Systems Vocabulary

1. central processing unit-the part of the computer that executes instructions,controls the flow of the data,and performs the arithmetic and logic decisions.
2. expansions slots-a part of the motherboard that allows the connection of circuit boards with additonal ports.
3. flash memory-a type of removable memory commonly used in small handheld devices, such as cell phones,digital cameras,and didgital players.
4. 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 graphic icons representing files,folders, disks,and programs.
5. hard drive-a nonremovable storage used to hold software and data on a computer system.
6. hardware-the physical parts of a computer system including input, output,storage, and other devices.
7. input device-any device that accepts data from the user,such as a keyboard or mouse.
8. Linux-an operating system based on unix that permits any programmer to improve upon it and is avaliable as freeware.
9. MacOS-the operating system of macintosh line of computer systems
10. mainframe-a computer system used by large organizations that can support many users and large data base.
11. minicomputer-a computer system smaller and less powerful than a mainframe but capable of supporting multiple users for a small to mediumsized organization.
12. motherboard-the main circuit board containing computer's central processing unit.9cpu0,memory,and expansion slots.
13. 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 maintaing file storage.
14. output device-a part of the computer system that displays information to the user,such as the monitor or a printer.
15. platform-the combination of hardware and operating system that defines the types of programs and devices your computer will support.
16. professional workstation-a computer station smaller than a minicomputer but more powerful than most personal computers.
17. random access memory-a computers primary working memory that temporarily stores information while the computer is turned on. the central processing unit works with information stored in RAM
18. read-only memory-the part of a computers primary storage that permanetly stores information,even when the computer is turned off.
19. supercomputer- a computer that is faster and more powerful than a mainframe.Supercomputers are used by large research facilities or govnment agencies needing a lot of processing ability.
20. syntax-the sturucture for entering functions and commands,including spelling,punctuation,and acceptable keywords.
21. system software-the software neccesary to operate and maintain,a computer system,including operating systems and utility programs.
22. system unit-the case that holds the main internal circuity of a computer including the motherboard disk drives,and powersupply.
23. 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 the third-party vendors.
24. virus-a program designed as a prank that replicates itself form one computer to another.Viruses harmless but annoying to users or they can affect software performance and destroy information
25. Windows-the common name of the family operating systems with graphical user interfaces,manifactured by microsoft corp.
26. user interface-the visial portion of the operating system software that determines the manner in which the users interact with the computer.