systems vocab

• central processing unit-the part of the computer that executes instrunctions
• expansion slots-the part of the motherboard that allows the connection of circut boards with additional ports.
• flash memory-a type of removeable memory commenly used in hand-held devices.
• hardware-the physical parts of a computer system.
• graphical user interface-a design for the part of an operating system in which the user typically operates a mouse to point and click graphic icons.
• hard drive-a nonremovable storage devise used to hold software and data on a computer system.
• input devise-any devise that accepts data from the user.
• linux-an operating system based on unix that permits any programmer to improve upon it and is available as freeware
• macOS-the operating system of the macintosh line of computer systems
• mainframe-a computer system used by large oganizations that can support many users and large databases
• minicomputer-a computer system smaller and less powerful than a mainframe but capable of supporting multiple users for a small to medium organization.
• operating system-the software program that oversees and controls everything that happens while a computer is turned on.
• output devise-a part of the computer system that displays information to the user.
• platform-the combonation of hardware and operating system that defines the types of support systems your computer will support.
• professional workstation-a computer system smaller than a minicomputer but more powerful than personal computers.
• random access memory-a computers primary working memory
• read-only memory-the part of a computers primary storage that permently stores information
• supercomputer-a computer that is faster and more powerful than a mainframe.
• syntax-the structure for entering functions and commands.
• system software-the software necessary to operate a computer system.
• system unit-the case that holds the main circitry of a computer.