Computer



Basic Computer Terminology
Access time - The performance of a hard drive or other storage device - how long it takes to locate a file.
Active program or window - The application or window at the front (foreground) on the monitor.
Alert (alert box) - a message that appears on screen, usually to tell you something went wrong.
Alias - an icon that points to a file, folder or application (System 7).
Apple menu - on the left side of the screen header. System 6 = desk accessories System 7 = up to 50 items.
Application - a program in which you do your work.
Application menu - on the right side of the screen header. Lists running applications.
ASCII (pronounced ask-key ) - American Standard Code for Information Interchange.




Computer

computer

What is a Computer?

A computer is a programmable machine. The two principal characteristics of a computer are:

  • It responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner.

    • Modern Computers

    Modern computers are electronic and digital. The actual machinery -- wires,transistors, and circuits -- is called hardware; the instructions and data are called software.
    All general-purpose computers require the following hardware components:

  • memory: enables a computer to store, at least temporarily, data and programs.

  • mass storage device: allows a computer to permanently retain large amounts of data. Common mass storage devices include disk drives and tape drives.

  • input device: usually a keyboard and mouse, the input device is the conduit through which data and instructions enter a computer.

  • output device: a display screen, printer, or other device that lets you see what the computer has accomplished.

  • central processing unit (CPU): the heart of the computer, this is the component that actually executes instructions.

    • In addition to these components, many others make it possible for the basic components to work together efficiently. For example, every computer requires a bus that transmits data from one part of the computer to another.
    Subscribe to: Comments (Atom)