Computing Concepts

• A Computer is an electro-mechanical device that does a job of work for the user.
• Hardware are all those parts that are physical and can be seen and touched.
• Software are the coded instructions that run all aspects of the computer.
• Computer instructions are divided into 3 main parts, INPUT, PROCESSING and OUTPUT.
• Data is raw knowledge given to you in order to solve a problem.
• Information is the results of manipulating data.
• INPUT allows the user to enter data into the computer
• Processing works with the data.
• OUTPUT is the displayed result of the process i.e. the information
• Main Frames are very powerful and are used to control major networks
• Super Computers are high powered, large computers used by big corporations and governments.
• A Server is a powerful computer that provides services for a network.
• Mobile Devices are electronic devices, ususally hand held(portable), which helps the user with their diary, dates, calendars etc.
• eBooks are electronic books which can be downloaded and used on various devices.
• Passwords are used to authenticate you as a valid user
• A User is someone who utilises a computer or network service.
• Another name for a Program is an APP
• The Booting Process refers to the Operating System automatically loads when the computer is switched on
• Application Software is a group of programs that perform specific tasks for users.
• System Software is software that is intended to control and support the computer.
• The Information Processing Cycle is made up of 5 Stages, namely, Input; Output; Processing; Storage and Communications.
• A Monitors size is measured Diagonally in Inches.
• The Resolution refers to the picture quality of a monitor. This picture is made up of dots called Pixels.
• Bluetooth is a technology that allows devices to communicate wirelessly over a short distance
• The Response Time of a monitor is the time it takes to change a pixel from one colour to another.
• Printers produce Hard Copies
• Burning refers to the process of copying content to a CD or DVD.
• ROM is a type of memory that holds instructions needed to start the computer and switch it on.
• 'Default Printer' refers to the printer that will be used/printed to, unless a different printer is selected.
• The "sequence" of Folders that leads to a specific file is called a Hierarchy
• A Shortcut refer to an icon on the desktop that has a small, curved arrow in the bottom left corner.
• RFID uses small radio devices to store and transmit data.
• "Burning" is the process of copying content to a CD or DVD
• A function of memory is to store programs/data currently being processed
• A function of storage is to store all data/programs permanently
• The common term for the piece of software that allows a computer to communicate with hardware such as a printer is a DRIVER.
• A Computer Crash means that the computer has stopped functioning properly, often freezing or shutting down unexpectedly due to software errors or hardware failures.