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Midterm 1
Computer Science 1
66
Computer Science
9th Grade
10/10/2012

Additional Computer Science Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
digital technology
Definition
and digital electronics allow us to manipulate all types of
information as digits (1s and 0s) in order to store and
manage the information more efficiently and effectively
Term
digital literacy
Definition
… refers to an understanding of how computers represent different types of data with digits, and how the usefulness of that representation assists people in leading productive lives.
Term
computer
Definition
a digital electronics device that combines hardware and
software to accept the input of data, and then process and store the data to produce some useful output
Term
5 primary functions of a computer
Definition
1. computation
2. automation
3. communication
4. entertainment
5. managing information
Term
bit
Definition
short for binary digit
-can be a 1 or 0
-smallest unit of information that a digital device can manipulate
Term
byte
Definition
8 bits
Term
digitization
Definition
also called digitizing, is the process of transforming
information, such as text, images, and sounds, into digital representation (1s and 0s) so that it can be stored and processed by computers
Term
ASCII
Definition
is the standard used to represent keyboard
characters in digital form—with 1s and 0s
Term
convergence
Definition
takes advantage of the fact that digitization
standardizes all types of data to 1s and 0s to create devices that combine the functionality of several digital electronics devices into one
-one device can do more than one thing
Term
computing platforms
Definition
describes a computer’s architecture in terms of hardware
and software
Term
personal computer (PC)
Definition
is any general-purpose computer designed to meet the many computing needs of one individual
Term
mobile computing
Definition
refers to the use of battery-powered mobile computing
devices that provide access to computing, communication, information, and/or entertainment anywhere, anytim
Term
mobile computing devices are dependent on:
Definition
-Wireless Networks •Storage •Rechargeable Batteries
•Servers •Syncing
Term
synchronization
Definition
Synchronization is the process of maintaining common files and data across multiple devices so that all copies are up to date
Term
server
Definition
is a powerful computer that often utilizes many processors to provide services to many users simultaneously over a network
ex: web server, game server
-oregon state has these
Term
supercomputers
Definition
the most powerful type of computer, often utilizing
thousands or even tens of thousands of processors to solve the world’s most difficult problems
-the us government uses them to simulate bombs and stuff
Term
special purpose computer
Definition
computers designed to meet a
specific need and are more prevalent, yet less noticeable, than general-purpose computers
Term
hardware
Definition
refers to the tangible parts of a computer or digital device, and typically includes support for processing, storage, input, and output
Term
processing
Definition
carries out the instructions provided by software using
specially designed circuitry and a well-defined routine to
transform data into useful outputs
Term
transistor
Definition
an electronics component typically composed of silicon
that opens or closes a circuit to alter the flow of electricity to store and manipulate bits

ex: When electricity is flowing through a transistor, it represents a 1; when it is not flowing, it represents a 0
Term
integrated circuit
Definition
connects tiny transistors and other electronics components on a thin piece of semiconductive material such as silicon
Term
CPU
Definition
is a group of circuits that perform the processing in a computer, typically in one integrated circuit called a microprocessor.
Term
moores law
Definition
states that the number of transistors on a chip will double about every two years
Term
motherboard
Definition
-the primary circuit of a computer to which all
core components are connected, including the CPU
-The motherboard connects all of a computer’s components and enables them to communicate. Both general-purpose and special-purpose computers utilize motherboards
Term
bus
Definition
is a subsystem on the motherboard that transfers data
among system components
-handles communication between all the devices
Term
machine cycle
Definition
provides an orderly method of processing software instructions

