| A | B |
|---|
| Application software | computer programs that perform specific tasks such as word processing, database management, or accounting. |
| Artificial intelligence (AI) | soft ware that enables computers to reason, learn, and make decisions using logical methods similar to the methods humans use. |
| Cell | the location where a column and row intersect. |
| Central processing unit (CPU) | the control center of the computer. |
| Computer language | a system of letters, words, numbers, and symbols used to communicate with a computer. |
| Computer literacy | the ability to use computers to process information or solve problems. |
| Computer network | a group of computers such as those in businesses and schools that are linked together so users can share hardware, soft ware, and data. |
| Computer system | all functional components of a computer, including an input device, processing unit, memory and storage, and an output device. |
| Computer virus | a program code hidden in a system that can later do damage to soft ware or stored data. |
| computer-aided design | the use of technology to create product styles and designs. |
| Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) | the use of computers to help people learn or improve skills at their own pace. |
| Database marketing | using information about customers to increase sales. |
| Database software | soft ware that allows you to maintain, analyze, and combine a collection of information. |
| Displaced workers | workers who are unemployed because of changing job conditions. |
| E-commerce | conducting business transactions using the Internet or other technology. |
| Expert systems | computer programs that help people solve technical problems. |
| External data sources | input provided to the management information system from outside an organization, such as financial institutions, government agencies, and customers. |
| Hardware | the physical elements of a computer system. |
| Identity theft | stealing information about a person from online sources to obtain money. |
| Internal data sources | input provided to the management information system from within the organization, such as accounting records, inventory information, and company sales figures. |
| Intranet | a local computer network based on the same communication standards as the Internet. It looks like and functions just like a typical website, but it is private and only accessible to authorized users. |
| Management information system (MIS) | a coordinated system of processing and reporting information in an organization. |
| Memory | a component of a computer system that stores a computer program. |
| Operating system software | a computer program that translates commands and allows application programs to interact with the computer's hardware. |
| Output | a component of a computer system that presents data in a form that can be retrieved later or may be communicated immediately. |
| Piracy | stealing or illegally copying soft ware packages or information. |
| Presentation software | a program that allows a speaker to show text, data, photos, and other visuals. The images may be accompanied by sound effects, music, or other audio. |
| Processing | changing and improving the form of another product. |
| Program | a series of detailed, step-by-step instructions that tell the computer what functions to complete. |
| Robotics | mechanical devices programmed to do routine tasks, such as those in many factories. |
| Scanners | input devices that translate words and photos into computer-readable formats. |
| Smart cards | plastic cards with silicon chips that are used to store information. The chip within the card stores such data as a cardholder's current account balance, credit history, or medical information. |
| Software | the instructions that run the computer system. |
| Spreadsheet software | a program that formats data in columns and rows in order to do calculations. |
| Telecommuting | allows employees who primarily use personal computers and other technology to work from home. They communicate with managers, coworkers, and customers using the Internet, telephone, and fax machines. |
| Videoconferencing | allows people in different geographic locations to meet face-to-face by satellite. |
| Voice-activated systems | input devices that allow words spoken into a microphone to be entered as data or to be translated into instructions or commands. |
| White-collar crime | illegal acts carried out by office or professional workers while at work. |
