system vocabulary

1.Mainframes- perform multiple tasks for many users
2.Supercomputers- processing trillions of calculations per second
3.Minicomputers- smaller multiuser systems
4.Professional Workstation- meets the needs of users requiring more computing power than a personal computer
5.IBM and IBM-Compatible Computers- personal computers
6.Apple Computers- personal computer
7.Hardware- encompasses all the physical components of a computer system
8.System Unit- case that houses the computer's internal processing circuitry
9.Motherboard- main circuit board
10.Central Processing Unit (CPU)- responsible for performing all of the artithmetic and logical instructions that the computer can do
11.Read-Only Memory (ROM)- information can be used by the computer at any time even when it is turned off
12.Random Access Memory (RAM)- data stored temporarily, data is erased when power is turned off
13.Expansion Slots- connections that let you install expansion boards
14.Input Devices- external to the system unit and are attached to it using specific connectors and ports
15.Output Devices- shows results of the computer's processing
16.Hard Drive- the storage device at the heart of most computer system
17.Flash Memory- Megabytes of data on small, thin, rectangular cards using a type of chip
18.Operating System- (OS)- the software program that oversees and controls everything that happens while your computer is turned on
19.User Interface- the weay in which the user interacts with the computer
20.System Software- pragrams that help operate and maintain your computer's data management tasks
21.Platform- the combination of a specific type of a computer system and specific version of operating system
22.Syntax- things used to communicate with the computer by using the computer
23.Graphical User Interface (GUI)- lets users point and click on recognizable, intuitive, and consistent objects, eliminating the need to memorize complex commands
24.Linux- a powerful operating system for PCs based on Unix
25.Utility Programs- the other part of the system software, performs "behind the scenes".
26.MacOS- The operating system of the Macintosh operating line.