Computer Awareness for SBI P.O

                                 Computer Awareness for SBI P.O

 Candidates have posted on our facebook page that they find it difficult to get all the Computer Awareness for SBI P.O exam on one single page. So to facilitate this we have compiled a list of all the important computers terminology which are important for SBI P.O Exam.

access time - The performance of a hard drive or other storage device - how long it takes to locate a file.
active program or window - The application or window at the front (foreground) on the monitor.
alert (alert box) - a message that appears on screen, usually to tell you something went wrong.
alias - an icon that points to a file, folder or application (System 7).
apple menu - on the left side of the screen header. System 6 = desk accessories System 7 = up to 50 items.
application - a program in which you do your work.
application menu - on the right side of the screen header. Lists running applications.
ASCII (pronounced ask-key ) - American Standard Code for Information Interchange. a commonly used data format for exchanging information between computers or programs.
background - part of the multitasking capability. A program can run and perform tasks in the background while another program is being used in the foreground.
bit - the smallest piece of information used by the computer. Derived from "binary digit". In computer language, either a one (1) or a zero (0).
backup - a copy of a file or disk you make for archiving purposes.
boot - to start up a computer.
bug - a programming error that causes a program to behave in an unexpected way.
bus - an electronic pathway through which data is transmitted between components in a computer.
byte - a piece of computer information made up of eight bits.
card - a printed circuit board that adds some feature to a computer.
cartridge drive - a storage device, like a hard drive, in which the medium is a cartridge that can be removed.
CD-ROM - an acronym for Compact Disc Read-Only Memory.
Chooser - A desk accessory used to select a printer, or other external device, or to log onto a network.
Clipboard - A portion of memory where the Mac temporarily stores information. Called a Copy Buffer in many PC applications because it is used to hold information which is to be moved, as in word processing where text is "cut" and then "pasted".
Clock Rate (MHz) - The instruction processing speed of a computer measured in millions of cycles per second (i.e., 200 MHz).
command - the act of giving an instruction to your Mac either by menu choice or keystroke.
command (apple) key - a modifier key, the Command key used in conjunction with another keystroke to active some function on the Mac.
compiler - a program the converts programming code into a form that can be used by a computer.
compression - a technique that reduces the size of a saved file by elimination or encoding redundancies (i.e., JPEG, MPEG, LZW, etc.)
control key - seldom used modifier key on the Mac.
control panel - a program that allows you to change settings in a program or change the way a Mac looks and/or behaves.
CPU - the Central Processing Unit. The processing chip that is the "brains" of a computer.
crash - a system malfunction in which the computer stops working and has to be restarted.
cursor - The pointer, usually arrow or cross shaped, which is controlled by the mouse.
daisy chaining - the act of stringing devices together in a series (such as SCSI).
database - an electronic list of information that can be sorted and/or searched.
data - (the plural of datum) information processed by a computer.
defragment - (also - optimize) to concatenate fragments of data into contiguous blocks in memory or on a hard drive.
desktop - 1. the finder. 2. the shaded or colored backdrop of the screen.
desktop file - an invisible file in which the Finder stores a database of information about files and icons.
dialog box - an on-screen message box that appears when the Mac requires additional information before completing a command.
digitize - to convert linear, or analog, data into digital data which can be used by the computer.
disk - a spinning platter made of magnetic or optically etched material on which data can be stored.
disk drive - the machinery that writes the data from a disk and/or writes data to a disk.
disk window - the window that displays the contents or directory of a disk.
document - a file you create, as opposed to the application which created it.
DOS - acronym for Disk Operating System - used in IBM PCs.
DPI - acronym for Dots Per Inch - a gauge of visual clarity on the printed page or on the computer screen.
download - to transfer data from one computer to another. (If you are on the receiving end, you are downloading. If you are on the sending end, you are uploading ).
drag - to move the mouse while its button is being depressed.
drag and drop - a feature on the Mac which allows one to drag the icon for a document on top of the icon for an application, thereby launching the application and opening the document.
driver - a file on a computer which tells it how to communicate with an add-on piece of equipment (like a printer).
Ethernet - a protocol for fast communication and file transfer across a network.
expansion slot - a connector inside the computer which allows one to plug in a printed circuit board that provides new or enhanced features.
extension - a startup program that runs when you start the Mac and then enhances its function.
fibre channel - as applied to data storage and network topology
file - the generic word for an application, document, control panel or other computer data.
finder - The cornerstone or home-base application in the Mac environment. The finder regulates the file management functions of the Mac (copying, renaming, deleting...)
floppy - a 3.5 inch square rigid disk which holds data. (so named for the earlier 5.25 and 8 inch disks that were flexible).
folder - an electronic subdirectory which contains files.
font - a typeface that contains the characters of an alphabet or some other letterforms.
footprint - The surface area of a desk or table which is occupied by a piece of equipment.
fragmentation - The breaking up of a file into many separate locations in memory or on a disk.
freeze - a system error which causes the cursor to lock in place.
get info - a Finder File menu command that presents an information window for a selected file icon.
gig - a gigabyte = 1024 megabytes.
hard drive - a large capacity storage device made of multiple disks housed in a rigid case.
head crash - a hard disk crash caused by the heads coming in contact with the spinning disk(s).
high density disk - a 1.4 MB floppy disk.
highlight - to select by clicking once on an icon or by highlighting text in a document.
icon - a graphic symbol for an application, file or folder.
initialize - to format a disk for use in the computer; creates a new directory and arranges the tracks for the recording of data.
insertion point - in word processing, the short flashing marker which indicates where your next typing will begin.
installer - software used to install a program on your hard drive.
interrupt button - a tool used by programmers to enter the debugging mode. The button is usually next to the reset button.
keyboard shortcut - a combination of keystrokes that performs some function otherwise found in a pulldown menu. 
kilobyte - 1024 bytes.
landscape - in printing from a computer, to print sideways on the page.

