| A | B |
|---|
| Apple Mac | Type of microcomputer distinct from PCs by OS and hardware |
| Cellular telephone | Wireless portable telephone |
| Central processing unit (CPU) | Microchip that is the “brain” of every computer |
| Centralized processing. | System of computing where all processing takes place directly on the centralized mainframe or minicomputer system. |
| Decentralized processing | System of computing in which each microcomputer has its own processing power and storage. |
| Distributed computing | Multiple computers sharing their processing power to perform single computing task |
| Electronic book reader. | Specialized handheld computing device designed for the single purpose of displaying written material. |
| Handheld computing device | Small multi-function or single-function device. |
| Hub | Hardware device used to connect computers in a network; repeats all data to every cable connection to the network. |
| IBM-compatible personal computer (PC) | Also known as a personal computer or PC |
| Local area network (LAN) | Network of computers in a single physical location. |
| Mac OS X | Apple Computer’s operating system. |
| Mainframe | Powerful computers that specialize in multitasking and supporting hundreds of sessions at the same time |
| Microcomputer | Also known as a personal computer (PC). |
| Microprocessor | “Brain” of the computer. Also known as a central processing unit (CPU) |
| Microsoft Windows | Microsoft’s operating system. |
| Minicomputer | Scaled down mainframe also used to service many user sessions. |
| Network cable | Physical wires used to connect computers in a network |
| Personal computer (PC). | Also known as a microcomputer. |
| Personal digital assistant (PDA) | Handheld device used to organize information. |
| Portable music/media player | Specialized handheld device used to play music or video. |
| Remote network | Local area network a user is not directly connected to that can be accessed over the Internet. |
| Resource | Device such as a printer, scanner, or hard drive that can be shared on a network |
| Router | Hardware device that provides connection points between networks and determines the route for data packets to take |
| Server | Specialized PC system used to store and share data on a network |
| Service | Specific network server function providing access to things like e-mail or printers |
| Sharing | Process used by computers on a network that enables multiple commuters to access and use the same data and devices |
| Smartphone | Handheld cellular telephone that is also a tiny computer; enables a user to stay organized and access the Internet. |
| Storage | Devices used to save data. |
| Supercomputer | Mainframe computer used to perform a single task at a time. |
| Wireless access point (WAP) | Wireless hub used to connect computers on a wireless network. |
| Tablet PC | Device that lies between a handheld and laptop and generally has touchscreen or stylus input capabilities |
| Terminal emulation | Software used on to enable a PC to act like a video display terminals and connect to a mainframe. |
| Video display terminal (VDT) | Keyboard and display monitor used to connect to a mainframe; unofficially known as a dumb terminal. |
| Wide area network (WAN) | Two or more local networks (LANs) connected together. |
