Computer Terminology Computer Technology Day 1

Terms You Should Know  Computer  Electronic device that performs four functions  Accepts Data (Input)  Processes Data (Processing)  Stores Data (Storage)  Outputs Data (Output)  System comprised of  Hardware  Software

Terms You Should Know, cont.  Hardware  Physical, touchable, material parts of a computer or other system  Comprised of  Electronic devices (CPU, memory, display)  Peripheral devices Electromechanical parts (for example—keyboard, printer, jump drive, speakers) Expand input, output, and storage capabilities

Terms You Should Know, cont.  Software  Programs (instructions) that tell the computer how to perform certain tasks.  Types  System software: Files and programs that make up the computer’s operating system.  Application software: Complete self-contained program that performs a specific function directly for the user.  Network software: Enables multiple computers to communicate with one another.

Terms You Should Know, cont.  Network  System of two or more computers, terminals, and communication devices, linked by wires, cables, or telecommunication systems for the purpose of sharing data and programs.  Types  LAN—Local Area Network  WAN—Wide Area Network

Terms You Should Know, cont.  Data  Symbols that represent facts, objects, or ideas.  Input  Data entered into a computer for processing.  Information  Results of the computer storing data as bits and bytes; words, numbers, sounds, and graphs.  Output  Information that comes out of the computer  Examples: Picture on the screen, printed page, sound coming from the speakers, files printed to disk or sent over a communications line.

Terms You Should Know, cont.  Processing  Perform a series of operations on a set of data.  Memory  Area of the computer that holds data on a temporary basis that needs to be processed, stored, or output.  Storage  Area of the computer that holds data on a permanent basis when it is not immediately needed for processing.