Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to navigate between flashcards;
Use UP and DOWN arrow keys to flip the card;
H to show hint;
A reads text to speech;
178 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
system unit
|
the case that holds the computers main circuit boards, microprocessor, memory, power supply and storage devices
|
|
hard disc drive
|
a hard disk drive is the main storage device on a personal computer system. It is usually mounted inside the computers system unit and can store billions of characters of data. A small external light indicates when the drive is reading or writing data.
|
|
optical drive
|
an optical drive is a storage device that works with CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, or some combination of these storage media. they can also be used to store computer data on writable cds, dvds, and blu-ray discs.
|
|
sound system
|
the sound system for a personal computer can output digital music, digitally recorded speech, and a variety of sound effects called system sounds designed to draw your attention to various messages and events. To produce sounds, a computer uses a circuit board called a sound card, which is typically housed in the system unit. A computers sound card sends signals to the speakers, which can be external devices or built into the system unit.
|
|
display system
|
consists of 2 parts: circuitry, called a graphics card, converts raw digital data into images that can be shown on a displace device. Display devices, often called computer screens or monitors, present visual output, such as documents, photos, and videos.
|
|
Mac
|
based on a proprietary design for a personal computer, manufactured almost exclusively by Apple Inc.
|
|
PC
|
based on the design for one of the first personal computer superstars – the IBM PC. The Windows operating system was designed specifically for these personal computers and, therefore, the PC platform is sometimes called the Windows platform.
|
|
Linux
|
the linux platform can use a standard PC or mac running the Linux operating system. A variety of software is available for this platform, though it tends to be more specialized but not as polished as software for Windows and Mac operating systems.
|
|
What is a microprocessor?
|
an integrated cicuit designed to process instructions. It is the most important, and usually the most expensive, component of a computer. Although a microprocessor is sometimes mistakenly referred to as a computer on a chip, it can be more accurately described as a CPU on a chip because it contains circuitry that performs essentially the same tasks as the central processing unit of a classic mainframe computer.
|
|
what is RAM?
|
RAM (random access memory) is a temporary holding area for data, application program instructions, and the operating system. In a personal computer, RAM is usually several chips or small circuit boards that plug into the system board within the computer’s system unit. A computer’s RAM capacity is invariably included in the list of specifications in a computer ad.
• RAM is the “waiting room” for the computer’s processor. It holds raw data waiting to be processed as well as the program instructions for processing that data. • the difference between RAM and hard-disk storage is that RAM holds data in circuitry that’s directly connected to the system board, whereas hard-disk storage palces data on magntic media. RAM is temporary storage; hard-disk storage is more permanent. • RAM usually has less storage capacity than hard-disk storage. |
|
what is magnetic storage?
|
hard disk, floppy disk, and tape storage technologies can be classified as magnetic storage, which stores data by magnetizing microscopic particles on a disk or tape surface. The particles retain their magnetic orientation until that orientation is changed, thereby making disks and tapes fairly permanent but modifiable storage media. A read-write head mechanism in the disk drive can magnetize particles to write data, and sense the particles polarities to read data.
|
|
what is optical storage?
|
CD, DVD and Blu-ray technologies are classified as optical storage, which stores data as a microscopic light and dark spots on the disc surface. The dark spots are called pits. The lighter, non-pitted surface areas of the disc are called lands.
|
|
solid state storage
|
(sometimes called flash memory) is a technology that stores data in erasable, rewritable circuitry rather than on spinning disks or streaming tape. E.g. usb
|
|
LED
|
(organic light emitting diodes) first introduced for handheld devices, such as gps, OLED screens draw less power than LCDs. OLEDS have a bright, crisp image and a faster response rate than LCD screens.
|
|
LCD
|
(liquid crystal display) produces an image by manipulating light within a layer of liquid crystal cells. Modern LCD technology is compact in size, lightweight, and provides easy-to-read display. Standard equipment on notebook computers.
|
|
dot pitch
|
a measure of image clarity
|
|
ink jet
|
has a nozzle lie print head that sprays ink onto paper to form characters and graphics.
