Created by Joanna Wakefield
over 6 years ago
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Question | Answer |
Hardware | The term to describe the physical components that make up the computer (e.g. keyboard, mouse) |
Software | The term to describe programs that control computer systems such as systems software and applications programs |
Application Software | Software that enables a user to carry out a specific function on a computer e.g. spreadsheet, word processor, database, etc. |
Systems software | Programs that allow the hardware to run properly and allow the user to communicate with the computer |
CPU | The part of the computer that interprets and executes commands from computer hardware and software |
Internal hard disk drive | The computer’s main back-up memory where applications software, documents and data files are stored |
RAM (Random Access Memory) | An internal chip where data is temporarily stored while running applications. It can be written to as well as read from |
ROM (Read Only Memory) | A memory used to store information that needs to be permanent (e.g. configuration data for a computer system) |
Microprocessor | A single integrated circuit that is the basis of most PCs and is in many household devices. It has essentially the same function as a computer processing unit |
Solid State Drive (SSD) | A type of magnetic storage media that uses microchip technology rather than thin film magnetic surfaces |
Boot file | Code used to tell computer what to do when it first starts up (sometimes referred to as the BIOS) |
BIOS (basic input/output system) | Code used to tell computer what to do when it first starts up (sometimes referred to as the boot) |
Operating System | Allows users to communicate with computer systems, controlling many tasks such as maintaining security, loading software, etc |
CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) | Type of semi-conductor chip that holds data (usually the BIOS) without the need for an external power source |
CLI (command line interface) | A user interface that requires a user to type in instructions, choose options from a menu, open software, etc |
GUI (Graphical User Interface) | A user interface that allows a user to interact with a computer (or other electronic device) using pictures or symbols (icons) |
WIMP | A form of graphical user interface where a mouse is used to control a cursor and icons are selected to open/run windows |
Touch screen | An input device that allows the user to choose from options on the screen by pressing the option on the screen with a finger |
Post-WIMP | An interaction where fingers are in contact with a small touch screen, allowing actions such as pinching and rotating |
PC/Desktop computer | A general purpose computer which is usually IBM-compatible |
Laptop/notebook computer | A type of computer where the monitor, keyboard, pointing device and processor are integrated into one portable unit |
Tablet | An internet enabled portable computer that use touchscreen technology and are equipped with cameras, microphones and accelerometers |
Phablet | A hybrid between a tablet and smartphone, typically between 12-15cm display size |
Smartphone | A phone that also has an operating system allowing them to run computer applications. They have email access, Apps, cameras, MP3/MP4 players, etc and use Wi-Fi or 3G/4G/5G networks to access the internet |
Smartwatch | A mini-computer worn on the wrist which offers the same functions as a smartphone & uses OLED technology |
Mainframe Computer | A very large, very powerful computer system. They run commercial applications such as banking, where huge amounts of data need to be processed |
AI Biometrics | Artificial Intelligence biometrics – uses dynamic profiling (see below) to overcome the problem of a fingerprint identification system falsely rejecting a user’s fingerprint |
Dynamic profiling | The system learns from different alignments of the fingerprint each time it is scanned so that a user’s fingerprints are more likely to be matched with that stored in the database |
Low vision enhancement system (LVES) | Use of video technology through a headset connected to a computer allowing images to be projected inside the headset in front of the eyes |
Night vision enhancement (NVE) | Amplifies infra-red light and visible light so that an image can still be seen in apparent darkness. Used by the military to carry out surveillance at night. |
Drone | Unmanned flying devices, used by the military for reconnaissance missions and civilians for, e.g. investigating weather phenomena, surveying the landscape, etc |
Quantum cryptography | Use of the physical properties of light to produce virtually unbreakable cryptography (encryption) |
CAT (Computer-assisted translation) | A language translator that uses specific software to help translation; it uses terminology databases and translation memories that make it more accurate than online translators |
Hologram | Photographic image that is 3D and also appears to have depth. They are often used on credit cards as an additional security device |
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