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CNT3604_Ch_3 Glssary
CNT3604_Ch_3 Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| arithmetic/logic unit (ALU) | The part of the CPU that performs mathematical calculations and makes logical comparisons. |
| blade server | A server that houses many individual computer motherboards that include one or more processors computer memory computer storage and computer network connections. |
| byte (B) | Eight bits that together represent a single character of data. |
| cache memory | A type of high-speed memory that a processor can access more rapidly than main memory. |
| central processing unit (CPU) | The part of the computer that consists of three associated elements: the arithmetic/logic unit the control unit and the register areas. |
| chip-and-PIN card | A type of card that employs a computer chip that communicates with a card reader using radio frequencies; it does not need to be swiped at a terminal. |
| clock speed | A series of electronic pulses produced at a predetermined rate that affects machine cycle time. |
| compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) | A common form of optical disc on which data cannot be modified once it has been recorded. |
| contactless card | A card with an embedded chip that only needs to be held close to a terminal to transfer its data; no PIN number needs to be entered. |
| control unit | The part of the CPU that sequentially accesses program instructions decodes them and coordinates the flow of data in and out of the ALU the registers the primary storage and even secondary storage and various output devices. |
| coprocessor | The part of the computer that speeds processing by executing specific types of instructions while the CPU works on another processing activity. |
| data entry | Converting human-readable data into a machine-readable form. |
| data input | Transferring machine-readable data into the system. |
| desktop computer | A relatively small inexpensive single-user computer that is highly versatile. |
| digital audio player | A device that can store organize and play digital music files. |
| digital camera | An input device used with a PC to record and store images and video in digital form. |
| digital video disc (DVD) | A storage medium used to store software video games and movies. |
| direct access | A retrieval method in which data can be retrieved without the need to read and discard other data. |
| direct access storage device (DASD) | A device used for direct access of secondary storage data. |
| disk mirroring | A process of storing data that provides an exact copy that protects users fully in the event of data loss. |
| execution time (E-time) | The time it takes to execute an instruction and store the results. |
| gigahertz (GHz) | Billions of cycles per second a measure of clock speed. |
| graphics processing unit (GPU) | A specialized processor that offloads the tasks associated with 3D graphics rendering from the CPU. |
| green computing | A program concerned with the efficient and environmentally responsible design manufacture operation and disposal of IS related products. |
| grid computing | The use of a collection of computers often owned by multiple individuals or organizations to work in a coordinated manner to solve a common problem. |
| handheld computer | A single-user computer that provides ease of portability because of its small size. |
| instruction time (I-time) | The time it takes to perform the fetch-instruction and decode-instruction steps of the instruction phase. |
| laptop computer | A personal computer designed for use by mobile users; it is small and light enough to sit comfortably on a user’s lap. |
| LCD display | Flat display that uses liquid crystals—organic oil-like material placed between two polarizers—to form characters and graphic images on a backlit screen. |
| machine cycle | The instruction phase followed by the execution phase. |
| magnetic disk | A direct-access storage device with bits represented by magnetized areas. |
| magnetic stripe card | A type of card that stores a limited amount of data by modifying the magnetism of tiny iron-based particles contained in a band on the card. |
| magnetic tape | A type of sequential secondary storage medium now used primarily for storing backups of critical organizational data in the event of a disaster. |
| mainframe computer | A large powerful computer often shared by hundreds of concurrent users connected to the machine via terminals. |
| massively parallel processing | A form of multiprocessing that speeds processing by linking hundreds or thousands of processors to operate at the same time or in parallel with each processor having its own bus memory disks copy of the operating system and applications. |
| megahertz (MHz) | Millions of cycles per second a measure of clock speed. |
| microcode | Predefined elementary circuits and logical operations that the processor performs when it executes an instruction. |
| MIPS | Millions of instructions per second a measure of machine cycle time. |
| Moore’s Law | A hypothesis stating that transistor densities on a single chip will double every two years. |
| MP3 | A standard format for compressing a sound sequence into a small file. |