- most use CMYK colour, which requires only cyan, magenta, yellow and black ink - inexpensive and produce both colour and black and white - for home and small businesses |
|
laser printer
|
uses the sme technology as a photocopier to paint dogs of light on a light-sensitive drum.
- more complex than ink jet - higher price - basic laser printer produces only black and white printouts |
|
dot matrix printer
|
when PCs first appeared in the late 1970s, dot matrix printers were the technology of choice, and they still are available today.
- produces characters and graphics by using a grid of fine wires - as the print head noisily clatters across the paper, the wires strike a ribbon and paper in a pattern prescribed by your PC |
|
peripheral device
|
Peripheral devices are just hardware items for your computer like a mouse, keyboard, printer, monitor, microphone, speakers, game controller, webcam, and other input/output devices on the outside of your computer.
• when you install a peripheral device, you are basically creating a connection for data to flow between the device and the computer. Within a computer, data travels from one component to another over circuits called a data bus. |
|
expansion bus
|
made up of electronic pathways which move information between the internal hardware of a computer system (including the CPU and RAM) and peripheral devices. It is a collection of wires and protocols that allows for the expansion of a computer.
|
|
expansion slot
|
a long, narrow socket on the system board into which you can plug an expansion card.
|
|
expansion card
|
a small circuit board that gives a computer the capability to control a storage device, an input device or an output device
|
|
expansion port
|
any connector that passes data in and out of a computer or peripheral device. It is similar to an electrical outlet because you can plug things in to make a connection.
|
|
productivity software
|
any type of application software that has the potential to help people do their
|
|
groupware
|
designed to help several people collaborate on a single project using local networks or internet connections (eg. Email)
|
|
utility software
|
designd to help monitor and configure settings for your computer system equipment, the operating system, or application software. (eg. Anti virus)
|
|
word processing software
|
produces many types of documents such as reports, letters, memos, papers and book manuscripts
|
|
desktop publishing software
|
takes word processing software one step further by helping you use graphic design techniques to enhance the format and appearance of a document.
|
|
web authoring software
|
helps you design and develop customized web pages that you can publish electronically on the internet.
|
|
spreadsheet software
|
uses row and columns of numbers to create a model or representation of a real situation (eg. Your checkbook register)
|
|
CAD software
|
computer aided design software
|
|
concurrent-use license
|
priced per copy and allows a specific number of copies to be used at the same time
|
|
EULA
|
(end-user license agreement) is displayed on-screen when you first install software.
|
|
public domain software
|
not protected by copyright because the copyright has expired, or the author has placed the program in the public domain
|
|
proprietary software
|
has restrictions on its use that are delineated by copyright, patents, or license agreements.
|
|
shareware
|
try before you buy policy
|
|
open source software
|
makes uncompiled program instructions – the source code – available to programmers who want to modify and improve the software.
|
|
hash value
|
a unique number derived from encoding one or more data sets, such as names, serial numbers, and validation codes.
|
|
software patch
|
a small section of program code that replaces part of the software you currently have installed.
|
|
service pack
|
usually applies to operating system updates, and is a set of patches that correct problems and address security vulnerabilities. Software packs and service patches are usually free.
|
|
malware
|
any computer program designed to surreptitiously enter a computer, gain unauthorized access to data, or disrupt normal processing operations. (viruses, worms, trojans, etc)
|
|
computer virus
|
a set of program insturctions that attaches itself to a file, reproduces itself and spreads to other files
|
|
computer worm
|
a self-replicating program designed to carry out some unauthorized activity on a victim’s computer
|
|
Trojan horse
|
a computer program that seems to perform one function while actually doing something else. Unlike a worm, a Trojan is not designed to spread itself to other computers. They’re notorious for stealing passwords, using keylogger – a type of program that records keystrokes.
|
|
Bot
|
any software that can automate a task or autonomously execute a task when commanded to. Good bot = google. Bad bot = hackers=zombie
|
|
Spyware
|
type of program that secretly gathers personal information without the victim’s knowledge, usually for advertising and other commercial purposes.
|
|
operating system
|
type of system software that acts as the master controller for all activities that take place within a computer system. It is one of the factors that determines your computers compatability and platform.
