Key word · Unit 1ComputerA machine that follows instructions to work with data.Exactly:A computer carries out programs. Its functions include input, processing, output, and storage.Mix-up alert:A keyboard or screen alone is not what makes something a computer.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1InputData or commands coming IN.Exactly:The function that brings data or commands into a computer system, such as detecting a tap.Mix-up alert:A touchscreen detecting a tap is input. The same screen showing a menu is output.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1ProcessingDoing the WORK with data.Exactly:Applying instructions to data, such as calculating a total or comparing values.Mix-up alert:Calculating a total is processing. Displaying it is output.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1OutputSending a result OUT so someone can use it.Exactly:The function that communicates a result, such as displaying text, playing sound, or printing a page.Mix-up alert:Seeing output on a screen does not prove a file was saved.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1StorageKEEPING data or programs for later.Exactly:The function of retaining data or programs for later use, such as keeping a saved file.Mix-up alert:Showing a result is output. Keeping it for later is storage.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1DataThe values you work with.Exactly:Represented values such as numbers, typed characters, or sound samples.Mix-up alert:Data are not only numbers. You need context to interpret what values mean.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1InformationWhat the data mean in a situation.Exactly:Meaning obtained by interpreting data in context, such as using labeled counts to work out how many chairs a club needs.Mix-up alert:A neat table alone does not explain what unlabeled numbers stand for.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1HardwareThe physical equipment.Exactly:The physical parts of a computer system, such as a keyboard, microphone, processor, or screen.Mix-up alert:The screen is hardware. The app it displays is software.See this in Key words
15 more words
Key word · Unit 1SoftwareThe programs and instructions.Exactly:Programs and instructions used by a computer system, such as a spreadsheet or drawing application.Mix-up alert:A button drawn on screen is part of a software interface, not another physical button.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1ProgramInstructions a computer can carry out.Exactly:A set of instructions that tells a computer how to work with data.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1Embedded computerA computer built inside another device.Exactly:A computer built into another device to do a particular job, such as a programmed controller inside a microwave.Mix-up alert:A computer does not have to look like a laptop or have a keyboard.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1General-purpose computerOne computer that can run many different programs.Exactly:A computer that can run different programs for different tasks, such as a Chromebook used for writing and for calculating.Mix-up alert:An embedded computer is built into another device for a particular job.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1ContextThe details that tell you what data are about.Exactly:Details about what data describe, such as what a number counts. You need context to interpret data correctly.Mix-up alert:A neat table is not context by itself. Labels must say what each value means.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1CPUThe part that carries out the instructions.Exactly:The processor that executes program instructions, using working data held in RAM.Mix-up alert:RAM holds current work. The CPU carries out instructions; RAM does not do the calculations for it.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1RAMWorking space for what the computer is using now.Exactly:Working memory holding data and instructions in use. Ordinary RAM loses its contents when power is off.Mix-up alert:More RAM does not directly add space for saved files in persistent storage.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1Persistent storageThe place that keeps saved files when power is off.Exactly:Storage that retains saved data and programs beyond the current powered session. Deletion or damage can still lose files.Mix-up alert:Persistent means retained without power, not impossible to lose. Cloud storage uses persistent storage on computers elsewhere.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1VolatileLoses its contents without power.Exactly:Describes memory that does not retain its contents when power is removed, such as ordinary RAM.Mix-up alert:This describes RAM, not a saved file in persistent storage.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1CapacityHow much it can hold.Exactly:The amount of data that memory or storage can hold. Compare amounts in the same unit.Mix-up alert:Capacity is not speed. More saved-file space does not prove faster calculations.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1PeripheralConnected equipment that helps a computer do a job.Exactly:Equipment connected to a computer for functions such as input, output, or storage. Examples include an external keyboard, printer, or storage drive.Mix-up alert:A peripheral is not the CPU. Its connection may use a cable or be wireless.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1PortA socket where you plug equipment in.Exactly:A physical connection point that accepts a matching plug. Its stated capabilities help determine what connected equipment can do.Mix-up alert:A plug fitting does not prove that every needed capability is supported.