# or Symbol

4th generation languages (4GL)

Very high-level languages. These are results oriented and include database query languages

A

access slot

opening in the back of the computer to allow devices to connect to peripheral cards

acoustical modem

a modem in which the telephone handset is placed into the device, which is connected to the computer.

adapter card

See expansion card

ADSL

a very fast data transfer method that uses normal phone lines to handle phone calls and data transfer at the same time. Download rates of 512 KBps up to 8MBps.

add-on program

requires another program to be of any use

analog signal

variations (modulations) in a signal used to convey information

animation 

a sequence of images that are shown one after the other very quickly. The human eye and brain blend the images to produce the effect of motion.

antivirus program

a program which finds and eliminates computer viruses

application

a computer program

Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU)

the part of the CPU that executes the computer's commands by doing arithmetic or the logical comparisons <(less than),> (greater than), and = (equal to).

ASCII

a code system for turning letters, numbers and symbols into digital data. Used for PCs.

assembly language

abbreviations for machine language

autoexec.bat

a file that runs automatically when the computer starts. It lists programs that are to run now and lists the path.

B

background task

a task of low priority. Will be given fewer time slices.

backup

a copy of a file or set of files

band printer

Uses characters on a chain that is moved into place before striking the characters onto the paper.

BASIC

Beginner's All Symbolic Instruction Code Written in 1964 for college students to use to learn programming concepts.

bay

place in a computer case to put drives and other devices

bidirectional

a printer which prints left to right and then right to left

BIOS

Basic Input/Output System. A limited set of instructions to the computer which gets it started.

bit

short for "binary digit". One on/off position in a digital number

block

a logical division of data on magnetic tape.

booting

starting the computer

borders

lines around a page or table

bridge

connects networks of the same type

brownout

period of lower voltage

buffer

location for temporary data storage while processing is going on

bus

any path that data travels inside the computer

bus width

amount of data that the bus can carry at one time. Measured in bits.

bus configuration

network configuration where all devices are connected to the same communications line

button

a graphic which looks like you could press it. Clicking on a button executes a command.

byte

8 bits

C

C, C+, C++

programming language originally created for writing system software. C has evolved into C+ and C++. All three are widely used by programming professionals for all sorts of programs

capacity (disk)

amount of data that can be stored

cathode ray tube (CRT)

device which displays computer output. From the physical mechanism used for the screen.

CD-R

recordable compact disk. Disk can be written to by a user with the proper kind of CD drive. Cannot be erased to be written on again. Once time write only!

CD-ROM

Compact Disk-Read Only Memory. The most common size of optical disk. Laser used to read bumps on disk as 0 or 1 for digital data. Made from mold of original disk in a factory. Data can only be read, not written.

CD-RW

rewritable CD disk. User can save data to the disk, erase data, write new data to the same disk. Made of different materials than CD-ROM or CD-R disks.

cel

A single image in an animation sequence

 

cell

intersection of row and column in a table or on a spreadsheet.

CGA

Color Graphics Adapter, an old video type with maximum 320 x 200 resolution

chain printer

Uses characters on a chain that is moved into place before striking the characters onto the paper.

chart

a graphical representation of data

chat

IRC = Internet Relay Chat - a program that lets you exchange messages with other people who are online. Everyone in a particular conversation can read all the messages.

 

client server

a server which processes a request and returns the results to the requesting computer

clip art

pre-drawn pictures to add to documents

clipboard

a section of computer memory used to temporarily hold data that has been cut or copied for transfer to another document or location within a document. The clipboard can only hold one thing at a time

cluster

a set of track sectors which is the minimum space used by a read or write.

CMYK color system

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. These ink colors are all that are needed to create all the printed colors.

coaxial cable

round insulated wire with single wire in center. Tightens down with collar.

