Computers
- Computer: Topic PageMachine that can be controlled by a program of instructions to accept and process data.
- Personal Computer: Topic PageSmall but powerful computer primarily used in an office or home without the need to be connected to a larger computer.
- Supercomputer: Topic PageA state-of-the-art, extremely powerful computer capable of manipulating massive amounts of data in a relatively short time.
Computer Components
Computer
From Philip's Encyclopedia
The main components of a computer are: (1) the central processing unit (CPU); (2) RAM; (3) BIOS and ROM chips; (4) the mother board; (5) expansion cards; (6) video card; (7) expansion slots; (8) optical disc drive; (9) floppy disc drive; (10) hard disc; (11) monitor; (12) keyboard; (13) mouse; (14) power supply, and (15) loudspeaker.
From Philip's Encyclopedia
The main components of a computer are: (1) the central processing unit (CPU); (2) RAM; (3) BIOS and ROM chips; (4) the mother board; (5) expansion cards; (6) video card; (7) expansion slots; (8) optical disc drive; (9) floppy disc drive; (10) hard disc; (11) monitor; (12) keyboard; (13) mouse; (14) power supply, and (15) loudspeaker.
Portable Computers
Notebook Computer
From The Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia with Atlas and Weather Guide
The component parts of a notebook computer. Although as powerful as a microcomputer, the battery pack enables the notebook to be used while travelling. (Image © RM)
From The Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia with Atlas and Weather Guide
The component parts of a notebook computer. Although as powerful as a microcomputer, the battery pack enables the notebook to be used while travelling. (Image © RM)
- Laptop ComputerFrom The Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia with Atlas and Weather Guide
Portable microcomputer, small enough to be used on the operator's lap. It consists of a single unit, incorporating a keyboard, hard disk drives, and a screen. The screen usually forms a lid that opens when in use. It uses a liquid-crystal or gas-plasma display. - Palmtop ComputerFrom The Columbia Encyclopedia
Or hand-held personal computer, lightweight, small, battery-powered, general-purpose programmable computer. The development of netbooks and smartphones made palmtops obsolete. - Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)From The Columbia Encyclopedia
Lightweight, hand-held computer designed for use as a personal organizer with communications capabilities; also called a handheld. - SmartphoneFrom The Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia with Atlas and Weather Guide
Mobile cell phone with personal digital assistant (PDA) functions, first released in 2000. Smartphone users can send e-mail or text messages, browse the Web, listen to Internet radio stations (which can play in the background), manage appointments, chat using messaging, and watch video clips.
Programming & Software
- Computer Program: Topic PageA series of instructions that a computer can interpret and execute.
- Bit: Topic PageIn computing, a single binary digit, either 0 or 1. A bit is the smallest unit of data stored in a computer; all other data must be coded into a pattern of individual bits.
- Computer Virus: Topic PageRogue computer program, typically a short program designed to disperse copies of itself to other computers and disrupt those computers' normal operations.
- High-Level Programming Language: Topic PageIn computing, a programming language designed to suit the requirements of the programmer; it is independent of the internal machine code of any particular computer.
- Java (Computer Programming Language): Topic PageJava is an object-oriented, cross-platform programming language that is used to create stand-alone applications, mostly used by Web sites, that have the capacity to run animations and promote interactivity.
- Open Source Software: Topic PageFree and open source software (F/OSS) is emerging as a promising alternative to proprietary software.
- Programming Language: Topic PageSyntax, grammar, and symbols or words used to give instructions to a computer.
- User Interface: Topic PageIn computing, the procedures and methods through which the user operates a program.
Electronics & Hardware
- Amplifier (Electronics): Topic PageAn amplifier is a device that increases the power of an electrical signal.
- Antenna (Electronics): Topic Page
In electronics, system of wires or other conductors used to transmit or receive radio or other electromagnetic waves (see radio); sometimes called an aerial. - Capacitors: Topic PageCapacitor or condenser, device for the storage of electric charge.
- Diode: Topic PageCombination of a cold anode and a heated cathode, or the semiconductor equivalent, which incorporates a p–n junction; see semiconductor diode.
- Electric current: Topic Page
Flow of electrically charged particles through a conducting circuit due to the presence of a potential difference. The current at any point in a circuit is the amount of charge flowing per second; its SI unit is the ampere (coulomb per second). - Electromagnetic InductionIn electronics, the production of an electromotive force (emf) in a circuit by a change of magnetic flux through the circuit or by relative motion of the circuit and the magnetic flux.
- Integrated Circuit: Topic PageElectronic circuit built on a semiconductor substrate, usually one of single-crystal silicon.
- Laser: Topic PageLaser [acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation], device for the creation, amplification, and transmission of a narrow, intense beam of coherent light.
- Microelectronics: Topic PageBranch of electronic technology devoted to the design and development of extremely small electronic devices that consume very little electric power.
- Microprocessor: Topic PageIntegrated circuit containing the arithmetic, logic, and control circuitry required to interpret and execute instructions from a computer program
- Transformer (Topic Page)Device in which, by electromagnetic induction, an alternating current (AC) of one voltage is transformed to another voltage, without change of frequency.
- Transistor: Topic PageA semiconductor device that has three or more electrodes, whose function is to act as a switch, amplifier or detector of electric current, eg in radio receivers, TV sets, etc.