Module 3 - Key Terms

3D printer: Uses a process called additive manufacturing to create an object by

adding material one horizontal layer at a time to print solid objects.
adapter: An external battery that provides power to the laptop and helps its battery
recharge.
all-in-one computer: Similar to a desktop computer, but the monitor and system unit
are housed together.
arithmetic logic unit (ALU): Responsible for performing arithmetic operations in the
CPU.
ASCII: An 8-bit coding scheme, which means that the 8 bits are used to represent
text and symbols in computers and other devices.
benchmark: A test run by a laboratory or other organization to determine processor
speed and other performance factors.
binary system: A number system that has two digits, 0 and 1.
bit: (Short for binary digit), the smallest unit of data a computer can process.
bus: Wires on which data travels to and from the CPU.
bus width: Determines the speed at which data in a computer travels, also referred
to as word size.
byte: When 8 bits are grouped together, they form a byte. A byte can represent a
single character in the computer or mobile device.
central processing unit (CPU): A complex integrated circuit consisting of millions of
electronic parts and is primarily responsible for converting input (data) into
meaningful output (information).
clock speed: The speed at which a processor can execute instructions. Clock speed
either can be measured in Megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz).
cloud storage: Storing electronic files on the Internet, not on a local computer; often
called storing data “in the cloud.”
control unit: Manages the flow of instructions within the processor.
cycle: The smallest unit of time a process can measure.
dance pad: Game controller that is a flat, electronic device divided into panels that
users press with their feet in response to instructions from the video game.
desktop computer: Computer that typically consists of the system unit, monitor,
keyboard, and mouse.
device driver: A program that controls a device attached to your computer, such as a
printer, monitor, or video card.
digital camera: A camera that creates a digital image of an object, person, or scene,
and allows you to download or send pictures or videos to a computer.
digital pen: A small device, shaped like a pen, that you can use to draw, tap icons, or
tap keys on an on-screen keyboard, similar to a stylus, but is more capable because
it has programmable buttons.
earbuds: Speakers that are small enough to place in your ears.
external hard drive: Storage drive housed in a separate case and typically connected
to your computer using a USB cable.
firmware: The instructions on a ROM chip, which can enable your computer to
perform additional tasks or fine-tune how your computer communicates with other
devices.
flash memory: A type of nonvolatile memory that can be erased electronically and
rewritten.
form factor: The shape and size of a computer.
game controller: An input device you use when playing a video game.
gamepad: Game controller held in both hands that controls the movement and
actions of players or objects. On gamepads, users press buttons with their thumbs or
move sticks in various directions to trigger events.
hard drive: The most common storage medium on a computer; can be magnetic or
solid state.
headphones: Output device that consists of a pair of small listening devices that fit
into a band placed over your ears.
headset: Includes one or more headphones for output, and a microphone for input.
input device: Communicates instructions and commands to a computer, which then
translates the input into data that the computer can interpret. Common input
devices are keyboard, touchscreen, mouse, stylus, scanner, microphone, and game
controller.
joystick: Game controller with a handheld vertical lever, mounted on a base, that you
move in different directions to control the actions of the simulated vehicle or player.
keyboard: Input device that contains not only characters such as letters, numbers,
and punctuation, but also keys that can issue commands.
laptop: A portable computer that is smaller than the average briefcase and light
enough to carry comfortably; often called a notebook.
memory card: A removable flash memory storage device, usually no bigger than 1.5
inches in height or width, that you can insert and remove from a slot in a computer,
digital camera, mobile device, or card reader/writer.
microphone: Used to enter voice or sound data into a computer.
mobile device: A portable or handheld computing device, such as a smartphone or a
tablet, with a screen size of 10.1 inches or smaller.
motherboard: A circuit board inside a computer that contains the microprocessor,
the computer memory, and other internal devices.
motion-sensing controller: Game controller that allows users to guide on-screen
elements with air gestures.
mouse: The most common type of pointing device used with computers.
multi-core processor: Processor with multiple cores.
