What is a computer?
A programmable device that takes in data, processes it into useful information, and then outputs the information so it can be used.
Input?
How data is inputted in a computer.
Process?
How data is manipulated inside a computer.
Output?
How the data is displayed to the viewer.
Storage?
How the data is stored for future use.
Hardware?
The physical components of a computer.
Software?
The set of instructions that tells that hardware how and what to do.
Desktop computer?
Designed to be placed on a desk, and are typically made of different parts, including: computer case, monitor, keyboard, mouse ect.
Laptop?
Battery-powered computers that are more portable the desktops.
Tablet?
Handheld computers that are very portable.
General purpose system?
Devices that have a variety of uses, the user chooses the task of the computer to complete
Embedded systems?
More specialised, they can only do a limited number of things, but they do them very well.
Bit?
One piece of information, in the form of a 1 or a 0.
Byte?
8 bits.
CPU?
The brain of the computer, located on the mother board.
RAM?
Random-Access memory. Short term memory accessed by the CPU when needed.
Hard drive?
Long term memory of a computer.
Power supply unit?
Converts power form the wall outlet to the type needed by the computer.
Video card?
Responsible for what is shown on the monitor. Many motherboards have built in video cards.
Sound card?
Responsible for what comes through the speakers and/or headphones. Many mother boards have built in sound cards.
Network card?
Allows the computer to communicate over a network and access the internet. Many motherboards have built in network cards.
Bluetooth card (or adapter)?
Used for communication between wireless keyboards, mice and printers. Many motherboards have built in network cards.
Charge couple device? (CCD)
Acts as an image sensor by using reflected light as electrical signals
Optical Character Recognition? (OCR)
Converting text from images into text able to change via the machine/ text file
