cis120_vocab_6.ppt 72KB Jun 23 2011 01:00:40 PM
COMPUTER CONCEPTS
Vocabulary
Chapter 6
The Computer Marketplace
CIS 120
Benchmark test
A set of tests used to measure
computer hardware or software
performance.
CIS 120
Level 1 cache (Ll cache)
Cache memory built into a
microprocessor chip. Ll cache can
typically be read in one clock
cycle.
CIS 120
Level 2 cache (L2 cache)
Cache memory that is located in a
chip separate from the
microprocessor chip.
CIS 120
SDRAM
Short for synchronous dynamic
RAM, it is a type of RAM that
synchronizes itself with the CPU,
thus enabling it to run at much
higher clock speeds than
conventional RAM.
CIS 120
Controller
A circuit board in a hard drive that
positions the disk and read-write
heads to locate data.
CIS 120
DMA
Short for direct memory access,
DMA refers to specialized circuitry
that transfers data between drives
and RAM, bypassing the CPU.
CIS 120
EIDE
Short for enhanced integrated
drive (or device) electronics, EIDE
is a disk drive technology formally
known as ATA.
CIS 120
SCSI (Small Computer
System Interface)
An interface standard used for
attaching peripheral devices such
as disk drives. Pronounced
"scuzzy."
CIS 120
Ultra ATA
A disk drive technology that is an
enhanced version of EIDE. Also
referred to as Ultra DMA or Ultra
IDE.
CIS 120
Touchpad
A touch-sensitive input device that
allows the user to control an onscreen pointer by moving the
fingertips over the pad's surface.
CIS 120
Track point
A small pencil-eraser-shaped
device embedded among typing
keys that controls an on- screen
pointer when the user pushes the
track point up, down, left, or right.
CIS 120
Trackball
A pointing device consisting of a
ball that is rotated in a frame to
move a pointer around a computer
screen.
CIS 120
Wavetable synthesis
A MIDI standard that creates music
by playing digitized sound samples
of actual instruments.
CIS 120
CRT (cathode ray tube)
A display technology that uses a
large vacuum tube, similar to that
used in television sets. Although
CRT technically refers to the
vacuum tube, it is often used to
refer to the entire monitor.
CIS 120
LCD (Liquid Crystal
Display)
A type of flat panel computer
screen, typically found on
notebook computers.
CIS 120
Viewable image size (vis)
A measurement of the maximum
image size that can be displayed
on a monitor screen.
CIS 120
Dot pitch
The diagonal distance between
colored dots on a display screen.
Measured in millimeters, dot pitch
helps to determine the quality of
an image displayed on a monitor.
CIS 120
Maximum resolution
The maximum number of pixels a
monitor can display, measured in
number of horizontal pixels x
number of vertical pixels.
CIS 120
Accelerated graphics card
A type of graphics card that
contains special circuitry to
increase the speed at which
graphics can be displayed.
CIS 120
Active matrix screen
A type of LCD technology that
produces a clear, sharp image
because each pixel is controlled by
its own transistor.
CIS 120
Color depth
The number of bits that
determines the range of possible
colors that can be assigned to
each pixel. For example, an 8-bit
color depth can create 256 colors.
CIS 120
Passive matrix screen
A display found on older notebook
computers that relies on timing to
ensure that the liquid crystal cells
are illuminated.
CIS 120
SVGA (Super Video
Graphics Array)
SVGA typically refers to 800 x 600
resolution.
CIS 120
Video memory
Memory chips located on a
graphics card that store images as
they are processed. More video
memory allows a computer to
display images at higher
resolutions and color depth.
CIS 120
XGA (Extended Graphics
Array)
XGA usually refers to 1024 x 768
resolution.
CIS 120
External bay
An opening in the computer case
that allows the user to install a
device, such as a floppy disk drive,
that must be accessed from outside the case.
CIS 120
Internal bay
A location inside the system unit
case where devices that do not
need to be accessed from outside
the case can be installed.
