This document defines various types of computer software and hardware. It discusses 1) application software like word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and utilities, 2) system software that coordinates computer resources, 3) integrated software that combines applications, and 4) desktop publishing, communications, and multimedia software. It also describes common input/output devices, storage media like hard drives, floppy disks, CDs, and proper care of computers, disks, and printers. Finally, it discusses maintaining computer systems through logging information, backing up files, and designing comfortable workspaces.

1. BCT Section 1.3 & 1.4 Terms
Input & Output Devices,
Software & Computer Care
1. Word Processing Business Applications Programs that allows you
to create, edit, and print text documents
2. Spreadsheet Numbered Rows and Lettered Columns
Intersection = cell
Grade book, Financial Numbers, Charts, Graphs,
Budget
3. Database Business Software that lets you set up an
electronic filing systems. Enter text and numbers
Find, search, and printer info in different ways
Address book, Card Catalog
4. Utility Help you perform housekeeping chores complete
specialized tasks related to managing the
computer’s resources, file management, and so
on.
5. Application Software Programs that work with the OS software to help
you use your computer to do specific types of
work.
6. System Software A group of programs that coordinate & control
the resources and operations of a computer.
Enables components of the computer to
communicate.
7. Integrated Software Combine several software applications into one
program.
8. Desktop Publishing Uses both pictures and words to give you the
ability to create documents
Newsletters and brochures
9. Communications Works with your modems or network hardware
and allows your computer to communicate with
other computers. Organize E-Mails,
Contacts, Exchange computer files and email
10. Multimedia Works with your modems or network hardware
and allows your computer to communicate with
other computers. Organize E-Mails,

2. Contacts, Exchange computer files and email
11. Input Devices Hardware that allows you to communicate with your
computer.
12. Output Devices Hardware that allows your computer to communicate
with the user
13. Magnetic Storage Devices Used for making backup copies of large volumes
of data.
Very slow
Can be used to replace data that may have been
lost on the hard drive
look similar to audio tapes.
Holds more than Floppy
14. Hard Disk Drive Used to store data inside of the computer.
Magnetic platter that holds a large amount of
information in a form the computer can understand.
15. Floppy Disk Flat circles of iron oxide-coated plastic enclosed in
a hard plastic case. Most are 3 ½ inches and
have a capacity to hold 1.44 MB or more of data
16. Zip Disk Capable of storing tremendous amounts of
information,
they are only the size of a 3 inch disk but can hold
as
much as 1 gigabyte of data
17. Magnetic Tape Drives Used for making backup copies of large volumes
of data.
Very slow
Can be used to replace data that may have been
lost on the hard drive
look similar to audio tapes.
Holds more than Floppy
18. Optical Discs Use laser technology to read and write data on
platters.
19. CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory) can store up
to 800MB of data.
You can store data on a CD only if you have a CD
Burner and writable CDs (CD-R or recordable CD-
ROM) CD-RWs

3. 20. DVD (Digital Video Disk) is the size of a regular CD and
can be played in a regular CD or in a DVD movie
player. Storage from 4 to 17 GB
DVD-RWs
21. Operating System (OS) - provide an interface between the user or
application program and the computer hardware.
Windows 7, XP, Win 95/98/2000, Mac System 6/7
22. Graphical User Interface (graphical user interface): graphical symbols
(icons) represent files, disks,
programs, and other objects.
23. Proper Computer Care 1. No food & drink
2. Avoid dusty locations
3. Use a surge protector
4. Keep magnets Away
5. Do not block vents on the CPU
6. Avoid bright sunny locations
7. Do not move the computer while it is in use
8. Always exit programs properly
9. Use a virus check program on a regular basis
24. Proper Diskette Care 1. Do not remove from drives while drive is
running or light is on.
2. Avoid contact with magnets & electromagnetic
fields.
3. Keep disks stored in a clean, cool and dry
place with a protective cover.
4. Keep protective metal slider in place.
5. Use a virus check program on a regular basis.
6. Avoid hot & cold locations.
7. Make a Back-up copy of your programs and
files.
25. Proper CD ROM Care 1. Keep CDs stored in a clean, cool and dry place
with a protective cover.
2. Avoid touching the back side of the CD; to
avoid scratches.
3. Avoid hot and cold locations.
4. Make a back-up copy of your programs and
files.
5. Insert into CD ROM Drive properly; label facing

4. up.
6. Only write on CD’s with a CD Marking Pen on a
label or the correct side of the CD
26. Proper Printer Care 1. Keep CDs stored in a clean, cool and dry place
with a protective cover.
2. Avoid touching the back side of the CD; to
avoid scratches.
3. Avoid hot and cold locations.
4. Make a back-up copy of your programs and
files.
5. Insert into CD ROM Drive properly; label facing
up.
6. Only write on CD’s with a CD Marking Pen on a
label or the correct side of the CD
27. How to Maintain your Start a Log of information on your System
Computer System
1. Serial numbers, Vendor support telephone numbers
2. User IDs
3. Date and vendor for each equipment and software
purchase.
4. List of Error Messages
5. Periodically review disk directories and delete
unneeded files.
6. Make sure all plug-ins are secure at all times.
7. Turn off the power and disconnect the equipment
form the power source before you open the inside of
you computer.
8. Keep surrounding area dirt and dust free.
9. Back up files and data regularly.
10.Periodically defragment your hard disk.
11.Protect your system from computer viruses
12.Learn to use system diagnostic programs
28. Ergonomics The science of designing equipment for a
comfortable and safe working environment.