multitouch screen: A display that can respond to multiple fingers touching the screen
simultaneously.
nonvolatile memory: Permanent memory whose contents remain on the computer or
device even when it is turned off.
optical media: CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs (BDs), and use laser technology for
storage and playback.
output device(s): Conveys information from the computer to the user, based on the
data and instructions that are input by the user. Common output devices include
displays, speakers, headphones, projectors, and printers.
paging file: A file on a hard disk that the operating system uses to hold parts of
programs and data files that do not fit in RAM. Also called a swap file.
peripheral device: A device such as a keyboard, mouse, printer, or speakers that can
connect to and extend the capability of a computer.
platform: The software, or operating system, a device uses.
plug-and-play: Devices that begin functioning properly as soon as you connect them
to your computer.
pointing device: A device used to point to and select specific objects on the
computer screen. Examples of point devices include a mouse, touchpad, and
trackball.
port: A slot on the computer or device where you can attach a peripheral device.
power-on self test (POST): At startup, a sequence that tests all computer
components for proper operation.
printer: Creates hard copy output on paper, film, and other media.
processor cache: Stores frequently used data next to the processor so that it can
easily and quickly be retrieved.
projector: Displays visual output from a computer on a large surface such as a wall
or screen.
QR code: A square-shaped graphic that corresponds to a web address or other
information; QR is short for quick response.
random access memory (RAM): The storage location that is part of every computer
and that temporarily stores open apps and document data while a computer is on.
read-only memory (ROM): Permanently installed memory on your computer attached
to the motherboard. The ROM chip contains the BIOS, which tells your computer how
to start.
restore: Returning an operating system or files back to their default settings, or
migrating back to the operating system’s previous version.
scanner: A input device that converts an existing paper image into an electronic file
that you can open and work with on your computer.
smartphone: An Internet-capable phone that usually also includes a calendar, an
address book, and games, in addition to apps.
solid state drive (SSD): A hard drive without moving parts that is faster and more
durable than magnetic drives. CC 3-7
speaker: An output device used to convey audio output, such as music, voice, sound
effects, or other sounds.
stylus: A pen-shaped digital tool for making selections and entering information on a
touchscreen, as well as draw, tap icons, or tap keys on an on-screen keyboard.
surge suppressor: A device that prevents power fluctuations from damaging
electronic components.
swap file: Data that cannot fit in RAM and uses an area of the hard disk called virtual
memory. Also called a paging file.
tablet: A small, flat computer with a touch-sensitive screen that accepts input from
a digital pen, stylus, or your fingertip.
touchpad: A flat surface that is touch-sensitive, and you move your finger around the
touchpad to move the pointer on the screen.
touchscreen: A display that lets you touch areas of the screen to interact with
software.
trackball: A stationary pointing device with a ball anchored inside a casing, as well as
two or more buttons.
Unicode A 16-bit coding scheme that is an extension of ASCII and can support more
than 65,000 symbols and characters, including Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and other
pictorial characters.
uninterruptible power supply (UPS): A device that maintains power to computer
equipment in case of an interruption in the primary electrical source, usually in the
form of a short-term battery backup that comes on automatically in case of power
loss.
USB flash drive: A removable storage device for folders and files that you plug into a
USB port on your computer; makes it easy to transport folders and files to other
computers; also called a pen drive, flash drive, jump drive, keychain.
USB hub: An external device that contains many USB ports.
video card: A circuit board that processes image signals.
virtual memory: The capability of an operating system to temporarily store data on a
storage medium until it can be “swapped” into RAM.
voice synthesizer: Voice output that converts text to speech.
volatile memory: Memory that is temporary and loses its contents when the power is
turned off.
webcam: A camera built-in to a computer, which is primarily used for
videoconferencing, chatting, or online gaming.
wheel: A type of game controller that mirrors the functionality of a steering wheel in
a vehicle. Turning the wheel will turn the vehicle you are driving in the game.
word size: Determines the speed at which data in a computer travels, also referred to
as bus size.