Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Contents
Computer Comparison .................................................................................................................................. 3 Operating System.......................................................................................................................................... 4 Parts of the Computer .................................................................................................................................. 5 Hardware ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
Computer Comparison
Definitions
Desktop- a personal computer small enough to fit conveniently in an individual workspace Netbook- a small laptop computer designed primarily for accessing Internet-based applications. Tablet- a computer that accepts input directly onto an LCD screen rather than via a keyboard or mouse. Laptop- a computer that is portable and suitable for use while traveling.
Desktop
Cheaper Lasts longer More Powerful
Netbook
Smaller Lighter
Tablet
Apps Portable Touch Screen
Laptop
Hardware Portable Wireless Internet
Operating System
Definition- the software that supports a computer's basic functions, such as scheduling tasks, executing applications, and controlling peripherals. 1. Windows XP- Windows XP is an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops and media centers. First released to computer manufacturers on August 24, 2001, it is the second most popular version of Windows, based on installed user base. 2. Windows 7- Windows 7 is an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, netbooks, tablet PCs, and media center PCs. 3. Windows 8- Windows 8 is a personal computer operating system developed by Microsoft as part of Windows NT family of operating systems. Development of Windows 8 started before the release of its predecessor, Windows 7, in 2009. 4. OS X- OS X, previously Mac OS X, is a series of Unix-based graphical interface operating systems developed, marketed, and sold by Apple Inc. It is designed to run exclusively on Mac computers, having been pre-loaded on all Macs since 2002. 5. OS X Mountain Lion- OS X Mountain Lion is the ninth major release of OS X, Apple Inc.'s desktop and server operating system for Macintosh computers. 6. OS X Mavericks- OS X Mavericks is the tenth major release of OS X, Apple Inc.'s desktop and server operating system for Mac computers. OS X Mavericks was announced on June 10, 2013, at WWDC 2013, and is scheduled for a release in the fourth quarter of 2013. 7. Windows Server 2012- Windows Server 2012, codenamed "Windows Server 8", is the sixth release of Windows Server. It is the server version of Windows 8 and succeeds Windows Server 2008 R2. Two pre-release versions, a developer preview and a beta version, were released during development.
2. CPU- the abbreviation for central processing unit. The CPU is the brains of the computer where most calculations take place. 3. RAM(Random Access Memory)- an acronym for random access memory and is the most common type of memory found in computers 4. Hard Drive-a high-capacity, self-contained storage device containing a read-write mechanism plus one or more hard disks, inside a sealed unit. Also called hard disk drive 5. Solid-State Drive-A solid-state drive is a data storage device using integrated circuit assemblies as memory to store data persistently. 6. Magnetic Disk-A memory device, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a removable cartridge, that is covered with a magnetic coating on which digital information is stored in the form of microscopically small, magnetized needles. 7. Expansion Drive-a card in a computer on which additional chips can be mounted to expand the computer's capabilities. 8. Network Card-A network interface controller is a computer hardware component that connects a computer to a computer network. 9. Audio Card-A sound card is an internal computer expansion card that facilitates the input and output of audio signals to and from a computer under control of computer programs. 10. Graphics Card-a printed circuit board that controls the output to a display screen. 11. Service Pack(operating system)- a periodically released update to software from a manufacturer, consisting of requested enhancements and fixes for known bugs.
Hardware Firewire- a technology that allows high-speed communication and data exchange between a computer and a peripheral or between two computers. Thunderbolt- Thunderbolt is a hardware interface that allows for the connection of external peripherals to a computer. It uses the same connector as Mini DisplayPort. It was released in its finished state on February 24, 2011. Drivers- A driver is a small piece of software that tells the operating system and other software how to communicate with a piece of hardware. Dongle- a device that is connected to a computer to allow access to wireless broadband or use of protected software. Peripheral- a device that is connected to a host computer, but not part of it. USB 2.0- USB 2.0 is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard, released in April 2000. Almost all devices with USB capabilities, and nearly all USB cables, support at least USB 2.0.