Thursday, May 22, 2008

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

EXERCISE 1

VOCABULARY ON PG. 749

USER INTERFACE-the visual portion of the operating system software that determines the manner in whch users interact with the computer.
UTILITY PROGRAM-a program that assists the user in maintaining and improving the operating system. Some utility programs are supplied by the operating system while others are sold by third-party venders.
VIRUS-a program designed as a prank that replicates itself from one computer to another. Viruses can be harmless but annoying to users or they can affect software performance and destroy information.
WINDOWS-the common name of the family of operating systems with graphical user interfaces, manufactured by Microsoft Corp.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Systems Vocabulary

  • central processing unit-the part of the computer that executes instructions,controls the flow of data,and performs the arithmetic and logic decisions.
  • expansion slots-a part of the motherboard that allows the connection of the circuit boards with additional devices to the computer.
  • flash memory-a type of removable memory commonly used in small hand-held devices,such as cell phones, digital cameras, and digital music players.
  • graphical user interface-a design for the operating system in which the useer typically operates the mouse to point and click on graphic icons representing files,folders,disks,and programs.
  • hard drive-a nonremovable storage device used to hold a asoftware and data on a computer system.
  • hard ware-the physical parts of a computer system including input,output,storage,and other devices.
  • intput device- any device that acepts data from the user,such as keyboard or mouse.
  • linux-an operating system based on Unix that permits any programmer to improve upon it and is available as freeware.
  • maCOS-the operating system of the Macintosh line of computer systems.
  • mainframe-a computer system used by large organizations that can support many users and large data beases.
  • minicomputer-a computer system smaller and less powerful than a mainframe but capable of supporting multiple users for a small to medium-sized organization.
  • motherboard-the main circuit board containing 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, such as running the application software,managing the hardware,and maintaining file storage.
  • output device- a part of the computer system that displays information to the user,such as monitor or a printer.
  • platform-the combination of hardware and operating system that defines the type of programs and devices your computer will support.
  • prfessional workstation-a computer system smaller than a minicoputer but more powerful than most personal computers.
  • random acces memory-a computer's primary working memory that temporarily stores information,even, when the computer is turned off.
  • read only memory-the part of a computer primary storage that permanently stores information,even when the computer is turned off.
  • supercomputer-a computer that is faster and more powerful than a mainframe. super computers are used by large research facilities or government needing a lot of processing ability.
  • syntax-the structure for entering functions and commands,including spelling,punctuation,and acceptable keywords.
  • system software-the software necessary to operate and maintain a computers system, including the motherboard,diskdrives,and power supply.
  • system unit-tha case that holds the main,internal circuitry of a computer including the motherboard,disk,drives,and power supply.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Monday, April 21, 2008