APPENDIX A – Flashcards

is an electronic device operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory that can accept, manipulate, and store data.

is the actual hardware that interprets and executes the program (software) instructions and coordinates how all the other hardware devices work together

interprets software instructions and literally tells the other hardware devices what to do, based on the software instructions.

(ALU) performs all arithmetic operations (for example, addition and subtraction) and all logic operations (such as sorting and comparing numbers)

usually quoted in megahertz and gigahertz. Megahertz (MHz) is the number of millions of CPU cycles per second. Gigahertz (GHz) is the number of billions of CPU cycles per second.

which is a type of CPU that can recognize as many as 100 or more instructions, enough to carry out most computations directly.

chips limit the number of instructions the CPU can execute to increase processing speed. The idea of RISC is to reduce the instruction set to the bare minimum, emphasizing the instructions used most of the time and optimizing them for the fastest possible execution. An RISC processor runs faster than a CISC processor.

is a secondary storage medium that uses several rigid disks coated with a magnetically sensitive material and housed together with the recording heads in a hermetically sealed mechanism. H

is the computer's main memory, which consists of the random access memory (RAM), cache memory, and read-only memory (ROM) that is directly accessible to the CPU

is the computer's primary working memory, in which program instructions and data are stored so that they can be accessed directly by the CPU via the processor's high-speed external data bus.

device's ability to function with or without power. RAM is volatile, meaning it must have constant power to function; its contents are lost when the computer's electric supply fails.

is a small unit of ultra-fast memory that is used to store recently accessed or frequently accessed data so that the CPU does not have to retrieve this data from slower memory circuits such as RAM. Cache memory that is built directly into the CPU's circuits is called primary cache. Cache memory contained on an external circuit is called secondary cache.

is the portion of a computer's primary storage that does not lose its contents when one switches off the power. ROM is nonvolatile, meaning it does not require constant power to function. ROM contains essential system programs that neither the user nor the computer can erase.

is a special type of rewritable read-only memory (ROM) that is compact and portable. Memory cards contain high-capacity storage that holds data such as captured images, music, or text files.

consists of equipment designed to store large volumes of data for long-term storage. Secondary storage devices are nonvolatile and do not lose their contents when the computer is turned off. Some storage devices, such as a hard disk, offer easy update capabilities and a large storage capacity.

(MB or M or Meg) is roughly 1 million bytes. Therefore, a computer with 256 MB of RAM translates into the RAM being able to hold roughly 256 million characters of data and software instructions. A gigabyte (GB) is roughly 1 billion bytes. A terabyte (TB) is roughly 1 trillion bytes (refer to Figure A.5 ). 3

is a secondary storage medium that uses magnetic techniques to store and retrieve data on disks or tapes coated with magnetically sensitive materials.

is an older secondary storage medium that uses a strip of thin plastic coated with a magnetically sensitive recording medium. The most popular type of magnetic medium is a hard drive.

is equipment used to capture information and commands. A keyboard is used to type in information, and a mouse is used to point and click on buttons and icons. A stylus is used as a pen-like device that taps the screen to enter commands. Numerous input devices are avai

devices are input devices designed for special applications for use by people with different types of special needs. An example is a keyboard with tactile surfaces, which can be used by the visually impaired.

is equipment used to see, hear, or otherwise accept the results of information processing requests. Among output devices, printers and monitors are the most common; however, speakers and plotters (special printers that draw output on a page) are widely used

is equipment used to send information and receive it from one location to another.

is a computer dedicated to a single function, such as a calculator or computer game. An ebook is an electronic book that can be read on a computer or special reading device. S

how the various technology tools work together along with the application software. System software includes both operating system software and utility software.

software controls the application software and manages how the hardware devices work together.

allows more than one piece of software to be used at a time. Multitasking is used when creating a graph in Excel and simultaneously printing a word processing document. With multitasking, both pieces of application software are operating at the same time. There are different types of operating system software for personal environments and for

provides additional functionality to the operating system. Utility software includes antivirus software, screen savers, and anti-spam software. Operating systems are customized by using the control panel, which is a Windows feature that provides options that set default values for the Windows operating system. For example, the system clock works like a wristwatch and uses a battery mounted on the motherboard to provide power when the computer is turned off. If the user moves to a different time zone, the system clock can be adjusted in the control panel. Safe mode occurs if the system is failing and will load only the most essential parts of the operating system and will not run many of the background operating utilities. System restore enables a user to return to the previous operating system. Figure A.12 displays a few types of available utility software.

is used for specific information processing needs, including payroll, customer relationship management, project management, training, and many others. Application software is used to solve specific problems or perform specific tasks.

software handles contact information, appointments, task lists, and email. Course management software contains course information such as a syllabus and assignments and offers drop boxes for quizzes and homework along with a grade book.