Measurements (summary) -
*a bit = one binary digit (1 or 0) *"bit" is derived from the contraction b'it (binary digit) -> 8 bits = one byte
*1024 bytes = one kilobyte
*K = kilobyte
*Kb = kilobit
*MB = megabyte
*Mb = megabit
*MB/s = megabytes per second
*Mb/s = megabits per second
*bps = bits per second
i.e., 155 Mb/s = 19.38 MB/s
MB - short for megabyte.
megabyte - 1024 kilobytes.
memory - the temporary holding area where data is stored while it is being used or changed; the amount of RAM a computer has installed.
menu - a list of program commands listed by topic.
menu bar - the horizontal bar across the top of the Mac¹s screen that lists the menus.
multi finder - a component of System 6 that allows the Mac to multi task.
multi tasking - running more than one application in memory at the same time.
nanosecond - one billionth of a second. ( or, the time between the theatrical release of a Dudley Moore film and the moment it begins to play on airplanes).
native mode - using the computers original operating system; most commonly used when talking about the PowerPC can run software written for either the 80x0 systems, or the PowerPC¹s RISC code.
NuBus - expansion slots on the Mac which accept intelligent, self-configuring boards. NuBus is a different bus achitecture than the newer PCI bus and the boards are not interchangable.
operating system - the system software that controls the computer.
optical disk - a high-capacity storage medium that is read by a laser light.
palette - a small floating window that contains tools used in a given application.
partition - a subdivision of a hard drives surface that is defined and used as a separate drive.
paste - to insert text, or other material, from the clipboard or copy buffer.
PC - acronym for personal computer, commonly used to refer to an IBM or IBM clone computer which uses DOS.
PCI - acronym for Peripheral Component Interchange - the newer, faster bus achitecture.
peripheral - an add-on component to your computer.
point - (1/72") 12 points = one pica in printing.
pop-up menu - any menu that does not appear at the top of the screen in the menu bar. (may pop up or down)
port - a connection socket, or jack on the Mac.
Power PC - a processing chip designed by Apple, IBM and Motorola (RISC based).
Power Mac - a family of Macs built around the PowerPC chip.
print spooler - a program that stores documents to be printed on the hard drive, thereby freeing the memory up and allowing other functions to be performed while printing goes on in the background.
QuickTime - the Apple system extension that gives one the ability to compress, edit and play animation, movies and sound on the Mac.
RAM - acronym for Random-Access Memory.
reset switch - a switch on the Mac that restarts the computer in the event of a crash or freeze.
resize box - the small square at the lower right corner of a window which, when dragged, resizes the window.
RISC - acronym for Reduced Instruction Set Computing; the smaller set of commands used by the PowerPC and Power Mac.
ROM - acronym for Read Only Memory; memory that can only be read from and not written to.
root directory - the main hard drive window.
save - to write a file onto a disk.
save as - (a File menu item) to save a previously saved file in a new location and/or with a new name.
scroll - to shift the contents of a window to bring hidden items into view.
scroll bar - a bar at the bottom or right side of a window that contains the scroll box and allows scrolling.
scroll box - the box in a scroll bar that is used to navigate through a window.
SCSI - acronym for Small Computer System Interface.
SCSI address - a number between zero and seven that must be unique to each device in a SCSI chain. Fast and Wide SCSI devices will allow up to 15 SCSI Ids (hexidecimal); however, the length restriction (3 meters) is such that it is virtually impossible to link 15 devices together.
SCSI port - a 25 pin connector on the back of a Mac (native SCSI port); used to connect SCSI devices to the CPU. Some SCSI cards (like the ATTO) have a 68 pin connector.
SCSI terminator - a device placed at the end of a SCSI chain to complete the circuit. (some SCSI devices are self-terminating, or have active termination and do not require this plug).
serial port - a port that allows data to be transmitted in a series (one after the other), such as the printer and modem ports on a Mac.
server - a central computer dedicated to sending and receiving data from other computers (on a network).
shut down - the command from the Special menu that shuts down the Mac safely.
software - files on disk that contain instructions for a computer.
spreadsheet - a program designed to look like an electronic ledger.
start up disk - the disk containing system software and is designated to be used to start the computer.
surge suppressor - a power strip that has circuits designed to reduce the effects of surge in electrical power. (not the same as a UPS)
System file - a file in the System folder that allows your Mac to start and run.
System folder - an all-important folder that contains at least the System file and the Finder.

