The Illinois Technology Standards require that student performance be assessed with regard to computer history and terminology. You are probably quite familiar with computer jargon, and it's almost an insult to your intelligence to have your knowledge of computer terminology assessed. Nonetheless, we'll try to make this as easy as possible. If you don't know or understand any of the terms in the table below, you'll want to review Chapter 35, "Jargon," of The Little Mac Book. This chapter will provide you with all that information you will need.
Chances are, unless you have had some formal training in computer science, you probably aren't all that familiar with computer history. The CD-ROM How Computers Work really does provide an interesting and informative introduction to the history of computers, and I suspect that you will enjoy reviewing the dozen or so vignettes provided.
In this exercise you will prepare yourself (or perform a self-assessment) for one quiz dealing with both computer history and terminology. Follow the guidelines below, and when you are ready for your test, let your instructor know.
1. Review the following words. In some cases, these words apply
primarily to the Macintosh operating platform. Nonetheless, the
bulk of these words constitute the standard language of computer
terminology that almost everyone should understand. If you do
not understand the meaning of one or more of these words, either
ask someone for a definition, or review Chapter 35: Jargon in
The Little Mac Book. This book may be obtained from your
course instructor.
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2. View the "History of Computers" file on How Computers Work CD-ROM in preparation for a history of computers test. Be certain to view all files from "Before the 1940's" through "The 1990's and Beyond."
The student will complete a Mallard-based test that covers relevant computer terminology. A quick verbal overview of the history will be provided to the course instructor based upon successful completion of content provided of the history contained on the CD-ROM described above.