CIS 120
PCMCIA card
A small credit card-sized circuit
board used to connect a modem,
memory, network card, or storage
device to a notebook computer.
CIS 120
PCMCIA slot
A PCMCIA (Personal Computer
Memory Card International
Association) slot is an external
expansion slot typically found on
note- book computers.
CIS 120
Part replicator
A device that connects to a notebook computer, by means of a bus
connector plug, and contains a
duplicate of the notebook computer's
ports for connecting devices such as
an external monitor, mouse, or
keyboard.
CIS 120
Hot swap
Switching batteries or other plug-in
devices while the computer is on.
CIS 120
Dpi
Dpi refers to the resolution of an
image. Images with more dots per
inch (dpi) appear more realistic
than images with fewer dots per
inch.
CIS 120
Duty cycle
The amount of output that can be
expected from a printer, typically
measured in pages per month.
CIS 120
Ink jet printer
A non-impact printer that creates
characters or graphics by spraying
liquid ink onto paper or other
media.
CIS 120
Laser printer
A printer that uses laser-based
technology, similar to that used by
photocopiers, to produce text and
graphics.
CIS 120
PostScript
A printer language, developed by
Adobe Systems, which uses a
special set of commands to control
page layout, fonts, and graphics.
CIS 120
Printer Control Language
(PCL)
The unofficial standard language
used to send page formatting
instructions from a PC to a laser or
ink jet printer.
CIS 120
Dot matrix printer
A printer that creates characters
and graphics by striking an inked
ribbon with small wires called pins,
generating a fine pattern of dots.
CIS 120
Multifunction printer
An output device that combines
printing capability with other
functions, such as scanning,
faxing, copying, and answering
machine.
CIS 120
Computer industry
The corporations and individuals
that supply goods and services to
people and organizations that use
computers.
CIS 120
Vaporware
Software that is announced but not
produced.
CIS 120
Alpha test
One of the first phases of software
testing, usually conducted by the
software publisher's in-house
testing team.
CIS 120
Beta test
A testing phase near the and of the
software development process in
which a software product is tested
in real-world computer
environments, often by and-users.
CIS 120
Revision
An updated form (indicated by x)
of a software program,
incorporating minor enhancements
and eliminating bugs found in the
most recent version.
CIS 120
Software publisher
A company that produces
computer software.
CIS 120
Version
A new or totally redesigned
product (for example, in the
identifying number 6.1, the 6 is the
version number).
CIS 120
Competitive upgrade
A special price offered to
consumers who switch from one
company's software product to the
new version of a competitor's
product.
CIS 120
Street price
The average discounted price of a
product.
CIS 120
Version upgrade price
A special price for a new version of
a software package, offered to
owners of an earlier version.
CIS 120
Computer retail store
A store that typically sells several
brands of computers from a storefront location, such as a mall or
shopping center.
CIS 120
Mail-order supplier
A merchant that takes orders by
telephone or from an Internet site,
then ships orders by mail or other
courier service.
CIS 120
Manufacturer direct
The selling of products by hardware
manufacturers directly to consumers,
by means of a sales force or mail
order.
create a system designed to meet
the needs of specific customers or
industries.
CIS 120
Computer-related jobs
Jobs in the computer industry that
are similar to jobs in other
industries (computer sales, hightech recruiting, etc.).
CIS 120
Computer-specific jobs
Jobs that are unique to the
computer industry (computer
programmer, Webmaster, etc).
CIS 120
Computer-use jobs
Jobs that require the use of
computers to accomplish tasks in
fields other than computing
(laboratory technician, accountant,
etc.).
CIS 120
Computer engineering
A career that focuses on the
design and development of
computer hardware and peripheral
devices.
CIS 120
Computer science
A career field that focuses on
developing fast and efficient
computers, from their construction,
to their programming and
operating systems.
CIS 120
Information system
Refers to a computer system that
stores data and supplies
information, usually within a
business context. Also refers to the
career field that focuses on
developing such systems.