32 bit addressing - a feature that allows the Mac to recognize and use more than 8MB of memory.
title bar - the horizontal bar at the top of a window which has the name of the file or folder it represents.
upload - to send a file from one computer to another through a network.
Uninterruptible Power Source (UPS)- a constantly charging battery pack which powers the computer. A UPS should have enough charge to power your computer for several minutes in the event of a total power failure, giving you time to save your work and safely shut down.
UPS - acronym for Uninterruptible Power Source.
vaporware - "software" advertised, and sometimes sold, that does not yet exist in a releasable for.
virtual memory - using part of your hard drive as though it were "RAM".
WORM - acronym for Write Once-Read Many; an optical disk that can only be written to once (like a CD-ROM).
zoom box - a small square in the upper right corner of a window which, when clicked, will expand the window to fill the whole screen.

BULLET POINTS 

01.       To charge a selected text to all capital letters, click the change case button and then click – caps lock

02.       A person who used his or her expertise to gain access to other people’s computers to get information illegally or do damage is a – hacker

03.       Where you are likely to find an embedded operating system? – on a desktop operating system

04.       Reusable optical storage will typically have the acronym – RW

05.       An online discussion group that allows direct live communication is known as – chat group

06.       Codes consisting of lines of varying widths or lengths that are computer readable are known as – a magnetic tape

07.       A web site’s main page is called as – home page

08.       Which of the following is a program that uses a variety of different approaches to identify and eliminate spam? – any spam program

