UNIT 1 VOCAB 6, 7, 8TH GRADES
1. Computer—machine that follows set of instructions to change and store data
2. Hardware—physical parts of a computer (CPU, keyboard, printer, monitor, etc.)
3. Software—programs which instruct a computer
4. Information processing—input, processing, output, distribution, storage
5. Input—way you give data to a computer (keyboard, drawing tablet, etc.)
6. Processing—how data is changed (what you’re doing—write a report, make a
spreadsheet, change a color, sort, etc.)
7. Output—way you get data from the computer; what you produced
8. Distribution—sending information to people who need it (email, web site, FB, etc.)
9. Storage—saving data on a CD, DVD, or hard drive (in the computer)
10. Personal computer (PC)—computer for an individual user
11. Microprocessor (in CPU or Central Processing Unit)—small circuit board that controls
work done by a computer
12. Peripherals—other devices that work with your computer (scanner, printer, headset,
handwriting tablet, etc.
13. Operating System—DOS (disc operating system) is software that controls basic
operations. Every computer has to have it to function.
14. Application Program—helps you perform tasks( (M.S. Word-PPT-Excel-Publisher-Access,
C.A.D., Alice (free), AC3D (free), Photo Shop, etc.)
15. Login name—1st series of letters and/or numbers to use a computer or web site
16. Password—2nd series of letters and/or number to use a computer or web site
17. Computer Interface—Means by which users get information and give commands to the
computer (text & graphics interface)
18. Desktop—on screen work area where windows, icons, menus, and dialogue boxes
appear
19. Start button—bottom left corner; use this to log off (Stand By, Turn Off, Restart) or select
programs on the menu
20. Title Bar—tells the name of the program and document
21. Menu Bar—provides access to commands (File, Home, Insert, Page Layout, etc.)
22. Tool Bar—quick access to commands after choosing from the Menu Bar
23. Control Buttons—controls size and look of program window (minimize, maximize, and
restore)
24. Scroll Bars—allows you to move other parts of the file into a viewing area
25. Working Area—allows you to enter or change data
26. Status Bar—provides helpful messages (page, words, sheet, etc.)
27. Resize Handle—allows you to change the window size (click and drag from corner)
28. Left Mouse Button—selects with single click and opens with double click
29. Right Mouse Button—opens pop-ups (quick commands, functions, or dialogue boxes)
30. Mouse Wheel—scrolls your working area up and down