1. Competency Terms and Definitions pg. 91-96
Computer Technology
Competency Terms
and Definitions pg

2. Acceptable Use Policies Anti - virus software Application Software
Used to protect a network by providing guidelines and rules as to how
Policies
the network can and should be used.
Set of utility programs that looks for and eradicates viruses; that must be
Anti -
virus software
kept current because new viruses are always being written.
A computer program designed to carry out specialized tasks such as
Application Software
word processing, spreadsheets, slide shows, or electronic mail.
An electronic or digital method for representing letters or numbers
Binary Numbers
using two digits, 0 and 1.
Bit
Each 0 or 1
Sequence of events that occurs between the time you turn on a
Boot Process
computer and the time that it becomes ready to accept commands.
Infects the system files that your computer uses every time it is turned
Boot Sector Virus
on; causes widespread damage and recurring problems.
Byte
8 bits

3. CD - ROM Central Processing Unit (CPU) Circuits Client Computer
Storage device that uses laser technology to read data permanently CD -
ROM
stored on compact disks, cannot be used to write data to a disk.
Central Processing
Where the processing in a computer takes place, often called the brain of
Unit (CPU)
the computer.
The paths from one component of a computer to another that data uses
Circuits
to travel.
The software on a network workstation that allows access to files and
Client
peripheral devices through a server.
A device that accepts input, processes data, uses memory, provides
Computer
storage, and produces output, all according to a series of stored
instructions.
A computer program that is designed to replicate itself by copying into
Computer Virus
other programs stored in a computer.
A form of legal protection that grants certain exclusive rights to the
Copyrights
creator of a program or musical work.
Refers to the way in which letters, numbers, and symbols represent facts,
Data
objects, or ideas.

4. Drive E - Mail Encryption Ethics File File Server File Virus
A location on a network that is set aside for the collection of data.
A system for sending and receiving messages electronically over E -
Mail
computer networks.
The manipulation of data to prevent accurate interpretation by all but
Encryption
those for whom the data is intended.
A set of principles of right conduct; a theory or a system of moral values;
Ethics
and the rules or standards governing the conduct of a person or the
members of a profession.
File
A named collection of data that exists on a storage device.
File Server
A computer that supplies users with data; through the use of a network.
File Virus
Virus that attaches to an application program, such as a game.
A type of magnetic storage the uses a round piece of flexible plastic
Floppy Disk
covered with a thin layer of oxide and sealed inside a protective covering.

5. Folder Gigabyte Graphic User Interface (GUI) Handheld Hard Drive
The subdirectory or subdivision, of a drive that can contain files and/or
Folder
other folders.
Gigabyte
Approximately 1 billion bytes.
Graphic User
A user interface that features on -
screen objects, such as menus and icons
Interface (GUI)
that are manipulated by a mouse.
A computer that fits into a pocket, runs on batteries, and is used while
Handheld
holding the unit in your hand.
The main storage location for a computer that is mounted inside the
Hard Drive
computer’s system unit.
The mechanical, magnetic, and electrical components making up a
Hardware
computer system; anything on or in the computer that is touchable.
Information
The results of the computer receiving and storing data.
Input
Letters, numbers, and symbols entered into a computer for processing.

6. Input Devices Internet IP Addresses Keyboard Kilobyte Laptop Computer
Units that gather information and transform that information it into a
Input Devices
series of electronic signals that a computer recognizes.
A collection of local, regional, national, and international computer
Internet
networks that are linked together to exchange information.
A unique identifying number assigned to each computer connected to a
IP Addresses
network.
The arrangement of letters, numbers, and special function keys that act as
Keyboard
the primary input device for a computer.
Kilobyte
Approximately 1,000 bytes
A portable, compact microcomputer computer that can run on
Laptop Computer
electricity or a battery unit.
Local Area Network
A network of computers in the same building or small geographical area.
(LAN)
Logic Bomb
Watches for a specific set of input to activate the virus.