|
|
single-user operating system
|
expects to deal with one set of input devices – those that can be controlled by one user at a time. Operating systems for handheld computers and some personal computers fit into the single-user category.
|
|
multiuser operating system
|
allows a single, centralized computer to deal with simultaneous input, output and processing requests from many users. One of its most difficult responsibilities is to schedule all the processing requests that a centralized computer must perform.
|
|
server operating system
|
provides tools for managing distributed networks, email servers and web hosting sites. Mac OS X server and Windows Server 2008 are examples of server operating systems
|
|
desktop operating system
|
designed for a personal computer – a desktop, notebook or tablet computer. The computer you use at home, at school or at work. One user at a time.
|
|
user interface
|
can be defned as the combination of hardware and software that helps people and computers communicate with each other. Includes display device, mouse, and keyboard that allow you to view and manipulate your computing environment. It also includes software elements, such as icons, menus, and toolbar buttons.
|
|
dual boot
|
a computer system in which two operating systems are installed on the same hard drive, allowing either operating system to be loaded and given control. To change operating systems, you have to reboot. E.g. Boot camp -> let’s you switch between mac and windows
|
|
virtual machine
|
technologies that allow you to use one computer to simulate the hardware and software of another. Each virtual machine has its own simulated processor (or core processor), RAM, video card, input and output ports, and operating system.
|
|
file format
|
refers to the organization and layout of data that is stored in a file. Music files are stored differently than text files or graphic files.
|
|
boot disk
|
a removable storage medium containing the operating system files needed to boot your computer without accessing the hard disk
|
|
recovery disk
|
is a bootable CD, DVD, or other media that contains a complete copy of your computer’s hard disk as it existed when the computer was new. It contains the operating system, device drivers, utilities, and even software that was bundled with your computer.
|
|
PAN
|
is a term sometimes used to refer to the interconnection of personal digital devices or consumer electronics within a range of about 30 feet and without the use of wires and cables. Eg. A PAN could be used to wirelessly transmit data from a computer to a PDA or printer.
|
|
LAN
|
is a data communications network that connects personal computers within a very limited geographical area – usually a single building. LANs use a variety of wired and wireless technologies. Eg. School computers and home networks. Today most LANs are configured with Ethernet technology.
|
|
MAN
|
a public high-speed network capable of voice and data transmission within a range of about 50 miles. Eg. Local internet service providers, small cable television companies and local telephone companies.
|
|
WAN
|
covers a large geographical area and usually consists of several smaller networks, which might use different computer platforms and network technologies. E.g. networks for nationwide banks, large cable television companies and multi-location superstores
|
|
physical topology
|
the arrangement of devices in a network
|
|
star topology
|
features a central connection point that links cables or handles wireless broadcasts to all workstations and peripherals. Many home networks are arranged this way.
|
|
ring topology
|
connects all devices in a circle, with each device having exactly two neighbours. Data is transmitted from one device to another around the ring. This topology minimizes cabling, but failure of any one device can take down the entire network. infrequently used in today’s networks.
|
|
bus topology
|
uses a common backbone to connect all network devices. The backbone functions as a shared communication link, which carries network data. The backbone stops at each end of the network with a specal device called a terminator. Bus networks work best with a limited number of devices. A bus network with more than a few dozen computers is likely to perform poorly, and if the backbone cable fails, the entire network becomes unusable.
|
|
mesh topology
|
connects each network device to many other network devices. Data traveling on it can take any of several possible paths from its source to its destination. These redundant data pathways make a _____________ very robust. Even if several links fail, data can follow alternative functioning links to each its destination – an advantage over networks arranged in a star topology.
|
|
tree topology
|
is essentially a blend of star and bus networks. Multople star networks are connected into a bus configuration by a backbone. Tree topologies offer excellent flexibility for expansion – a single link to the backbone can add an entire group of star-configured devices. This link can be accomplished using the same type of hub that is used as the central connection point in a star network. Many of today’s school and business networks are based on tree topologies.
|
|
communications channel
|
a physical path or a frequency for signal transmission. Eg. Channel 12 on your TV tuner is a specific frequency used to broadcast audiovisual data for a television station.
