Computing Vocabulary

20 flashcards · Computer Science · by Natalie Allsop

1. Computer

   A person or device that makes calculations, stores data, and executes instructions according to a program.

2. Hardware

   The physical components of a computer.

3. Software

   The programs and other operating information used by a computer.

4. Output Device

   Any device that presents data from the computer.

5. Input Device

   A device used to enter data into a computer.

6. Storage Device

   A piece of computer equipment on which information can be stored.

7. Primary Storage

   The computer's immediate internal memory, RAM and ROM.

8. Secondary Storage

   Storing data on another device such as a USB Flash Drive, External Hard Drive, Disc, or Cloud Storage.

9. Network

   A group of two or more computer systems linked together.

10. Router

    A device that transfers data from one network to another.

11. LAN

    Local Area Network; a geographic network that covers a relatively small geographic area.

12. WAN

    Wide Area Network; largest type of network in terms of geographic area; largest WAN is the Internet.

13. Application Software

    Computer software created to allow the user to perform a specific job or task.

14. Operating System Software

    Software that controls application software and manages how the hardware devices work together.

15. GUI

    Graphical user interface; interface that relies on graphics to communicate with the user.

16. RAM

    Random Access Memory; temporary memory. RAM is expandable and resides on the motherboard.

17. ROM

    Read-Only Memory; permanent information put there by the manufacturer that cannot be altered.

18. Motherboard

    A circuit board that contains all of the computer system's main components.

19. CPU

    Central Processing Unit; the brain of the computer.

20. AI

    Artificial Intelligence; computers programmed to learn and act intelligently.