1. Defining the terms assignment. I will define the following terms: computer literate, computer, storage, Data, Information, input, output, information processing cycle, Hardware, input device, output device, system unit, chassis, central processing unit (CPU), processor, memory, storage device, flash drive, Communications devices, Software, system software, operating system (OS), utility program, Application software, computer programmer, systems analyst, network, resources, online, Internet, handheld computers, personal computer, desktop computer, notebook computer, palmtop computer, PDA (personal digital assistant), Internet appliance, mid-range server, mainframe, supercomputer, home user, small office/home office (SOHO), Mobile users, large business user, power user, multimedia, Publishing.

2. Computer literate: If you are computer literate you have better abilities in using applications, rather than to program. People that are very computer literate are called power users. Computer: A computer is a programmable machine that can organise and execute instructions with precision. All new and modern computers are digital and run off electricity. The parts inside of he computer e.g. Chips, wires, transistors are called Hardware and the instructions and data is called Software. Storage: The storage is the computers capacity to store and save data. This term is also short for mass storage.

3. Data: Data is certain pieces of information that is formatted in a special way. Programs and data is different, a program runs multiple instructions to manipulate data. Information: Information is data that is organized, meaningful, and useful. * Input: Input is anything that you put into the computer. Input has many forms e.g. commands you enter from the keyboard and data from another computer or device. Things like keyboards and mouses are called input devices.

4. Output: Output is any thing that comes out of a computer, it usually means something useful but sometimes it can mean nothing. There are many forms of output such as binary numbers, characters, pictures and printed items. Things such as printers and monitors are called output devices. information processing cycle: The cycle of input, process, output, and storage is called the information processing cycle. * Hardware: Refers to objects that you can actually touch, like disks, disk drives, display screens, keyboards, printers, boards, and chips. In contrast, software is untouchable. Software exists as ideas, concepts, and symbols, but it has no substance.

5. Input Device: Any machine that feeds data into a computer. For example, a keyboard is an input device, whereas a display monitor is an output device. Output Device: Any machine capable of representing information from a computer. This includes display screens, printers, plotters, and synthesizers. System Unit: The main part of a personal computer. The system unit includes the chassis, microprocessor, main memory, bus, and ports, but does not include the keyboard or monitor, or any peripheral devices.

6. Chassis: The chassis is a metal frame that serves as the structural support for electronic components. Every computer system requires at least one chassis to house the circuit boards and wiring. The chassis also contains slots for expansion boards. (CPU) central processing unit: Abbreviation for central processing unit, and pronounced as separate letters. The CPU is the brains of the computer. Sometimes referred to simply as the central processor, but more commonly called processor, the CPU is where most calculations take place. In terms of computing power, the CPU is the most important element of a computer system. Processor: a processor interprets and carries out the instructions that operate a computer, including computations

7. Memory: Every computer comes with a certain amount of physical memory, usually referred to as main memory or RAM Storage device: A storage device records and retrieves data, information, and instructions to and from a storage medium Flash Drive: A small, portable flash memory card that plugs into a computer’s USB port and functions as a portable hard drive. USB flash drives are touted as being easy-to-use as they are small enough to be carried in a pocket and can plug into any computer with a USB drive.

8. Communication devices: Communications devices allow computer users to exchange items such as data, instructions, and information with another computer. Software: Computer instructions or data. Anything that can be stored electronically is software. The storage devices and display devices are hardware. System software: System software controls the operation of the computer and its devices and serves as the interface between a user and the computer’s hardware.

9. Operating system: Every general-purpose computer must have an operating system to run other programs. Operating systems perform basic tasks, such as recognizing input from the keyboard, sending output to the display screen, keeping track of files and directories on the disk, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers. Utility program: A program that performs a very specific task, usually related to managing system resources. Operating systems contain a number of utilities for managing disk drives, printers, and other devices. Application program: In contrast, applications software includes database programs, word processors, and spreadsheets. Applications software sits on top of systems software because it is unable to run without the operating system and system utilities.

10. Computer Programmer: computer programmer writes software programs, often following a plan developed by a systems analyst. System analyst: System analysts design and create plans for computer programmers to follow. Network: A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together via communications media. Resources: Computers are networked so users can share resources such as hardware devices, software programs, data, and information.

11. Online: For example, printers are online when they are ready to receive data from the computer. You can also turn a printer offline. While the printer is offline, you can perform certain tasks such as advancing the paper, but you cannot send data to it. Internet: For example, printers are online when they are ready to receive data from the computer. You can also turn a printer offline. While the printer is offline, you can perform certain tasks such as advancing the paper, but you cannot send data to it. Handheld/Palmtop computer: a handheld computer is a computer that is small and portable that can fit easily into your hand and pocket.

12. Personal computer: personal computer : A small, single- user computer based on a microprocessor. In addition to the microprocessor, a personal computer has a keyboard for entering data, a monitor for displaying information, and a storage device for saving data. Desktop computer: A desktop computer is not portable, and is designed to stay stationary on or under a desk, these are common house computers. Notebook computer: A notebook computer also referred to as a laptop is a slim computer that is as efficient as the desktop computer but can be easily transported, making it a very useful business tool.

13. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA): A PDA is a popular handheld computer that is based specifically on the user by storing and organizing dates, facts and e-mails. Most modern PDA’s have a vast range of new and improved features. Internet Appliance: An Internet appliance is a device designed specifically to connect to the Internet. Mid Range Server: A mid-range server, formerly called a minicomputer, is larger and more powerful than a workstation computer and often can support up to 4,000 connected users.

14. Mainframe: A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users simultaneously. Super computer: The fastest type of computer. Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations. Home user: A home user is someone who uses the computer only for web viewing, emails, entertainment and document printing.

15. Small office/Home office (SOHO): Short for small office/home office, a term that refers to the small or home office environment and the business culture that surrounds it. A SOHO is also called a virtual office. Mobile users: A mobile user is someone who uses notebook computers with wireless and portable modems outside of home or the office. Large business user: A large business user, uses their computers to increase productivity and also uses automated systems. They also use communications programs. Power user: A sophisticated user of personal computers. A power user is typically someone who has considerable experience with computers and utilizes the most advanced features of applications.

16. Multimedia: Multimedia is the use of computers to present text, graphics, video, animation, and sound in an integrated way. Publishing: Publishing is the process of making an internet site available and viewable on the web.