Computer Hardware and Software Overview

An electronic device that accepts input, processes data according to instructions, provides output, and stores data, instructions, and information.

Words, numbers, pictures, audio, and process instructions.

Symbols representing facts and ideas used by a computer.

Manipulating data according to instructions.

The results of processing, delivered in a desired format.

Saving/keeping data, instructions, and processed information.

The physical parts of a computer and peripherals.

Instructions that tell the computer what to do.

Rules for how characters are encoded in computers, determined by countries or organizations.

A data representation standard (coding method) widely used in the USA for data communication.

Binary digits (0 or 1) used to represent characters in a computer.

A computer system is composed of data, hardware, software and human interaction to accept, process, and generate output.

Raw, unprocessed facts, figures, or symbols, like text, numbers, sounds or images.

Processed data used for decisions or actions.

The physical components of a computer system that process data.

Devices that allow users to input data into a computer.

A component that translates user data and instructions into a form the computer can understand.

An input device primarily used for entering characters (text).

An input device designed to control the cursor or pointer on the screen.

A component that presents processed information in a form understandable to the user.

An output device that shows data visually (texts, graphics, and video).

An output device that generates hard copies of information on paper.

The central processing unit (CPU) is the brain of the computer responsible for processing data into information.

Output devices that generate sound.

Storage devices that use magnetic material to hold data in digital format, like hard disks and magnetic tapes.

A sealed device with rigid spinning disks, read/write heads, and a drive to store data.

A long strip of plastic coated with magnetic material used for storing data, especially for backups.

The amount of data stored per unit length, like bytes per inch, on a magnetic tape.

Storage using laser technology to burn holes into a disk's surface, representing data.

An optical disk originally developed for storing digital audio but now used for various digital data.

Optical storage media are more durable, resistant to environmental damage, and can store data for long periods compared to magnetic tapes.

Optical storage is typically slower than hard disks and usually has less storage capacity.

A type of CD where data can only be read, not written or erased. It's like a music CD, but for computers.

A type of CD that you can rewrite data to multiple times. Similar to CD-R, but you can erase and add data repeatedly.

To create an exact duplicate of files in a different location.

A type of DVD that can only be read. Commonly used for movies and games.

A type of DVD that can be written to once, but read many times. Similar to CD-R, but with greater storage capacity.

To transfer files from one location to another, deleting the original file.

A type of DVD that allows you to rewrite data multiple times. Similar to CD-RW, but with higher storage capacity.

To make a new container to organize files and folders.

A portable storage device that uses flash memory chips, often called a USB flash drive or data traveler. It's a convenient secondary storage device.

To remove a file from your computer or storage device.

A temporary storage location for deleted files, allowing recovery.

A system inside a computer that allows data to travel between different components like RAM, CPU, and devices.

To permanently remove all files from the Recycle Bin.

Keyboard shortcut to permanently delete a file without using the Recycle Bin.

A file cannot be deleted or modified because it's currently being accessed by a program.