|
|
Bandwidth
|
the transmission capacity of a communications channel
|
|
Broadband
|
high bandwidth communications systems, such as cable tv and DSL.
|
|
Narrowband
|
systems with less capacity, such as dial up internet access
|
|
communications protocol
|
refers to a set of rules for efficiently transmitting data from one network node to another.
|
|
handshake
|
two computers on a network negotiating their communications protocols
|
|
packet
|
a percel of data that is sent across a computer network.
|
|
packet switching
|
divides a message into several packets that can be routed independently to their destination. Messages divided into equal size packets are easier to handle than an assortment of small, medium, large and huge files.
|
|
circuit switching
|
some communications networks, such as the telephone system, use this technology, which essentially establishes a dedicated, private link between one telephone and another for the duration of a call. This type of switching provides callers with a direct pipeline over which streams of voice data can flow. Unfortunately, it is rather inefficient. E.g. when someone is on hold, no communication is taking place – yet the circuit is reserved and cannot be used for other communications.
|
|
wireless encryption
|
scrambles the data transmitted between wirless devices and then unscrambles the data only on devices that have a valid encryption key.
|
|
plaintext
|
original message that has not been encrypted
|
|
ciphertext
|
encrypted message
|
|
decryption
|
the reverse process
|
|
cryptographic algorithm
|
a procedure for encrypting or decrypting a message
|
|
cryptographic key
|
is a word, number, or phrase that must be known to encrypt or decrypt a message
|
|
internet backbone
|
a network of high capacity communications links the provides the main routes for data traffic across the Internet
|
|
static IP address
|
permanently assigned IP address
|
|
dynamic IP address
|
temporarily assigned IP address
|
|
voiceband modem
|
usually referred to simply as a modem – converts the signal from your computer into analog signals that can travel over telephone lines
|
|
ISDN
|
a type of fixed internet connection that moves data over ordinary telephone lines.
|
|
DSL
|
a high-speed, digital, always on, internet access technology that runs over standard phone lines
|
|
Cable internet service
|
is a means of distributing always on broadband internet access oer the same infrstructure that offers cable television service
|
|
satellite internet service
|
a means of distributing always on, high speed asymmetric internet access by broadcasting signals to and from a personal satellite dish
|
|
fixed wireless service
|
also called wireless broadband service – is designed to offer internet access to homes and businesses by broadcasting data signals over areas large enough to cover most cities and outlying areas.
|
|
WiMAX
|
an Ethernet compatible network standard
|
|
portable and mobile wimax
|
internet access available to subscribers anywhere within a tower’s coverage area
|
|
portable satellite service
|
a satellite dish is typically mounted on a vehicle. The disk is stowed while the vehicle is in motion, but can quickly be deployed when the vehicle stops.
|
|
WAP
|
a communications protocol that provides internet access from handheld devices
|
|
VoIP
|
a technology in which a broadband internet connection is used to place telephone calls instead of the regular phone system
|
|
grid computing system
|
a network of computers harnessed together to perform processing tasks. Can be public or private.
|
|
distributed grid
|
tap into thousands of PCs and Macs with internet connections whose owners donate their computers idle hours to a grid processing task.
|
|
cloud computing
|
the delivery of computing as a service rather than a product, whereby shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and other devices as a utility (like the electricity grid) over a network (typically the Internet).
|
|
What are the 4 web browsers?
|
Safari, Internet explorer, Opera, Chrome
|
|
plug in
|
a type of helper application, pioneered by Netscape developers, that can be activated from an <embed> tag, inserted in an HTML document.
|
|
web crawler
|
is a computer program that is automated to methodically visit web sites. Web crawlers can be programmed to perform various activities as they visit sites
|
|
search engine indexer
|
software that pulls keywords from a database
|
|
query processor
|
looks for your search terms in the search engine’s indexed database and returns a list of relevant web sites
|
|
meta keyword
|
entered into a header section of a web page when it is created and is supposed to describe the page contents. Disreputable web site operators are constantly trrying to devise schemes, such as manipulating meta keywords to move their web sites up to the top of the search engine query.
