Glossary- Chapter 1

All-in-one computer: A compact desktop computer with the system unit integrated into the monitor.

Analytical Engine: A mechanical computer designed, but never built, in the early nineteenth century by
mathematician Charles Babbage that could be programmed using punched cards.

Artificial intelligence: The branch of science concerned with making computers behave like humans.

ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange): An 8-bit binary code set with 256
characters.

Backlit: A device that includes an internal light source.

Backward compatibility: The ability to run some older programs on a newer system.

Binary code: A system that represents digital data as a series of 0s and 1s that can be understood by a
computer.

Binary number system (base 2): A number system that has only two digits—0 and 1.

Bit (binary digit): The smallest unit of digital data.

Byte: Consists of 8 bits and is used to represent a single character in modern computer systems.

Central processing unit (CPU): A complex integrated circuit that contains processing circuitry that
enables it to behave as the brain of the computer, control all functions performed by other components,
and process all the commands it receives. Also referred to as a microprocessor.

Chromebook: A subnotebook that run the Chrome OS—a version of the Linux operating system released
by Google.

Client: A computer that connects to, or requests services from, another computer called a server.

Computer: A programmable machine that converts raw data into useful information.

Convergence: The integration of technology on multifunction devices, such as smartphones.

Convertible notebook: A type of notebook computer that has a screen that can swivel to fold into what
resembles a notepad or tablet.

Data: Numbers, words, pictures, or sounds that represent facts about people, events, things, or ideas.

Desktop computer: A personal computer designed to sit on your desk.

Distributed computing: The distribution of the processing of a task across a group of computers.

Drone: An aircraft piloted by remote control or onboard computers. Also known as an unmanned
aircraft system (UAS).

Embedded computer: A specialized computer found in ordinary devices, such as gasoline pumps,
supermarket checkouts, traffic lights, and home appliances.
ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer): The first working, digital, general-purpose
computer; built at the University of Pennsylvania between 1943 and 1946.

Enterprise server: A large multiuser computer that can perform millions of transactions in a day.

E-book: A book in a digital format that can be read on a screen.

E-ink: An e-reader technology that creates a screen that is easy on the eyes and most like the experience
of reading a printed book.

E-reader: A special class of tablet specifically to read books, magazines, and other publications.

Ergonomics: The study of the relationship between workers and their workspaces.

Game console: A home entertainment system that connects to a television or monitor to display a
game.

Game controller: A device used to interact with a video game.

Geocaching: An electronic scavenger hunt where players (geocachers) hide geocaches and post GPS
coordinates on the Internet for other geocachers to find.

GPS (global positioning system): A system of at least 24 satellites that transmit signals that can be
picked up by a receiver on the ground and used to determine the receiver’s current location, time, and
velocity through triangulation of the signals.

Green computing: The efficient and eco-friendly use of computers and other electronics.

Grid computing: Distributed computing using a few computers in one location. Information Data
converted into a meaningful format.

Information processing cycle (IPC): The process a computer uses to convert data into information. The
four steps of the IPC are input, processing, storage, and output.

Input: The process of entering raw data into a system.

Integrated circuit: A chip that contains a large number of tiny transistors that are fabricated into a
semiconducting material called silicon.

Internet of Things (IoT): The connection of the physical world to the Internet. Objects are tagged and
can be located, monitored, and controlled using small embedded electronics.

Laptop: A portable personal computer. Also referred to as a notebook.

Mac computer: A personal computer manufactured by Apple that runs the macOS operating system.

Mainframe: A large multiuser computer that can perform millions of transactions in a day.

Microprocessor: A complex integrated circuit that contains processing circuitry that enables it to behave
as the brain of the computer, control all functions performed by other components, and process all the
commands it receives. Also referred to as the central processing unit, or CPU.

Mobile application (mobile app): A program that extends the functionality of a mobile device.
Mobile device: A portable computer for business and entertainment; mobile devices come in many
different shapes and sizes such as smartphones, tablets, and other specialized devices.

Mobile payment system: Using a mobile device rather than cash or credit cards to pay for items.

Moore’s Law: An observation made by Gordon Moore in 1965 that the number of transistors that can
be placed on an integrated circuit had doubled roughly every two years.

Multiuser computer: A system that allows multiple, simultaneous users to connect to it, allowing for
centralized resources and security.

Netbook: A lightweight, inexpensive notebook computer designed primarily for Internet access, with
built-in wireless capabilities, a small screen, and limited computing power and storage.

Notebook: A portable personal computer. Also referred to as a laptop.

Output: The display of processed data.

Personal computer (PC): A small microprocessor-based computer designed to be used by one person at
a time.

Petaflops: A measure of computer performance obtainable by today’s supercomputers.

Processing: The manipulation, calculation, or organization of data to create useful information.

Screensaver: A moving image that appears on a computer screen when the computer has been idle for a
specified period of time.

Server: A multiuser computer system that provides services, such as Internet access, email, or file and
print services, to client systems.

Smart appliance: An appliance that plugs into the smart grid and can monitor signals from the power
company. When the electric grid system is stressed, the appliance can react by reducing power
consumption.

Smart grid: A network for delivering electricity to consumers that includes communication technology to
manage electricity distribution efficiently.

Smart home: A building that uses automation to control lighting, heating and cooling, security,
entertainment, and appliances.

Smartphone: A small computer that combines a cellular phone with such features as Internet and email
access, a digital camera, GPS and mapping tools, the ability to edit documents, and access to mobile
apps.

Storage: Saving digital information for archiving or later access.

Stylus: A special pen-like input tool that enables you to write directly on a touch screen.

Subnotebook: A notebook computer that is thin and light and that has high-end processing and video
capabilities.
Supercomputer: A very expensive computer system that is used to perform complex mathematical
calculations, such as those used in weather forecasting and medical research.

Tablet: A handheld, mobile device somewhere between a computer and a smartphone.

Transistor: A tiny electric switch used in second-generation computers.

Triangulation: A mathematical principle used by GPS to determine the position of the receiving device in
three dimensions.

Turing machine: A machine that can perform mathematical computations.

Turing test: Measures a machine’s ability to display intelligent behavior.

Two-in-one notebook: A portable computer that converts to a tablet by detaching the screen from the
keyboard.

Ubiquitous computing (ubicomp): Sometimes called invisible computing, technology that recedes into
the background and becomes part of the user’s environment.

Ultrabook: A small Windows notebook computer with high-end processing and video capabilities built
into a lightweight system.

Unicode: An extended ASCII set that has become the standard on the Internet and includes codes for
most of the world’s written languages, mathematical systems, and special characters. It has codes for
over 100,000 characters.

Universal design: Design principles that help create environments that accommodate people with
disabilities, but also benefit those without.

Unmanned aircraft system (UAS): An aircraft piloted by remote control or onboard computers. Also
known as a drone.

Vacuum tube: A tube that resembles an incandescent light bulb that was used in first-generation
computers.

Video game simulation: A system that replicates realistic environments and scenarios.

Video game system: A computer system that is designed primarily to play games.

Workstation: A high-end desktop computer or one that is attached to a network in a business setting.