To pass this unit, please study the 18 vocabulary words below.
- Barebone
- Convergence
- Desktop computer
- Embedded system
- Form factor
- Laptop
- Legacy system
- Netbook
- PC (personal computer)
- PDA (personal digital assistant)
- Print server
- Router
- Server
- Smartphone
- Supercomputer
- Tablet
- Wearables
- Workstation
Noun (thing)
USA
UK
USA
UK
computers often sold as incomplete kits that require extra components to be functional
USA
UK
"Assembling a barebone computer is usually less expensive and certainly more configurable than buying a ready-made one off the shelf."
Noun (thing)
USA
UK
USA
UK
the evolution of devices towards common functionality
USA
UK
"The iPhone is a good example of convergence, because it has all the features of a PDA, mobile phone, and an MP3 player in one package."
Noun (thing)
USA
UK
USA
UK
a personal computer typically in the shape of a tower or box with a connected keyboard, mouse, and monitor
USA
UK
"Desktop computers are seen in nearly every office and home today."
Noun (thing)
USA
UK
USA
UK
a computer using a relatively slow and specialized processor and ROM chip, normally used to control a particular device such as a washing machine or an MP3 player
USA
UK
"Nearly all electronics you can buy today are controlled by embedded systems."
Noun (thing)
USA
UK
USA
UK
the size, configuration, or physical arrangement of a computing device
USA
UK
"It's hard to buy components for a computer if you don't know the particular form factor."
Noun (thing)
USA
UK
USA
UK
a portable computer with a built-in screen, integrated keyboard, and battery power
USA
UK
"As laptop computers have become more powerful and affordable, they are steadily replacing the more traditional desktop computer."
Noun (thing)
USA
UK
USA
UK
an older device or application that continues to be used because of the high cost of replacing it
USA
UK
"Mainframes and minicomputers used to be cutting edge; now they are known as legacy systems."
Noun (thing)
USA
UK
USA
UK
an often cheap and small laptop with less powerful components meant for surfing the web, reading email, and other basic tasks
USA
UK
"I wanted to play Call of Duty while I was traveling, but the graphics card in my netbook could only handle Solitaire."
Noun (thing)
USA
UK
USA
UK
a computer designed for use by one person at a time
USA
UK
"When people use the term 'PC', they are often referring to a desktop computer running Windows."
Noun (thing)
USA
UK
USA
UK
a legacy handheld computer often running Palm OS or Windows CE and used as a contact organizer, game machine, work tool, or access controlle
USA
UK
"In the 1990's the modern traveling businessman depended on his PDA to organize all his contacts and appointments."
Noun (thing)
USA
UK
USA
UK
hardware or software designed to connect a network device with a printer
USA
UK
"The secretary could not get a hard copy because the print server was broken."
Noun (thing)
USA
UK
USA
UK
a specialized computer which connects two networks
USA
UK
"The wifi router allowed the entire office to share a single internet connection."
Noun (thing)
USA
UK
USA
UK
a type of computer intended primarily for central distribution of data to other computers on the same network
USA
UK
"Because servers hold large amounts of centralized data, it is critical to have daily backup routines in place."
Noun (thing)
USA
UK
USA
UK
a hand-held multimedia computer optimized for communication tasks and featuring a touch screen and internet connection
USA
UK
"Almost everyone owns a smart phone today because they serve so many purposes and have become much more affordable over time."
Noun (thing)
USA
UK
USA
UK
a computer designed to perform resource intensive tasks such as weather prediction, big data calculations, or space research
USA
UK
"A typical supercomputer may have up to 100 processors and speeds are measured in tens of gigaflops."
Noun (thing)
USA
UK
USA
UK
a portable computer shaped in the form of a notebook and capable of advanced handwriting recognition via use of a stylus or on-screen keyboard
USA
UK
"Bill Gates predicted the rise of the tablet PC in 2001, but not much happened until Apple released the first iPad in 2010."
Noun (thing)
USA
UK
USA
UK
computers designed to be worn on the wrist, head, or other places on the body often to improve mobility
USA
UK
"Smart watches and VR goggles are two popular forms of wearables."
Noun (thing)
USA
UK
USA
UK
a high quality computer, typically with lots of RAM, plenty of CPU power, and a high quality video card
USA
UK
"The engineer's latest 3d modeling project was so GPU intensive, that he wouldn't even begin it until his new workstation arrived."