Computers: Ch2
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Functions of a computer
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input, process, output, storage
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System software
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the set of programs that enables your computer's hardware devices and application software to work together
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Data
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the representation of a fact, figure, or idea
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System unit
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the metal or plastic case that holds all the physical parts of the computer together (processor, memory, circuit boards)
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Information
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data that has been organized or presented in a meaningful fashion
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Input
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gathers or allows data to enter
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Output
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displays data and information in a form suitable for the user
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Binary
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language consisting of 0's and 1's
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Bit
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each binary digit
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Byte
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eight binary digits
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Processing
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manipulating, calculating, or organizing the data into information
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Application software
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the set of programs you use on a computer to help you carry out tasks (ex Word, Excel)
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Operating system
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the program that controls how your computer system functions
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Types of computers
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mainframe, supercomputer, embedded
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Mainframe
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supports many users simultaneously
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Supercomputer
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performs complex calculations extremely rapidly
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Embedded
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self-contained computer devices performing dedicated functions
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QWERTY keyboard
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standard English-language keyboard
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DVORAK keyboard
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alternative keyboard that puts the most commonly used letters in the middle row
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Optical mouse
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uses an internal sensor or laser to detect the mouse's movement
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Wireless mouse
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mouse that uses batteries and sends data to the computer by RF or Bluetooth technologies
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Mouse features
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used to enter user responses and commands
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Pointing devices
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touch pads, trackpoint devices, game controllers
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Scanner
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input images by creating a digital image which you can then print, save, or e-mail
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Webcams
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small camera that sits on top of your computer monitor or is built in
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Voice recognition system
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microphones (close talk, omnidirectional, unidirectional, clip-on)
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CRT monitor
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considered legacy technology, or computing devices that use techniques, parts, and methods that are no longer popular
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LCD
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technology used in flat-panel computer monitors
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LED
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a newer, more energy-efficient technology used in monitors that may result in better color accuracy and thinner panels
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OLED
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monitors that use organic compounds to produce light when exposed to electric current (does not require a backlight to function, less power needed, thinner display)
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Touch screen technology
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display screens that respond to commands initiated by touching them
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Resolution
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clearness or sharpness of the image, reflects the number of pixels on the screen
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Impact printer
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has tiny, hammer-like keys that strike paper through an inked ribbon to make marks on the paper
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Non-impact printer
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sprays ink or uses laser beams to transfer marks onto paper
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Inkjet printer
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a nonimpact printer that sprays tiny drops of ink onto paper (found in most homes)
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Laser printer
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a nonimpact printer known for quick and quiet production and high-quality printouts
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Thermal printer
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works by melting wax-based ink onto ordinary paper or burning dots onto special paper (used on receipts)
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Central Processing Unit (CPU)
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\"brains\" of the computer, performs all functions performed by computer's other components and processes all the command issued by its software
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Motherboard
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the main circuit board that contains the central electronic components of the computer
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Drive bay
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special shelf in computer that holds permanent storage devices
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Hard drive
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your computers primary device for permanent storage of software and documents
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Solid state drive
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type of hard drive with no moving parts (more efficient, no noise, little heat, little power)
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Optical device
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a hardware device that uses lasers or light to read CDs, DVDs, or Blue-rays
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Flash drive
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uses solid-state flash memory to store information on an internal memory chip
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Flash memory card
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form of portable storage that uses flash memory in the form of a removable card (digital cameras, smartphones, printers)
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High speed data transfer ports
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Examples: USB, FireWire, Ethernet, Modem port
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Sleep mode
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all documents, applications, and data you were using remain in RAM in this mode
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Hibernate
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data is stored on your hard drive instead of in RAM and your computer is powered off in this mode
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Warm boot
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restarting the system when it is powered on
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Random Access Memory (RAM)
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stores instructions and data temporarily
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Expansion Card
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adds more places to insert ports
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Ergonomics
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the science that deals with the design and location of machines and furniture so that the people using them are safe and comfortable
