Insy Test Review

Chapter 1

World Wide Web- Is a collection of linked documents, graphics, and sounds that can be accessed over the internet. A key aspect is that it adds content and substance to the internet. P8

        It would be like a library without any books or a railroad without any tracks.

Memory- Is an area of a computer that temporarily holds data waiting to be processed, stored, or output. (Different from storage) p15

Microprocessor- The CPU of most modern computers is a microprocessor, which is an electronic component that can be programmed to perform tasks based on data it receives. The little black box that’s the brain of a digital device. P15   p67

ALU- Arithmetic logic unit is part of the microprocessor that performs arithmetic operations, such as addition and subtraction. It also performs logical operations, such as comparing 2 numbers to see if they are the same. The ALU uses registers to hold data that is being processed, just as you use a mixing bowl to hold the ingredient for a batch of cookies. p31

Control Unit- Fetches each instruction, just as you get each ingredient out of a cupboard or the refrigerator. Data is loaded into the ALU’s registers, just as you add all the ingredient to the mixing bowl. Finally, the control unit gives the ALU the green light to begin processing. P1

Operating System- A system software which is essentially the master controller for all the actives that take place within a computer. Although an operating system does not directly help people perform application-specific tasks, such as word processing, people do interact with it for certain operational and storage tasks, such as starting programs and locating data files. P16

Digital Devices/Digital Electronics- Process data. Computers and dedicated handheld devices all work with digital data under the control of a computer program. P29

Binary Digits- Only has 2 digits: 0 and 1. 2 is represented as 10. For ten, it is 10. Zero is a placeholder and the 1 indicates one group of tens. P23

Technology Convergence- Sever technologies with distinct functionalities evolve to form a single product. Cell phone has camera, clock has a radio, etc. p9

Compiler vs. Interpreter- Compiler converts all the statements in a program in a single batch, and the resulting collection of instructions, called object code, is placed in a new file. Most of the program files distributed as software contain object code that is ready for the processor to execute. Interpreter converts and executes one statement at a time while the program is running. After a statement is executed, the interpreter converts and executes the next statement, and so on. P30

Data vs. Information- Data is defined as the symbols that represent people, events, things and ideas. Data becomes information when it is made so that people can understand and use. Data is used by machines, information is used by people. P22

Digital vs. Analog- Digital data is text, numbers, graphics, sound, and video that have been converted into discrete digits such as 0s and 1s. In contrast, analog data is represented using an infinite scale of values. P22

Chapter 2

RAM- Random access memory is a temporary holding area for data, application program instructions, and the operating system. P72

ROM- Read only memory is a type of memory circuitry that is housed in a single integrated circuit which is plugged into the system board. ROM is permanent and non-volatile. Contents are hard-wired and stay in place. P74

Virtual Memory- If a program exceeds its allocated space, the operating system uses an area of the hard disk, called the virtual memory to store parts of programs or data files until they are needed. By selectively exchanging the data in RAM with the data in virtual memory, your computer effectively gains almost unlimited memory capacity. P73

Front-Side Bus-FSB refers to the circuitry that transports data to and from the microprocessor. A fast FSB moves data quickly and allows the processor to work at full capacity. FSB speed is measured in Megahertz. Higher number means faster speed. P68

Multi-core Processor- A microprocessor that contains circuitry for more than one processing unit. More cores means faster performance. P68

Multi-tasking- Provides process and memory management services that allow 2 or more tasks, jobs, or programs to run simultaneously. P186