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Computer Basics
Basics to learn for TOL
63
Computer Science
Undergraduate 2
06/05/2008

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Cards

Term
Operating System
Definition
Software program (Mac, Windows, or Linux) that creates an interface so people can interact with the hardware
Term
Servers
Definition
Specialized computers that store and deliver information to other computers on a network
Term
CPU
Definition
Central Processing Unit, AKA processor- a silicon chip that processes information, performs calculations, etc. This is controlled by the operating system. Located on the motherboard. The CPU determines how fast a computer can execute instructions (measured in MHz or GHz). One common brand is Intel.
Term
Graphical User Interface
Definition
A way for users to control the hardware and software of the computer using icons. Translates user commands into instructions the computer can understand.
Term
Tower
Definition
The part of the desktop (AKA the computer case) that holds motherboard, CPU, power supply, etc.
Term
Monitors
Definition
Work with the video card in the computer. CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) is cheaper but bigger. LCG (Liquid Crystal Display) saves energy and is smaller but more expensive
Term
Mice
Definition
Optical (electronic device that detects movement) or mechanical (rolling ball). Also wired or wireless.
Term
CD-ROM & DVD-ROM
Definition
Compact Disc Read Only Memory and Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory. Read by the optical drive (AKA CD Drive)
Term
Expansion Slots
Definition
Spaces on back of computer to add to computer, for example, a sound or video card if they did not come with the computer.
Term
Audio In/Out Ports
Definition
Tiny circular ports on front or back to plug in speakers, headphones, microphones, etc.
Term
PS/2 Ports
Definition
Circular ports on back of computer for mouse and keyboard
Term
VGA Port
Definition
AKA monitor port, smallish and rectangular on back of computer, used to plug in monitor
Term
Parallel Port
Definition
Longest port (rectangular) on back of computer for the printer
Term
Serial Port
Definition
Rectangular port slightly larger than VGA, used for other devices, but commonly replaced by USB
Term
FireWire Port
Definition
Common name for IEEE port, used for digital video cameras, scanners, etc. Not in every computer. Sometimes replaces parallel port.
Term
Peripheral Devices
Definition
External Devices commonly connected to computers (printers, scanners, etc.)
Term
Ethernet Port
Definition
Similar to phone jack, used for internet with an ethernet cord.
Term
Resolution
Definition
"Sharpness" of an image.
Term
RAM
Definition
Random Access Memory. Used to store data before it is saved to the hard drive. Short-term memory disappears when computer is turned off. The computer's work takes place in RAM. RAM is measured in Megabytes (MB) or Gigabytes (GB). More RAM allows a computer to do more at one time and faster.
Term
Hard Drive
Definition
The data center, where programs and information are permanently stored. Often called the C Drive. The speed determines how fast the computer starts up and how fast programs are loaded.
Term
Heat Sinks
Definition
Metal blocks that cover the processor to cool it.
Term
Video Card
Definition
Generates and outputs images to the screen. A better video card means better performance in video games or high resolution monitors, for example.
Term
PSU
Definition
Power Supply Unit. Funnels power from an outlet through cables to each device in the computer.
Term
Motherboard
Definition
The computer's main circuit board. Holds the CPU, RAM, etc. Connected to every part of the computer in some way.
Term
Network Card
Definition
Allows computers to connect and communicate over a network.
Term
ISP
Definition
Internet Service Provider- a company that provides you with an internet connection
Term
Dial-Up Access
Definition
Slowest but cheapest way to access the internet. Needs a phone line and a dial-up modem, and it ties up the phone line while in use.
Term
DSL
Definition
Digital Subscriber Line- high speed internet access through a phone line that does not tie up your phone line when in use.
Term
Broadband Internet Access
Definition
High speed internet connections that allow data to be transmitted at 10-50 times faster than with dial-up.
Term
Cable Access
Definition
Internet access provides by your TV company, through your TV cables. Broadband, high-speed internet access. Also a shared service, which may be affected by the activity of other users in your area.
Term
Satellite Access
Definition
Available around the world. Hgih speed, broadband connection. The most expensive type.
Term
Modem
Definition
Connects the phone line or cables through an ethernet cord and network card or a USB port.
Term
Router
Definition
A hardware device that allows several computers to use one internet connection. Can also function as a hardware firewall.
Term
Browser
Definition
A program to view and interact with the internet. Used to access web pages.
Term
AC Adapter
Definition
Source of power for a laptop. Can be used to charge the battery or power the laptop without a battery.
Term
Laptop Modem Port
Definition
Connects the laptop to internet through the phone line.
Term
Laptop Monitor Port
Definition
Can be used to connect the laptop to an external monitor, such as a larger desktop monitor or a projector.
Term
Memory Card Port
Definition
Can be used for memory cards from cameras, PDAs, etc, so that files can be viewed on the computer.
Term
USB
Definition
Universal Serial Bus
Term
USB
Definition
Universal Serial Bus
Term
Wireless Adaptor
Definition
Hardware necessary for a computer to receive wireless- can be built in or plugged in.
Term
Wireless Router
Definition
A device that allows computers to wirelessly access the internet by receiving information from the computer, decoding it, and sending it to the internet through an ethernet cord.
Term
Setting Up A Computer
Definition
Check cables for small icons or color coding. Plug in cables and screw in pins. Customize OS with product key, date and time, etc. Check for updates. Register software.
Term
Computer Virus
Definition
Small piece of software that ends up on a computer without your knowlege and causes problems, such as slower functioning, programs not working, computer crashes, or error messages.
Term
Trojan Horses
Definition
Programs that claim to do one thing but really do another.
Term
Worms
Definition
Similar to viruses, but they do not attach to files or programs, and instead affect the memory and slow down the computer.
Term
General Troubleshooting
Definition
Always check cables and connections first (basic problems). Then isolate the problem by making one change at a time and, if possible, replacing things like cords or mice.
Term
Trouble Shooting: Computer Keeps Crashing
Definition
Check for overheating. Then use antivirus software to check for viruses.
Term
Troubleshooting: Disk Error Messages
Definition
Remove any CDs, DVDs, or USBs and restart the computer.
Term
Troubleshooting: Operating System Won't Start
Definition
Restart using the original OS disk. This may be a hard drive problem. Try reformatting.
Term
Troubleshooting: Software Programs Aren't Working
Definition
Remove the programs from the computer and then reinstall. Check for updates or any viruses.
Term
Firewall
Definition
A filter that monitors information sent over a network.
Term
SSID
Definition
Service Set Identifier- the name of a wireless network
Term
Domain
Definition
A specific name for a network of computers
Term
WEP
Definition
Wireless Encryption Protocol- the type of encryption (making information unreadable to others) used in wireless networks
Term
EULA
Definition
End User License Agreement- you must agree to this before you can legally use software
Term
Freeware
Definition
A License that allows a user to use a program at no cost and share it.
Term
Shareware
Definition
A License that allows a user to sample a program for a limited amount of time.
Term
Single-User License
Definition
A license that allows a single user to use the program after buying it.
Term
Multiple User License
Definition
A license that allows programs to be installed on multiple computers or shared over a network.
Term
Site License
Definition
A license that gives unrestricted installation on computers owned by the purchasing site. Often used for schools.
Term
Fragmentation
Definition
The spreading of parts of files over the hard drive. This decreases the speed at which programs are loaded.
Term
Defragmenting
Definition
The process of rearranging files to be closer together so that programs can start faster. You must have 15% usable free space to defragment.
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