Basic Computer Terms and Definitions....

Basic Computer Terms and Definitions
CPU:  This computer component has several names: Central Processing Unit, microprocessor or processor.  This unit is the brain of the computer processes and executes instructions in a software program.  The CPU’s primary functions include retrieving instructions from the computer’s memory, including random access memory, comprehending and executing instructions, and directing the input and output activity of the computer.  

Desktop: The first screen that you see when any Windows operating system screen is up and running.  One of the main purposes of the Desktop is to make it easier to access different application programs, files and documents.

File: Unit for storing information that may include a word-processing document, a spreadsheet, a picture, a graphic, musical piece, or even part of an application program.   Examples of "files" include text files which could be a letter or report and graphic files which could be a picture. Each file has a name because the data or information created in a software program is saved with a file name.

Folder:  Method for organizing files that is related by topic, by purpose, by type, by program, or even by a project that you are working on.   NOTE: When an application program is loaded onto your computer, it will group similar applications in a folder.  As you add or create files, you can organize them however you want.



Hyperlink: Allows you to move from one web page document to another.  It can be text which is usually underlined or a graphic.  When you move your mouse over a hyperlink, the mouse cursor usually becomes a hand which indicates a hyperlink is present.  Once you click on the link, you move to another web page document or to another place on the same web page.

Icon: A small picture that represents processing options such as programs, documents, and shortcuts.  When you click on the icon, the file or program will open.  The most easily recognized icon is the Recycle Bin which is the graphic below.

 Input: Commonly known as data and refers to numbers, letters, words, images, video, music and even sounds.  Other computer input includes commands and user response.  A command directs the computer to execute tasks or perform certain activities.  One example of a command is a command buttons OK, Cancel and Help seen on the Shut Down Windows dialog box.

 Internet:  A world wide network that connects millions of computers to share and exchange data, news, opinions, and research results.  The Internet is not the same as the World Wide Web  (WWW).  The World Wide Web is a service that is provided on the Internet.

Keyboard: The keyboard is an input device that allows you to enter letters, numbers and symbols into your computer.  The keyboard keys include the alphanumeric keys (letters and numbers), numeric keypad, special function keys, mouse cursor moving keys, and status lights.





Files and Folders: Think of a computer folder as being similar to a filing cabinet folder, whereas a computer file is similar to the pieces of paper that are placed in the folders.

Graphic User Interface (GUI): Combines text and graphics to make software easier to use.  Graphical User Interface features include icons, windows, menus, and buttons.

Hard Copy: Usually refers to a printout on paper.

Hard Drive:  The purpose of the hard drive is to store information.  This device that allows the computer to permanently retain and store data like the operating system, programs and information data.  The hard drive holds more data than a diskette and accesses information faster than on diskettes.  Storage refers to the capability of storing things, and as for the computer, it is information.

Hardware: Refers to any component of the computer system that you can like the monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, computer unit, scanner, speakers and even the components inside of the computer unit if you opened the box up.




Menu: List of options that may be commands or other options from which you can choose from.  The following illustration is the File Menu Bar command menu list.

Mouse: Besides a keyboard, a mouse is the most common input device for a computer.  The mouse is a small, palm-sized input device that you move across a flat surface, such as a desktop, to control the movement of the pointer on the screen. Technically, there are many operations that are much easier to perform with a mouse than a keyboard because you can just point and click to select an item on a screen or choose an item from a list of options.

Mouse Commands:  Before examining the various commands, you must understand how to execute each mouse command. The mouse commands include move, point, click, deselect, double-click, drag, and right-click.

My Computer: An icon that opens into a folder of icons for all of the resources on the computer like the hard drive and printer.

Operating System: Software that acts as an interface between you, the application software (like word processing or accessing the Internet), and the computer components.  This includes interpreting and carrying out basic instructions that operate a computer like recognizing information from the keyboard and mouse, sending information to the monitor, printer, or speakers and scanners, storing information to the hard drive and removable drives. Common operating systems include Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, and MAC OS.




RAM: This is an acronym for Random Access Memory.  This memory is a work area or a temporary storage space where the computer places program information so that it can execute the program instructions and information.  When the program or file is closed, the data or programs are removed from RAM.  The amount of RAM you have on your computer is crucial in determining how many programs can be opened (running) and how much data is available for each program.  RAM is available in MB or megabytes. An example is 256MB of RAM.

Select: A single left mouse click to select a file or folder icon.

Software: Instructions that provide the computer with step-by-step actions that need to be executed to complete a specific task.  A computer will not function with software.