COMPUTER TERMINOLOGY - fsusd.org€¦ · COMPUTER TERMINOLOGY Defining Computer Terms . ... BIT the...
Transcript of COMPUTER TERMINOLOGY - fsusd.org€¦ · COMPUTER TERMINOLOGY Defining Computer Terms . ... BIT the...
COMPUTER
TERMINOLOGY
Defining Computer Terms
COMPUTER
A programmable
machine
FILE
A collection of data,
information or
instructions
FOLDER
A digital object (window)
that acts as a storage
container for files and
other folders
BIT
the smallest piece of
data a computer can
process – a single on/off
switch represented as a
one (1) or a zero (0)
The word “bit” is a
contraction of the words
binary digit
BYTE
A group of 8 bits
(8 on/off switches)
these 8 bits
together can
represent up to
256 values –
from 0 to 255
SYSTEM UNIT
A container that holds
the main parts of a
computer
MOTHERBOARD
The main printed circuit
board (PCB) in a
computer
CPU
The “heart” or “brain” of
any computer system
MEMORY (RAM)
“temporary” (volatile)
storage – content is lost
when electrical power is
removed – also known as
Primary Storage
DAUGHTERBOARD
A printed circuit board
that provides additional
functionality to the
Motherboard – it
generally provides
accommodations for
adapter cards
ADAPTER CARDS
Printed circuit boards
that provide additional
connectors to the back of
a computer -
HEAT SINK & FAN
Two hardware devices
that work together to
keep the CPU running
cool
POWER SUPPLY
Provides electrical
current to the main
components in the
System Unit
USB DRIVE
A form of “removable”
storage that uses flash
technology
HARD DRIVE
“permanent” (non-
volatile) storage –
content is not lost when
electrical power is
removed. This form of
storage is also known as
Secondary Storage
MOUSE
A “pointing” device (a
form of input device)
KEYBOARD
The #1 “input” device
used with a computer
MONITOR
The main “output” device
used with a computer
PRINTER
An “output” device that
produces a hardcopy of a
digital file
SCANNER
An “input” device that
produces a digital copy of
a physical document