Term
|
Definition
| The general term for the physical components that make up a computer system. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Programs for controlling the operation of a computer or processing of electronic data. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Software designed to provide the services that the computer requires to operate. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Software that provides the services that the user requires to solve a task (e.g., word processing, video editing). |
|
|
Term
| Central Processing Unit (CPU) / Processor |
|
Definition
| An electronic circuit board in a computer that can execute instructions from a computer program. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A printed circuit board that acts as a 'hub' which allows the processor and other computer hardware to function and communicate with each other. |
|
|
Term
| Random Access Memory (RAM) |
|
Definition
| An internal chip where data is temporarily stored when running applications; it is often referred to as a volatile or temporary memory. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Memory used to store information that needs to be permanent (like configuration data); it is referred to as non-volatile memory. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Memory whose contents are lost when power to the computer is turned off (e.g., RAM). |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Memory where the information stored is not lost even when power is turned off (e.g., ROM). |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Physical data that changes smoothly from one value to the next, having an infinite number of values. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Data that can only have discrete, discontinuous values (e.g., the binary values 0 and 1). |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A computer program that translates a program written in a high-level language (HLL) into machine code so that it can be directly used by a computer. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Software that enables one or more hardware devices to communicate with the computer’s operating system. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Programs designed to carry out specific tasks on a computer to help manage, maintain and control computer resources (e.g., antivirus, backup software). |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To process instructions entered into the computer in order to produce an output. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A single integrated circuit which is at the heart of most PCs and is also found in many household devices. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Hardware device that allows a user to enter data or instructions into a computer directly. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Hardware device that takes output data and puts it into a human-readable format or uses it to control another device. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Storage devices used to permanently store large amounts of data; must be non-volatile. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Code stored on ROM that tells the computer what to do when it first starts up. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Software running in the background of a computer system that manages basic functions (like input/output operations, security, and program execution). |
|
|
Term
| Command Line Interface (CLI) |
|
Definition
| A user interface that requires a user to type in instructions to choose options or run software. |
|
|
Term
| Graphical User Interface (GUI) |
|
Definition
| A user interface that allows the user to interact using pictures or symbols (icons), often via WIMP technology. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A user interface that uses the human voice to give commands to a computer system. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A user interface that relies on human interaction by the moving of hands, head, or feet (using computer vision techniques). |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A general-purpose computer made up of separate components (monitor, keyboard, mouse, and processor unit); characterized as not very portable. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A group of computers which are considerably more portable than desktop computers. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A portable computer where all components (monitor, keyboard, pointing device, processor) are together in one single unit. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A mobile phone that has an operating system, allowing it to run computer applications (apps) and connect to the internet. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A mobile computer that uses touch screen technology and does not have a conventional (physical) keyboard. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A hybrid mobile computer with a larger screen than a smartphone but is smaller than a tablet. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A small application that carries out a single task; usually embedded in an HTML page on a website and can be executed from within a browser. |
|
|
Term
| Artificial Intelligence (AI) |
|
Definition
| A machine or application which carries out a task that requires some degree of intelligence, such as decision-making or problem-solving. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 'Catch all' term for all immersive technologies that combine real and virtual combined environments (including VR and AR). |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Technology that takes the user out of the real-world environment and fully immerses them in a simulated digital world. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Technology that overlays virtual information and objects onto real-world situations, thereby enhancing the real world. |
|
|
Term
| Computer-aided design (CAD) software |
|
Definition
| Software used to help in the creation, manipulation, modification and analysis of a drawing/design. |
|
|
