Definitions

Computer Terminology

Complete the following worksheet for week 2. Where to find the terms?
Google – a search engine designed to gather vast amounts of information and make it accessible to everyone, services now also include email, maps, and blogging. (Google)
Wikipedia – a free online encyclopedia which anyone may write in because its mission is to create a source for the sum of all human knowledge. The fact that anyone can write entrees has led to criticism. (what-is-what.com)
Howstuffworks.com – Website that uses images and videos to explain how living and non-living things work (Howstuffworks.com)
Webopedia – Similar to Wikipedia but specializes in computer and technology terms (Alexa.com)
Friends – Members of a particularly online community that may see either limited amounts or all of your information shared in said community (Alexa.com)
Any source that you find helpful

1. What is an operating system and why is it important to a computer? What are some operating systems currently in use today?
The lowest level of programming in a computer, creates an interface for software to operate and executes basic functions. They exist in all forms of computer from PC to handhelds. Popular OSs include Windows, Linex, Palm, Mac, and DOS.

2. What is a MAC computer? How does it differ from a PC? A Mac computer is a product of the Apple company and is actually very similar to a standard PC made by Microsoft. Some differences include that Macs tend to be easier to use, especially for new users because the majority of software is altered to fit the Mac template. However, as a result, some popular and complex software is not available on Macs because it can not be altered or manufactures do not feel the investment is worthwhile. Macs will boot up faster than a PC because all the software is so well integrated, but a PC has the ability to outperform a Mac. In terms of errors, Macs system is excellent at isolating problems. If one program has an issue, the OS will terminate that program and possibly reboot it automatically depending on settings. There is a good chance of a one program leading to a total system reboot in a PC. This occurrence has been affectionately titled the blue screen of death by techies. In terms of market competition, Macs have come down in price but because of the manufacturing costs, still tend to be more expensive than PCs.

3. How much memory and hard drive space came with the first Apple computer? which was released in what year? The Apple I was released on April Fool’s Day 1976. It had 8 kilobytes of RAM and a 6502 processor.
4. When was the first IBM PC introduced? August 12, 1981
5. Explain the difference between information literacy and computer literacy.
According to the American Library Association, “to be information literate, a person must be able to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information” (1989). On the other hand, computer literacy simply refers to the ability to use computers and other forms of technology in an efficient manner.

6. Identify the meaning of the following terms and give examples where appropriate:

AUP – Filename extension for audacity files (Audacity Project)
Blog – Short for weblog, a type of website where individuals may either read or post their own entries about any topic in various forms such as text, images, or video.
Broadband – In terms of computers, broadband refers to the data communication. Usually, broadband is meant to refer to internet connections with the ability to transmit and receive large amounts of data in a short amount of time. Comcast digital cable and DSL are two common types, and the most expensive forms are T3 and T1 connections and are usually utilized by large organizations
Browser – Short for web browser, it is a software application used for processing and receiving information from the internet. Popular forms include Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, and Google Chrome.
cloud computing – paradigm which describes how resources and services are accessible over the internet. Downloading apps is an example of cloud computing.
cookie (not the kind that goes with milk) – a small amount of data which usually includes the users name and time of access stored on the users computer. Cookies are recognized by websites the user has either registered or visited in the past.
COW (as it pertains to computers in a school environment) – Computer on Wheels is a system similar to the traditional AV cart, where a computer or computers can be wheeled into the classroom for use by students to supplement learning
Driver – a computer program which allows for higher functioning programs to interact with hardware. The most common kinds of drivers are printer drivers, soundcard drivers, and video card drivers.
Firewall – a security program in either a computer and/or network design to block unauthorized access while allowing approved transactions of data to occur.
gif, jpeg, png (what are they?) – different extensions for image files
hardware vs software – Hardware is the physical components of a computer. Software is installed on hardware and tells hardware how to operate.
HTML – Hyper text markup language, the coded language which is used to construct most websites
Interactive whiteboard (give examples) large interactive display which connects a computer and projector. Examples include SmartBoard, Promethean, eBeam, Activboard, and eno.
Peripheral (give example) – Any device attached to the computer behind the chipset to increase the users capabilities. Examples include a mouse, printer, cameras, speakers, etc.
plug-in – a.k.a. add-on , a program which interacts with a host application to perform a specific task. An example would be a weather plug-in on a browser which constantly updates the user on the weather.
Podcast – A series of digital media, either audio or video, that can be downloaded from a syndication for free or via subscription to either a computer or a portable device such as an Ipod or Zune.
RAM vs storage – Random Access Memory is used by the computer while performing a task; whereas, storage of data occurs on the hard drive.
RSS – Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary, a collection of web feed formats used to publish frequently updates websites such as blogs
Second life and avatar – A virtual world where users can interact with a digital environment and other users through the use of an avatar, a digital representation of themselves.
Social Bookmarking – A form of saving website addresses on a website so they can be accessed from any computer and shared with others
Social Networking (give examples) – Website devoted to connecting people to share interests and activities. Major examples include MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter.
storage devices – A storage device is anything used to store computer data for transport and use on other machines. Examples include CDs, Ipods, USB jump drives, external hard drives, and memory sticks.
Streaming – A form a data transmission where the host sends the data, usually audio or video, to a user and the data is immediately displayed. The key difference from downloading is that the data is not stored on the user’s machine.
USB – Universal Serial Bus, a method of establishing a connection between a computer and peripheral devices
Web 2.0 – Refers to the evolution of the internet which allows users to do more than just retrieve information. The ability to share information and created websites are characteristics of Web 2.0
Wiki – a website which utilizes wiki software and is usually constructed for the purpose of discussing one topic, but can also be open

7. Computer Measurement – identify each word and how much it measures:

· Bit – Short for binary digit, it is the smallest unit of digital information

· Byte – A combination of 8 bits

· Kilobyte – Contrary to popular belief, a KB is not 1,000 bytes, but is really 1,024.

· Megabyte – 1,024 kilobytes

· Gigabyte – 1,024 megabytes

· What comes after a gigabyte? Terabyte -> Petabyte -> Exabyte -> Zettabyte -> Yottabyte -> Brontobyte