Computer+Literacy+Vocabulary


 * app -** (application) a type of software/program that allows you to perform specific tasks.


 * antivirus program -** often purchased and with a subscription lasting one year, antivirus programs, that are updated regularly, help protect your computer for many threats.


 * Binary Code -** base 2 system of 0s and 1s that a computer uses to function.


 * bit** - smallest “piece” of information a computer can use - each 0 or 1 of Binary Code


 * booting** - the process that occurs when you press the power button to turn your computer on.


 * byte** - 8 bits – one character on the keyboard


 * command-line interface**- Before GUIs, computers had a command-line interface, which meant the user had to type every single command to the computer, and the computer would only display text.


 * computer** - an electronic device that manipulates information, or "data." It can **store**, **retrieve**, and **process** data.


 * computer storage -** holds data or information and get that data to the CPU as quickly as possible when it is needed


 * CPU -** Central Processing Unit (the brain of the computer)


 * CRT -** Older monitors use CRT (cathode ray tube) displays. CRT monitors are much bigger and heavier, and they take up more desk space. The benefit? They are almost indestructible.


 * dongle -** for computers that don't have Bluetooth (technology for wireless communication over short distances), a USB adapter called a dongle can be purchased.


 * file extension:** at the end of the file name (for example reflection**.docx**, index**.txt**, or dog**.jpg**). On some computers, the extension may be hidden, and you may need to look at the icon to determine the file format. //The type of file most likely to be malicious has the file extension .exe//


 * gigabyte -** approximately 1 billion bytes


 * Graphical User Interface**, or GUI (pronounced "gooey"). A GUI lets you use your mouse to click on icons, buttons, and menus, and everything is clearly displayed on the screen using a combination of graphics and text.


 * Hard Drive Size -** Capacity for storing programs, photos, video, music and other electronic information. Long-term memory storage.


 * hardware** is any part of your computer that has a **physical structure**, such as the computer monitor or keyboard.


 * hover -** (hover before you click) Hover your mouse over links on Web pages and in your e-mail messages and look at the lower left (If nothing shows up, go to View>Toolbars>Status Bar). Confirm that the link will take you where you expect to go.


 * kilobyte** - exactly 1,000 bytes (1,000 keystrokes)


 * LCD** - (liquid crystal display) or LED (light-emitting diode) displays. These can be made very thin, and they are often called flat panel displays.


 * Mac -** The Macintosh computer was introduced in 1984, and it was the first widely sold personal computer with a Graphical User Interface, or GUI (pronounced gooey). All Macs are made by one company, Apple Inc., and they almost always use the Mac OS X operating system.


 * malware** - short for "malicious software." Malware is any kind of unwanted software that is installed without your adequate consent. Viruses, worms, and Trojan horses are examples of malicious software that are often grouped together and referred to as malware.


 * megabyte -** approximately 1 million bytes


 * operating system** (OS) - most important software that runs on a computer, manages the computer's memory, processes, and all of its software and hardware. It also allows you to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer's "language." Without an operating system, a computer is useless.


 * PC:** This type of computer began with the original IBM PC that was introduced in 1981. Other companies began to create similar computers, which were called IBM PC Compatible (often shortened to PC). Today, this is the most common type of personal computer, and it typically includes the Microsoft Windows operating system.


 * RAM - R**andom **A**ccess **M**emory: The memory a computer uses to run its operating system, applications and active data files. Greater amounts of RAM improve speed and enable more applications to run at once.


 * software** is any **set of instructions** that tells the hardware what to do. Examples of software: web browsers, games, and word processors such as Microsoft Word.


 * surge protector -** to protect your computer from voltage spikes, you can plug the power cord into a surge protector.


 * terabyte -** approximately 1 trillion bytes


 * ​virus -** a damaging program **REMEMBER:** Hover before you click! Use caution when downloading software, as it can contain **viruses** or other **malware**. If you have an **antivirus** program, you should //scan the downloaded software before installing it.(always SAVE, never OPEN when given the choice)//