Vocabulary

Touch Screen

Touch Pad

Processor

The processor is the brains of the computer. Intel and AMD are the primary manufacturers of the more powerful x86 chips.

RAM Memory

Random Access Memory (RAM) is short term storage. When the power goes off the memory is gone. The more memory, the faster the processor can work because if memory is in short supply, the processor will store and retrieving information from slower long term storage.

Storage

Disk drives, Flash Drives, CDs, DVDs are forms of physical storage. These devices hold data even when the PC is turned off.

Cloud Storage

Cloud storage is when you store something on the web. Microsoft, Google, Apple, and Dropbox offer some cloud storage free of charge.

Memory and Storage

Units of measurement

A bit is the smallest unit of memory/storage units either a 1 of a zero

A byte is 8 bits

1KB 1 Kilobyte 1,000 bytes 1MB 1 Megabyte 1,000,000 bytes 1GB 1 Gigabyte 1,000,000,000 bytes 1TB 1 Terabyte 1,000,000,000,000 bytes

Connectors

HDMI SVGA Ethernet

USB PS2

Operating System

The first layer of software in a computer. The computer you are sitting at uses Microsoft's Windows 7. Windows 8.1 is the current offering from Microsoft, not to be confused with Windows RT which is a low power tablet option.

Applications Program

An software applications or App is a program that uses the computer to performs some task for you. .

Malware

Malicious programs that can spread from contact with the outside world. Internet access, flash drives, CDs, DVDs can all spread viruses and malware. Windows computers have been the most targeted, but all computers are vulnerable.

Antivirus programs, firewalls, and internet security suites that prevent you from accessing known bad websites sites are recommended.