COMPUTING (INFORMATICA)

Computer: an electronic machine that can store, organize and find information, do calculations and control other machines:a personal computer Our sales information is processed by computer. a computer program computer software / hardware / graphics a computer error computer-aided designsee also desktop computer, microcomputer, personal computer, supercomputer. Computer System Components CPU or Central Processing Unit: This is the brain of the computer. It has a basic calculating unit called the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), a Control Unit that manages what it does, and a very small amount of memory. The CPU and internal memory make up the computer proper. Internal Memory: This is where information is stored in the computer. It can be thought of as a long line of pigeonholes, each of which can hold one tem of information. Each pigeonhole has a unique address or location so that the CPU can find it. There are two basic varieties of memory: ROM (read only memory) which contains permanent machine instructions and RAM (random access memory) which is temporary memory where applications are stored. The contents of RAM are lost when the power is cut off. Peripherals: The generic term for anything that attaches to the computer proper. Included are things like the keyboard, monitor, printer,etc. These are tipically classified as input and output devices. Every peripheral has an interface (interface= a connection between two pieces of electronic equipment) or go-between that allows it to communicate with the computer. Input Devices: any devices that put information into the computer. Common examples are the keyboard, mouse,etc. Output Devices: any devices that allow the user to receive information from the computer. Common examples include the monitor (or CRT or LCD),printer, etc. External or Mass Storage: any device that allows for permanent storage and retrieval of information. This can be thought of as a special kind of input/output(I/O) device, or, alternatively, it can be viewed as a permanent extensin of RAM. Common example magnetic disk. In operation, a computer system involves a complex interplay between its components. The CPU rapidly performs calculations and moves information between external storage, internal memory, input devices, and output devices. Any computer system performs three basic funtions: input, processing, and output. At its most basic, the computer treats everything as numbers. Off can be represented with a 0 and on with a 1. So, digital computers work with binary numbers. (interplay= the effect that two or more things have on each other) Hardware and Software: The physical parts of a computer system are called hardware. Software is the programs or instructions that make the hardware work.

Keyboard: Input device, it is used to type the letters. Speaker: Output device, it helps you to listen. Screen: Output device, it helps you to see. Mouse: Input device, used to click things on the screen. Tower: It contains the CPU. Earphones: Used in your head, to hear. Webcam: Used to introduce images. Template: A model for producing others. Spreadsheets: A computer program. Basic Computer Operations Open: Abrir Close: Cerrar Save: Guardar Save as: Guardar como Select: seleccionar Print: imprimir Enter: entrar Cut: cortar Delete: borrar Press: apretar Copy: copiar Insert: insertar Load: cargar Paste: unir/pegar Merge: combinar

Log in/on: access pick up something: check Log off/out: stop Scroll across/down/up something: move Hack into something: get information from someone secretly Zoom in/out: to show the object closer/further Computing Verbs Insert.a floppy disk Make.a back up copy Run...a program Surf...the internet send.an e-mail click on.. an icon highlight..the part of the text back upa copy of important files. (respaldo)