| A | B |
|---|
| Computer | a machine that can be programmed to control symbols |
| Personal Computer | a small, single-user computer; used in homes and businesses; based on a microprocessor |
| Work Station | a powerful, single-user computer; more powerful microprocessor than PCs |
| Microprocessor | a chip that is the master control circuit of a computer |
| Minicomputer | a multi-user computer designed to handle hundreds of users at the same time |
| Mainframe | a powerful, multi-user computer; can support hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously |
| Supercomputer | an extremely fast computer; can perform hundreds of millions of instructions every second |
| Operating System | a program that acts as a boundary between a computer user and the computer itself |
| Hardware | the physical and mechanical components of a computer such as the monitor, mouse, chips, keyboard, etc. |
| Software | programs that direct the operation of computers; instructions for a computer |
| Real-time Operating Systems | used for real-time applications such as thermostats, mobile phones, spacecrafts, etc. |
| Single-user Single-task Operating Systems | allow users to do only one thing at any given time |
| Single-user Multi-tasking Operating Systems | allow the user to run several computer applications at the same time |
| Graphical User Interface | allows users to operate computers without knowing the language used to communicate with an operating system |
| Multi-user Operating Systems | allow multiple users to simultaneously use the programs on a single computer |
| Unix | designed to be a small, flexible system for use by computer programmers |
| Computer Programmer | a person who designs, writes and installs computer programs and applications |
| Linux | a variation of the Unix operating system |
| Source Code | the tags and instructions developed by the creator that tell the foundation of the system and how it was created |
| Network | a system for communication between two or more computers |
| Wireless Connection | connects computers without the use of cables or wires |
| Electromagnetic Waves | a method of travel for information from computer to computer; consists of light waves, radio waves, microwaves, etc. |
| Local Area Network | local, privately owned networks |
| Wide Area Network | a network that provides connections between computers in multiple locations |
| Metropolitan Area Network | a high-speed network designed to link together metropolitan size areas, campuses or school districts |
| Controlled Area Network | used for real-time control operations |
| Personal Area Network | covers the small area around a user’s workspace |
| Internet | a worldwide, publicly accessed network |
| Network Messaging | allows users to send messages from one computer to another through the Internet |
| Server | "allows equipment like fax machines, printers and files to be 'served' to multiple computers
Firewall,serves as a security device between a computer and Internet sites or between multiple computer networks
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol(TCP/IP),helps distinguish individual computers since there are millions on the Internet |