|
|
keyword stuffing
|
an unethical practice in which meta keywords are manipulated to gain high relevancy rankings
|
|
POP (post office protocol)
|
temporarily stores new messages on an email server. When you connect to your ISP and request your mail, it is downloaded from the email server and stored on your computer
|
|
IMAP (internet messaging access protocol)
|
similar to POP, except that you have the option of downloading your mail or leaving it on the server
|
|
Web-based email
|
keeps your mail at a web site, where it can be accessed using a standard web browser
|
|
digital audio
|
music, speech and other sounds represented in binary format for use in digital devices
|
|
sampling rate
|
refers to the number of times per second that a sound is measured during the recording process
|
|
bitmap graphics
|
composed of a grid of dots. The colour iof each dot is store as a binary number. Grid divides a picture into cells.
- usually create photographs - advantage – realistic images - disadvantages – doesn’t resize well |
|
pixel
|
derived from picture element. It is the smallest element that can be manipulated on a computer display or printer.
|
|
vector graphic
|
consists of a set of instuctions for recreating a picture. contains the instructions the computer needs to create the shape, size, position and colour for each object in an image
- advantages – resize better than bitmaps, usually require less storage space than bitmaps, it is easier to credit an object in a vector than an object in a bitmap - disadvantage- not usually as realistic as bitmap images |
|
rasterization
|
works by superimposing a grid over a vector image and determining the colour for each pixel
|
|
3-D graphics
|
stored as a set of instructions. Contain locations and lengths of lines that form a wireframe for a three-dimensional object.
|
|
digital video
|
a series of still frames stored dequentially in digital format by assigning values to each pixel in a frame
|
|
desktop video
|
videos that are constructred and displayed using a personal computer
|
|
MIDI music
|
a standardized way in which sound and music are encoded and transmitted between digital devices that play music
|
|
lossless compression
|
provides the means to compress a file and then reconstitute all the data into its original state
|
|
lossy compression
|
throws away some of the original data during the compression process
|
|
run-length encoding
|
replaces a series of similarly coloured pixels with a code that indicates the number of pixels and their colours
|
|
DRM
|
a collection of techniques used by copyright holders to limit access to and use of digital cntent
|
|
copy protection
|
refers to technologies designed to prohibit consumers from copying content. most rely on two techniques: multiple sessions and corrupted data
|
|
copy generation management
|
a digital watermark that specifies the number of times a content stream can be duplicated
|
|
region code
|
specifies a geographical area of legitimate use for DVD discs and players
|
|
P.I.E.C.E.S. is what?
|
performance, information, economics, control, efficiency, service
|
|
information system
|
collects, stores, and processes data to provide useful, accurate, and timely information, typically within the context of an organization.
|
|
structured problem
|
every day, run-of-the-mill problem
|
|
semi structured problem
|
less routine than a structured problem. Procedure for arriving at a solution is usually known.
|
|
unstructured problem
|
requires human intuition as the basis for finding a solution
|
|
transaction processing system
|
provides a way to collect, process, store, display, modify, or cancel transactions
|
|
batch processing
|
collects and holds a group of transactions until the end of the day or pay period. Proceeds without human intervention, until all transactions are completed or until an error occurs.
