs specialized software to support Wb pages |
| File Server | computer that manages database files; same as server |
| dumb terminal | computer with no storage that are connected to file servers |
| Point of Sale terminal | cash register connected to a file server or mainframe |
| Super computer | computer capable of complex interactions quickly. Most expensive computer. |
| modeling | done by super computers; uses finite element analysis on super computers |
| hyprids | combines features of computers with other devices such as Pocket PCs that function as a PDA |
| Microprocessor | units which contain all the circuitry to operate the computerized device |
| CPU | central processing unit |
| IC | integrated circuit that is sealed in a thin, container with connector pins |
| Information | data that is meaningful |
| Processing | Part of the information cycle where the computer acts on the data |
| algorithy | steps for solving a problem |
| program | software |
| bit | single binary digit |
| byte | 8 bits |
| Primary Storage | memory to store data while the computer processes data; internal; necessary to operate computer |
| Secondary Storage | memory to store the RESULTS of processing |
| ROM | memory that contains instructions to tell the computer how to start and communicate with its internal components |
| RAM | memory accessed by the user when using the computer; lost if not saved to secondary storage |
| nano | processor speed; one billionith of a second |
| pico | processor speed; one trillionith of a second |
| kilo | one thousand |
| CD | compact disk |
| Flash Memory | similiar to RAM and often used to transfer data between digital cameras and personal computer |
| Input Device | used to enter data into the computer |
| transistors | electronic switches |
| ASCII | standard code used by all computers |
| analog | electrical signals used before computers were digitized |
| booting | starting the computer |
| Peer to Peer | communication system between 2 or more computers |
| Binary Number System | basis of machine language |
| System | components working together |