COBOL

Common Business Oriented Language Written about 1960 with business applications in mind. It has a very English-like structure, using sentences and paragraphs.

cold boot

computer is shut down completely, hard disk stops spinning, several seconds elapse at least before a restart is attempted.

columns

columns of text side by side, as in a newspaper

command language interpreter

program that translates your keystrokes into the 0's and 1's that the processor understands.

command.com

the name of the command language interpreter in DOS and Win95

commands

special codes or keywords that tell the computer to perform a task, like RUN "SALES"

communications

programs that temporarily connect computers to each other to exchange information.

communications channel

is the path that the data follows as it is transmitted from one computer to another. Also called a communications line or link,

communications link

see communications channel

communications line

see communications channel

compiler

rewrites the program into machine language that the CPU can understand. The program is then saved.

computer

an electronic device that executes the instructions in a program. A computer has four functions: inputs data, processes data, produces output, and stores results

computer output microfilm (COM)

device that generates microfilm direct from the computer

computer language

language with which we can communicate with the computer

conditioning

smoothes out variations in power by pumping up the voltage when it drops and stepping it down when it's too high

config.sys

a file that the computer uses to learn what devices are connected to the computer and where the drivers for them are. DOS and Win95

contact manager

an advanced kind of Personal Information Manager which allows you to keep track of when you had a conversation or a meeting with someone and what was done or said.

context-sensitive

what happens depends on exactly what is going on at the moment, or exactly where the cursor is. A right click in Win95 will open up a context-sensitive menu, which has different options depending on where the mouse is.

continuous speech recognition

a voice input system in which the speaker may use normal conversational flow.

continuous-form paper

paper for track-feed printers. Must be separated at perforations.

control unit

part of the CPU that controls the Machine Cycle

controller card

See expansion card. Especially one used to control a drive

copy

duplicate selection onto Clipboard

core

memory device consisting of small metal rings. Magnets tip a ring to left or right, which represents on and off. Relatively slow

cps

characters per second. Measures printer speed.

CPU

Central Processing Unit. Composed of Control Unit and Arithmetic/Logic Unit.

CPU utilization

measures the time the CPU is working and idle

create (document)

start a new document

crippleware

shareware which has important function disabled

cursor

symbol marking where text will appear when you type

cut

remove selection from document and store temporarily on the Clipboard, which is a section of computer memory.

cylinder

a set of matched tracks from storage disk surfaces.

D

daisy wheel printer

a printer which has characters that are fully formed on the "petals", like typewriter keys.

data

the raw facts given to the computer, like first name, price, quantity ordered

data automation

making data entry and validation as automatic as possible

data projector

device that projects image onto a wall screen

data transfer rate

rate of data transfer from storage disk. Measured in kilobytes per second (kbs).

data communications

transmission of data and information over a communications channel,

data recovery

program which attempts to recover deleted or damaged data

data compression

program which force data into less space on the storage medium

database

a program to manage lists that are not entirely numbers, such as addresses, phone lists, inventories... A database is made up of files which contain records which are make up of fields.

debug

look for and remove errors in a program

default

the original settings; what will happen if you don't change anything

defragment

puts files on storage disk so that the whole file is in sequence rather than stored with parts in various locations on the disk

delete

remove selected object (not saved anywhere)

density (tape)

how close bit may be placed on magnetic tape. Measure in bits per inch (bpi)

desktop computer

personal computer that will fit nicely on a desk

desktop publishing (DTP)

program which give precise control of where text and graphics appear on the page

dialing software

tells the computer how to place a call on the phone line connected to it. Display messages about call progress

digital camera

device which takes still photos but records the pictures on computer disks or memory chips

digital info

information stored as a string of zeros or ones

digital signal

a stream of 0's and 1's.

digitizer

device that converts drawings, photos, etc. to digital signals

directory

a grouping of files

directory tree

hierarchy of directories

discrete speech recognition

a voice input system in which the speaker must pause between words for the computer to tell when a word stops.

disk management

program involving formatting and defragmenting your disk

diskette

used for storing data. Made of Mylar with an oxide coating. 5¼"and 3½" sizes exist with the smaller size dominating now. Also called a floppy or floppy disk.

documentation

the printed or online documents that explain things: identify the parts of your hardware or software, give installation instructions, give directions for use. In programming this includes explanations of the code - why it is written that way, what the code is doing.

