M. Guymon – Pleasant Grove High – Spring 2004 Computer Technology Competency Terms and Definitions

M. Guymon – Pleasant Grove High – Spring 2004 Tell a computer how concepts relate to each other. By using them you can broaden or narrow your search (and, or, not, etc.). Boolean Connector Infects the system files that your computer uses every time it is turned on Boot Sector Virus Sequence of events that occurs between the time you turn on a computer and the time that it becomes ready to accept commands. Boot Process Each 0 or 1. 8 bits Bit Byte A method for representing numbers using only two digits, 0 and 1. Binary Numbers Set of computer programs that help a person carry out a task.Application Software Used to protect a network and the users on that network and provide guidelines to how a network can and should be used Acceptable Use Policies

M. Guymon – Pleasant Grove High – Spring 2004 Where the processing in a computer takes place, often called the brain of the computer. CPU A form of legal protection that grants certain exclusive rights to the author of a program Copyrights Set of program instructions that attaches itself to a file, reproduces itself, and/or spreads to other files Computer Virus A device that accepts input, processes data, stores data, and produces output, all according to a series of stored instructions. Computer Refers to the software on a computer that allows the user to access the server Client The path from one component of a computer to another that data uses to travel. Circuits Storage device that uses laser technology to read data that is permanently stored on compact disks, cannot be used to write data to a disk. CD-Rom

M. Guymon – Pleasant Grove High – Spring 2004 Virus that attaches to an application programFile Virus A named collection of data that exists on a storage medium.File The rules or standards governing the conduct of a person or the members of a profession Ethics Sending an electronic message to another person or to a group of people Method of storing large amounts of data on tape using helical scan technology to write data at high densities across the tape at an angle. Digital Audio Tape Microcomputer that fits on a desk and runs on power from a wall outlet Desktop Computer Refers to the symbols that represent facts, objects, or ideas.Data

M. Guymon – Pleasant Grove High – Spring 2004 Includes the electronic and mechanical devices that process the data; refers to the computer as well as peripheral devices. Hardware Usually mounted inside the computer’s system unit and can store billions of characters of data. Hard Disk A computer that fits into a pocket, runs on batteries, and is used while holding the unit in your hand. Handheld A type of user interface that features on-screen objects, such as menus and icons, manipulated by a mouse. GUI Approximately 1 billion bytes.Gigabyte The subdirectory or subdivision, of a directory that can contain files or other folders. Folders Round piece of flexible Mylar plastic covered with a thin layer of magnetic oxide and sealed inside a protective covering. Floppy Disk

M. Guymon – Pleasant Grove High – Spring 2004 Computer network that is located within a limited geographical area, such as a school or small business LAN Approximately 1,000 bytes.Kilobyte An arrangement of letters, numbers, and special function keys that act as the primary input device to the computer. Keyboard A unique identifying number assigned to each computer connected to the internet IP Address Units that gather information and transform that information it into a series of electronic signals for the computer. Input Devices Whatever is put into a computer system.Input The results of the computer storing data as bits and bytes; the words, numbers, sounds, and graphics. Information

M. Guymon – Pleasant Grove High – Spring 2004 A measurement used to describe the speed of the system clock. Megahertz Approximately 1 million bytes.Megabyte Large expensive computer capable of simultaneously processing data for hundreds or thousands of users. Mainframe Recording of data onto disks or tape by magnetizing particles of an oxide based surface coating. Magnetic Storage A virus that affects a miniature program that usually contains legitimate instructions to automate a document or task Macro Virus Watches for a specific set of input to activate the virusLogic Bomb A portable, compact computer that can run on an electrical wall outlet or a battery unit. Laptop Computer

M. Guymon – Pleasant Grove High – Spring 2004 Two or more computers and other devices that are connected, for the purpose of sharing data and programs. Network Running more than one program at a time or making sure that the instructions and data from one area of memory don’t interfere with memory allocated for other programs. Multi-tasking An input device that allows the user to manipulate objects on the screen by moving the mouse along the surface of a desk. Mouse Display device that forms an image by converting electrical signals from the computer into points of colored light on the screen. Monitor Device that sends and receives data to and from computers over telephone lines. Modem A personal computer; designed to meet the computer needs of an individual Microcomputer Area of the computer that temporarily holds data waiting to be processed, stored, or output. Memory

M. Guymon – Pleasant Grove High – Spring 2004 Output device that produces text or graphical images on paper. Printer Underlying hardware and software of the computer system.Platform Used to expand the computer’s input, output and storage capabilities. Peripheral devices Name of the CPU; 5th generation of the Intel processor.Pentium Devices that display, print, or transmit the results of processing from the computer’s memory. Output devices Means of recording data as light and dark spots on CD or DVD with the use of a low-power laser light. Optical Storage Master controller for all activities that take place within a computer; primary purpose is to help the computer system monitor itself in order to function efficiently. Operating System

M. Guymon – Pleasant Grove High – Spring 2004 Melted sand; what the circuits are embedded into to keep them together. Silicon Chips A computer that has the purpose of supplying its users with data; usually through the use of a LAN (local area network). Server Drives can read data from disks, but cannot store new data on them. ROM The density of the grid used to display or print text and graphics; the greater the horizontal and vertical density, the higher the resolution. Resolution The ability of a storage device to go directly to a specific storage location without having to search sequentially from a beginning location. RAM Set of detailed, step-by-step instructions that tell a computer how to solve a problem or carry out a task. Program Manipulation of the data in many ways.Processing

M. Guymon – Pleasant Grove High – Spring 2004 Case that holds the power supply, storage devices, and the circuit boards (including the motherboard). System Unit A computer that was the fastest in the world at the time it was constructed. Supercomputer Used to keep data when the power to the computer is turned off. Storage devices Area of the computer that holds data on a permanent basis when it is not immediately needed for processing. Storage A circuit board that gives the computer the ability to accept audio input, play sound files, and produce audio output through speakers or headphones. Sound Card A legal contract that defines the ways in which you may use a computer program Software Licenses A computer program that tells the computer how to perform particular tasks. Software

M. Guymon – Pleasant Grove High – Spring 2004 Software program designed to enter a computer system usually through a network, through security holes and then replicate itself Worm Powerful desktop computer designed for specialized tasks.Workstation Interconnected group of computers and peripherals that cover a large geographical area, such as multiple buildings WAN Computer program that seems to perform one function while actually doing something else Trojan Horse Watches for the PC clock to reach a certain date to activate the virus Time Bomb Approximately 1 trillion bytes.Terabyte