Systems Vocabulary

1. CPU- The part of the computer that excutes instructions, controls the flow of data and performs the arithmetic and logic decisions.
2. Expansion Slots-A part of the motherboard that allows the cnnection of circuit boardas with additonal ports. These prots leat the user attach additonal devices to the computer.
3. Flash Memory- A type of removable memory commonly used in small hand-held devices, such as cell phones,digital cameras, and digital music players.
4. GUI- A Design for the part of an operating system in whcih the user typically operates a mouse to point and ckick on graphic icons representing files, folders, disks, and programs.
5. Hrd Drive- A nonremovable storage device used to hold software and data on a computer system.
6. Hardware- The physical parts of a computer system including input, output, storage, and other devices.
7. Input Device- Any device that accepts data from the user, such as a keyboard or mouse.
8. Linux-An operating system based on Unix the permits any programmer to improve upon it and is available as freeware.
9. MacOS- The operating system of the Macintosh line of computer systems.
10. Mainframe- A computer system used by large organizations that can support many users and large databases.
11. Minicmputer- A computer system smaller and less powerful than a mainframe but capable of supporting multiple users for a small to medium-sized organization.
12. Motherboard- The main circuit board containgin a computer's central processing unt (CPU), memory, and expansion slots.
13. Operating System- The software program that oversees the controls everything that happens while a computer is turned on, such as running the applicartion software, managing the hardeware and maintaining file storage.
14. Output Device- A part of the computer system that displays information to the user, such as a monitor or printer.
15. Platform- The combinaiton of hardware and operationg system that defines the types of programs and devices your computer wll support.
16. Professional Workstation- A computer system smaller than a minicomuter but more powerful thatn most personal computers.
17. RAM- A computer's primary working memory that temporarily stores informaiton while the computer is turned on. the central processing unit(CPU) works with inforamtion stored in RAM.
18. Read-Only Memory- The part of a computer's primary storage that premanetly stores information, even when the computer is turned off.
19. Supercomputer-A computer that is faster and more powerful than a mainframe. Supercomputers are used by large research facilities or goverment agencies needing a lot of processing ability.
20. Syntax- The structure for entering functions and commands, including spelling, punctuation, and acceptagle keywords.
21. System Softare- Tkhe software neccessary to operate and maintain computer system, including operating systems and utility programs.
22. Sytem Unit- The case that holds the main, internal circuitry of a computer including the motherboard, disk drives, and power supply.
23. User Interface- The visual portion of the operating system software that determines the manner in which users interact with the computer.
24. Utility Program- A program that assist the user in maintaining and improving the opearating system. Some utility programs are suppleied by the operating sytem while others are sold by third-party vendors.
25. Virus- A program designed as a prank that replicates itself from the one coputer to another. Viruses can be harmless but annoying to users or they can affect software perforamnce and destroy information.
26. Windows- Te common name to the family of poerating sytems with graphical user interfaces, manufactured by Microsoft Corp.