3 Computer software
| Software | Software The programs run by the computer |
| Firmware Software stored on a chip |
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| Operating System | Disk Operating System (DOS) The software which controls the disk drive |
| Access time The time taken for the computer to get information from a storage device, e.g. disk or tape |
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| Analogue Represents a quantity changing in steps which are continuous, i.e. a sine wave, as opposed to digital which is in discrete steps |
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| Analogue to digital convertor A device which converts analogue signals into digital signals which can be understood by the computer |
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| Arithmetic logic unit Area responsible for logic and mathematical calculations |
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| Baud The unit for measuring the rate at which data is transmitted or received |
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| Bits per second (bps) The rate information is transferred between computers |
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| Booting The action of starting up the computer by loading it with its starting instructions |
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| Buffer An area which stores information at one rate and releases it at a slower rate to another device, e.g. a buffer can be sited between a computer (fast) and a printer (which is significantly slower). Data can then be passed at a fast rate and stored in the buffer until the printer can print the data, therefore the computer is freed for further work much more rapidly |
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| Characters per second (CPS) A measure of the speed of data output |
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| Chip A piece of silicon or gallium arsenide which contains the microcircuitry which operates the computer |
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| Dot matrix A square or rectangle of dots which, given instructions by the computer, forms a character on the screen |
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| Download To transfer information from one computer to another |
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| FAQ Frequently Asked Question |
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| Gate The basis of all computer operations and performs a single logical operation when subjected to a number of inputs |
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| Graphical User Interface (GUI) Enables the operator to use the computer intuitively via graphics (pictures) showing programs to run, directories they are kept in etc., e.g. ‘Windows’ from Microsoft |
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| Graphics | |
| Graphics tablet Equipment that can digitise drawing or graphs ready for input into the computer |
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| Handshake An electronic signal which indicates the end of the passage of data from the computer |
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| Word Processing | A combination of computer, software and printer enabling the user to produce high quality text which can be manipulated electronically before being committed to paper |
| Spreadsheet | A program which allows forecasting and financial planning if any variable is altered. The effects throughout the program can be demonstrated and the figures changed throughout the program without further input from the user |
| Database |
