CLEP Information Systems & Computer Applications Key Points

Artificial Intelligence -->The ability of computers to solve problems and perform tasks that were once thought to be uniquely human. Browser -->-Software that allows users to find and read encoded documents in a form suitable for display -Software used to "Surf the Web", A program that allows the user to find and view pages on the world wide web. Categories of Computers -->Ordered from least to most powerful: -Microcomputers -Minicomputers -Mainframe computers -Supercomputers Organized by: -Technology -Physical size -Performance -Cost Central Processing Unit (CPU) -->-The Brain of the computer -The hardware within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of the system. CD-ROM/DVD Drive -->Storage Device that use laser technology to read data from optical disks. COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language) -->A programming language particularly suited for writing programs to process large files of data, using a vocabulary of common English words, phrases, and sentences. -Writing computer software is similar to writing a message to the computer containing instructions. -Must be written in a computer language that the computer can understand. -Because computers only understand 0s and 1s, a compiler needs to change commands written by humans into 0s and 1s. Command -->Instruction telling a computer to carry out a computer programming task. Command Line -->-Interface that requires the user to type commands. -Contrasts with a graphical user interface (GUI) which is based on graphics and is navigated with mouse clicks more than typing on a keyboard. Computer Network -->-Collection of computers and other devices that have been connected in order to share hardware, software, and data. -Network users can send messages to other users on the network and retrieve data from a centralized storage device. -The Internet is the world's largest network. Computer Output -->-Results produced by a computer -"Output" also means the process of producing output -Examples of computer output include reports, documents, music, graphs, and pictures. -Output devices displays, prints, or transmits the results of processing-such as a printer or scanner. Computer Programming -->-Process of designing, writing, testing, debugging, and maintaing the source code of computer programs. -Source code is written in a programming languages such as Java, C++, C#, or Python. -Creates a set of instructions that computers use to perform specific operations or to exhibit desired behaviors. -Writing source code often requires expertise in many different subjects, including knowledge of the application domain, specialized algorithms and formal logic. Flash Memory Drives -->-A flash memory data storage device integrated with a USB (Universal Serial Bus) -When connected, appears as an external drive. -Provides a convent way to transport and transfer data Floppy Disk -->Storage device composed of a thin, flexible "floppy" magnetic disk. Hard Drive -->-Storage device for digital data that stores billions of characters on a non-removable disk platter -External light indicates when the hard disk drive is in use. Hardware -->-Refers to the computer itself and to components called peripheral devices that expand the computer's input, output, and storage capabilities. -Examples of hardware include the monitor, hard drives, memory, the CPU, printer, etc. Hypertext -->-Basis of today's World Wide Web -When a hypertext link is clicked on, you are taken to a new webpage Internet -->-World's Largest network -Provides many information services -Its most popular service is the World Wide Web -Many business and home users are connected to the Internet today -Offers other services as well, such as FTP (File Transfer Protocol) Mainframes -->-Large, fast, and fairly expensive computers -Generally used by business or government to provide centralized storage, processing and management for large amounts of data. -Similar to a minicomputer in the way they carry out processing tasks for multiple users who input processing requests from terminals. -Services more users than a minicomputer (some mainframes handle thousands of users) Memory -->Hardware that holds data that is waiting to be processed -Computers needs to store data so that it will be available for processing -This data is typically stored in more than one location, depending on how the data is being used. Microcomputers -->-Also known as personal computers -Typically found in homes and small businesses. -Prices range from $500 to $5000 but consumers typically purchase systems in the middle of this range, spending from $1000 to $2000. -Measured by the speed of the processor, which is quantified by megahertz (Mhz) or gigahertz (Ghz) Minicomputer -->-Computer of medium power, between a microcomputer and a mainframe. -Capable of carrying out processing tasks for several people working at its terminals. Office Automation Systems -->-Computer systems that execute a variety of office operations, such as word processing, accounting, voice mail, scheduling, database management, and e-mail. -Computerized day-to-day office tasks -Does not include network management, since that isn't a day-to-day office task. Operating System -->-Software that supports a computer's basic functions, such as scheduling tasks, executing applications, and controlling peripherals.