ICT info 1

Definitions 

PDA: a personal digital assistant is a small computer, about the size of a hand, so sometimes called a palmtop 

Stylus: a small stick used to select or draw on touch screen. 

Radio frequency ID (RFID) : a way of tracking objects by attaching a transmitter that sends a signal giving the serial number and its location. 

Optical mark recognition ( OMR): senses the position of marks on data capture forms such as multiple choice exam papers or lottery entry sheets.  

Optical character recognition (OCR):  uses a scanner and specialist software to turn paper-based text into computer characters.  

Electronic point of scale (EPOS): used bar codes to enter product numbers at shop tills that are linked to stock database.

Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) uses magnetic ink to print characters shaped to ANSI standards which can be read and used to direct cheques and other negotiable documents to their proper financial institutions.  

Sampling: a way of recording sound digitally so that it can be input into a computer. 

Sample rate: number of times per second a sound reading is taken. 

Video conferencing: captures and transmits sound and video to allow people in different locations to see and talk to each other.  

Pixel: a single dot of an image usually rectangular or square 1 megapixel is 1 million pixels.  

Bluetooth: a brand name; it is a method of transmitting data over short distance wirelessly.   

Resolution: the number of dots that make up an image on screen or on paper.  

Multipart stationery: is made up if several layers, usually in different colours.  When they are fed through a dot matrix printer, several copies are printed at once.  

File compression: reducing the size of a file by converting it to a different format.  

Backing storage: store data and program files within the computer. 

RAM: main memory where all locations can be read and written to equally quickly. 

ROM: memory that cannot be change; used to hold programs and data when the computer is being booted.  

BIOS: basic input/ output system.  

Removable media: used to store data so that it can b e taken away from the computer as floppy disc, CD's and flash memory.  

Mirrored drives: multiple copies of stored data in case the main drive fail. 

RAID (redundant array of inexpensive disks): a set of hard disks used to minimise the chances of data loss.

Hot swap: drive can be removed and replaced without shutting down the server, avoiding down time that can interrupt the operation of the organisation. 

Fact…