7:36 AM 8/24/2006

Computer Definitions Ch.1

1.computer- an electronic device that accepts data, preforems computations, and makes logical decisions according to instructions and data that turns into a form useful to humans.

2.General computers- computers in which their computation and input output processing capabilities are such that they can be used for almost any type of application.

3.Information- knowlage given or recived.

4.Information/data processing- process os sharing information between humans and computers.

5.information utilities- businesses that u se computers to store huge amounts of information, that makes acces to these computers and information available for prsonel use.

6.application program- the instructions that tell the computer what to do.

7.computer system- a combinationof related elements, hardwear, and soft wear working together to achive a common goal.

8.hardwear- tangible phisicle equipment that can be seen and touched.

9.input- data that enters the computer.

10.input device-a hardwear device that permits the storage of data.

11.microminiatrization- the technologic process thatenables an entire microprocessor to occupy the space of a tiny chip.

12.otuput-useful information that leaves the computer

13.output device-hardwear device that processes data into meaning ful information we can understand.

14.processing- activity that takes place in the computers processor, when detailed instructions the ll the computer what should be done to the data to process desired information.

15.processor- a hardwear device that reports processed information in a form humanc can understand.

16.program-a series of detailed, step-by-step instructions that the computer what actions to preform.

17.raw/original data- data from a source document. that is fed into the comp. for processing.

18.softwear- a programthat instructs the comp. to preform a spacific , user defined task.

19.source documents- forms that became the source of the data enterd.

20.storage device-activity that takes place in the computers processor where detailed instructions tell the computer what should be done to the data to produce the desired information.

21.system program- a program that controls the computers circuitry and hardwear devices.

22.Information superhighway- a physically structured network of computers around the world.

23.megahertz-the internal clock speed measured in millionths of a second.

24.Local area network- a communications network that covers a limited geographic area.

25.Internet- digital voice and video comunication access through comuter- controlled telephones and television to any information resourse anywear in the world.

8:19 AM 8/24/2006

8.2 WPM