Computer Processes and Hardware

Computer Processes and Hardware

• Computer processes are directed by software, but performed by hardware
• WAN (Wide Area Network) connects computers over great distances
• CPU (Central Processing Unit) includes the control unit and arithmetic/logic unit
• Serial processing involves instructions being processed one at a time
• Machine cycle includes instruction time (I-time) when the control unit decodes an instruction
• Compilers translate programming instructions into computer language
• Data represents facts, figures, or ideas (numbers, words, pictures, sound)
• Kernel is the operating system program resident in memory
• Disk defragmenter reorganizes disk files for faster access
• MHz is a unit of frequency equal to one million cycles per second
• Web browser allows users to explore the internet
• Byte is a group of 8 bits
• Apple MAC used a graphical user interface (GUI) in 1984
• Machine cycle combines instruction and execution time
• Bit is a binary digit (0 or 1)
• Cache memory is fast temporary storage for data between memory and CPU
• Dot matrix printer uses a print head to contact paper to produce characters

Computer Components and Software

• Motherboard is the main circuit board in the system unit
• Computers are used in fields like medical, industry, and finance (banking, stock)
• Multiprocessing uses multiple processors simultaneously
• Machine cycle steps include fetch, decode, execute, and store
• RAM (Random Access Memory) allows users to read and write new info
• ROM (Read-Only Memory) memory cannot be modified by the user
• File compression utilities reduce file space
• Command-line interface is used in command-line operating systems (like MS-DOS)
• Shell is a program that overlays the OS for a user-friendly interface, File Explorer is a main file management tool
• Shareware is software you can test before buying
• Pipelining allows the overlapping of machine cycle steps
• System bus connects CPU and memory
• Dot pitch is the distance between pixels in millimeters
• GUI (Graphical User Interface)
• .accdb is the extension for Microsoft Access
• Uninstall procedures are in the Control Panel
• Vertical applications or enterprise applications are used widely within an organization
• TCP/IP stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol

Data Transmission and Devices

• Analog signals are used primarily by telephone lines
• Modems convert between digital and analog signals
• Bluetooth connects devices over short distances
• WAP (Wireless Access Point) lets laptops with wireless NICs connect
• ISP (Internet Service Provider) provides internet access
• NIC (Network Interface Card) connects PCs to a network
• Output devices convert electronic data to other formats