09.       To access properties of an object, the mouse technique to use is – right clicking

10.       Computers use the _____ number system to store data and perform calculations – binary

11.       Phishing trips are attempts by individuals to obtain confidential information from you to falsifying their identity

12.       Sharing copyrighted files without permission breaks copyright laws

13.       The following can be used to select the entire document – Ctrol +A

14.       The system unit – is the container that houses electronic components

15.       The simultaneous processing of two or more programs by multiple processors is – multiprocessing

16.       A disk’s content that is recorded at the time of manufacture and that cannot be changed or erased by the user is – read only

17.       The permanent memory built into the computer is called – ROM

18.       The default view in excel is normal

19.       System software – helps the computer manage internal resources

20.       In word, you can force a page break – by positioning your cursor at the appropriate place and pressing ctrol – enter

21.       Grouping and processing all of a firm’s transactions at one time is called – batch processing

22.       Help menu is available at which button – start

23.       The personal files and folders can be kept at – my documents

24.       Help menu is available at which button – start

25.       A central computer that holds collections of data and programs for many PCs, workstations and other computers is a server

26.       When you save to this, your data will remain intact even when the computer is turned off – secondary storage device

27.       The drafts folder retains copies of messages that you have started but are not yet ready to send

28.       You can refine a search by providing more information and the search engine can use to select a smaller more useful set of results

29.       The contents of memory are lost when the computer turns off

30.       The tab row enables you to simultaneously keep multiple web pages open in one browser window

31.       A DVD is an example of an optical disc

32.       The basic unit of a worksheet into which you enter data in excel is called a – cell

33.       Formatting is the process of dividing the disk into tracks and sectors

34.       Which ports connect special types of music instruments in sound cards ? – MIDI

35.       The process of transferring the files from a computer on the internet to your computer is called – downloading

36.       Computer and communication technologies such as communication links to the internet that provides help and understanding is the end user is known as – FTB

37.       Which of the following is contained on chips connected to the system board and is a holding area for data instructions and information? – memory

38.       To reload a web page, press the button – refresh

39.       Mobile commerce is best described as – buying and selling goods/services through wireless handheld devices

40.       Video processors consist of CPU and memory which store and process images

41.       The main circuit board of the system unit is the control unit

42.       Installation is the process of copying software programs from secondary storage media to the hard disk.

43.       Nanosecond is billionth of a second

44.       When the pointer is positioned on a hyperlink, it is shaped like a hand

45.       The computer abbreviation – KB usually means – kilo byte

46.       Connection or link to other documents of web pages that contain related information is called – hyperlink

47.       An animation is a special visual and audio effect applied in Power Point to text or content

48.       The following is a programming language for creating special programs like apples – Java

49.       The piece of hardware that converts the computer’s digital signal to an analog signal that can travel over telephone lines is called - a enterprise

50.       Personal computers can be connected together to form a network

COMPUTER TERMINOLOGY  

01. Access:    To store or retrieve data

02. Add-on:    Circuits, systems, or hardware devices that can be attached to a computer to increase its memory or improve its performance

03. Application: A system, such as a payroll, that has been defined to be suitable for electronic data processing techniques

04. Archived file: A file that has been transferred to a lower level in the memory hierarchy, usually from magnetic disc to magnetic tape, may be as a result of operations of appropriate resource management

05. Array: A group of two or more logically related elements identified by a single name; generally stored in consecutive storage locations in main memory

06. Audit trail: A permanent record of every transaction taken by a computer system, indicating for example, when users log in and out, what transaction they perform, when files are accessed and the type of access. Examination of this record provides a way of observing patterns of security violation and/or serves as a deterrent to violations

07. Availability: The ratio of time a device is operating correctly to the total scheduled time for operating

08. Back office operations: Operation that does not involve direct interaction with customers

09. Back up:   A resource that is, or can be used as a substitute when a primary resource fails or when a file has been corrupted

