| A | B |
|---|
| computer | electronic device that accepts data, performs computations and makes logical decisions |
| microsecond | one milllionth of a second |
| nanosecond | one billionth of a second |
| megahertz | one million cycles per second |
| general-purpose computer | use for almost any type of application |
| computer system | hardware and software working together to achieve a common goal |
| system | related elements that work together to achieve a common goal |
| hardware | tangible, physical eq that can be seen and touched |
| software | intangible instructions that tell computer what to do |
| input device | enables computer to accept data |
| processor | processes data into meaningful information |
| storage device | allows data storage |
| output device | reports the info in a form we can understand |
| program | instructons that tell computer precisely what to do |
| system program | controls computer's circuitry and hardware devices |
| application program | tells computer to perform specific user-defined task |
| raw/original data | fed into computer for processing |
| information | knowledge that is given or received |
| data processing | sharing info between humans and computers |
| input | facts that are received and sent to processor |
| output | useful information that leaves the system |
| processing | sort, classify, calculate, summarize and compare data |
| data | facts in form of numbers, characters, symbols or words |
| source documents | source of data entered into computer |
| mainframes | large computers that quickly process large volumns of data |
| microprocessor | computer on a chip |
| microcomputer | have less power and speed than minicomputer or mainframe |
| minicomputer | less power and spped than mainframe but has capability of mainframe |
| microminiaturization | enables entire microprocessor to occupy space of fingernail-sized chip |
| LAN | local area networks connected together with cables |
| WAN | not limited by geograpic area; use satellites to carry data |
| personal computer | small desk size microcomputer |
| network computers | focuseson Internet access for the source of its programs and data |
| portable computers | lightweight and transportable |
| supercomputer | largest, fastest and most expensive computer in existence |
| special purpose computers | designed to perform specific, specialized tasks |
| information utilities | businesses that store huge amounts of information about many different subjects |
| internet | a physically structured network of computers around the world |
| Information Superhighway | digital, voice, and video communication access to any information resource in the world |
| ENIAC | the first electronic computer introduced in1946 |
