| A | B |
|---|
| Algorithms | Set of pre-defined rules used to handle data |
| Barcode reader | Specialized input device used to read data imbedded in barcodes on items you purchase. |
| Bluetooth | Wireless technology used to connect devises such as smartphones and PDAs over short distances. |
| Boot | Font setting that makes text thicker to help it standout. |
| Digital camera | Camera that produces a digital file that can be input into a computer |
| Drawing Tablet | Input device that uses a pen or stylus. |
| Drivers | Programs that enable communication between a device and the OS. |
| File association | Application with which a type of file is opened. |
| Fingerprint scanner | Specialized input device that provides secure access to a computer’s resources |
| FireWire | Hardware device or program that prevents unwanted access and blocks unwanted programs like viruses from entering a network. |
| Flash memory | Type of solid state data storage device that retains information without electricity. |
| Game controllers | Specialized input device designed for use with video games. |
| Game pad | Specialized input device designed for use with video games. |
| Hard drive | Mass storage device used to store data and the operating system. |
| Hardware test | Step in the startup of a computer where the BIOS checks if the hardware is working properly. |
| Infrared | Wireless technology used to connect devices such as smartphones and PDAs over short distances. |
| Input devices | Devices that enable commands to be given to a computer. |
| Joystick | Specialized input device designed for use with video games. |
| Key | Single element of a keyboard used to enter a letter, number or command |
| Keyboard | Input device used to enter letters, numbers and commands. |
| Legacy technology | Older technology that has been replaced but may still be supported by modern computers. |
| Magnetic storage | Mass storage device that records data using a magnetic charge, such as a hard drive. |
| Microphone | Input device used to input audio data to a computer. |
| Monitor | Output device used to display computer data; the most common types are CRT and LCD. |
| Mouse | Input device used to give commands to a computer |
| Musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) | Legacy input device used for audio input. |
| Operating system load | When the operating system is loaded into RAM; step in the startup process of a computer that comes after powering up and testing the hardware |
| Optical character recognition (OCR) | Software technology that translates scanned type-written documents into a word processor document |
| Optical storage | Type of mass storage device that uses lasers to store data; includes CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs. |
| Output devices | Device that provides feedback from the computer. |
| Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) | Handheld device used to organize information. |
| Plotter | Large printer used to create documents like architectural drawings blueprints, maps and posters. |
| Plug and play | Technology designed to enable the operating system to recognizeand automatically configure new hardware when it is connected to a computer. |
| Power supply | Component in a computer that converts AC electricity to the DCelectricity used by a computer. |
| Power-on | First step in the startup process of a computer; power is supplied to the components. |
| Primary Interaction | Phase of the data flow where the user inputs data and commands and the computer generates output |
| Printer | Output device used to create paper copies of files and data. |
| Projector | Output device used to project display onto a screen or other surface. |
| Random access memory (RAM) | Very fast storage that holds all the programs and data on which the computer is working. |
| Read-only memory—basic input/output system (ROM-BIOS) | Read-only storage that holds the most basic programs used during startup |
| Remote storage | Mass storage located offsite and accessed through a network or the Internet |
| Ribbon cable | Cables used to connect hard drives to a computer motherboard |
| Robots | Type of connector used for Ethernet cable. |
| Scanner | Mechanical devices that produce output in the form of complex manipulative functions, such as moving and building things. |
| Scientific probe | Input device used to gather scientific data and input it into the computer. |
| Security card reader | Specialized input device that uses magnetic cards to provide secure access. |
| Services | Specific network server function providing access to things like e-mail or printers. |
| Shutdown | Process of turning off a computer. |
| Smartphone | Handheld cellular telephone that is also a tiny computer; enables a user to stay organized and access the Internet. |
| Solid-state storage | Type of mass storage with no moving parts that does not require electricity to maintain data. |
| Speakers | Output device used to output audio content from a computer. |
| Startup | Process used to start a computer. |
| Stylus | Specialized input device that looks like a stick or pencil for usewith touch screens like PDAs or tablets |
| System clock | Small crystal that sets the timing for all the hardware on a computer |
| Thumb mouse | Specialized input device used to assist disabled users. |
| Touchpad | Input device that enables the user to move the cursor around the screen with the touch of a finger. |
| Trackball | Type of input device that uses a ball to move the cursor on a computer. |
| Universal serial bus (USB) | Connection port used to connect devices to a computer |
| Video card | Component that receives commands and data from a CPU and outputs images to a monitor or other video output device. |
| Voice synthesizer | Program or hardware device that enables the computer to read text out loud. |
| Webcam | Electronic document or other content usually saved with HTML formatting and published to a Web server |
| Wi-Fi | Wireless technology used to network computers together and to other devices like printers or servers. |
