WEEK/TERM: THIRD TERM/ WEEK 1
DATE: 27.04.2020
CLASS: JSS 1
SUBJECT: COMPUTER SCIENCE
TOPIC: COMPUTER TERMINOLOGY
REFERENCE:
BRIEF EXPLANATION: Computer Terminology are the common terms used in the field of computing. These are the terms you will easily hear in conversations concerning computers in general. Listed below are a few of the terms:
Bit
The smallest piece of information used by the computer. In computer language, it is either a one (1) or a zero (0).
Backup
A copy of a file or disk you make for archiving purposes.
Boot
To start up a computer.
Bug
A programming error that causes a program to behave in an unexpected way.
Byte
A piece of computer information made up of eight bits.
Card or Expansion Card
A printed circuit board that adds some feature to a computer.
CD-ROM
An acronym for Compact Disc Read-Only Memory.
Control panel
A program that allows you to change settings in a program or change the way a computer looks and/or behaves.
CPU
Central Processing Unit. The processing chip that is the “brain” of a computer.
Crash
A system malfunction in which the computer stops working and has to be restarted.
Cursor
The pointer, usually an arrow or cross-shape, controlled by the mouse.
Desktop
The shaded or coloured backdrop of the screen.
Dialog box
An on-screen message box that appears when additional information is required before completing a command.
Disk
A spinning platter made of magnetic or optically etched material on which data can be stored.
Disk Drive
The machinery that reads the data from a disk and/or writes data to a disk.
Document
A file you create, as opposed to the application that created it.
Download
To transfer data from one computer to another. (If you are on the receiving end, you are downloading. If you are on the sending end, you are uploading).
Driver
A program on a computer that tells it how to communicate with an add-on piece of equipment (like a printer).
Expansion slot
A connector inside the computer that allows one to plug in a printed circuit board that provides new or enhanced features.
File
The generic word for an application, document, control panel, or other computer data.
Floppy Disk
A 3.5-inch square rigid disk that holds data. (Named for the earlier disks that were flexible).
Gigabyte (GB)
1024 megabytes.
Hard Drive
A large capacity storage device made of multiple disks housed in a rigid case.
Icon
A graphic symbol for an application, file or folder.
Kilobyte (K)
1024 bytes.
Launch
Start an application.
Megabyte (MB)
1024 kilobytes.
Memory
The temporary holding area where data is stored while it is being used or changed; the amount of RAM a computer has installed.
Menu
A list of program commands listed by topic.
Menu Bar
The horizontal bar across the top of the screen that lists the menus.
Operating System
The system software that controls the computer.
PC
Acronym for personal computer.
RAM
Acronym for Random-Access Memory.
Save
To write a file onto a disk.
Save as
(A File menu item) To save a previously saved file in a new location and/or with a new name.
Scroll bar
A bar at the bottom or right side of a window that contains the scroll box and allows scrolling.
Server
A central computer dedicated to sending and receiving data from other computers (on a network).
Shut Down
The command from the Special menu that shuts down the computer safely.
Software
Files on disk that contain instructions for a computer.
Upload
To send a file from one computer to another through a network. What’s in the Box? 5
Case or Tower
This is the plastic box that contains the computer. Housed in the case, you will find the floppy drive, CD ROM drive, and the main components of the computer. Some of these are the hard drive, motherboard and the processor chip (CPU). The case keeps them neatly and safely together.
Monitor or Screen
This is the TV-type screen on which you see the work you’re doing on your computer.
Mouse
The mouse allows you to move, select and click on objects.
Keyboard
The keyboard is used to type in information and operate the computer.
Speakers
Sometimes speakers are connected to the computer so that you can hear music and sound.
Microphone
A microphone can provide a way to talk through or to the computer.
Printer
A device that makes a printed copy of your work on a sheet of paper.
EXERCISES/ASSIGNMENTS
List and explain 15 different terminologies used in the field of computer.