| A | B |
|---|
| Computer | machine which can be programmed to control symbols |
| Personal Computer | small, single-user computer; used in homes and businesses; based on a microprocessor |
| Work Station | powerful, single-user computer; more powerful microprocessor than PCs |
| Microprocessor | chip which is the master control circuit of a computer |
| Minicomputer | multi-user computer designed to handle hundreds of users at the same time |
| Mainframe | powerful, multi-user computer; can support hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously |
| Supercomputer | extremely fast computer; can perform hundreds of millions of instructions every second |
| Operating System | program which acts as a boundary between a computer user and the computer itself |
| Hardware | physical and mechanical components of a computer such as the monitor, mouse, chips, keyboard, etc. |
| Software | programs which direct the operation of computers; instructions for a computer |
| Real-time Operating System | used for real-time applications such as thermostats, mobile phones, spacecrafts, etc. |
| Single-user Single-task Operating System | allows users to do only one thing at any given time |
| Single-user Multi-tasking Operating System | allows the user to run several computer applications at the same time |
| Graphical User Interface | allows users to operate computers without knowing the language used to communicate with an operating system |
| Multi-user Operating System | allows multiple users to simultaneously use the programs on a single computer |
| Unix | designed to be a small, flexible system for use by computer programmers |
| Computer Programmer | a person who designs, writes and installs computer programs and applications |
| Linux | variation of the Unix operating system |
| Source Code | tags and instructions developed by the creator which tell the foundation of the system and how it was created |
| Network | system for communication between two or more computers |
| Wireless Connection | connects computers without the use of cables or wires |
| Electromagnetic Waves | method of travel for information from computer-to-computer; consists of light waves, radio waves, microwaves, etc. |
| Local Area Network | local, privately owned networks |
| Wide Area Network | network which provides connections between computers in multiple locations |
| Metropolitan Area Network | high-speed network designed to link together metropolitan size areas, campuses or school districts |
| Controlled Area Network | used for real-time control operations |
| Personal Area Network | covers the small area around a user’s workspace |
| Internet | worldwide, publicly accessed network |
| Network Messaging | allows users to send messages from one computer to another through the Internet |
| Server | allows equipment such as fax machines, printers and files to be “served” to multiple computers |
| Firewall | serves as a security device between a computer and Internet sites or between multiple computer networks |
| Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol | smission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol helps distinguish individual computers since there are millions on the Internet |
| Network Router | hardware device connected to multiple channels for different networks through an interface |
| Network Interface Card | device provides the physical connection between the network and the computer workstation |
| Network Switch | device providing a central connection point for cable from workstations |
| Network Bridge | device dividing traffic on a local area network |
| Transaction Processing System | record and document all of a business’s recurring and routine transactions |
| Operating Information System | plan and schedule production and assembly functions |
| Decision Support System | make use of computing tools, mathematical and scientific modes of its analysis |
| Information System Security | protecting a business or organization’s data assets |