| multicore microprocessor | A microprocessor that combines two or more independent processors into a single computer so they can share the workload and improve processing capacity. |
| multiprocessing | The simultaneous execution of two or more instructions at the same time. |
| netbook computer | The smallest lightest least expensive member of the laptop computer family. |
| nettop computer | An inexpensive desktop computer designed to be smaller lighter and consume much less power than a traditional desktop computer. |
| network-attached storage (NAS) | Hard disk storage that is set up with its own network address rather than being attached to a computer. |
| notebook computer | Smaller than a laptop computer an extremely lightweight computer that weighs less than 6 pounds and can easily fit in a briefcase. |
| optical storage device | A form of data storage that uses lasers to read and write data. |
| organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display | Flat display that uses a layer of organic material sandwiched between two conductors which in turn are sandwiched between a glass top plate and a glass bottom plate so that when electric current is applied to the two conductors a bright electro-luminescen |
| parallel computing | The simultaneous execution of the same task on multiple processors to obtain results faster. |
| pipelining | A form of CPU operation in which multiple execution phases are performed in a single machine cycle. |
| pixel | A dot of color on a photo image or a point of light on a display screen. |
| plasma display | A type of display using thousands of smart cells (pixels) consisting of electrodes and neon and xenon gases that are electrically turned into plasma (electrically charged atoms and negatively charged particles) to emit light. |
| point-of-sale (POS) device | A terminal used to enter data into the computer system. |
| policy-based storage management | Automation of storage using previously defined policies. |
| portable computer | A computer small enough to carry easily. |
| primary storage (main memory; memory) | The part of the computer that holds program instructions and data. |
| Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) | A technology that employs a microchip with an antenna to broadcast its unique identifier and location to receivers. |
| random access memory (RAM) | A form of memory in which instructions or data can be temporarily stored. |
| read-only memory (ROM) | A nonvolatile form of memory. |
| redundant array of independent/inexpensive disks (RAID) | A method of storing data that generates extra bits of data from existing data allowing the system to create a “reconstruction map” so that if a hard drive fails the system can rebuild lost data. |
| register | A high-speed storage area in the CPU used to temporarily hold small units of program instructions and data immediately before during and after execution by the CPU. |
| scalability | The ability to increase the processing capability of a computer system so that it can handle more users more data or more transactions in a given period. |
| secondary storage | Devices that store large amounts of data instructions and information more permanently than allowed with main memory. |
| sequential access | A retrieval method in which data must be accessed in the order in which it is stored. |
| sequential access storage device (SASD) | A device used to sequentially access secondary storage data. |
| server | A computer used by many users to perform a specific task such as running network or Internet applications. |
| smartphone | A phone that combines the functionality of a mobile phone personal digital assistant camera Web browser e-mail tool and other devices into a single handheld device. |
| source data automation | Capturing and editing data where it is initially created and in a form that can be directly input to a computer thus ensuring accuracy and timeliness. |
| speech-recognition technology | Input devices that recognize human speech. |
| storage area network (SAN) | A special-purpose high-speed network that provides high-speed connections among data-storage devices and computers over a network. |
| storage as a service | Storage as a service is a data storage model where a data storage service provider rents space to individuals and organizations. |
| supercomputers | The most powerful computer systems with the fastest processing speeds. |
| tablet computer | A portable lightweight computer with no keyboard that allows you to roam the office home or factory floor carrying the device like a clipboard. |
| thin client | A low-cost centrally managed computer with essential but limited capabilities and no extra drives (such as CD or DVD drives) or expansion slots. |
| virtual tape | A storage device for less frequently needed data so that it appears to be stored entirely on tape cartridges although some parts of it might actually be located on faster hard disks. |
| workstation | A more powerful personal computer used for mathematical computing computer-aided design and other high-end processing but still small enough to fit on a desktop. |
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