10. Bar code:  A printed machine readable code that consists of parallel bars of varied width and spacing. The application most commonly observed is the coding on food and goods that is read at the checkout and translated into a line of print on the bill showing product and cost

11. Batch processing: A method of organizing work for a computer system, designed to reduce overheads by grouping together similar jobs

12. Bit: Contraction of binary digit

13. Bug: An error or mistake in a programme

14. Byte: A group of consecutive bits forming a unit of storage in the computer and used to represent one alphanumeric character; a byte usually consists of 8 bits but may contain more a fewer bits depending on the model of computer

15. Character: An alphabetic letter, a digit or a special symbol

16. Chip: A small section of a single crystal of semiconductor usually silicon, that forms the substrate upon which is fabricated a single semiconductor device or all the individual devices comprising an integrated circuit

17. Configuration: The particular hardware elements and their interconnection in a computer system for a particular period of operation

18. Debug: To trace and correct errors in programming code or hardware malfunctions in a computer system

19. Downtime: The percentage of time that a computer system is not available for use

20. Dummy: An artificial instruction, address etc. used only to fulfill specification in a programme but not actually performing a function

21. Duplex channel: A communication channel that allows data to be transmitted in both directions simultaneously

22, Encoder: A small table-top electronic machine which is a combination of electronic typewriter and calculator – functions: encode numeric data in the MICR in desired font; print a listing of amounts of all instructions with batch/grand totals; zero-proofing place clearing endorsement, stamp on the reverse of instruments

23. Image: A copy in memory of data that exists elsewhere

24. Interface: A common boundary between two systems, devices or programmes

25. Lock: A key or other group of characters that allows access to specified storage locations or software systems

26. Log-in: To enter the necessary information like personal identification number – PIN and/or password to begin a session on a terminal

27. Menu: The list of options may be displayed with a sign code opposite each. The selection may then be made by keying the single code. The method provides simple way of guiding a user through a complex situation by presenting a sequence of simpler decisions

28. Main memory: Storage located in the computer for programmes, along with their data, while they are being executed

29. MICR: Abbreviation for magnetic ink character recognition. A process in which data printed in ink containing ferromagnetic particles is read by magnetic read heads

30. Modem: Acronym for modulator demodulator – a device that converts digital data output from another device into analog data that can be transmitted over communication lines or vice versa.

31. OCR: Abbreviation for Optical Character Recognition

32.Output device: A device that can provide for only the output of data, such as a printer or card punch

33.Password: A group of characters by which a user is uniquely identified, when logging on to a terminal or when submitting a programme for execution

34. Real Time: The time that passes on an ordinary clock

35. Scan: To examine sequentially all the records in a file in order to find those whose keys meet a specified criterion

36. Soft Copy:  Output that is displayed on the screen of a video display unit

37. SWIFT: Society for Worldwide Inter-bank Financial Telecommunication

38. VDU: Abbreviation for Visual Display Unit

39. Bandwidth: How much stuff you can send through a connection. Usually measured in bits per second

40.Beta: Preliminary or testing stage of a software or hardware product: “a beta version”; “beta software”

41. BIOS: Stands for Basic Input/Output system: The BIOS is responsible for booting the computer by providing a basic set of instructions

42. Binary: This is a basic system of numbering using ones and zeros

43. Blue tooth: Radio technology that connects electronic devices without using a cable. Data and voice can be exchanged at ranges of up to 10 meters without the need for devices to be lined up together

44. Boot disk: A diskette from which you can boot your computer

45. Buffer: A place, especially in RAM, for the temporary storage of data for the purpose of speeding up an operation such as printing or disk access

46. Browser: It is a software used for viewing pages on the web

47. Bus: A collection of wires through which data is transmitted from one part of a computer to another

48. Catche: A special block of fast memory used for temporary storage of data for quick retrieval

49. CD-ROM: Compact Disc Read Only Memory – an optical storage medium that can hold about 700 MB of data and is accessed with lasers

50. CGA: Stands for Color Graphics Adapter: CGA allowed a maximum of four colours at a resolution of 320 x 200 or two colours at 640 x 200.

