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COMPUTER CONCEPTS

Vocabulary

Chapter 1

Using Computers: Essential Concepts

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Central processing unit (CPU)

The main processing unit in a computer, consisting of circuitry that executes instructions to process data.

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Computer

A device that accepts input, processes data, stores data, and produces output.

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Data

In the context of computing and data management, data refers to the symbols that a computer uses to represent facts and ideas.

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Input

As a noun, "input" means the information that is conveyed to a computer.

As a verb, "input" means to enter data into a computer.

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Memory

The computer circuitry that holds data waiting to be processed.

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Output

The results produced by a computer (for example, reports, graphs, and music).

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Process

A systematic series of actions that a computer performs to manipulate data; typically represented on a DFD by a rounded rectangle.

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Storage

The area in a computer where data is retained on a permanent basis.

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Hardware

Electronic and mechanical devices used for input, output, processing, and storing data.

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Peripheral devices

Components and equipment that expand a computer's input, output, and storage capabilities, e.g., a printer or scanner.

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Software

The instructions that set up a computer to do a task, indicate how to interact with a user, and specify how to process data.

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Desktop microcomputer

A computer that is built around a single microprocessor chip and is small enough to fit on a desk.

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Microcomputer

A category of computer that is built around a single microprocessor chip. The computers typically used in homes and small businesses (also called a personal computer).

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Notebook computer

A small lightweight portable computer that usually runs on battery power. Sometimes called a laptop.

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Personal digital assistant (PDA)

A computer that is smaller and more portable than a notebook computer (also called a palm-top computer).

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Minicomputer

A midrange computer, somewhat larger than a microcomputer, that can carry out processing tasks for many simultaneous users.

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Terminal

A device with a keyboard and a monitor, used for input and output, but not for processing.

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Mainframe

A large, fast, and expensive computer generally used by businesses or the government to provide centralized storage processing and management for large amounts of data.

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Supercomputer

The fastest and most expensive type of computer, capable of processing more than one trillion instructions per second.

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CD-ROM disk

A high capacity read-only optical disk that can store up to 680 MB of data. An acronym for compact disc read-only memory.

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CD-ROM drive

A storage device that uses laser technology to read data from a CD-ROM.

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Disk drive

A computer storage device that records and retrieves data on disks. Drive types include floppy, Zip, and hard disk drives.

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DVD

An optical storage medium similar in appearance and technology to a CD-ROM but with higher storage capacity. The acronym stands for "digital video disc" or "digital versatile disc."

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DVD drive (Digital Video Disc)

An optical storage device that reads data from CD-ROM and DVD disks.

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Floppy disk

A removable magnetic storage medium, typically 3.5" in size with a capacity of 1.44 MB.

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Floppy disk drive

A storage device that writes data on, and reads data from, floppy disks.

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Hard disk drive

A computer storage device that contains a large-capacity "hard disk" sealed inside the drive case. A hard disk is not the same as a 3.5" removable disk that has a rigid plastic case.

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Keyboard

An arrangement of letter, number, and special function keys that acts as the primary input device to a computer.

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Monitor

A display device that forms an image by converting electrical signals from the computer into points of colored light on the screen.

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Mouse

An input device that allows the user to manipulate objects on the screen by moving the mouse on the surface of a desk.

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Storage media Storage medium

The physical material used to computer data, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a CD-ROM.

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System unit

The case or box that contains the computer's power supply, storage devices, the main circuit board, processor, and memory.

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Compatible platforms

Computer brands or models that operate in essentially the same way, use the same software, and accept the same peripheral devices.

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Computer platform

A hardware and software configuration shared by a group of computers that use the same software and peripheral devices.

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Macintosh computer (Mac)

A microcomputer platform manufactured primarily by Apple Computer Inc. and based on a proprietary architecture.

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PC

1) A microcomputer that uses the Windows software and contains an Intel-compatible micro-processor.

2) A personal computer.

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Windows software

Software that has been designed to run on computers with the Windows operating system.

