Computer Terms and their Functions

Application – A computer software that performs certain functions, such as word processing or spreadsheets.

 Bit – Shows a binary number that represents the quantity of information gleaned from a “yes” or “no” query. This is the smallest unit of information recorded as a 0 or 1 on a computer.

Blinking Cursor – This is a vertical blinking bar that locates the position on the screen where text can be inserted or deleted. This appears most frequently in text or dialog boxes.

Byte – Data is stored on a computer in Bytes. A byte is one character, which may be a number or letter. A byte is composed of 8 consecutive bits.

· 1,000 bytes = 1 kilobyte (K or KB)
· 1,000 KB = 1 megabyte (MB)
· 1,000 MB = 1 gigabyte (GB)
· 1,000 GB = 1 Terabyte (TB)

• Cache – This is a sort of memory that is comparable to RAM. The computer uses cache to transfer data between RAM and CPU.
  
• CD-ROM – A detachable data storage medium. A CD-ROM cannot be written to. You cannot record (store) data onto one. You may record (save) into a CD-Rewritable disk, though. This is often referred to as a CD. A CD resembles a music CD but holds data rather than music.
  
• Computer – A collection of electrical components that enables the execution of software programs that execute certain functions. A computer can receive input, modify data, store data and show data.
  
• CPU – The central processing unit (CPU) is the computer’s brain. Primarily, Pentium processors are used by Windows-based software that is newly developed.
  
• Cursor is an alternative term for the mouse-controlled pointer. The cursor may take several forms.
  
• DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) — Technology that stores more data than CD-ROM and can be written on. The disk resembles a CD-ROM, but its storage capacity is nearly seven times more.
  
• A file is a named collection of data.
  
• Flash Drive – A compact, portable hard drive that connects to a USB connection and enables the transfer of content between computers. Also known as a flash drive.
  
• Visualized User Interface (GUI) A software that makes it easier to deal with your operating system and application applications by offering images and other visual cues. Windows is the graphical user interface for PCs.
  
• Hand Pointer – When the cursor passes over a hypertext link, it transforms into a pointing hand. This permits direct connection to the link.
  
• The location in a computer where programs and data are stored. Also known as the Hard Disk. This is often the c:/ drive on a PC.
  
• Hard Disc Storage Space – The quantity of permanent data storage, measured in bytes. This storage persists regardless of the computer’s status.
  
• Hardware – The computer’s physical components. Typically, they consist of a monitor, printer, mouse, keyboard, and modem.
  
• The hourglass icon shows that the computer is retrieving or sending data or locating a website.
  
• Hypertext Link – These links appear as text, pictures, or files that, when clicked, go to another website.
  
• Text Hyperlinks are often coloured differently from the surrounding text.
  
• I Beam – The cursor will transform into a ‘I’ as it passes over text. This simplifies word processing and text copying. Check out Blinking Cursor.
  
• Similar in some ways to a typewriter’s keyboard, this device is used to enter instructions, text, and data.
  
• Memory (RAM) – The quantity of temporary storage that may be accessed simultaneously. The computer’s memory is erased when it is turned off. This is why you save your work before shutting off your computer. Data is saved from RAM to a storage device, such as a CD, or to the computer’s hard drive.
  
• This is a method for transferring data across a telephone or cable connection, often for the Internet. It might be either internal or exterior. Some modems double as fax machines or answering machines.
  
• Monitor – Comparable to a television screen, the monitor displays the computer’s data.
  
• Motherboard – The circuit board to which all computer components are connected is the motherboard. CPU, RAM, and cache are all connected to the motherboard.

• The mouse is a hand-held device used to manipulate the cursor on the screen. The PC mouse has two buttons. Typically, the button is clicked once to pick an object on the display. The left button may be double-clicked to launch windows or applications.
  
• Multitasking is the capacity to do many tasks simultaneously. For computer usage, this implies that many programs may be open in memory at the same time, but only one can be completely active. Programs that are inactive may process data or do other functions in the background.
  
• Network – A collection of two or more interconnected computers. NIC (Network Interface Card) — A computer component that enables network connectivity.
  
• Operating System – Directs the operation of the machine. It functions as an intermediary between the hardware and the application applications utilized for work. This enables access to files, loads application programs into memory, and closes applications.
  
• This term refers to any device that may be connected to the computer’s input ports, including the keyboard, printer, mouse, external modem, scanner, and external hard drive.
  
• The pointer is a symbol that travels across the display to indicate position. While not on text, the cursor appears like a pointer when navigating across a page.
  
• Port — Computer connection that enables input devices such as monitors, disk drives, the mouse, and keyboards. Common connectors include serial for connecting a modem or mouse, USB for attaching a scanner or digital camera, Ethernet ports for connecting to a network, and audio in/out ports for connecting a microphone or headphones.
  
• Resolution is the degree of sharpness or clarity of an image shown on a computer monitor. Resolution is determined by the number of colour dots (pixels) shown across and down the screen. As resolution grows, characters and pictures become smaller but more distinct.
  
• Scanner – A peripheral device that can copy papers, photos, and photographs straight into a computer, transforming them into digital files. The images may then be saved or altered (changed).
  
• Software – This refers to the programs (applications) that enable the computer to run or perform certain tasks.
  
• Sound Card – This component enables the computer to play music, noises, and voices. The computer requires a sound card to play multimedia games and to hear the audio element of websites.
  
• See Flash Drive for Thumb Drive
  
• USB Port – The Universal Serial Bus is accessible by a tiny rectangular port on the front or back of a computer, allowing peripheral devices such as digital cameras and external hard drives to connect to the computer. See Ports for further connection types.
  
• Video Card – This component transmits pictures to the display.