|
|
management information system
|
a type of information system that uses the data collected by a transaction processing system, and manipulates the data to create reports that managers can use to make routine business decisions in response to structured problems
|
|
ad hoc report
|
a customized report generated to supply specific information not available in scheduled reports
|
|
exception report
|
contains information that is outside normal or acceptable ranges
|
|
decision support system
|
directly manipulates data, analyzes data from external sources, generates statistical projections and creates data models of various scenarios
|
|
executive information system
|
is designed to provide senior managers with information relevant to strategic management activities such as setting policies, planning and preparing budgets, based on information from internal and external databases
|
|
decision model
|
a numerical representation of a realistic situation, such as cash-flow model of a business that shows how income adds to cash accounts and expenses deplete those accounts
|
|
expert system
|
a computer system designed to analyze data and produce a recommendation, diagnosis, or decision based on a set of facts and rules
|
|
expert system shell
|
a software tool containing an interference engine and a user interface that developers use to enter facts and rules for a knowledge base. designed to make decisions in a particular area or domain
|
|
joint application design
|
based on the idea that the best information systems are designed when end users and system analysts work together on a project as equal partners
|
|
structured methodology
|
focuses on the processes that take place within an information system
|
|
information engineering methodology
|
focuses on the data an information system collects before working out ways to process that data
|
|
object-oriented methodology
|
treats an information system as a collection of objects that interact with each other to accomplish tasks
|
|
analysis phase
|
begins after the project team selects a development methodology, draws up the project development plan and receives permission to proceed from management. goal is to produce a list of requirements for a new or revised information system. Study the current system, Determine system requirements, Write requirements report
|
|
design phase
|
the project team must figure out how the new system will fulfill the requirements specified in the system requirements report
|
|
implementation phase
|
the project team supervises the tasks necessary to construct the new information system
|
|
maintenance phase
|
involves day-to-day operation of the system, making modifications to improve performance, and correcting problems
|
|
application testing
|
the process of trying out various sequences of input values and checking the results to verify that the application works correctly
|
|
unit testing
|
as each application module is completed, it undergoes unit testing to ensure that it operates reliably and correctly
|
|
integration testing
|
is performed to ensure that the modules operate together correctly
|
|
system testing
|
ensures that all hardware and software components work together correctly
|
|
acceptance testing
|
designed to verify that the new information system works as required
|
|
system conversion
|
refers to the process f deactivating an old information system and activating a new one.
|
|
direct conversion
|
means that the old system is completely deactivated and the new system is immediately activated. disadvantage – risky because if the new system does not work correctly, it might need to be deactivated and undergo further development or testing
|
|
parallel conversion
|
avoids some of the risk of direct conversion because the old system remains in service while some or all of the new system is activated. disadvantage – often requires that all entries be made in both the new and old systems, which is costly in terms of tim, computer resources, and personnel.
|
|
phased conversion
|
works well with large, modularized information systems because the new system is activated one module at a time. disadvantage – each module of the new system must work with both the old and new systems, which greatly increases the complexity and cost of application development
|
|
pilot conversion
|
works well in organizations with several branches that have independent information processing systems because the new information system is activated at one branch at a time. disadvantage – system developers must devise methods to integrate information from branches using the new system with information from branches still using the old system
|
|
database
|
a collection of information e.g. yellow pages
|
|
data mining
|
refers to the process of analyzing existing database information to discover previously unknown and potentially useful information, including relationships and patterns
|
|
unstructured file
|
computer databases evolved from manual filing systems e.g. filing cabinet full of folders and papers
|
|
structured file
|
uses a uniform format to store data for each person or thing in the file
|
|
field
|
the smallest meaningful unit of information contained in a data file
|
|
record
|
the fields of data that pertain to a single entity in a database
|
|
record type
|
the structure of a record, including the names, length and data types for each field
|
|
cardinality
|
a description of the numeric relationship (one-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-many) that exists between two record types
|
|
relational database
|
stores data in a collection of related tables. each table is a sequence of records, similar to a flat file
|
|
dimensional database
|
organizes relationships over three or more dimensions. each field is contained within a cell that can be accessed directly from a query or from following a relationship
|
|
object database
|
stores data as objects, which can be grouped into classes and defined by attributes and methods. object databases excel is representing objects that have slightly different attributes, which is the case in many real-world business applications
|
|
object-relational database
|
used to describe a variety of technologies that combine object-oriented and relational concepts. you could use an object-relational databse to store the actual digial data for songs in a field called SongFile
|
|
programming language
|
a set of keyboards and grammar rules dsigned for creating instructions that a computer can ultimately process or carry out
|
|
programming paradigm
|
refers to a way of conceptualizing and structuring the tasks a computer performs.
|
|
coding
|
the process of coding a computer program depends on the programming language you use, the programming tools you select and the programming paradigm that best fits the problem you are trying to solve
|
|
testing
|
a computer program must be tested to ensure that it works correctly
|
|
program editor
|
offers tools more targeted to programmers. a type of text editor
|
|
VDE
|
provides programmers with tools to build substantial sections of a program by pointing and clicking rather than typing lines of code.
|