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Computer network

A collection of computers and related devices, connected in a way that allows them to share data, hardware, and software.

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Password

A special set of symbols used to restrict access to a user's computer or network.

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User ID

A combination of letters and numbers that serves as a user's "call sign" or identification. Also referred to as a user name.

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Internet

The worldwide communication infrastructure that links computer networks using TCP/IP protocol.

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Web

Short for World Wide Web. An Internet service that links documents and information from computers distributed all over the world. Uses HTTP protocol.

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User interface

The software and hardware that enable people to interact with computers.

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Prompt

A message displayed on the computer screen that asks for input from the user.

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Wizard

A sequence of dialog boxes that direct the user through multi-step software tasks, such as creating a graph.

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Command

An instruction that the user inputs into the computer to tell it to carry out a task.

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Command-line interface

A type of user interface that requires the user to type in commands.

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Parameter

A delimiting variable used to modify a command, i.e., /ON modifies the DIR command so it displays files in order by name.

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Syntax

Specifications or rules for the sequence and punctuation of command words and parameters.

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Syntax error

An error that results when an instruction does not follow the syntax rules, or grammar, of the programming language.

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Menu

A list of commands or options.

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Submenu

An additional menu of choices that appears when a menu option is selected.

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Check box

An on-screen box that allows the user to select options clicking the box.

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Dialog box

An on-screen window that provides options associated with a command.

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Drop-down list

A list of options that is displayed when the user clicks an arrow button.

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Option button

An on-screen control that allows a user to select one of two or more options in a dialog box. Also referred to as radio buttons.

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Spin box

A control within a graphical user inter- face that lets the user increase or decrease a number by clicking arrow buttons.

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Button

An on-screen user interface element that simulates the action of a push button. By clicking the button, a user initiates a command or action.

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Graphical object

A small picture on the computer screen that the user can manipulate, using a mouse or other input device.

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Icon

A graphical representation of an object such as a disk, printer, or program.

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Window

A rectangular representation of a work area in a graphical user interface.

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Graphical user interface (GUI)

A type of user interface that features on-screen objects such as menus and icons, manipulated by a mouse. Abbreviated GUI (pronounced "gooey").

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Pointer

A symbol on the computer screen, usually shaped like an arrow, whose movement corresponds to the movement of the mouse.

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Cursor

A symbol, usually an underline, that marks the user's place on the screen and shows where typing will appear.

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Function key

The keys numbered Fl through F12, located at the top of the computer keyboard, that activate program-specific commands.

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Insertion point

A flashing vertical bar that appears on the screen, indicating where the user can begin entering text.

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Keyboard shortcut

A combination of keys, such as Ctrl+C, that allows the user to activate a program function without clicking a series of menu options.

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Numeric keypad

A calculator-style input device for entering numbers and arithmetic symbols. Often part of a standard computer keyboard.

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Toggle key

A key such as the Caps Lock key that switches a device back and forth between two modes.

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Bitmap display

A monitor or other display device that uses an on-screen matrix of pixels to display text and graphics.

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Character-based display

Method of display in which the monitor screen is divided into a grid of rectangles, each of which can display a single character from the standard character set.

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Pixel

Short for picture element, a pixel is the smallest unit in a graphic image. Computer display devices use a matrix of pixels to display text and graphics.

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Resolution

The density of the grid used to display or print text and graphics. The greater the horizontal and vertical density, the higher the resolution.

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Online Help

On-screen documentation that is available to a user while a software application is running.

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Web browser software

Computer software, such as Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer, that allows users to view Web pages and follow links to jump from one document to the next.

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Web search engine

A feature of a Web site that allows users to search for information by entering key terms.

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Artificial intelligence (Al)

A characteristic of computers that exhibit human-like intelligence or behaviors. A field of research that includes robotics, expert systems, and speech recognition.

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Boolean string

A sequence of key words, field names and logical operators that specify a query.

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Computer program

A set of detailed, step-by-step instructions that tells a computer how to solve a problem or carry out a task.

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Prepared by James Q. Jacobs