Unit 10: Vocabulary

Please study the 18 vocabulary terms below. Then press the Mark Complete button to continue.
US
UK
barebone
computers often sold as incomplete kits that require extra components to be functional
US
UK
Assembling a barebone computer is usually less expensive and certainly more configurable than buying a ready-made one off the shelf.
US
UK
convergence
the evolution of devices towards common functionality
US
UK
The iPhone is a good example of convergence, because it has all the features of a PDA, mobile phone, and an MP3 player in one package.
US
UK
desktop computer
a personal computer typically in the shape of a tower or box with a connected keyboard, mouse, and monito
US
UK
Desktop computers are seen in nearly every office and home today.
US
UK
embedded system
a computer using a relatively slow and specialized processor and ROM chip, normally used to control a particular device such as a washing machine or an MP3 playe
US
UK
Nearly all electronics you can buy today are controlled by embedded systems.
US
UK
form factor
the size, configuration, or physical arrangement of a computing device
US
UK
It's hard to buy components for a computer if you don't know the particular form factor.
US
UK
laptop
a portable computer with a built-in screen, integrated keyboard, and battery powe
US
UK
As laptop computers have become more powerful and affordable, they are steadily replacing the more traditional desktop computer.
US
UK
legacy system
an older device or application that continues to be used because of the high cost of replacing it
US
UK
Mainframes and minicomputers used to be cutting edge; now they are known as legacy systems.
US
UK
netbook
an often cheap and small laptop with less powerful components meant for surfing the web, reading email, and other basic tasks
US
UK
I wanted to play Call of Duty while I was traveling, but the graphics card in my netbook could only handle Solitaire.
US
UK
PC (personal computer)
a computer designed for use by one person at a time
US
UK
When people use the term 'PC', they are often referring to a desktop computer running Windows.
US
UK
PDA (personal digital assistant)
a legacy handheld computer often running Palm OS or Windows CE and used as a contact organizer, game machine, work tool, or access controlle
US
UK
In the 1990's the modern traveling businessman depended on his PDA to organize all his contacts and appointments.
US
UK
print server
hardware or software designed to connect a network device with a printe
US
UK
The secretary could not get a hard copy because the print server was broken.
US
UK
router
a specialized computer which connects two networks
US
UK
The wifi router allowed the entire office to share a single internet connection.
US
UK
server
a type of computer intended primarily for central distribution of data to other computers on the same network
US
UK
Because servers hold large amounts of centralized data, it is critical to have daily backup routines in place.
US
UK
smartphone
a hand-held multimedia computer optimized for communication and featuring a touch screen and internet connection
US
UK
Almost everyone owns a smart phone today because they serve so many purposes and have become much more affordable over time.
US
UK
supercomputer
a computer designed to perform intensive tasks such as weather prediction, big data calculations, or space research
US
UK
A typical supercomputer may have up to 100 processors and speeds are measured in tens of gigaflops.
US
UK
tablet
a portable computer shaped in the form of a notebook and capable of advanced handwriting recognition via use of a stylus or on-screen keyboard
US
UK
Bill Gates predicted the rise of the tablet PC in 2001, but not much happened until Apple released the first iPad in 2010.
US
UK
wearables
computers designed to be worn on the wrist, head, or other places on the body often to improve mobility
US
UK
Smart watches and VR goggles are two popular forms of wearables.
US
UK
workstation
a high quality computer, typically with lots of RAM, plenty of CPU power, and a high quality video card
US
UK
The engineer's latest 3d modeling project was so GPU intensive, that he wouldn't even begin it until his new workstation arrived.
Go to unit menu