nursing info

• Acquisition:

  • The act of acquiring, to locate and hold; acquiring data and information
• Application:

  • Refers to the implementation software of a computer system
  • Allows users to complete tasks such as word processing, developing presentations, and managing data
• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU):

  • Essential building block of the central processing unit (CPU) that digitally performs arithmetic and logical functions
• Binary System:

  • System used by computers, a numeric system using two symbols: 0 and 1
• BIOS:

  • Basic input/output systems, binary input/output systems, basic integrated operating system or built in operating system that resides or is embedded on a chip that recognizes and controls the computer's devices
• Bit:

  • Unit of measurement that holds one binary digit, 0 or 1
  • The smallest possible chuck of data memory used in computer processing, exhibited as either a 1 or a 0, making up the binary system of the computer
• Bus:

  • Subsystem that transfers data between a computer's internal components or between computers
• Byte:

  • Is equal to eight bits or eight informational storage units and represents one keystroke
  • A chunk of memory that consists of eight bits, and is considered to be the best way to indicate computer memory or storage capacity
• Cache Memory:

  • Smaller and faster memory storage used by the central processing unit (CPU) to store copies of frequently used data in main memory
• CD-R:

  • Compact disc recordable, you can record once
• CD-RW:

  • Compact disc recordable and rewritable, can record many times
• Central Processing Unit (CPU):

  • Processors that execute computer programs
  • Thought of as the brains, controlling the functioning of the computer
  • Serves as the command center that directs the actions of all other components of the computer, and manages both incoming and outgoing data
• Communication Software:

  • Technology programs used to transmit messages via email, telephonically, paging, broadcast such as MP3, Internet such as instant messaging, voice over IP (VOIP), or Lists, etc.
• Compatibility:

  • Refers to the ability to work with each other, other devices or systems
  • Software that is compatible with your computer
• Computer:

  • A machine that stores and executes programs
  • A machine with peripheral hardware and software to carry out selected programming
• Computer Science:

  • Branch of engineering (application of science) that studies the theoretical foundations of information and computation and their implementation and application in computer systems
• Conferencing Software:

  • Electronic communications system or software that supports and facilitates two or more people meeting for discussion
• Creativity Software:

  • Programs that support and facilitate innovation and creativity
  • Allow users to focus or concentrate more on creating new things in our digital age and less on the mechanics or workings of how they are created or developed
• Database:

  • A collection of related records stored in a computer system using software that permits a person or program to query the data in order to extract needed information
• Degradation:

  • Loss of quality; e.g., in telecommunications, it is the loss of quality in the electronic signal
• Desktop:

  • Computer’s interface that resembles your desk’s top where you keep things you want to access quickly such as paper clips, pens, paper, etc
  • On your computer’s desktop, you can customize the look and feel to have easy access to the programs, folders and files on your hard drive that you use the most
• Digital video disc (DVD):

  • Optical disc storage format that can generally hold or store more than six times the amount of data that a CD can
• Dissemination:

  • A thoughtful, intentional, goal-oriented communication of specific, useful information or knowledge
• DVD-R:

  • Digital video disc recordable, you can record once
• DVD-RW:

  • Digital video disc recordable and rewritable, can record many times
• Dynamic random access memory (DRAM):

  • Type of RAM chip requiring less space to store the same amount on a similar SRAM (static RAM) chip
  • DRAM requires more power than SRAM since DRAM needs to keep its charge by constantly refreshing
• Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM):

  • Non-volatile storage chip used in computers and other devices to store small amounts of volatile data
  • When larger amounts of more static data are to be stored, other memory types like flash memory are more economical
• Email:

  • Electronic mail; to compose, send, receive and store messages in electronic communication systems
• Email Client:

  • Program that manages email functions
• Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM):

  • Type of computer memory chip that retains its data when its power supply is switched off
  • Can be erased only by exposing it to strong ultraviolet light
• Execute:

  • To carry out software's or a program's instructions
• Extensibility:

  • System design principle where the implementation takes into consideration future growth
• Fire Wire:

  • A very fast external bus standard that supports data transfer rates of up to 400Mbps (in 1394a) and 800Mbps (in 1394b)
• Firmware:

  • Consists of both hardware and software
  • Programs or data written onto ROM, PROM and EPROM
• Flash Memory:

  • Special type of EEPROM that can be erased and reprogrammed in blocks instead of one byte at a time
• Gigabyte (GB):

  • Used to measure bytes of data storage and capability in computer systems
  • 1 Gigabyte equals 1000 Megabytes
• Gigahertz (Ghz):

  • Used to measure speed and power of some components such as the microprocessor
  • 1 Gigahertz or Ghz is equal to 1000 Megahertz
• Graphical User Interface (GUI):

  • Typical GUI provided by Windows or Mac's OS X provide a user-friendly desktop metaphor interface that is made up of the input and output devices as well as icons that represent files, programs, actions and processes
• Graphics card:

  • A board that plugs into a personal computer to give it display capabilities
• Hard disk:

  • Magnetic disk that stores electronic data