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1CompatibilityBeing able to work together for the job.Exactly:The ability of equipment to work together for the stated task. In class, check it using the supplied capability information.Mix-up alert:Do not infer compatibility from price, capacity, or a plug fitting alone.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1Wireless connectionA connection with no cable between the devices.Exactly:A connection that carries data without a connecting cable, using radio signals such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.Mix-up alert:Wireless equipment still needs power and a compatible connection.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1SpecificationThe list of facts about what a device can do.Exactly:A description of a device's features and capabilities, used as evidence when checking requirements.Mix-up alert:A bigger number on a spec does not prove a device is right. Check every requirement.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1SoftwareThe programs and instructions.Exactly:Programs and instructions used by a computer system, such as a spreadsheet or drawing application.Mix-up alert:A button drawn on screen is part of a software interface, not another physical button.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1ProgramInstructions a computer can carry out.Exactly:A set of instructions that tells a computer how to work with data.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1Embedded computerA computer built inside another device.Exactly:A computer built into another device to do a particular job, such as a programmed controller inside a microwave.Mix-up alert:A computer does not have to look like a laptop or have a keyboard.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1General-purpose computerOne computer that can run many different programs.Exactly:A computer that can run different programs for different tasks, such as a Chromebook used for writing and for calculating.Mix-up alert:An embedded computer is built into another device for a particular job.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1ContextThe details that tell you what data are about.Exactly:Details about what data describe, such as what a number counts. You need context to interpret data correctly.Mix-up alert:A neat table is not context by itself. Labels must say what each value means.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1CPUThe part that carries out the instructions.Exactly:The processor that executes program instructions, using working data held in RAM.Mix-up alert:RAM holds current work. The CPU carries out instructions; RAM does not do the calculations for it.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1RAMWorking space for what the computer is using now.Exactly:Working memory holding data and instructions in use. Ordinary RAM loses its contents when power is off.Mix-up alert:More RAM does not directly add space for saved files in persistent storage.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1Persistent storageThe place that keeps saved files when power is off.Exactly:Storage that retains saved data and programs beyond the current powered session. Deletion or damage can still lose files.Mix-up alert:Persistent means retained without power, not impossible to lose. Cloud storage uses persistent storage on computers elsewhere.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1VolatileLoses its contents without power.Exactly:Describes memory that does not retain its contents when power is removed, such as ordinary RAM.Mix-up alert:This describes RAM, not a saved file in persistent storage.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1CapacityHow much it can hold.Exactly:The amount of data that memory or storage can hold. Compare amounts in the same unit.Mix-up alert:Capacity is not speed. More saved-file space does not prove faster calculations.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1PeripheralConnected equipment that helps a computer do a job.Exactly:Equipment connected to a computer for functions such as input, output, or storage. Examples include an external keyboard, printer, or storage drive.Mix-up alert:A peripheral is not the CPU. Its connection may use a cable or be wireless.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1PortA socket where you plug equipment in.Exactly:A physical connection point that accepts a matching plug. Its stated capabilities help determine what connected equipment can do.Mix-up alert:A plug fitting does not prove that every needed capability is supported.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1CompatibilityBeing able to work together for the job.Exactly:The ability of equipment to work together for the stated task. In class, check it using the supplied capability information.Mix-up alert:Do not infer compatibility from price, capacity, or a plug fitting alone.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1Wireless connectionA connection with no cable between the devices.Exactly:A connection that carries data without a connecting cable, using radio signals such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.Mix-up alert:Wireless equipment still needs power and a compatible connection.See this in Key words
Key word · Unit 1SpecificationThe list of facts about what a device can do.Exactly:A description of a device's features and capabilities, used as evidence when checking requirements.Mix-up alert:A bigger number on a spec does not prove a device is right. Check every requirement.See this in Key words
