CISC1000 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FUNDAMENTALS AND PRACTICES

KEY TERMS FOR YOUR REVIEW

MODULE 01 – Fundamentals of Information Technology

TOPIC 01 Introduction to Information Technology

Key Term Definition

application software End user software
apps Small programs designed for mobile devices
Blu-ray disc (BD) Type of optical disc using laser technology to store
data and programs
cloud computing Uses the Internet and the Web to shift many
computer activities from a user’s computer to
computers on the Internet.
communication device Computer equipment that allows a computer to
connect to other computer systems to share data
and information.
compact disc (CD) A type of optical disc that has the least storage
capacity.
connectivity Allows computers to connect and share information
with other computers.
data Unprocessed facts.
database file Typically created by database management
programs to contain highly structured and
organized data.
desktop computer A type of microcomputer that is small enough to fit
on top of or alongside a desk yet is too big to carry
around.
digital versatile disc (DVD) A type of optical device that gives great capacity
and can be used to store many different types of
data. (See also digital video disc)
digital video disc (DVD) A type of optical device that gives great capacity
and can be used to store many different types of
data. (See also digital versatile disc.)
display A monitor used to display information.
document file Data files created by word processors to save
documents such as memos, term papers, and
letters.
Embedded operating Embedded operating system known as real-time
systems (RTOS) operating system used in Smartphones, tablets and
other mobile devices
end user The most important part of an information system.
(See also people)
 Key Term Definition
general purpose application Application software that is used in nearly all
careers.
hard disk A secondary storage device that uses magnetized
dust to store the information.
hardware The equipment that processes the data to create
information.
information Processed facts.
information technology (IT) Relating to computer software and hardware, and
data.
input device Translate data and programs that humans can
understand into a form the computer can process.
Internet The largest computer network in the world.
IoT (Internet of Things) The continuing development of the Internet that
allows everyday objects embedded with electronic
devices to send and receive data over the Internet.
keyboard A type of input device that allows the user to input
character data into the computer.
Laptop computer Also known as a notebook computer is lightweight
and portable
mainframe computer A type of computer that is capable of great
processing speeds and data storage.
memory Holds data and program instructions for processing
the data. (See also primary storage, random access
memory)
microprocessor Controls and manipulates data to produce
information.
midrange computer Also referred to as servers, most widely used to
support end users for specific needs such as
retrieving data from a database or supplying access
to application software.
Mobile app (application) Known as apps ae small programs primarily
designed for mobile devices such as smartphones
and tablet computers.
modem Modifies telephone communications into a form
that can be processed by a computer.
monitor A common output device that allows the user to
see what the computer is doing.
mouse A type of input device that allows the user to point
and click on items for easier operation.
network A communications system connecting two or more
computers.
notebook computer A type of microcomputer that is portable,
lightweight, and fits into most briefcases.
operating system Program that coordinates computer resources,
provides an interface between users and the
 Key Term Definition
computer, and runs applications.
optical disc A secondary storage device that uses laser
technology and has the greatest capacity.
output device Translates the processed information from the
computer into a form that humans can understand.
PC Personal computer
people The most important part of an information system.
(See also end users)
Personal computer PC
presentation file Created by presentation graphics programs to save
presentation materials.
procedures The rules or guidelines for people to follow when
using software, hardware, and data.
program Consists of the step-by-step instructions that tell
the computer how to do its work. (See also
software)
random access memory Holds data and program instructions for processing
(RAM) the data. (See also primary storage, memory)
secondary storage Holds data and programs even after electrical
power to the computer system has been turned off.
server Most widely used to support end users for specific
needs such as retrieving data from a database or
supplying access to application software.
smartphone Mobile phone offering advanced capabilities
beyond a typical mobile phone, often with PC-like
functionality.
software Consists of the step-by-step instructions that tell
the computer how to do its work. (See also
program)
solid-state storage A secondary storage device that has no moving
parts. Data is stored and retrieved electronically
directly from these devices, much as they would be
from conventional computer memory.
specialized application Computer programs that are narrowly focused on
specific disciplines and occupations. (See also
special-purpose application)
stand-alone operating Used in desktop computers and include Windows
system 10 and Mac OS
supercomputer The most powerful type of computer that is a
special high-capacity computer used by very large
organizations.
system software Enables the application software to interact with
the computer hardware and helps the computer
manage its own internal resources.
system unit A container that houses most of the electronic
 Key Term Definition
components that makes up a computer system.
tablet Also known as a tablet computer is smaller and
lighter and generally less powerful than a laptop.
Usually has a flat screen but and a virtual keyboard.
tablet computer Also known as a tablet is smaller and lighter and
generally less powerful than a laptop. Usually has a
flat screen but and a virtual keyboard.
utility A part of the system software that performs specific
tasks related to managing computer resources.
virus Malicious programs that can damage software,
hardware, and compromise the security and privacy
of your personal data.
wearable Mobile computer that can be worn.
web Provides a multimedia interface to the numerous
resources available on the Internet.
wireless communication Communication between wireless communication
devices such as Smartphones and tablets
wireless revolution A revolution that is expected to dramatically affect
the way we communicate and use computer
technology.
worksheet file Created by electronic spreadsheets to analyze
things like budgets and to predict sales.