Computer Terminologies

and Explanation
Applications

• Application – A computer program that does specific tasks such as

word processing or spreadsheets.
Bits and Bytes

• Bit – Represents a binary digit which is the amount of information

obtained by asking a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ question. This is also the smallest unit
of information stored on a computer as a 0 or 1.
• Byte – Data is stored on a computer in Bytes. A byte is one character,
which may be a number or letter. A byte is composed of 8 consecutive
bits.
• 1,000 bytes = 1 kilobyte (K or KB)
• 1,000 KB = 1 megabyte (MB)
• 1,000 MB = 1 gigabyte (GB)
• 1,000 GB = 1 Terabyte (TB)
Blu-ray disc

• Blu-ray, is a digital optical disc data storage format designed to supersede the DVD

 format, capable of storing several hours of video in high-definition (HDTV 720p and
1080p). The main application of Blu-ray is as a medium for video material such as 
feature films and for the physical distribution of video games for the PlayStation 3, 
PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. The name "Blu-ray" refers to the blue laser (which is
actually a violet laser) used to read the disc, which allows information to be stored at a
greater density than is possible with the longer-wavelength red laser used for DVDs.
Cache

• This is a type of memory and is similar to RAM. Cache is used by

the computer to move data between the RAM and CPU.
Computer

• A collection of electronic parts that allow software programs to

run that perform certain tasks. A computer can accept input,
change data, store data and display data.
Central Processing

• The CPU (central processing unit), is the brain of the computer.

File

• A collection of data with a name.

Flash Drive

• This is a small portable permanent memory device that plugs into

a USB port and allows you to transport files between different
computers. Also called a thumb drive.
Graphical User Interface (GUI)

• A program that helps you more easily work with you operating
system and application programs by providing pictures and visual
clues to help you work. Windows is the GUI on PCs.
Hard Disc and Hard Disc Space

• The place where programs and files are stored in a computer. Also
called the Hard Disc. On PCs this is often the c:/ drive.
• The amount of permanent storage of data measured in bytes. This
storage exists whether the computer is on or off.
Hardware and Peripheral

• The physical components of the computer. They usually include

the; monitor, printer, mouse, keyboard and modem.

• This also includes internal components such power supplies,

graphics cards, hard disc, RAM, Motherboards etc.
Port

• Connection on the computer that allows input devices like monitors, disk
drives, the mouse, or keyboards. Common ports are serial for connecting a
modem or a mouse, USB for connecting a scanner, digital camera, Ethernet
ports for connecting to a network, and audio in/out ports for connecting to
headphones or a microphone.
Motherboard

• The circuit board that functioning parts of the computer

connected to is the motherboard. The CPU, RAM and cache all plug
into the motherboard.
Network and Internet

• A group of two or more computers linked together.

• An electronic communications network that connects computer
networks and organizational computer facilities around the world 
Operating System

• Directs the computer how to operate. It acts as a mediator between the

hardware and the application programs that are used for work. This allows
access to computer files, loads application programs into memory and closes
programs. Examples are Windows, MACos, and LINUX etc
Drivers

• Computer drivers are very essential software that allows the Operating System
to control computer hardware. Without these “drivers” certain hardware or
even new hardware cannot be used as OS will see the device as non-functional.
(Most operating systems have basic drivers out of the box that allows basic
functionality)
Email

• Short for "electronic mail," is one of the most widely used features
of the Internet, along with the web. It allows you to send and
receive messages to and from anyone with an email address,
anywhere in the world.
Cloud Storage

• Is a model of computer data storage in which the digital data is stored in logical
pools, said to be on "the cloud". The physical storage spans multiple servers
(sometimes in multiple locations), and the physical environment is typically
owned and managed by a hosting company. These cloud storage providers are
responsible for keeping the data available and accessible, and the physical
environment protected and running. People and organizations buy or lease
storage capacity from the providers to store user, organization, or application
data.
Resolution

• The degree of sharpness, or clarity or what is seen on a computer screen. The

resolution is measured by the number of dots (pixels) of color that are
displayed across and down the screen. As resolution increases, the size of the
characters and images gets smaller, but sharper. (Example is 4k Resolutoin is
4x1080P)
Video Card (Graphics Card)

• This allows images to be sent to the monitor. And allows the

rendering of complex video and graphics on screen. Also more
advance video cards can scale higher resolutions.
Questions and Discussion
Week 1 Assignment

• Please check Whatsapp for file attachment from relevant course

documents.