DOS

Disk Operating System

dot matrix printer

forms characters using row(s) of pins, 9, 18, or 24 which impact the ribbon on top of the paper

dot pitch

distance between dots on a monitor screen. Several ways to measure. May be measured from center to center between nearest dots or between dots of the same color (for color monitors). May be measured from center to vertical line through nearest dot of same color - a shorter distance than center to center.

double-sided disk

top and bottom surfaces of a storage disk are used.

download

transfer a file to your computer from elsewhere

dpi

dots per inch. Used to measure printer resolution.

draft quality

quality good enough for a test print or for internal use

drawing program

a graphics program that deals with images as a set of geometric shapes. Each shape is defined by a vector, an equation. Has smaller file sizes and resizes with little loss of picture quality. File formats include cdr, cgm, cdx, drw, wmf, wpg and many more.

driver

file that gives directions to the computer on how to use a device connected to the computer

dumb terminal

a terminal which cannot store or process data

E

EBCDIC

a code system for turning letters, numbers and symbols into digital data. Used on main frames.

edit

make changes in a document

EGA

Extended Graphics Adapter, an old video type with maximum 640 x 350 resolution

email

electronic mail - sending messages over a network or internet connection

end user

person who actually uses hardware or software

executable

a file which runs a program

expansion card

card which plugs into a slot on the motherboard. Also called controller card, adapter card, interface card, expansion board.

expansion board

see expansion card

external device

plugs into the back of a computer

F

female connector

cable connection with holes to match pins on the matching connector

fiber optic line

made of glass fiber for transmitting data

field (database)

a single item that is part of a record in a database

file

something saved on the computer - a document or program

flat database

a database composes of records which have fields. Each record must contain all the information you want about that record

file (database)

a collection of related records

file transfer

moving a file from one computer to another

file server

a server which returns a file to the requesting computer for processing there

file management

program to help you create, move, rename, delete etc. files

file name

has two parts: FILENAME and EXTENSION in the form filename.ext

file type

file name's extension identifies the type of file - doc, txt, htm, exe, and so forth

floppy disk

see diskette

flow chart

a visual representation of the flow of logic in a computer program

folder

a grouping of files

folder tree

hierarchy of folders

font

combo of typeface & point size, includes styles such as BOLD, italics, underline

footer

the bottom part of a page that is repeated on every page of the document

footprint

amount of physical space something uses

foreground task

a task of high priority. Will be given more time slices.

format (disk)

sets up a method of assigning addresses to the different areas of a storage medium. It also sets up an area for keeping the list of addresses.

format (document)

arranging the look of the document by selecting the typeface, font size, text color, spacing of lines and words, etc.

formula

an equation used to calculate values like for interest or mortgage payments

FORTRAN

from Formula Translation. Created around 1957 to help scientists, engineers, and mathematicians write software for mathematical models of complex events, like nuclear blasts and space flight.

freeware

program which is given away for free

friction feed

uses pressure to pull single sheets through a printer

FTP

File Transfer Protocol. A protocol for moving files between computers.

full path name

lists the route to a file starting with the drive name and naming all the folders/directories, like c:\documents\memos\123197.doc

G

gamepad

controls cursor motion with arrow buttons.

gap, interblock

gap which separates logical blocks on magnetic tape

gap, interrecord

gap which separates records on magnetic tape

gateway

connects networks of different kinds

glidepad

a touch sensitive pad for controlling cursor motion. Click by tapping the pad. Popular for laptop computers.

grammar checker

looks for grammar/style errors

graphical user interface (GUI)

uses images in the user interface to make it easier for the user.

graphics

pictures and charts

graphics tablet

similar to digitizer but has special commands

H

hand-held computer

a PC small enough to hold in one hand

hand scanner

device that is moved by hand over the document or picture to convert it to a digital image

hard copy

printed on paper or other permanent media

hard disk

magnetic storage device consisting of 1 to 4 metal platters which are sealed inside a case. Usually installed inside the computer's case, though there are removable and cartridge types.

hard drive

device that controls the reading from and writing to a hard disk.

hardware

the physical parts of the computer

head

the part of the disk drive that does the reading and writing of data

header

area at the top of a page that is repeated on every page of the document

high-level language

Use program statements - words and algebra-type expressions. Developed in the 50's and 60's

host computer

computer which handles the network tasks and holds the data

I

icon

a small graphic which when clicked runs a program, executes a command or opens a document.

impact printer

printer in which something strikes paper and ribbon together to form a character, like in a typewriter.

information

data that has been processed into useful form

ink jet printer

printer that sprays ink onto paper to form characters

input

everything you tell the computer

input device

device used to give the computer data or commands. Includes keyboard, mouse, scanner, etc.

input/output storage

where keystrokes and data are stored as they are input or output before being processed

insert

add text at location without overwriting existing text

Integrated Software

a program combining the basic features of several other programs.

interlaced

a scanning pattern for monitors that scans every other row of pixels.

internal device

plugs into a slot inside a computer

interpreter

program which translates the program statements into machine language one line at a time as the program is running

IRC

see "chat"

ISA slot

older type of slot on motherboard for peripheral device boards

ISDN terminal adapter

Integrated Services Digital Network. A digital device which connects a computer to a digital communications line

instant messaging

a program which notifies you when your "friends" (people on your list) are online. You can write them messages which they receive right away (instantly). Usually only the person you send a message to can read it.
 