CIS 120
Return to Title Page
Prepared by James Q. Jacobs
CIS 120
Vocabulary
Chapter 6
The Computer Marketplace
CIS 120
Benchmark test
A set of tests used to measure
computer hardware or software
performance.
CIS 120
Level 1 cache (Ll cache)
Cache memory built into a
microprocessor chip. Ll cache can
typically be read in one clock
cycle.
CIS 120
Level 2 cache (L2 cache)
Cache memory that is located in a
chip separate from the
microprocessor chip.
CIS 120
SDRAM
Short for synchronous dynamic
RAM, it is a type of RAM that
synchronizes itself with the CPU,
thus enabling it to run at much
higher clock speeds than
conventional RAM.
CIS 120
Controller
A circuit board in a hard drive that
positions the disk and read-write
heads to locate data.
CIS 120
DMA
Short for direct memory access,
DMA refers to specialized circuitry
that transfers data between drives
and RAM, bypassing the CPU.
CIS 120
EIDE
Short for enhanced integrated
drive (or device) electronics, EIDE
is a disk drive technology formally
known as ATA.
CIS 120
SCSI (Small Computer
System Interface)
An interface standard used for
attaching peripheral devices such
as disk drives. Pronounced
"scuzzy."
CIS 120
Ultra ATA
A disk drive technology that is an
enhanced version of EIDE. Also
referred to as Ultra DMA or Ultra
IDE.
CIS 120
Touchpad
A touch-sensitive input device that
allows the user to control an onscreen pointer by moving the
fingertips over the pad's surface.
CIS 120
Track point
A small pencil-eraser-shaped
device embedded among typing
keys that controls an on- screen
pointer when the user pushes the
track point up, down, left, or right.
CIS 120
Trackball
A pointing device consisting of a
ball that is rotated in a frame to
move a pointer around a computer
screen.
CIS 120
Wavetable synthesis
A MIDI standard that creates music
by playing digitized sound samples
of actual instruments.
CIS 120
CRT (cathode ray tube)
A display technology that uses a
large vacuum tube, similar to that
used in television sets. Although
CRT technically refers to the
vacuum tube, it is often used to
refer to the entire monitor.
CIS 120
LCD (Liquid Crystal
Display)
A type of flat panel computer
screen, typically found on
notebook computers.
CIS 120
Viewable image size (vis)
A measurement of the maximum
image size that can be displayed
on a monitor screen.
CIS 120
Dot pitch
The diagonal distance between
colored dots on a display screen.
Measured in millimeters, dot pitch
helps to determine the quality of
an image displayed on a monitor.
CIS 120
Maximum resolution
The maximum number of pixels a
monitor can display, measured in
number of horizontal pixels x
number of vertical pixels.
CIS 120
Accelerated graphics card
A type of graphics card that
contains special circuitry to
increase the speed at which
graphics can be displayed.
CIS 120
Active matrix screen
A type of LCD technology that
produces a clear, sharp image
because each pixel is controlled by
its own transistor.
CIS 120
Color depth
The number of bits that
determines the range of possible
colors that can be assigned to
each pixel. For example, an 8-bit
color depth can create 256 colors.
CIS 120
Passive matrix screen
A display found on older notebook
computers that relies on timing to
ensure that the liquid crystal cells
are illuminated.
CIS 120
SVGA (Super Video
Graphics Array)
SVGA typically refers to 800 x 600
resolution.
CIS 120
Video memory
Memory chips located on a
graphics card that store images as
they are processed. More video
memory allows a computer to
display images at higher
resolutions and color depth.
CIS 120
XGA (Extended Graphics
Array)
XGA usually refers to 1024 x 768
resolution.
CIS 120
External bay
An opening in the computer case
that allows the user to install a
device, such as a floppy disk drive,
that must be accessed from outside the case.
CIS 120
Internal bay
A location inside the system unit
case where devices that do not
need to be accessed from outside
the case can be installed.
CIS 120
PCMCIA card
A small credit card-sized circuit
board used to connect a modem,
memory, network card, or storage
device to a notebook computer.
