STUDY SHEET

Applications -Compute programs that perform a specific task or series of tasks such as
software word processing, inventory control, and educational skills.

Baud -A unit of data transmission speed; typically one baud equals one bit per
second.
Binary -A number in base two, which uses only the digits 0 and 1, the first three
number binary numbers being 01, 10, and 11.

Bit -From binary digit; the smallest piece of information in a digital system,
an 0 or 1- or a physical representation of either.
Bug -An error in hardware or software that prevents it from operating correctly.
Byte -A basic unit of computer information, often composed of 8 bits. A
kilobyte (K) equals 1,024 bytes, a megabyte (M) equals 1,024 bytes, and
a gigabyte equals 1,024M bytes.
CD-ROM (Compact disc—read only memory), A laser-read disk that stores read-
only memory.
Clip art -Images stored on disc and ready to be clipped out electronically and
pasted onto a document.
CPU (Central processing unit) – The part of a computer that executes the
functions of arithmetic and logic, interprets instructions, and
maintains control over hardware.
Cursor -A movable spot of light on a display screen that indicates where the
next entered instruction will be displayed.
Cyberspace -The web of computer networks and electronic information services that
can be accessed from a computer, using a modem and communications
software.
Database -An organized collection of information or data in computer-readable
form.
Debug -To search for and eliminate errors (“bugs”) in a software program.

Desktop -Generating and producing high-quality printer matter with a personal

publishing computer and an electronic printer.

Disk drive -A storage device that reads information from and writes information
onto disks.
DOS (Disk operating system), A widely used operating system for IBM
and IBM-compatible personal computers.
Download -Receive a program, file, or other data from another computer via a
modem.

Electronic -Letters and other written messages sent from one computer to another,
mail either via telephone lines or over a local area network; often called e-mail.

Floppy disk -A flexible, magnetic disk, used for external memory storage.
Hard disk -A hard, magnetic disk, permanently installed for memory storage in a
personal computer. It has a far larger storage capacity than a floppy disk.
Hardware -The tangible features of a computer system: CPU, disk drive, printer,
and so on.
Icon -A graphic symbol on the display screen that represents an object or
function, such as a data file or a printer.

Input; input -Information entered into a computer, and any of various methods for
device doing this, such as a keyboard, mouse, graphics tablet, or scanner.

Internet -A worldwide network of computer networks linking government

agencies, universities, corporations, and individuals.
Keyboard -A tactile input device consisting of an array of keys arranged somewhat
like an ordinary typewriter.
LAN (Local Area Network) – In computer networks, a network generally
contained inside one building or complex.
Laser disc -Also called an optical disc, a small disk on which digital data are stored
as minute pits and bumps, and which is read by a laser beam; an audio
compact disc* and a CD-ROM are examples.
Memory -The capacity to store data; primary memory resides within the CPU and is
easily accessed, whereas secondary memory is made possibly by external
units such as magnetic tapes or disks.
Menu -A list of routine or command options that appears on a screen in an
interactive program.
Modem -A device that converts digital data into analog signals (and vice versa)
for transmission over telephone lines.
Mouse -An input device consisting of a palm-size box with one or more control
buttons on top; movement of the mouse across a tabletop causes a
pointer on the screen to move.
Multimedia -Manner of computer display of information, using text, graphics, sound,
and video.
Multitasking -In a computer, the process of performing, concurrently, two or more
tasks.
Networking -The interconnecting of computers and, usually, other hardware, to
communicate and to share programs and equipment.
On-line -Connected to a usually distant CPU, and ready to initiate the processes
of input and output.
Operating -A program that coordinates the variety of ongoing computer processes;
System loading, storing, and executing programs; input-output; timesharing;
networking.

Output; output -Information that is given out by a computer, and any of various methods
device for doing this, such as a printer, video screen, or speech synthesizer.

Peripherals -Add-on hardware devices that are controlled by the CPU, such as
 printers, modems, and disk drives.
Personal computer -A general-purpose microcomputer designed to be used by one person.
Pixel -From picture element; a small, discrete unit of visual information on a
video screen.
Printer -An output device that prints data from the computer, usually in text
form, on paper.
Program -A list of instructions, written in a programming language, to be
followed by a computer.
Prompt -An on-screen message from the operating system or a software
application, usually asking for the next entry.
RAM -(Random access memory) – A memory unit to which data can be
constantly added or from which data can be constantly removed, in a
random manner (as opposed to sequentially).
ROM -Read-only memory. A memory unit used to store data or instructions
that cannot easily be changed and that are not lost when the computer
is turned off.
Scanning -Conversion of text, photographs, and other images on paper, by an input
device, into digital form for storage within a computer system.
Software -Computer programs, containing instructions that tell a computer what
to do.
Spreadsheet -An applications program that performs mathematical operations on
numbers arranged in columns and rows, simulating an accountant’s
worksheet.
Virus -An illegal, often destructive computer program segment that can attach
itself to another program, reproduce itself, and spread from one program
to another.
Window -An area of a display screen set off for separate handling of materials,
overlapping other areas as needed.
Word processor -A program designed for manipulating written text, used for writing,
editing, and rewriting.
Workstation -A high-performance microcomputer specialized for use in a particular
field, such as engineering.