COMPUTER TALES

The first generation languages , or 1GL are low-level languages that are machine language . The second generation languages , or 2GL are also low-level languages that consist of assembly languages. The third generation languages , or 3GL are high-level languages such as C . The fourth generation languages , or 4GL are languages that consist of statements similar to statements in a human language. Fourth generation languages are commonly used in database programming and scripts. The fifth generation languages , or 5GL are programming languages that contain visual tools to help develop a program. A good example of a fifth generation language is Visual Basic .

1. Short for Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology , S.M.A.R.T , or SMART , is a diagnostic method originally developed by IBM and introduced with the ATA-3 specification that at that time referred to as Predictive Failure Analysis . This technology was developed for IBM mainframe drives to give advanced warning of drive failures. Based on this diagnostic, Compaq announced IntelliSafeTM, which was submitted to the ATA/IDE standards committees and the resulting standard was named S.M.A.R.T. S.M.A.R.T. analyzes many of the mechanical attributes; over time, some failures can be predicted by detecting if the hard drive is moving out of tolerance. While the S.M.A.R.T. technology can detect upcoming issues, not all hard drive failures are predictable. Some of the major hard drive manufacturers now including the S.M.A.R.T Technology in their hard drives are IBM , Western Digital , Maxtor , Quantum , Seagate and Fujitsu 2. When referring to software, smart or inte...

1. Alternatively referred to as a USB flash drive , data stick , pen drive , keychain drive and thumb drive , a jump drive is a portable drive that is often the size of your thumb that connects to the computer USB port. Today, flash drives are available in sizes such as 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 5GB, and 16GB and are an easy way to transfer and store information. In the picture to the right, is an example of the SanDisk Cruzer Micro 16GB flash drive and a good example of what many flash drives look like. As can be seen in this picture, the drive has a small casing that stores the flash memory connected to a USB connection that is plugged into the USB port on your computer. 2. The term flash drive may also be used to describe a SSD .

A term used to describe services over a network by a collection of servers. These computers or cloud of computers enable the users visiting to have access to much faster computers or servers, be able to access programs and services from anywhere with Internet access often without having to install other software, and get access to the services from any device capable of reaching the network or Internet. Because the term cloud computing is a broad term, it's likely if you've spent any time on the Internet or use devices connected to the Internet that you've used some cloud computing. Below are some common examples of cloud computing you've likely heard of or used.

Alternatively referred to as Y/C video , S-Video is short for Super Video and is a round connector interface and cable that transmits video luminance (Y) and chrominance (C) signals separately. When received by the TV or other display device this generates a better picture when compared to composite video. In the picture to the right, is an example of an S-Video connector on the back of a video card.

A magnetically thin coated piece plastic wrapped around wheels capable of storing data. Tape is much less expensive than other storage mediums but commonly a much slower solution that is commonly used for backup . Today, tape has mostly been abandoned for faster and more reliable solutions like disc drives, hard drives, and flash drives. In the image to the right, is a picture and example of magnetic tape taken by KENPEI and shared under the creative commons.

Hardware data storage device developed by Iomega that functions like a Standard 1.44" floppy drive. What makes the Iomega zip drive unique is its capability to hold up to 100 MB of data or 250 MB of data on new drives. Iomega Zip Drives became very popular in late 1990s, however, became less popular as users needed larger storage capabilities. This drive was later replaced by larger and cheaper CD-R and CD-RW drives and discs. In the picture to the right, is an example of an Iomega Zip diskette. This diskette is bigger than the standard floppy diskette and is made out of a much harder plastic.

Alternatively referred to as storage , storage media , or storage medium , a storage device is a hardware device capable of holding information. There are two storage devices used in computers; a primary storage device such as computer RAM and a secondary storage device such as a computer hard drive . The secondary storage could be a removable , internal , or external storage. In the picture to the right, is an example of a Drobo , an external secondary storage device. Without a storage device, you and your computer would not be able to save any settings or information and would be considered a dumb terminal . Below, are some additional examples of storage devices that are used with computers.

Off-line storage Term used to describe any storage that is removable and cannot be accessed by the computer once removed. A good example of off-line storage is a floppy disk. Off-line storage allows a user to store information that will not be affected by computer viruses or hardware failure.Although off-line storage could be considered secondary storage, we've separated these into their own category because this media can be easily removed from the computer and stored elsewhere.

Secondary storage technology refers to storage devices and storage media that are not always directly accessible by a computer. This differs from primary storage technology, such as an internal hard drive , which is constantly available. Examples of secondary storage devices include external hard drives , USB flash drives , and tape drives . These devices must be connected to a computer's external I/O ports in order to be accessed by the system. They may or may not require their own power supply . Examples of secondary storage media include recordable CDs and DVDs , floppy disks , and removable disks, such as Zip disks and Jaz disks. Each one of these types of media must be inserted into the appropriate drive in order to be read by the computer. While floppy disks and removable disks are rarely used anymore, CDs and DVDs are still a popular way to save and transfer data. Because secondary storage technology is not always accessible by a computer, it is comm...