| A | B |
|---|
| computer | An electronic machine or device that accepts and processes data to produce information |
| computer system | hardware, software, procedures, data and peoeple |
| Central Processing Unit (CPU) | The "brains" of the computer |
| Monitor | A device that displays text and images generated by the computer. |
| Keyboard | A device used to enter information into a computer. |
| Mouse | A handheld device that allows you to make selections and move items on the screen. |
| Microcomputers or Personal Computers (PCs) | Computers designed to be used by one person. |
| Palmtop | An early hand-sized computer. |
| Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) | A small handhelf device about the size of a pocket calculator. |
| Laptop or Notebook | A device that combines the screen, keyboard, pointing device, processory, memoroy and hard drive in a small lightweight case. |
| Desktop | A personal computer set up in a permanent location. |
| Workstation | A desktop computer but with a more powerful processor. |
| Server | A computer that is designed to control a computer network. |
| Minicomputers (mid-range computers) | More powerful than microcomputers and can support a number of users performing different tasks. |
| Mainframe Computers | Large systems that can handle numerous users, store large amounts of data and process transactions at high speed. |
| Terminal | A monitor and one input device. |
| Supercomputers | The largest, most powerful category of computers, used for jobs requiring long complex calculations (weather forecasting, etc) |
| Hardware | All the tangible parts of the computer. |
| Software | Programs that make the computer work, or that work on the compter. |
| Data | Raw facts such as numbers, letters, special characters or symbols. |
| Files | A set of data that has been given a name. |
| Document | A file that is created, modified and used by people |
| Bits | A bit is an on or off signal which passes through the computer's circuitry, with the number 1 representing on and the number 0 represeenting of. A byte is made up of 8 bits |
| Byte | A group of zeros and ones that represent one character such as a letter, number or symbol. |
| Kilobyte (KB) | A thousand bytes |
| Megabyte (MB) | A million bytes |
| Gigabyte (GB) | A billion bytes |
| Procedures | Instructions that tell a user how to operate and use the information system. |
| Input Device | A device that allows you to send information to the computer. Ex: keyboard, mouse |
| Output Device | A device that allows messages to be sent out of the system. Ex: printer, speaker |
| Storage Device | A device used to store information even after the computer is turned off. Ex: hard-disk, CD drive |
| Arithmetic Logic Unit | Part of the CPU that performs all the calculations necessary for the computer to work |
| Control Unit | Directs the flow of data through the CPU to and from other devices |
| Memory Unit | Holds all of the data and instructions that the computers uses to operate |
| Read-Only Memory (ROM) | Memory that is permanent and is not normally changed by the user. |
| Random Access Memory (RAM) | Memory that can be changed instantly. |
| Peripheral Devices | Devices connected to the computer's CPU. |
