Computer terminology
- Hardware - Physical parts of the computer system.
- Software - Computer programs that tell the computer what to do.
- Four functions of a computer - Input (e.g. Keyboard, Mouse), output (e.g. Speakers, Monitor), processing (e.g. CPU), memory (e.g. hard drive, RAM, CD drive, DVD).
- ROM-Read only memory - Set fixed memory that cannot be changed.
- RAM-Random access memory - Flexible memory, does not save, resets itself.
- What makes a computer powerful - Speed, storage, reliability.
- html - Hypertext mark-up language.
- Save as - When you save a file for the first time.
- Save - Save after having saved as.
- Cloud computing - Saving files on an external server (e.g. iCloud, Google Drive).
- Hard drive - The data center of a computer. Where software is installed and where documents and other files are stored.
- CPU - Central Processing Unit, "Brain of the computer", carries out commands.
- Motherboard - The computer's main circuit board. It holds the CPU, memory, connectors for the hard drive and optical drives, expansion cards to control the video and audio, as well as connections to the computer's ports (ex. USB ports).
- Power supply - Converts the power from the wall outlet to the type of power needed by the computer. It sends power through the cables to the motherboard and other components.
- Video card - responsible for what you see on the monitor. Most computers have a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) built into their motherboard.
- Systems software - Programs that enable the computer to work effectively and provide an interface for the user to interact with the computer.
- Utility software - Computer software designed to help in the management and tuning of operating systems, computer hardware and application software. It is designed to perform a single task or a multiple of small tasks.
- Applications software - These programs all enable the user to perform a range of tasks. It is these programs that people use computers for.