| A | B |
|---|
| Application software - | software designed to meet the user’s need; performs a specific task. |
| CD-ROM - | a compact disk that reads only memory. |
| Channel - | the media that carries or transports the message. (telephone wire, coaxial cable, microwave signal, or fiber optic) |
| Computer - | an electronic device that receives data, processes data, stores data, and produces a result. |
| Control Unit - | the part of the computer that directs instructions. |
| CPU - | Central Processing Unit; the brain of the computer. |
| Data - | new facts entered into the computer to be processed, which consist of text, numbers, sounds, and images. |
| Desktop computer - | designed to be used on a desktop. |
| Disk - | a storage device. |
| Dot Matrix Printer - | Uses a pattern of dots to form words and images on paper. |
| Ergonomics – | the science of designing equipment and workspace for a comfortable and safe working environment |
| File - | a document stored on a disk. |
| File server - | the central computer where the data and software for local area network computers are stored. |
| Hard Copy - | a printed copy of output. |
| Hard Disk/Drive - | a device that holds information such as software and files. |
| Hardware - | physical parts of a computer. |
| Information Processing Cycle - | the interactions of humans and computers that consist of input, processing, output, and storage. |
| Inkjet printer - | sprays ink through small holes to form words and images on paper. |
| Input - | the process of entering information into a computer. |
| IPOS - | input, processing, output, and storage. |
| Keyboard - | contains numbers, letters, symbols, and function keys; looks like a typewriter. |
| Laptop computer - | designed to be small enough and light enough to be used on your lap. |
| Laser Printer - | uses light beams to form words and images on paper. |
| Local Area Networks (LAN) - | computers connected together in a relatively close location such as in the same building or department. |
| Mainframes and minicomputers - | used by business and government to process large amounts of information. |
| Microcomputer - | a small computer in which the central processing unit or CPU is a single silicon chip. |
| Modem - | Modulator – Demodulator. A device that connects the computer to the Internet or anothe computer through a telephone line, cable networkork, wireless network or other connection. |
| Network - | when computers are connected to other computers that can share information and sometimes hardware (printers) |
| Notebook computer - | designed to be used on a desktop but still small enough to be portable. |
| Output - | Displays the results of processing. |
| PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) - | a handheld device that is often used in conjunction with a desktop or other PC. |
| Personal computers - | smaller and less powerful than the other types of computers. |
| Processing - | executes instructions given to the computer. |
| Protocol - | the rules that govern the orderly transfer of data sent. |
| RAM - | random access memory; temporary storage. |
| Receiver - | the computer receiving the message. |
| ROM - | read only memory; Permanent storage. |
| Scanner - | Prints copies like a photocopier. |
| Sender - | the computer that is sending the message. |
| Service Technician - | One who repairs hardware and software problems. |
| Soft Copy - | output that is not in printed form; such as what is seen on the monitor. |
| Software - | Programs that tell the computer what to do. |
| Storage - | a device that holds data. |
| Supercomputer - | most powerful computer used to do things like predict hurricanes and navigate satellites |
| System software - | controls the operation of a computer. |
| Virus Protection Software - | a program that protects a computer from damaging computer viruses. |
| Web TV - | provides easy access to the Internet without a having to have a traditional computer. |
| Wide Area Networks (WAN) - | when local area networks are expanded to include several local area networks within a city, state, region, territory, country, continent, or the world. |
