| A | B |
|---|
| computer | a machine that changes information from one form into another by performing input, processing, output, and storage |
| bit | a number that is a building block for computer languages; short for binary digit |
| byte | a group of bits combined into groups of eight or more |
| input | raw information, or data, that is entered into a computer |
| processing | a task a computer carries out with data |
| output | the result of a computer's processing, displayed on-screen, printed on paper, or heard through a speaker |
| storage | devices, such as hard drives and CD-ROMS, that permanently hold data and program instructions for a computer to use |
| hardware | physical parts of a computer |
| central processing unit (CPU) | a piece of the computer's hardware that processes and compares data and completes arithmetic and logical operations |
| random access memory (RAM) | special chips that store data and instructions while the computer is working |
| peripheral | separate input, output, and storage hardware |
| CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive | an optical storage device |
| hard drive | a storage device, which stores bits of data as aligned particles on the surface of a a magnetic disk |
| software | programs that tell a computer what to do and how to do it |
| hardware | the physical parts of a computer |
| operating system | a system that allows hardware devices to communicate with one another, run efficiently, and support software programs |
| compatibility | the ability to share files between two different application programs or operating systems |
| Central Processing Unit (CPU) | This is the "brain" of a computer where all the computations occur |
| digital convergance | Combining several different functions in one machine |
| digital revolution | the on-going social, political, and economic change brought on by digital technology |
| Input device | keyboard, mouse, touch screen |
| Output device | printer, monitor, speakers |
| peripheral device | hardware that can be added to a computer to increase its functions |
| memory | temporary data location as it awaits processing |
| storage | permanent location of data on a computer |
| binary | fundamental computer language consisting of 1s and 0s |
| notebook | a type of "laptop" computer with a hinged screen that acts like a pc |
| netbook | smaller "laptop" computers that typically have limited storage and rely on cloud computing |
| tablet | a portable computer that uses a touch screen as the primary input device |
| workstations | powerful PCs with specialized configurations to perform specific tasks |
| mainframes | Large, industrial computers capable of processing data for hundreds of thousands of users |
| supercomputers | highly specialized computers used for complex simualtions or cryptographic functions |
| USB | Universal serial bus |
| GUI | graphical user interface |
| OS | operating system |
| VoIP | Voice over IP (internet telephony) |
| URL | Uniform Resource Locator |
