Flashcards

Computer

Lisette DuFore English 64 cards

Cards in this deck (64)

1ComputerProgrammable machine that accepts, processes, and outputs data.
2Operating SystemA collection of programs that control a computer.
The interface between programs and hardware.
3HardwareThe devices, chips, and circuitry that perform tasks for software.
4Input/Output DevicesAnything that puts info into the computer (input), or anything that gets it out (output).
5BusesData paths to transmit data between components internally and externally (e.g. USB).
6ProcessorPerforms calculations on data sent from input devices, hard drive, or RAM to achieve useful results.
CPU (Central Processing Unit). General purpose number cruncher.
7PlatformUnderlying hardware and/or software of a system (e.g. Apple Macintosh).
8Cross PlatformSoftware or hardware that can function on two or more platforms (e.g. Pro Tools - works on both Mac and Windows).
9ProgramCode that instructs a computer how to perform certain tasks.
10ProtocolEstablished rules for communication and data transfer between devices.
11BinaryA two state number system made up of 0's and 1's.
12BitA binary digit.
13WordA grouping of bits.
14ByteGroup of 8 bits.
15Least Significant Bit (LSB)Rightmost and lowest value binary bit.
16Most Significant Bit (MSB)Leftmost and highest value binary bit.
17AnalogueRelating to signals or information represented by a continuously variable physical quantity, such as spatial position or voltage.
Expressed using infinite values (a continuum).
Infinite physical representation.
18DigitalRelating to or using signals or information represented by discrete values (digits) of a physical quantity.
Expressed using discrete values.
2 state binary representation.
19BusAn electrical pathway used to transmit data.
20ClockSets the reference tempo at which a digital system works.
21Serial TransmissionData sent one bit at a time.
22Parallel TransmissionMultiple bits of data sent at a time.
23Analog WaveformThe analog of a waveform is physically represented in a medium (e.g. Grooves on a record).
24Digital WaveformA Waveform is sampled at repulse intervals and assigned binary values to indicate amplitude.
25What is the aim of audio digitization?To map an infinite analogue value to a finite discrete digital value.
26QuantizationProcess of measuring the amplitude of an analogue signal and assigning it a discrete value.
Assigns a value to each sample based on that sample's signal strength (amplitude).
27SamplingHow often you measure.
28Sample FrequencyDetermine how often the analogue signal is measured.
29Sample PeriodTime elapsed between two samples.
Sample Period = 1 second / sample frequency
30Nyquist TheoremTo properly recreate a waveform, the sampling frequency (rate) needs to be at least twice the highest frequency present.
31Nyquist FrequencyThe highest frequency that can be successfully sampled.
32Dynamic RangeRatio of the quietest signal to the loudest signal (expressed in decibels).
If your word length increases by 1, your dynamic range will have an increase of 6 dB. When you double # of bits, you double your dynamic range.
33SignalAnalogue or digital. Both send information. In digital systems, we often call this data.
34Uni-Directional/SimplexSignal transmission in a single direction (e.g. XLR mic cable).
35Bi-DirectionalSignal transmission in both directions (e.g. USB).
36Full DuplexSend/receive simultaneously (e.g. USB, telephone).
37Half DuplexBi-directional, but can only do one direction at a time (e.g. walkie talkies).
38Bus PoweredBus that can simultaneously send power and signal to a device.
Removes need for separate power cable.
39Adaptor/TurnaroundConverts one type of connector into another.
40DisplayPortDigital video transmission protocol & hardware.
41Mini DisplayPortConnector used to transmit DisplayPort and/or Thunderbolt 1 & 2.
42FireWire...1394a Male
43FireWire...1394a Mini Male
44FireWire...1394b Male
45FireWire...1394b Female
46D-SubminiatureMultipurpose connectors identified by pin number.
Also known as D-Sub, or D-Shelf.
47D-Shell VariantsDigiLink - Proprietary connectors for PT HD & HDX systems.
DVI (Digital Visual Interface) - Carries digital (and analogue) video.
48D-Shell Variants...DigiLink
49D-Shell Variants...DVI
50Circular DinRegular and miniature varieties. Lots of different types and uses (e.g. MIDI, power connectors, keyboard, mouse)
51Registered JackRJ-45 Male
52Registered JackRJ-45 Female
53OpticalData transmitted as light.
54Optical...Toslink Male
Multi-channel and stereo digital audio transmission.
55Optical...Fiber Optic SC
Networking and digital audio applications.
56MIDIA way to send instructions between controllers and tone generators.
57SynthesizerElectronic instruments that imitate conventional instruments or create new sounds.
58ControllerHardware (or virtual) device that allows tactile interaction with synths.
e.g. Keys
59Knobs vs. Rotary EncoderKnobs - Have a beginning and end.
Rotary Encoder - You can keep turning it and turning it...
60MIDI vs. AudioMIDI is a control signal.
Audio is an auditory signal.
61VelocityHow hard or soft you hit a key.
(The intensity with which you strike a key.)
62VolumeHow loud the output is (different than velocity).
63MIDI SpecificationProtocol for communication between MIDI compliant devices.
64MIDI SequencersA software program (or hardware device) that allows recording, playback, and editing of MIDI messages.