7. Macro Virus Magnetic Storage Mainframe Megabyte Megahertz Memory
A virus that attaches itself to a miniature program and replicates when
Macro Virus
that macro is used.
The recording of data onto disks or tape by magnetizing particles of an
Magnetic Storage
oxide surface coating.
Very large expensive computer capable of simultaneously processing or
Mainframe
storing data for thousands of users.
Megabyte
Approximately 1 million bytes
Megahertz
A measurement used to describe the speed of the system clock.
Area of the computer that temporarily holds data waiting to be
Memory
processed, stored, or output.
A personal computer; designed to meet the computer needs of an
Microcomputer
individual.
An input device that makes possible the transmission of data to or from
Modem
other computers over telephone or cable lines.

8. Monitor Mouse Multitasking Network Network Interface Card (NIC)
Output device that forms an image by converting electrical signals from
Monitor
the computer into points of colored light on the screen.
An input device that allows the user to manipulate objects on the screen
Mouse
by moving the device along a surface.
Multitasking
Running more than one program at a time.
Two or more computers and other devices (printers or scanners) that
Network
are connected, for the purpose of sharing data and programs.
Network Interface
A circuit board inside most computers, that coverts the digital signals
Card (NIC)
from a computer into signals that can travel over a network.
Master controller for all activities that take place within a computer; its
Operating System
primary purpose is to help the computer monitor itself in order to
function efficiently.
Means of reading and recording data as light and dark spots on CD and
Optical Storage
DVD.
Output
The processing results, seen on a monitor or printed on paper.

9. Output devices Pentium Peripheral devices Platform Printer Processing
Units that transform a computer’s electronic signals into information that
Output devices
can be displayed or printed.
Pentium
A name given to the 5th generation of the Intel central processing unit.
Peripheral devices
Used to expand the computer’s input, output and storage capabilities.
Platform
Underlying hardware and software of the computer system.
Printer
Output device that produces text or graphical images on paper.
Processing
Manipulation or changing of the data in many ways.
The precise step - by -
step instructions enabling a computer to solve a
Program
problem.
The ability of a computer to process information and save data to the
RAM
location specified.

10. ROM Shareware Silicon Chips Software Software Licenses Sound Card
When data can be read from a file, but a user cannot change or modify
ROM
the data.
Computer program that is freely distributed for a trial period, such as 30
Shareware
days, and then the user must pay a fee to continue using the program.
Silicon is melted sand and what circuits are embedded into to keep them
Silicon Chips
together.
A computer program that tells the computer how to perform particular
Software
tasks.
A legal contract that defines the ways in which you may use a computer
Software Licenses
program.
An input device that is a circuit board giving the computer the ability to
Sound Card
accept audio input, play sound files, and produce audio output.
Output devices that receive signals from a sound card in order to hear
Speakers
sound effects.
Area of the computer that holds data on a permanent basis when it is
Storage
not immediately needed for processing.

11. Storage devices Supercomputer Switch System Unit Terabyte Time Bomb
Output devices that are used to keep data when the power to the
Storage devices
computer is off.
A computer that was the fastest in the world at the time it was
Supercomputer
constructed.
A piece of computer equipment that connects several devices
Switch
(computers or printers) to a network.
The case that holds the power supply, central processing unit, storage
System Unit
devices, and all circuit boards.
Terabyte
Approximately 1 trillion bytes
Watches for the computer clock to reach a certain date or time to
Time Bomb
activate the virus.
Trigger Events
An event that activates a task often associated with a computer virus.
Computer program that seems to perform one legitimate function while
Trojan Horse
actually doing something destructive somewhere else.

12. USB Wide Area Network (WAN) Workstation Worm
An external interface for communication between a computer and
USB
peripheral devices over a single data line at very high speeds.
Wide Area Network
A network of computers in different locations and allows for access to
(WAN)
computers all over the world.
Powerful desktop computer designed for specialized tasks that require a
Workstation
lot of processing speed. Refers to a personal computer connected to a
network.
Software virus that enters a computer network through security holes
Worm
and once in the network the virus becomes active.