51. Clock Speed: The clock speed is the frequency which determines how fast devices that are connected to the system bus operate. The speed is measured in millions of cycles per second

52. Clustering: A technique in which two or more servers are interconnected and can access a common storage pool

53. CMOS: Abbreviation of complementary metal oxide semiconductor. Pronounced seemoss; CMOS is widely used type of semiconductor

54. COBOL: Common Business Oriented Language

55. CPU: Central Processing Unit – It interprets and carries out instructions, performs numeric computations, and controls the peripherals connected to it

56. Data bus: A group of parallel conductors found on the motherboard that is used by the CPU to send and receive data from all the devices in the computer.

57. Data mining: Sorting through data to identify patterns and establish relationships

58. DDR: Stands for “Double Data Rate”

59. Decoder: A circuit or device that restores a coded signal to its original form based on knowledge of the process used to code the signal

60. Decryption: It is the process of converting encrypted data back into its original form, so that it can be understood

61. Dedicated line: It is a phone line meant specifically for one thing, like being attached to a computer

62. Demodulation: It is the process of converting analog information into digital information

63. DLL: Dynamic Link Library

64. DNS: Domain Name Server – it is the system used on the internet for maping names to the actual numerical addresses of machines on the Internet

65. DOS:  Disc Operating System

66. Domain name:  A name that identifies one or more IP addresses

67. Driver: A program that controls a device. Every device, whether it can be a printer, disk drive, or keyboard must have one driver program

68. EBCDIC: Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code

69. Email: Stands for electronic mail. It is a system of relaying messages across the Internet from one internet user to another

70. Encryption: It is the process of converting data into “unreadable code” so that unauthorized people cannot understand the contents

71. Ethernet: A networking system that enables high speed data communication over coaxial cables

72. Executable file: A file in a format that the computer can directly execute

73. FAQ: Frequently asked questions

74. GUI: Graphical User Interface

75. FTP: File transfer protocol

76. HTML: Hyper Text Markup Language

77. HTTP: Stands for Hyper Text Transport Protocol

78. Icon: A small video display that acts as an activation link when clicked on

79. ISP: Internet service provider

80. ISDN: Integrated Services Digital Network

81. Java: A high level programming language developed by Sun Microsystems

82. LAN: a computer network that spans a relatively small area

82. LCD: Abbreviation of liquid crystal display, a type of display used in digital watches and many portable computers

83. Linux: A version of UNIX that runs on a variety of hardware platforms. It is open source software, which is freely available

84. Kilobyte: This is about thousand bytes of space. It is two to the 10^th power of 1024 bytes

85. MPEG: Motion Picture Experts Group

86. Peer to Peer: A type of network in which each workstation has equivalent capabilities and responsibilities

87. Pen drive: A small device that can be used to easily transfer files between USB-compatible systems

88. Processor: A processor is a device that processes programmed instructions and performs tasks

89. RAM: Random Access Memory

90. ROM: Read Only Memory

91. Serial Port: A port or interface that can be used for serial communication, in which only 1 bit is transmitted at a time

92. SMTP: Simple Mail Transfer Protocol

93. Spam: This is to transmit unwanted messages, usually over email, to a great many people

94. SLIP: Serial Line Interface Protocol

95. Switch: In networks, a device that filters and forwards packets between LAN segments. LANs that use switches to join segments are called switched LANs or, in the case of Ethernet networks, switched Ethernet LANs

96. WWW: World Wide Web

97. Virus: A program or piece of code that is loaded into the computer without the knowledge of the computer user and runs against the wishes of the user

98. WAN: Wide Area Network

99. Weblog: This is publicly accessible personal journal for an individual. Similar to a personal diary, but shared over the web.  The activity of updating a blog is “blogging” and someone who keeps a blog is called as a “blogger”

100.ZIP: Stands for Zone Information Protocol. This is an application that allows for the compression of application files