This document defines various computer terms including input/output devices, software types like word processing, spreadsheets, databases and utilities. It also describes storage devices, operating systems, graphical user interfaces, integrated software, desktop publishing, communications, multimedia, and proper computer/disk/CD/printer care. Input devices allow communication with the computer while output devices allow the computer to communicate with the user. Operating systems like Windows provide an interface between programs and hardware.

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
Examples - Reports, Flyer, Memos, Research Papers,
Letters, Resumes
Microsoft Word, Word Perfect
2. Spreadsheet Numbered Rows and Lettered Columns
Intersection = cell
Grade book, Financial Numbers, Charts, Graphs, Budget
Microsoft Excel, Lotus
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
Microsoft Access
Examples - Payroll, Taxes, Police Records, Medical
Records
4. Utility Help you perform housekeeping chores complete
specialized tasks related to managing the computer’s
resources, file management, and so on.
Anti Virus Protection, Organization
5. Application Software Programs that work with the OS software to help you use
your computer to do specific types of work.
Categories
Business
Communications
Graphics and Multimedia
Education and Reference
Entertainment and Leisure
Integrated Programs
6. System Software A group of programs that coordinate & control the
resources and operations of a computer.
Enables components of the computer to communicate.
Operating System (OS) - provide an interface between the
user or application program and the computer hardware.

2. Windows 7, XP, Win 95/98/2000, Mac System 6/7
GUI (graphical user interface): graphical symbols (icons)
represent files, disks,
programs, and other objects.
7. Integrated Software Combine several software applications into one program.
Including
Work Processing
Spreadsheet
Database
Presentations
Communication
8. Desktop Publishing Uses both pictures and words to give you the ability to
create documents
Newsletters and brochures
Microsoft Publisher
Multimedia - combines text, graphics,
animation, video, and audio.
Clip art - Graphical images to be
added to documents
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
Microsoft Outlook
10. Multimedia combines text, graphics,
animation, video, and audio.
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 Use oxide-coated plastic storage media called mylar.
As the disk rotates in the computer, an electromagnetic
read/write head stores or retrieves data in circles called
tracks.
Tracks are numbered from the outside to the inside and
as data is stored on the disk it is stored on one of these
numbered track.

3. Each track is labeled and the location is stored in a log on
the disk known as a file allocation table (FAT).
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.
Accessing data is faster
Amount of data that can be stored is much more than
what can be stored on a floppy disk.
Size of Hard drive is measured in megabytes or
gigabytes.
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
20. DVD 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 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 GUI (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

4. 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 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. Avoid cold, hot, and dusty locations.
2. Always use the correct ink or toner replacement.
3. Always have the proper printer cable connected to
your computer.
4. Never pull paper out of a printer in motion.
5. Do not turn off the printer while printing.
6. Read the instruction manual before operating a
printer.
7. Always use the proper type of paper in your printer.
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.

5. 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.