| A | B |
|---|
| Application software | programs that allow the user to perform activities on the computer |
| Hardware | physical parts of a computer system including input output storage and other devices |
| Platform | combination of hardware and operating system that defines the types of programs and devices your computer will support |
| Virus | program designed as a prank that replicates itself from one computer to another |
| Motherboard | main circuit board containing a computers CPU memory and expansion slots |
| Mainframe | computer system used by large organizations that can support many users and large databases |
| Random Access Memory (RAM) | computers primary working memory that temporarily stores information |
| Read Only Memory (ROM) | computers primary storage that permanently stores information |
| Hard drive | nonremovable storage device used to hold software and data on a computer system |
| Shareware | software typically distributed over the Internet that users try for free for a certain period of time |
| Freeware | software that has been copyrighted by its developers and made available to the public without a charge |
| Windows | common name of the family of operating system with GUIs manufactured by Microsoft Corp |
| Supercomputer | computer that is faster and more powerful than a mainframe |
| Syntax | structure for entering functions and commands including spelling punctuation and acceptable keywords |
| GUI | design for the part of an operating system in which the user typically operates a mouse to point and click on graphic icons representing files folders disks and programs |
| Linux | operating system based on Unix that permits any programmer to improve upon it and is available as freeware |
| MacOS | operating system of the Macintosh line of computer systems |
| Minicomputer | computer system smaller and less powerful than a mainframe but capable of supporting multiple users for a small to medium sized organization |
| Flash memory | type of removable memory commonly used in small hand held devices |
| System unit | case that holds the main internal circuitry of a computer |
| Central Processing Unit (CPU) | part of the computer that executes instructions, controls the flow of data and performs arithmetic and logic decisions |
| Expansion slots | part of the motherboard that allows the connection of circuit boards with additional ports |
| Input device | device that accepts data from the user (such as a mouse) |
| Operating system (OS) | software program that oversees and controls everything that happens while a computer is turned on |
| Output device | part of a computer system that displays information to the user (such as a printer) |
| Professional workstation | computer system smaller than a minicomputer but more powerful than most PC's |
| User interface | visual portion of the operating system software that determines the manner in which users interact with the computer |
| Utility program | program that assists the user in maintaining and improving the operating system |
