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Basic Computer Terms

The document defines basic computer hardware and software terms. Hardware includes physical components like the CPU, disk drive, hard drive, keyboard, modem, monitor, mouse, and printer. Software includes programs like applications, browsers, databases, and word processors, as well as common terms like bit, byte, click, download, icon, memory, and virus. The document provides definitions of over 50 basic computer terms to explain the essential building blocks and functions of hardware, software, and how they interact in a computer system.

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1003emjay
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44 views

Basic Computer Terms

The document defines basic computer hardware and software terms. Hardware includes physical components like the CPU, disk drive, hard drive, keyboard, modem, monitor, mouse, and printer. Software includes programs like applications, browsers, databases, and word processors, as well as common terms like bit, byte, click, download, icon, memory, and virus. The document provides definitions of over 50 basic computer terms to explain the essential building blocks and functions of hardware, software, and how they interact in a computer system.

Uploaded by

1003emjay
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Basic Computer Terms

Hardware

� ���- The physical parts of a computer -

CPU

Central processing unit; the brain of the computer; controls the other elements of the computer

Disk Drive

A peripheral device that reads and/or writes information on a disk

Hard Drive

A device (usually within the computer case) that reads and writes information, including the
operating system, program files, and data files

Keyboard

A peripheral used to input data by pressing keys

Modem

A peripheral device used to connect one computer to another over a phone line

Monitor

A device used to display information visually

Mouse

A peripheral device used to point to items on a monitor

NIC

Network interface card; a board inserted in a computer that provides a physical connection to a
network

Printer
A peripheral device that converts output from a computer into a printed image

Software

���� - Instructions executed by a computer -

Applications

Complete, self-contained programs that perform a specific function (ie. spreadsheets,


databases)

Bit

A computer's most basic unit of information

Boot

The process of loading or initializing an operating system on a computer; usually occurs as soon
as a computer is turned on

Browser

A program used to view World Wide Web pages, such as Netscape Navigator or Internet
Explorer

Bug

A part of a program that usually causes the computer to malfunction; often remedied in patches
or updates to the program

Byte

Small unit of data storage; 8 bits; usually holds one character

Click

Occurs when a user presses a button on a mouse which in turn, generates a command to the
computer

Database

A large structured set of data; a file that contains numerous records that contain numerous
fields

Diskette

A small flexible disk used for storing computer data

Double Click

Occurs when a user presses a button on the mouse twice in quick succession; this generates a
command to the computer

Download

Transferring data from another computer to your computer

Drag

Occurs when a user points the mouse at an icon or folder, presses the button and without
releasing the button, moves the icon or folder to another place on the computer where the
button is released

Driver

Software program that controls a piece of hardware or a peripheral

FAQ

Frequently asked question; documents that answer questions common to a particular website or
program

File

Namable unit of data storage; an element of data storage; a single sequence of bytes

Folder

A graphical representation used to organize a collection of computer files; as in the concept of a


filing cabinet (computer's hard drive) with files (folders)

Freeware

Software provided at no cost to the user

Gigabyte
1,073,741,824 bytes or 1,024 megabytes; generally abbreviated GB

GUI

Graphical user interface; uses pictures and words to represent ideas, choices, functions, etc.

Icon

A small picture used to represent a file or program in a GUI interface

Internet

A network of computer networks encompassing the World Wide Web, FTP, telnet, and many
other protocols

IP number

Internet protocol; a computer's unique address or number on the Internet

Kilobyte

1,024 bytes; usually abbreviated KB

Megabyte

1,048,576 bytes or 1,024 kilobytes; enough storage to approximately equal a 600 page
paperback book; generally abbreviated Mb

Memory

Any device that holds computer data

Menu

A list of operations available to the user of a program

Network

A collection of computers that are connected

Peripheral

Any of a number of hardware devices connected to a CPU


RAM

Random access memory; the type of storage that changes; when the computer is turned off, the
RAM memory is erased

ROM

Read-only memory; the type of storage that is not changed even when the computer is turned
off

Scroll Bar

Allows the user to control which portion of the document is visible in the window; available either
horizontally or vertically or both

Shareware

Software provided at a minimal cost to users who are on their honor to send in payment to the
programmer

Spreadsheet

A program arranged in rows and columns that manipulates numbers

Tool Bar

A graphical representation of program activities; a row of icons used to perform tasks in a


program

URL

Uniform resource locator; the address of a site on the World Wide Web; a standard way of
locating objects on the Internet

Virus

A deliberately harmful computer program designed to create annoying glitches or destroy data

Window

A screen in a software program that permits the user to view several programs at one time

Word Processor
A program that allows the user to create primarily text documents

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