Discovering Computers Chapter 1 Glossary

Discovering Computers Chapter 1 Glossary BLOG: Informal Web site consisting of time-stamped articles in a journal form COMMUNICATIONS: Occurs over cables, telephone lines, cellular radio networks and satellites COMPACT DISC: A flat, round, portable metal disc with plastic coating COMPUTER: An electronic device, operating under stored instructions CONVERGENCE: Overlapping computer technologies DATA: Collection of unprocessed items, such as text, numbers, and images DIGITAL CAMERA: Device used to take pictures and store images digitally EMBEDDED COMPUTER: A special-purpose computer that is a component in a larger product GAME CONSOLE: Mobile computing device designed for video games HARDWARE: Electronic and mechanical components of a computer INTERNET: The world's largest computer network KEYBOARD: Contains keys that allow you to enter data into a computer LAPTOP COMPUTER: A personal computer small enough to fit on your lap MAINFRAME: A large, expensive, powerful computer used for business activities MEMORY: Electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed MEMORY CARDS: Used by a digital camera for storage MONITOR: Displays text, graphics, and videos on a screen MOUSE: A small handheld pointing device NETWORK: Collection of computers connected together via communications devices ONLINE: When a computer is connected to a network ONLINEINVESTING: Buying and selling stocks without a broker POWER USER: Those who require a powerful computer called a workstation PRINTER: Produces text and graphics on paper PROGRAMMER: Someone who develops application or system software

RESOURCES: Shared by networks SCANNER: Converts printed material into a form a computer can use SERVER: More powerful and larger then a desktop computer SMARTPHONE: Web-enabled telephone SOFTWARE: Series of instructions that tells a computer what to do and how to do it STORAGE DEVICE: Records and/or retrieves items to and from storage media STORAGE MEDIA: The place where a computer keeps data, instructions, and information SUPERCOMPUTER : The fastest, most powerful computer used for large-scale simulations and exploration TABLETPC: Notebook computer that allows you to write on the screen TELEMEDICINE: Used by healthcare professionals to conduct live conferences TELESURGERY: Performing an operation while not in the same room UTILITY PROGRAM: Allows a user to perform maintenance-type tasks on the computer WEB: Global library of information available to anyone connected to the Internet