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