| A | B |
|---|
| Windows 10 | Latest operating systems for PCs |
| AMD | company that manufactures CPUs |
| Android | the operating system used for most phones that are not iPhone or Windows |
| Apple Computers | Created by Apple and only use OSX operating system |
| Application | program or group of programs designed for end users such as Firefox, Excel, Word, Angry Birds, etc. |
| Apps | Another word for application |
| Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) | performs logic and math calculations in CPU |
| artificial intelligence | 5th generation technology; tries to simulate aspects of human intelligence |
| Binary System | A numerical system that represents all values using a series of 1s and 0s. |
| Bit | a binary digit, the smallest unit of data, a 1 or a 0 |
| Bus | Channels that allow all devices connected to the computer to communicate with each other. |
| Byte | 8 bits |
| clock speed | number of machine cycles processor can perform per second |
| Cloud Storage | An Internet service that provides storage to computer users. A.k.a. online storage. |
| Computer | electronic device that can store, retrieve and process data |
| Control Unit (CU) | part of CPU that directs operations in a computer |
| CPU (central processing unit) | brain of computer |
| Decode | determines what the instruction means |
| Desktop computer | Desktop computers are designed to be placed on a desk, and they're typically made up of a few different parts, including the computer case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse |
| Digital Projector | A device that takes text and images from a computer screen and projects them onto a larger screen. |
| download | To transfer files or data from one computer to another. To download means to receive; to upload means to transmit. |
| embedded computer | specialized programmable system that is part of a larger system |
| Execute | perform an instruction. |
| Expansion Slot | An opening or socket on the motherboard that can hold an adapter card. |
| Fetch | gets a software instruction from memory |
| File extension | last 3 or 4 chars of file name that identify type of file (TLD for files!) |
| Flash Memory | Non-volatile memory chips used in mobile devices |
| Game console | a specialized type of computer that is used for playing video games on your TV |
| GB | gigabyte, billion |
| Graphene | possible alternative to silicon chips; Nobel prize in physics |
| Hard Disk Drive | High capacity storage device that stores data permanently. |
| Hard drives | internal, nonvolatile storage device for digital devices |
| Hardware | the computer's electronic and mechanical components; physical parts |
| Heat Sink | an object that absorbs heat from the CPU |
| Information processing | Capturing, storing, updating, and retrieving data and information. A computer is an information-processing machine. |
| input | The data that is entered into digital device |
| Input Device | hardware device used to enter/capture data |
| integrated circuits | 3rd generation technology; a complete circuit on a chip |
| Intel | company that manufactures CPUs |
| iOS | The operating system used only for iPads and iPhones |
| KB | kilobyte, thousand |
| Laptop | mobile, battery-powered computers |
| Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) | Uses a liquid compound to present information on a display device. |
| Mac OSX | The operating system created by Steve Jobs |
| machine cycle | fetch, decode, execute - steps used by CPU |
| machine learning | part of AI that machines learn and improve through examples without explicit programming |
| MB | megabyte, million |
| Memory | electronic components that store data and instructions |
| Micro | 1/1,000,000,000 |
| microprocessor | 4th generation technology; another name for CPU |
| Microsoft Windows | Microsoft operating system for PCs |
| Milli | 1/1000 |
| Moore's law | guideline that tech will double processing power every 18 months |
| Motherboard | main system board in system unit that all input, output and storage devices connect to |
| Nano | billionth |
| nanotechnology | technology involving objects usually less than 100 nanometers wide |
| Operating System | a collection of computer software that manages hardware resources and provides common services for computer programs. MacOS, Windows, Android, Linux, iOS are examples of |
| Optical Disk Drive | Uses light to read and write data on CDs and DVDs |
| OSX | Apple operating system for Apple Computers |
| output | computer-generated information that is displayed to the user(s) in some discernible form such as a screen display, printed page, or sound. |
| Output Device | Any hardwareused to conveyi information to one or more users. |
| PC | the most common type of personal computer, and it typically includes the Microsoft Windows operating system |
| Ports | input/output connection for peripherals |
| processing | manipulation of data by a microprocessor or embedded processor according to instructions |
| Program | A sequence of instructions that controls the computer |
| RAM | main memory; stores data and programs currently being used |
| Resolution | size of or sharpness/clarity of an image or display |
| ROM (read-only memory) | permanent, stored instructions in computer |
| Scanner | Light sensing device that converts printed documents into and electronic format. |
| semiconductor | materials that insulate and conduct electricity (silicon is one) |
| Server | a computer that serves up information to other computers on a network |
| silicon | material used to create transistors |
| Smartphone | a phone that contains apps and the ability to browse the web |
| Software | instructions that tells the hardware what to do and how to do it |
| Solid State Drive (SSD) | A storage device that uses flash memory to store data electronically |
| storage | any device in which (or on which) information is stored. |
| Storage Device | Hardware that records and retrieves items to and from storage media. |
| Storage Media | The physical material used to store data. |
| System Clock | Controls the timing of all computer operations. |
| System Unit | The case that contains all the electronic components of the computer. A.k.a. a chassis. |
| Tablet | a mobile computing device with touch screen |
| Technology addiction | Behavioral health risk that occurs when the technology consumes someone's entire social life. |
| Touchpad | Pressure and motion sensing input device used like a mouse on mobile devices. |
| Touchscreen | what might be used for typing and navigation, instead of a keyboard and mouse |
| transistors | 2nd generation technology; greatest invention of 20th century |
| USB (Universal Serial Bus) | A connection point for a variety of devices. Also provides a power source for the connected device. |
| vacuum tube | 1st generation technology |
| Video Card | The display device connects to your computer and receives information from a video card. |
| Volatile Memory | Stores data temporarily |
| Wearables | a general term for a group of devices?including fitness trackers and smartwatches?that are designed to be worn throughout the day |
