| A | B |
|---|
| application program | software that provides instructions for accomplishing a specific type of task, such as creating a word processing document, sending e-mail, or finding information on the web |
| bit | the most basic unit of data stored or processed by a computer, and it must be either a 1 or a 0, which basically correspond to an On or Off state in the computer's electronic circuits |
| byte | a unit of data typically composed of a group of 8 bits |
| communications programs | software used to communicate on the Web |
| distribution | enables the computer to share information with computers and other users, typically across a network |
| freeware | commercial or privately developed software that can be downloaded from the Internet and used for free |
| input | the raw data you enter into the computer |
| online applications (online apps) | software that resides online rather than on a user's computer; used to accomplish specific tasks such as finding directions, browsing multimedia content, sending e-mail, or creating office documents such as presentations and spreadsheets |
| open source software | the software code is available for users to develop their own applications for it and to distribute it according to the terms of a license |
| operating system | the software program that provides the interface between the user and the computer and manages the various devices and data used by the computer |
| output | results of a computer process, which may be displayed on a screen, printed on a report, played over speakers as sound, or sent via a network link to another computer |
| peripheral | the various external hardware parts and components of a computer system, such as the monitor, printer, scanner, speakers, disk drives, etc. |
| RAM (random access memory) | memory used for temporary storage while the computer is processing data |
| ROM (read only memory | long-term memory that resides in the computer and is used for programs that run when the computer is started up; it cannot be easily accessed or changed |
| shareware | copyrighted commercial software that you can use on a trial basis before deciding to purchase it; downloaded from the Internet |
| softwaare | instructions that tell the computer what to do with data; a general term used to describe computer programs such as applications and operating systems |
| system utilities (utility software) | software that keeps the computer running well and performs routine tasks associated with file maintenance |
| hardware | computer equipment, the physical components of the device such as mouse USB cable, monitor, etc. |
| Charm Bar | universal toolbar in Windows 8 that can be accessed from anywhere no mater what you are doing or what application you are running |
| processed | the computer is doing something to manipulate the data |
