This fascinating module includes computer terms and definitions, information on what's inside your computer, how circuit boards work, operating systems, software applications, microprocessors, binary numbers, RAM, multimedia, networks and the Internet.
Terms and Definitions - contains the full array of constantly-changing computer terms all in one place. From 3D Graphics to World Wide Web.
For example: Accelerated Graphics Port - A place you can plug in a video card, giving it fast access to data in the computer's main RAM.
Clock - Microchip that keeps time and synchronizes the functions of the computer, especially the processor. Known as megahertz, 1MHz means the crystal "beats" one million times a second.
Software Applications - describes the myriad of applications that run on today's typical computer. Included are explanations of database managers, word processors, graphics software, multimedia, communications and utilities.
For example: Graphics Software - When you look at a picture, you're not looking at it as a mathematical algorithm,but your computer does. Every color, shape, line and shadow are converted into numbers that describe what the picture looks like.
Multimedia - Multimedia are advanced graphic and audio-related programs which quickly decompress and display large amounts of data. They also work with 3-D graphics cards, which allow your computer to display the complex graphics in games, where the action changes quickly and seamlessly.
Basic Computer Science - describes the components comprising a computer, operating systems, microprocessors, RAM, disc storage and, the Internet and networks.
For example: Mother Board - the main and usually largest circuit board, is where the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and other important processing units, are located. Expansion slots allow other circuit boards to be plugged into it, enhancing your computer's memory and operation.
Buses - The bus can be printed on circuit boards, adapters, expansion cards and chips. It is the highway along which the computer communicates with I/O devices, and this "highway" has traffic signals called input/output controllers that keep the data from interfering with each other.
Useful Internet Sites - lists over 140 kid-friendly web sites where you can find information on arts and authors, buying a car, business, computers and Internet, colleges and universities, education and homework, fitness and exercise, government and history, jobs, recreation and sports, museums, science, special interests, weather and zoos.
For example: Cool Safe Links for Kids, Parents, and Teachers - the resources here will amaze you; information on many subjects and homework help. http://www.karscot.com/kidlinks.html.
Ask Dr. Math - Math help for students 5 to 18, produced
by Swarthmore College and offers answers that are generally clear.
http://forum.swarthmore.edu/dr.math/dr-math.html.
