All terms in this list:

computer: A programmable, electronic device that accepts data input, performs processing operations on that data, and outputs and stores the results

input: entering data into a computer, also refer to data itself

processing: performing operations on data that has been input into a computer to convert that input to output

output: the processing of presenting the results of processing; can also refer to the results themselves

storage: the operation of saving data, programs, or output for future use

communications: The transmission of data from one device to another

data: raw, unorganized facts

process: to modify data

information: data that has been processed into a meaningful form

hardware: The physical parts of a computer

software: Programs or instructions used to tell the computer what to do to accomplish tasks

end user: A person who uses a computer to perform tasks or obtain information

cloud computing: To use data, applications, and resources stored on computers accessed over the internet rather than on users’ computers

embedded computer: A tiny computer embedded in a product and designed to perform specific tasks or functions for that product

mobile device: A very small communications device with built-in computing or Internet capability

personal computer (PC): A type of computer based on a microprocessor and designed to be used by one person at a time

desktop computer: A personal computer designed to fit o or next to a desk

portable computer: A small personal computer designed to be carried around easily

Notebook computer (laptop computer): Small personal computer designed to be carried around easily

tablet computer: A portable computer about the size of a notebook that is designed to be used with an electronic pen

notebook: A very small notebook computer

Ultra-mobile PC (UMPC): A portable personal computer computer that is small enough to fit in one hand

dumb terminal: A computer that must be connected to a network to perform processing or storage tasks

thin client: A personal computer designed to access a network for processing and data storage instead of performing those tasks locally

internet appliance: A specialized network computer designed primarily for Internet access and/or email exchange

Midrange server (minicomputer): A medium-sized computer used to host programs and data for a small network

virtualization: The creation of virtual versions of a computing resource

mainframe computer: A computer used in many large organizations that need to manage large amounts of centralized data and run multiple programs simultaneously

supercomputer: The fastest, most expensive, and most powerful type of computer

supercomputer cluster: A supercomputer composed of numerous smaller computers connected together to act as a single computer