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Use computer operating system
Key terms and concepts
| Compatibility | The ability of hardware and/or software to interconnect and work together. |
| Configure | To set up a computer system including all the user settings and connections with other devices. |
| CPU | Central Processing Unit – a chip or chips on the main board containing the control unit and the arithmetic/logic unit, which interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate a computer. |
| Disk drives | The device which operates (reads & writes to) the floppy, HDD, DVD and CD ROM. |
| Driver | Software which enables a computer to communicate with a peripheral device. |
| GUI | Graphical User Interface – combines text, graphics and other visual cues to make software easier to use. |
| Hardware | The physical components of the computer system, e.g. keyboard, mouse, speakers etc. |
| Modem | A communications device which converts a computer’s digital signals to analogue signals so they can be transmitted over standard telephone lines. |
| Optimise | To set up or modify a computer or programs to achieve efficiency in storage capacity, time or cost. |
| PC | Personal Computer – includes the CPU (Central Processing Unit), keyboard, mouse, and monitor. |
| Peripherals | Hardware devices which are attached to the computer, e.g. printer, speakers and scanner. |
| Ports | The interface, or point of attachment, an external device has to the system unit. |
| Power supply | The AC power wall outlet is converted into DC power, which is the type of power required by a computer. |
| Secondary storage | Hardware device used to record and retrieve data and instructions, e.g. floppy disk, tape and CD. |
| Software | Programs – a series of instructions that tell the hardware what to do. Software can also be the interface between the user and thecomputer system. |
| Specifications | A description of the criteria for the construction, appearance or performance of a computer system. |
| The taskbar | Contains the start button, the clock and currently running tasks. |
| Troubleshooting | Locating the cause of trouble and removing, fixing or solving the problem. |
| Upgrade | The installation of a more recent version of a piece of software or computer component. |
| VDU | Visual Display Unit or screen or monitor. |
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