keywords

Data: information in a form that can be read, used, and manipulated by a computer
information

Processing: an activity that manipulates and organizes information in ways that add value.



Hard disk: a rigid magnetically sensitive dik that spins rapidly and continuously inside computer chassis; used as a storage device
Disk drive: device used to retrieve information from a disk and in some cases to transfer data to it

Storage: long-term repository for data, disks and tapes are examples
-Primary: A computer's main memory

-Secondary: The category of computer storage found in peripherals such as tape and disk drives

-optical disk drive: a disk drive that uses laser beams to read and write bits of information on the surface of an optical disc
USB: (universal serial bus) a data path standard that theoritically allows up to 126 devices to be chained together from a single port, allowing for data transmission that is much faster and more flexible than through traditional serial and parallel ports

compatibility, interface standards, random access


RFID: Radio frequency identification

OCR: optical character recognition; locating and identifying printed characters embedded in an image, allowing the text to be stored as an editable document

OMR: optical mark reader; a reading device that uses reflected light to determine the location of pencil marks on standardized test answer sheets and similar forms.

Bar code: code consisting of a series of vertical bars of variable width that are scanned by a laser; an optical-machine readable representation of data

MFP: multifunction printer, an all-in-one output device that usually combines a scanner, a laser, or inkjet printer and a fax modem.

Sound card: a circuit board that allows the PC to accept microphone input, play music and other sound through speakers and headphones, and process sound in a variety of ways.

CRT: Cathode-ray tube; a computer display made from large electronic vacuum tube, similar to the classic television display

LCD: flat-panel displays, once primarily used for portable computers but now replacing bulkier CRT monitors for desktops

Resolution: Density of pixels, measured by the number of dots per inch dpi: dots per inch

Pixel: a picture element (d0t) on a computer screen or printout. Groups of pixels compuse the images on the monitor and the output of a printout

Baud: a speed of data transmission

Sensors: a device that enables digital machines to monitor a physical quantity of the analog world, such as temperature, humidity, or pressure, to provide data used in robotics, environmental climate control, and other applications.

Voice input: use of a microphone to speak commands and text data to a computer, which uses speech-recognition software to interpret the input

Speech recognition: the identification of spoken words and sentences by a computer, making it possible for voice input to be converted into text files.

Ergonomics: the science of designing work environments that enable people and things to interact efficiently and safely.


Repetitive-stress injuries: conditions that result from repeating the same movements over long periods, such as keyboarding-induced carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful affliction of the wrist and hand

Digitize: converting information into a digital form that can be stored in the computer's memory
Scanners: an input device that makes a digital representation of any printed image.

Digital cameras: a camera that captures images and stores them as bit patterns on disks or other digital storage media instead of using film


Vector graphics: the storag3e of pictures as collections of lines, shapes and other objects

MP3: a method of compression that can squeeze a music file to a fraction of its original CD file size with only a slight loss of quality MIDI: (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) a standard interface that allows electronic instruments and computers to communicate with each other and work together

Fire wire: industry standard for relatively new, extremely fast serial communications protocol, especially well suited for mulitmedia applications such as digital video