| A | B |
|---|
| Computer | an electronic device that accepts data, performs computations, makes logical decisions, and it produces meaningful information in a form that is useful to humans |
| Computer System | a combination of related elements working together as a whole to achieve a common goal |
| Hardware | the tangible, physical equipment that can be seen and touched |
| Software | the intangible instructions that tell the computer what to do |
| Input Device | a hardware device that enables the computer to accept data |
| Output Device | a hardware device that reports information in a form we can understand |
| Storage Device | a hardware device that permits dat storage |
| Processor | a hardware device that processes the data into meaningful information |
| Program | a series of detailed, step-by-step instructions that tell the computer precisely what actions to perform |
| System Program | a program that controls the computer's circuitry and hardware devices |
| Application Program | a program that instructs the computer to perform a specific, user-defined task |
| Information Processing | the process of sharing information between humans and computers |
| Microminiaturization | the technologic process which enables an entire microprocessor to occupy the space of a tiny chip |
| Local Area Network (LAN) | a communication network that covers a limited or small geographic area |
| Wide Area Network (WAN) | a communication network that is not limited by geographic area and transmissions are carried over telephone lines, satellites, and cable |
| Microcomputer | is used in the home and business |
| Personal computer | most popular computer used today |
| Portable computer | transportable and have the ability to connect to several devices |
| Minicomputer | has more power and speed than the microcomputer and is capable of storing and processing large amounts of information |
| Mainframe | has more power and speed than a minicomputer and is capable of storing and processing large amounts of information quickly and require special environmental controls |
| Special-Purpose Computer | have been designed to perform specific, specialized tasks |
| Supercomputer | largest, fastest, and most expensive mainframe computer |
