System Vocabulary

Central Processing Unit- the part of the computer that executes instructions, controls the flow of data, and performs the arithmetic and logic decision

Expansion Slot-a part of the motherboard that allows the connection of circuit boards with the addtional ports

Flash Memory- a type of removable memory commonly used in small hand-held devices

Graphical User Interface- a design for the part of an operating system in which the user typically operates a mouse to point and click on graphics icon representing files

Hard Drive- a nonremovable storage device used to hold software and data on a computer

Hardware- the physical parts of a computer system including input, output, storage, and other devices

Input Device- any device that accept data from the user such as keyboard or muse

Linux- an operating system based on Unix that permits any programmer to improve upon it and is available as freeware

MacOS- the operating system pf the Macintosh line of computer systems

Mainframe- a computer system used by large organization that can support many users and large databases

Minicomputer- a computer system smaller and less powerful than a mainfrmae but capable of supporting multiple users for a small to medium sized organization

Motherboard- the main circuit board containg a computer's central processing unit (CPU), memory, and expansion slots

Operating system- the software program that oversees and controls everything that happens while a computer is turned on

Output Device- a part of the computer system that displays information to the user such as a monitor or a printer

Platform- the combination of hardware and operating system that defines the types of programs and devices your computer will suppport

Professional Workstation-a computer system smaller than a minicomputer but more powerful than most personal computers

Random Access Memory- a computer's primary working memory that temporaily stores information while the computer is turned on

Read-Only Memory- the part of the computer that stores information even when the computer is turned off

Supercomputers- a computer that is faster and more powerful than a mainframe

Syntax- the structurefor entering functions and command including spelling punctation and acceptable keywords

System Software- the software neccessary to operate and maintain a computer system

System Unit- the case that holds the main internal circuitary of a computer system including the motherboard, disk drives, and power supply

User Interface- the visual portion of operating system software that determines the manner in which user interact with the computer

Utility Program- a program tha assists the user in maintaining and improving the operating system

Virus- a program designed as a prank that replicates itself from one computer to another

Windows- the common name of the family of operating systems with graphical user manufactures by Microsoft Corp.