CIS 120
PCMCIA slot
A PCMCIA (Personal Computer
Memory Card International
Association) slot is an external
expansion slot typically found on
note- book computers.
CIS 120
Part replicator
A device that connects to a notebook computer, by means of a bus
connector plug, and contains a
duplicate of the notebook computer's
ports for connecting devices such as
an external monitor, mouse, or
keyboard.
CIS 120
Hot swap
Switching batteries or other plug-in
devices while the computer is on.
CIS 120
Dpi
Dpi refers to the resolution of an
image. Images with more dots per
inch (dpi) appear more realistic
than images with fewer dots per
inch.
CIS 120
Duty cycle
The amount of output that can be
expected from a printer, typically
measured in pages per month.
CIS 120
Ink jet printer
A non-impact printer that creates
characters or graphics by spraying
liquid ink onto paper or other
media.
CIS 120
Laser printer
A printer that uses laser-based
technology, similar to that used by
photocopiers, to produce text and
graphics.
CIS 120
PostScript
A printer language, developed by
Adobe Systems, which uses a
special set of commands to control
page layout, fonts, and graphics.
CIS 120
Printer Control Language
(PCL)
The unofficial standard language
used to send page formatting
instructions from a PC to a laser or
ink jet printer.
CIS 120
Dot matrix printer
A printer that creates characters
and graphics by striking an inked
ribbon with small wires called pins,
generating a fine pattern of dots.
CIS 120
Multifunction printer
An output device that combines
printing capability with other
functions, such as scanning,
faxing, copying, and answering
machine.
CIS 120
Computer industry
The corporations and individuals
that supply goods and services to
people and organizations that use
computers.
CIS 120
Vaporware
Software that is announced but not
produced.
CIS 120
Alpha test
One of the first phases of software
testing, usually conducted by the
software publisher's in-house
testing team.
CIS 120
Beta test
A testing phase near the and of the
software development process in
which a software product is tested
in real-world computer
environments, often by and-users.
CIS 120
Revision
An updated form (indicated by x)
of a software program,
incorporating minor enhancements
and eliminating bugs found in the
most recent version.
CIS 120
Software publisher
A company that produces
computer software.
CIS 120
Version
A new or totally redesigned
product (for example, in the
identifying number 6.1, the 6 is the
version number).
CIS 120
Competitive upgrade
A special price offered to
consumers who switch from one
company's software product to the
new version of a competitor's
product.
CIS 120
Street price
The average discounted price of a
product.
CIS 120
Version upgrade price
A special price for a new version of
a software package, offered to
owners of an earlier version.
CIS 120
Computer retail store
A store that typically sells several
brands of computers from a storefront location, such as a mall or
shopping center.
CIS 120
Mail-order supplier
A merchant that takes orders by
telephone or from an Internet site,
then ships orders by mail or other
courier service.
CIS 120
Manufacturer direct
The selling of products by hardware
manufacturers directly to consumers,
by means of a sales force or mail
order.
create a system designed to meet
the needs of specific customers or
industries.
CIS 120
Computer-related jobs
Jobs in the computer industry that
are similar to jobs in other
industries (computer sales, hightech recruiting, etc.).
CIS 120
Computer-specific jobs
Jobs that are unique to the
computer industry (computer
programmer, Webmaster, etc).
CIS 120
Computer-use jobs
Jobs that require the use of
computers to accomplish tasks in
fields other than computing
(laboratory technician, accountant,
etc.).
CIS 120
Computer engineering
A career that focuses on the
design and development of
computer hardware and peripheral
devices.
CIS 120
Computer science
A career field that focuses on
developing fast and efficient
computers, from their construction,
to their programming and
operating systems.
CIS 120
Information system
Refers to a computer system that
stores data and supplies
information, usually within a
business context. Also refers to the
career field that focuses on
developing such systems.
CIS 120
Return to Title Page
Prepared by James Q. Jacobs
CIS 120