Systems Vocabulary

*Central Processing Unit-Residing on the motherboard.
*Expansion Slots-A part of the motherboard that allows the connection of circuit boards with additional ports these ports let the user attach additional decvices to the computer.
*Flash Memory-SmartMedia and compactflash card using a type of chip known as the flash memory.
*Graphical User Interface-a design for the part of an operatig system in which the user typically operates a mouse to point and click on graphic icons representing files,folders,disks, and programs.
*Hard Drive-the storage decvice at the heart of most computer system.
*Hardwear-all the physical components of a computer system/
*Input device-external to the system unit and are attached to it using specific connectors and ports.
*Linux-a powerful operating system for PCs based on Unix.
*MacOS-The operating system of the macintosh line of computer systems.
*Mainframes- perform multiple tasks for many users.
*Minicomputers- smaller multiuser systems.
*Motherboard- main circuit board.
*Operating System- (OS)- the software program that oversees and controls everything that happens while your computer is turned on
*Output Devices- shows results of the computer's processing
*Platform- the combination of a specific type of a computer system and specific version of operating system
*pfessional Workstation-meets the needs of users requiring more computing power than a personal computer.
*random acess memory-a computer 's primary working memory that temporarily stores information while computer is turn on.
read-only memory-The part of a computer's primary storage that performently stores information, even when the computer is turned off.
supercomputer-A computer that is fastre and more thana minframe.
Supercomputer-are used by large research facilities or government agencies needing a lot of processing ability.
syntax-The structure for entering functions and commands including spelling, punctuation,a nd acceptable keyboard.
system software-The software necessary to operate and maintain a computer, including operating systems and utility programs.
system unit-the case that holds the main, internal circuit of a computer including the motherboard, disk ,drives ,and power supply.
user interface-the visual portion of the operating system software that determines the manner in which users interact with the computer.
utility program- a progar that assists the user in maintaining and improving the operating system.
virus-A program designrd as a prank that replicates itself form one computer to another.
windows-the common name of the family of operating system with graphing user interfaces, manufactured by Microsoft Corp