application software
Also referred to as apps. Software that can perform useful work, such as word processing, cost estimating, or accounting tasks. The user primarily interacts with application software.
Blu-ray
A type of high-definition disc with a capacity of 25 to 50 gigabytes.
cloud computing
Data stored at a server on the Internet and available anywhere the Internet can be accessed.
communication device
Computer systems that communicate with other computer systems using modems. For example, it modifies computer output into a form that can be transmitted across standard telephone lines.
compact disc (CD)
Widely used optical disc format. It holds 650 MB (megabytes) to 1 GB (gigabyte) of data on one side of the CD.
computer competency
Becoming proficient in computer-related skills.
connectivity
Capability of the microcomputer to use information from the world beyond one’s desk. Data and information can be sent over telephone or cable lines and through the air so that computers can talk to each other and share information.
data
Raw, unprocessed facts that are input to a computer system that will give compiled information when the computer processes those facts. Data is also defined as facts or observations about people, places, things, and events.
database file
File containing highly structured and organized data created by database management programs.
desktop computer
Computer small enough to fit on top of or along the side of a desk and yet too big to carry around.
device driver
Every device that is connected to the computer has a special program associated with it called a device driver that allows communication between the operating system and the device.
DVD (digital versatile disc or digital video disc)
Similar to CD-ROMs except that more data can be packed into the same amount of space. DVD drives can store a typical capacity of 4.7 GB on one side.
document file
File created by a word processor to save documents such as letters, research papers, and memos.
end user
Person who uses microcomputers or has access to larger computers.
flash memory card
A solid-state storage device widely used in notebook computers. Flash memory also is used in a variety of specialized input devices to capture and transfer data to desktop computers.
general-purpose application
Application used for doing common tasks, such as browsers and word processors, spreadsheets, databases, management systems, and presentation graphics. Also known as productivity applications.
handheld computer
See personal digital assistant (PDA).
hard disk
Enclosed disk drive containing one or more metallic disks. Hard disks use magnetic charges to record data and have large storage capacities and fast retrieval times.
hardware
Equipment that includes a keyboard, monitor, printer, the computer itself, and other devices that are controlled by software programming.
information
Data that has been processed by a computer system.
information system
Collection of hardware, software, people, data, and procedures that work together to provide information essential to running an organization.
information technology (IT)
Computer and communication technologies, such as communication links to the Internet, that provide help and understanding to the end user.
input device
Piece of equipment that translates data into a form a computer can process. The most common input devices are the keyboard and the mouse.
Internet
A huge computer network available to everyone with a microcomputer and a means to connect to it. It is the actual physical network made up of wires, cables, and satellites as opposed to the Web, which is the multimedia interface to resources available on the Internet.
keyboard
Input device that looks like a typewriter keyboard but has additional keys.
laptop computer
See notebook computer and notebook system unit.
mainframe computer
This computer can process several million program instructions per second. Sizeable organizations rely on these room-size systems to handle large programs and a great deal of data.
memory
Memory is contained on chips connected to the system board and is a holding area for data instructions and information (processed data waiting to be output to secondary storage). RAM, ROM, and CMOS are three types of memory chips.
microcomputer
Small, low-cost computer designed for individual users. These include desktop, notebook, and personal digital assistant computers.
microprocessor
The central processing unit (CPU) of a microcomputer controls and manipulates data to produce information. The microprocessor is contained on a single integrated circuit chip and is the brains of the system.
midrange computer
Also known as a minicomputer.
mobile app (application)
Add-on features for a variety of mobile devices, including smartphones, netbooks, and tablets.
modem
Short for modulator-demodulator. It is a communication device that translates the electronic signals from a computer into electronic signals that can travel over telephone lines.
monitor
Output device like a television screen that displays data processed by the computer.
mouse
Device that typically rolls on the desktop and directs the cursor on the display screen.
network
The arrangement in which various communications channels are connected through two or more computers. The largest network in the world is the Internet.
notebook computer
Portable computer, also known as a laptop computer, weighing between 4 and 10 pounds.
operating system (OS)
Software that interacts between application software and the computer, handling such details as running programs, storing and processing data, and coordinating all computer resources, including attached peripheral devices. It is the most important program on the computer. Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Mac OS X are examples of operating systems.
optical disc
Storage device that can hold over 17 gigabytes of data, which is an equivalent of several million typewritten pages. Lasers are used to record and read data on the disc. The two basic types of optical discs are compact discs (CDs) and digital versatile or video discs (DVDs).
output device
Equipment that translates processed information from the central processing unit into a form that can be understood by humans. The most common output devices are monitors and printers.
people
End users who use computers to make themselves more productive.
personal digital assistant (PDA)
A device that typically combines pen input, writing recognition, personal organizational tools, and communication capabilities in a very small package. Also called handheld PC and palm computer.
presentation file
A file created by presentation graphics programs to save presentation materials. For example, a file might contain audience handouts, speaker notes, and electronic slides.
printer
Device that produces printed paper output.
procedures
Rules or guidelines to follow when using hardware, software, and data.
program
Instructions for the computer to follow to process data. See software.
random-access memory (RAM)
Volatile, temporary storage that holds the program and data the CPU is presently processing. It is called temporary storage because its contents will be lost if electrical power to the computer is disrupted or the computer is turned off.
secondary storage
Permanent storage used to preserve programs and data that can be retained after the computer is turned off. These devices include floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tape, CDs, DVDs, and more.
server
A host computer with a connection to the Internet that stores document files used to display web pages. Depending on the resources shared, it may be called a file server, printer server, communication server, web server, or database server.
smartphone
A type of cell phone that offers a variety of advanced functionality, including Internet and e-mail.
software
Computer program consisting of step-by-step instructions, directing the computer on each task it will perform.
solid-state drive (SSD)
Designed to be connected inside a microcomputer system the same way an internal hard disk would be, but contains solid-state memory instead of magnetic disks to store data.
solid-state storage
A secondary storage device that has no moving parts. Data is stored and retrieved electronically directly from these devices, much as they would be from conventional computer memory.
specialized application
Programs that are narrowly focused on specific disciplines and occupations. Some of the best known are multimedia, Web authoring, graphics, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence.
supercomputer
Fastest calculating device ever invented, processing billions of program instructions per second. Used by very large organizations like NASA.
system software
“Background” software that enables the application software to interact with the computer. System software consists of the operating system, utilities, device drivers, and language translators. It works with application software to handle the majority of technical details.
system unit
Part of a microcomputer that contains the CPU. Also known as the system cabinet or chassis, it is the container that houses most of the electronic components that make up the computer system.
tablet
A type of microcomputer that contains a thin system unit, most of which is the monitor. The best-known tablets are Apple’s iPad, Motorola’s Zoom, and HP’s Slate.
tablet computer
A type of notebook computer that accepts handwritten data, using a stylus or pen, that is converted to standard text and can be processed by a word processor program.
USB drive
The size of a key chain, these hard drives connect to a computer’s USB port enabling a transfer of files; has a capacity of up to 64GB.
utility
Performs specific tasks related to managing computer resources or files. Norton Utility for virus control and system maintenance is a good example of a utility. Also known as service programs.
virus
Hidden instructions that migrate through networks and operating systems and become embedded in different programs. They may be designed to destroy data or simply to display messages.
web
Introduced in 1992 and prior to the web, the Internet was all text. The Web made it possible to provide a multimedia interface that includes graphics, animations, sound, and video.
wireless revolution
A revolution that is expected to dramatically affect the way we communicate and use computer technology.
worksheet file
Created by electronic spreadsheets to analyze things like budgets and to predict sales.