G10 IT Hardware & Software

• Computer: An electronic device that processes data and performs tasks according to a set of instructions (programs).
• Hardware: The physical components of a computer system, such as the processor, memory, storage devices, and peripherals.
• Software: Programs and instructions that tell a computer what to do, including operating systems, applications, and utilities.
• Data: Raw and unorganized facts, symbols, or statistics that can be processed to create meaningful information.
• Information: Processed and organized data that provides context, meaning, and relevance, often used for decision-making.
• Input: Data or commands entered into a computer for processing, via a keyboard, mouse clicks, or sensor readings.
• Process: The action of performing tasks or computations on data to produce a desired output or result.
• Dedicated Device: A specialized device designed for specific functions or tasks, not intended for general-purpose computing.
• Output: The results or information produced by a computer after processing data, often displayed to the user in various forms on a screen, using sound or on printed media.
• Application Software: Software designed to perform specific tasks for users, such as word processing or web browsing.
• Spreadsheet: Application software used for organizing, analyzing, and presenting data in tabular form.
• Presentation Software: Application software used for creating and delivering visual presentations, often including slides, images, and multimedia elements.
• Word Processor: Application software used for creating, editing, and formatting text documents.
• Web Authoring Software: Software used to create and design websites and web content, often with features for both beginners and advanced users.
• Plug-in: A software component that adds specific features or functions to an existing application, enhancing its capabilities.
• Open Source Software: Software whose source code is made available to the public, allowing anyone to view, use, modify, and distribute it.
• Proprietary Software: Software owned by a specific company or individual, with restrictions on access, use, and modification.
• System Software: Software that manages computer hardware and provides common services for computer programs (e.g., operating systems).
• Database: An organized collection of data stored electronically, often in tables, designed for efficient retrieval and manipulation.
• Web Browser: Software used to access information on the World Wide Web, displaying web pages and allowing users to navigate the internet.
• Shrinkwrap: Packaged software available for purchase in stores, often in a physical box with installation instructions.
• Shareware: Software distributed for free with an option for users to pay for additional features or to remove limitations.
• Freeware: Software that is freely available for use, often without time limitations, but may have restrictions on modification and distribution.
• Point of Sale: System used in retail environments to manage sales, inventory, and transactions at the point of purchase.
• Data Warehousing: The process of collecting, storing, and managing large volumes of data from different sources for analysis and reporting.
• Data Mining: The process of discovering patterns and insights from large datasets using various techniques and algorithms.
• Source Code: Human-readable instructions written by programmers, which are then compiled or interpreted to run software applications.
• Modular Design: A design approach that subdivides a system into smaller, manageable parts that can be developed and tested independently.
• Motherboard: The main circuit board of a computer, containing the CPU, memory, and other essential components.
• Central Processing Unit: The primary component of a computer that performs most of the processing inside the computer.
• ZIF Socket: A CPU socket that allows for easy insertion and removal of the processor.
• Random Access Memory: A type of computer memory that is used to store data and machine code currently being used.
• Primary Memory: Temporary storage used by a computer's CPU to store data that is frequently accessed or currently being processed. Also known as RAM.
• Secondary Memory: Long-term storage used to store data and programs even when the computer is powered off, such as hard drives and SSDs.
• Volatile: Memory that loses its contents when the power is turned off.
• Dual Inline Memory Module: A module for RAM used in computers, containing one or more integrated circuits.
• Storage: The hardware components that store data, providing one of the core functionalities of a computer.
• Hard Disk Drive: A data storage device that uses magnetic storage to store and retrieve digital information using one or more rigid rapidly rotating disks.
• Optical Storage: Storage media such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs that use laser technology to read and write data.
• Solid State Drive: A storage device that uses flash based memory to store data and are faster and more reliable than HDDs.