1) fetch
2) decode
3) execute
4) store
Term
Storage
Definition
In computing and digital technologies, storage refers to the
ability to maintain data within the system temporarily or
permanently
Term
RAM
Definition
temporary, or volatile, memory that
stores bytes of data and program instructions for the processor to access
-like a big bucket that holds everything you need to work with
Term
VRAM
Definition
-video memory
-is used to store image data for a computer display in order to speed the processing and display of video and graphics images
-Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, and today’s demanding 3D computer
games require high-capacity video memory and sophisticated graphics support to provide a rich and realistic graphics environment for work and play
Term
ROM
Definition
provides permanent storage for data and instructions that do not change, such as firmware — programs and data from the computer manufacturer, including the boot process used to start the computer.
-ROM stores data, using circuits with states that are fixed. Therefore, the data represented by this combination is not lost if the power is removed
-comes with the computer
Term
magnetic storage
Definition
-a storage technology that uses the magnetic
properties of iron oxide particles rather than electric charges to store bits and bytes more permanently than RAM
-long term, efficient
-Magnetically stored data lasts years, even decades, before deteriorating. Magnetic storage, in the form of a hard disk drive, provides an inexpensive, high-capacity form of permanent storage that acts as the main storage medium for most computer users
Term
optical storage media
Definition
such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, store bits
by using an optical laser to burn pits into the surface of a highly reflective disc. A pit in a specified location represents a 0, and the lack of a pit represents a 1
-Although optical storage does not match the high capacity and data access rates of magnetic storage, it is ideal for storing music, movies, photos, software, and data for mobile access and sharing
Term
solid state storage device
Definition
stores data using solid-state electronics
such as transistors, and unlike magnetic and optical media, does not require any moving mechanical parts
-Solid-state storage offers fast access times, is increasing in capacity each year, and the cost continues to decrease
Term
video card
Definition
combines video processing and storage
onto an expansion card, or integrated onto the motherboard to manage video images for display
-Graphics support specifications are often listed third in computer ads, after processor and memory, because so many users enjoy 3D graphics animations and video games
Term
expansion
Definition
refers to a computer’s capacity to interface with a variety of external devices such as I/O devices, network devices, and storage devices by connecting through ports, slots, and wireless technologies
-Expansion allows computer users to enjoy computing benefits above and beyond those provided by the computer alone
Term
software
Definition
refers to the electronic instructions that govern a
computer’s actions to provide a computing service
-apps
Term
software development
Definition
s the systematic process of transforming a software idea
into functional softwar
Term
computer programming (coding)
Definition
the process of creating software
through the use of logic, algorithms, and programming languages
Term
programming languages
Definition
provide a set of symbols, commands, and
rules (syntax) used to write program code
-Programming languages automate the tedious process of creating the
detailed step-by-step machine instructions used in software …
transforming the programming process to a creative intellectual endeavor for problem solving.
Term
acquiring software
Definition
refers to the several methods by which software can
be purchased or accessed, including packaged software, downloaded software, cloud apps, and custom designed software
-new software is often downloaded from an online app store or market. Increasingly, software is run on Web servers and accessed through a Web browser
Term
software licensing
Definition
defines the permissions, rights, and restrictions
assigned to the person who purchases a copy of software
-Software may be protected by a traditional license, may incorporate a more liberal license policy such as Creative Commons or the General Public License (GPL), or may be freeware.
Term
installing software
Definition
is the process by which software is added to a
computer so that it is available for use
-Installing software on PCs, tablets, and smartphones is a common activity
for computer users, allowing computers to be customized to meet the user’s needs. All computer users should be familiar with the process
Term
maintaining software
Definition
involves applying software updates to correct
software bugs, improve the software, or add new features
Term
uninstalling software
Definition
Removing software requires a special process that deletes all files and references related to the software. The process varies slightly between computing platforms and mobile platforms
Term
open source
Definition
-other people can modify the source code
-linux
Term
software types and uses
Definition
refers to the electronic instructions that govern a
computer’s actions to provide a computing service
Term
system software
Definition
is any software that coordinates the activities of the
hardware and assists the computer in functioning safely,
effectively and efficiently
Term
booting
Definition
also known as booting, booting up, or bootstrapping,
is the sequence of instructions in the BIOS that is executed when a computer is powered on to check the system and load the operating system into memory
-The boot process instructions are part of the BIOS (the basic input/output system), so that it is always ready for the processor to execute
Term
operating system
Definition
is a set of computer programs that runs or
controls the computer hardware, and acts as a user interface
-controls the activity between what the user wants and what the user gets
-Operating systems run on most digital devices and perform certain similar
tasks, such as controlling computer hardware, managing RAM, managing
the processor(s), controlling input and output devices, storing and managing files, providing a user interface, and providing networking functionality.
Term
user interface
Definition
allows one or more people to have access to and
command of a computer system or computer software.
-defines the experience for the user
Term
file management
Definition
refers to the physical and logical storage system and
practices provided for managing data on a computer
-When you save a file to your hard drive or flash drive, or burn it to a
CD or DVD, the operating system finds space on the device to store the file in an efficient manner and records the location so the file can be accessed
Term
microsoft windows
Definition
is the most popular operating system for
personal computers
Term
MAC OS
Definition
is the native operating system for Apple PCs
-The most recent version of the Mac OS is called OS X Mountain Lion,
and it is competitive with Windows 8 in terms of performance and capabilities. Mac users prefer OS X over Windows because of its ease of use and relative safety from viruses and other malware
Term
linux
Definition
a free, open-source operating system for PCs, servers, and
other types of computers
-is growing in popularity as a lightweight and inexpensive operating system for mobile computing devices such as netbooks, tablets, and smart phones. Google’s Android OS is based on Linux
Term
embedded operating systems
Definition
are hardwired into a computer component, such as ROM or flash memory, to control a special-purpose computer
-Because embedded systems are developed for specific tasks, they can be optimized more easily, which increases reliability and performance, and reduces size and cost
Term
utility software
Definition
is any system software besides the OS that assists in
maintaining, managing, and protecting computer system resources

-Protect & keep computer systems running smoothly
Assist in managing & transferring files
Customize computing environment & make resources more convenient
to access
Term
application software
Definition
consists of programs written to perform tasks or solve
problems for people, groups, and organizations
-Application software is what makes computers useful to people. Millions of applications have been developed to assist people in all professions and in their
personal lives.
Term
business software
Definition
is any software designed to assist individuals and
groups to be more productive at work and is often used in reference to
software suites that include word processing, spreadsheet, database,
and presentation software
Term
copyright
Definition
Protects the words, music, and other expressions for
the life of the copyright holder plus 70 years. The fair
use doctrine describes when and how copyrighted
material can be legally used. The Digital Millennium
Copyright Act provides global copyright protection.
Term
trademark
Definition
pProtects the words, music, and other expressions for
the life of the copyright holder plus 70 years. The fair
use doctrine describes when and how copyrighted
material can be legally used. The Digital Millennium
Copyright Act provides global copyright protection.
Term
trade secret
Definition
Protects secrets or proprietary information of
individuals and organizations as long as the trade
secret is adequately protected.
Term
patent
Definition
Protects an invention by giving the patent holder a
monopoly on the use of the invention for 20 years
after the patent application was submitted.
Term
piracy
Definition
involves the illegal copying, use, and distribution of digital
intellectual property such as software, music, and movies.
Term
plagiarism
Definition
involves taking credit for someone else’s intellectual
property, typically a written idea, by claiming it as your own
Term
DRM
Definition
is technology that protects digital
forms of intellectual property by restricting the number of devices and applications on which a file can be opened and the number of times that the file can be copied and burned to disk
Term
digital millenium copyright act
Definition
is a U.S. copyright law
designed to reduce illegal digital media copying by criminalizing the production, distribution, and use of technologies designed to circumvent DRM technologies
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