COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY Introduction to Computers and Vista/Windows Vocabulary COM Section

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. Information processing cycle input, process, output, and storage. These operations change data into information and store it for future use. Data a collection of unprocessed items, which can include text, numbers, images, audio, and video. Information conveys meaning and is useful to one or more people. Input device any hardware component that allows you to enter data, programs, commands, and user responses into the computer. Keyboard an input device that contains keys you press to enter data into the computer. Stylus a small metal or plastic device that looks like a ballpoint pen, but uses pressure instead of ink to write. Mouse device that fits comfortably under the palm of your hand and controls the movement of the mouse pointer on the screen. System unit a case that contains electronic components of the computer used to process data. Motherboard the main circuit board of the system unit. CPU Central processing unit, interprets and carries out the basic instruction that operate a computer. Control unit interprets the instructions RAM random access memory; temporarily stores instructions waiting to be executed by the processor. Byte a memory location; usually stores one character such as the letter A. Kilobyte equals approximately 1,000 memory location. Megabyte equals approximately one million memory locations. Gigabyte equals approximately one billion memory locations. Output devices makes the information resulting from processing available for use. Impact printer prints by striking an inked ribbon against the paper. Nonimpact printer form characters by means other than striking a ribbon against the paper. Display device an output device that visually conveys text, etc. Monitor a display device that is packaged as a separate unit. Storage device used to store instructions, data, and information when they are not being used in memory. Formatting the process of dividing the disk into tracks and sectors. Hard disk also called a hard drive, is a storage device that contains one or more inflexible, circular platters that magnetically store data, instructions, and information. CD-ROM a type of optical disc that users can read but not write on (record) or erase. CD-R optical device onto which you can record your own items. CD-RW an erasable optical disc you can write on multiple times. DVD-ROM a very high-capacity optical disc capable of storing form 4.7 GB to 17 GB. DVD-R and DVD+R both allow users to write on the disc once and read it many times. DVD-RW, DVD+RW, and DVD+RAM allow users to erase and write (record) many times. USB flash drive a flash memory storage device that plugs into a USB port on a computer or mobile device.

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Communications device a hardware component that enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and information to and from one or more computers. System software - consists of programs to control the operations of computer equipment. Operating software instructions that tell the computer how to perform the functions of loading, storing, and executing an application program and how to transfer data. Application software consists of programs designed to make users more productive and/or assist them with personal tasks. Network a collection of computers and devices connected together, often wirelessly, via communication devices and transmission media. LAN local area network; a network that connects computers in a limited geographic area. WAN wide area network; a network that covers a large geographical area. Internet worlds largest network which is a worldwide collection of networks that connects millions of businesses, government agencies, etc. ISP Internet service provider is an organization, such as a cable company or telephone company, that supplies connections to the Internet for a monthly fee. Uniform Resource Locator (URL) a unique address for a Web page. HTTP:// - hypertext transfer protocol; the communications standard used to transfer pages on the web.

VISTA/WIN Section
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. User interface the combination of hardware and software that you use to communicate with and control the computer. Client a computer connected to a server. Server a computer that controls access to the hardware and software on a network and provides a centralized storage area for programs, data, and information. Recycle Bin the location of files that have been deleted, sits on the desktop by default. Windows Sidebar In Vista, a long, vertical strip on the right edge of the desktop that holds mini-programs called gadgets. Gadgets In Vista, a mini-program that provides continuously updated information, such as current weather, news updates, etc. Menu a list of related items, including folders, programs, and commands. Start menu allows you to access programs and files on the computer. Dialog box displayed whenever additional information needs to be entered or selected. Program a set of computer instructions that carries out a task on the computer. Web browser program an application program that allows you to search for and display web pages. HTTP:// - hypertext transfer protocol; the communications standard used to transfer pages on the web. Protocol a set of rules and is the first part of the URL (http:) Domain name the Internet address of the computer on the Internet where the web page is located. File specification includes the file name and possibly a directory or folder name. This information is called the Path. Folders contains files that have been saved. Source drive and source folder the drive and folder containing the files to be copied. Destination drive and destination folder the drive and folder to which the files are copied.