J

Java

a newly popular language which is used to write both full computer applications and small applets for web pages. Its goal is to create applications that will run on any computer, unlike other languages which are not cross-platform

JavaScript

a scripting language used mostly on web pages. Not related to Java.

joystick

a device which controls cursor motion with a vertical stick. Usually has more buttons than a mouse. Used in flying games especially.

jumper

a small piece that slides over two pins at the same time. Jumpers are used on the motherboard, hard drives, and some peripheral cards.

justification

alignment of text: left, center, right, full

K

kernel

part of the operating system needed to start the system

keyboard

input device with keys for letters of the alphabet, numbers, and various symbols.

kilobyte (K or KB)

1024 bytes historically. New standards will use kilobyte for 1000 bytes and kibibyte for the binary 1024 bytes.

L

LAN

Local Area Network. Computers are relatively close together.

laptop

portable personal computer with a screen in the cover.

layout

arrangement of text and graphics

letter quality (LQ)

quality of best typewriter output

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

screen type used most often in laptops.

liteware

a free version of a program which is missing some high-end or desirable features

logon

procedure where user must identify himself to the computer to continue

long file name

has more characters than 8 for filename and or more than 3 for extension

lpm

lines per minute. Measures printer speed

M

machine cycle

one round of steps from getting an instruction back to getting the next instruction. The four steps are fetch, decode, execute, store.

machine language

The language of the CPU. The lowest level language. Composed of 0's and 1's

macro

small program to automate actions within a major application

magnetic ink character recognition

machine reads characters printed with a special ink with magnetic properties. Used on bank documents

magnetic disk

storage device which uses magnetism of the surface to store data

magnetic tape

a storage medium using a long tape with magnetic properties.

main circuit board

the largest circuit board in the computer, to which all peripherals and the CPU attach. Also called motherboard.

main frame

computer that is the heart of a network of computers or terminals which allows hundreds of people to work at the same time on the same data. It requires a special environment - cold and dry.

main memory

where the computer stores the data and commands that are currently being used.

male connector

cable connection with pins to match a connector with holes

margin

space at the borders of the page or other document object

mass storage

sets of cartridges containing data. Accessed using robot arms.

megabyte (MB)

1024 kilobytes historically. Different scientific and technical areas are using the words for quantity differently. For data storage devices and telecommunications a megabyte is 1 000 000 bytes.  For data transmission in LANs a megabyte is 1 048 576 bytes as described above.  But for data storage on a floppy disk a megabyte is 1 024 000 bytes!

A new set of words has been created to make it clear what size is really being used. See  http://physics.nist.gov/cuu/Units/binary.html for a further explanation.

megahertz (MHz)

1 million cycles per second.

memory address

the unique numerical name for a location in memory

memory management

program to handle where in RAM programs put their data

menu

part of a user interface which lists the available commands. A menu item might contain other commands as a submenu

microcomputer

also known as Personal Computer (PC)

microprocessor

silicon chip containing the CPU, ALU, and some memory

minicomputer

size of computer between the PC and a main frame. Originally developed to do tasks requiring intensive calculations to relieve the load on the main frame.

MIPS

millions of instructions per second. A measure of computer speed.

modem

device which translates between the analog phone line and the digital computer. From Modulate/Demodulate

monitor

device which displays computer output. From its use to "monitor" progress of a program.

monochrome

one color text on one color background, like white letters on blue or green characters on black

motherboard

main circuit board of the computer. Has on it the CPU, memory boards, device boards, power plugs, etc.

mouse

an input device consisting of 2 or more buttons with a rolling ball underneath. The cursor on the screen follows the motion of the mouse ball.

multiprocessing

using more than one CPU at the same time

multimedia

combination of sound and images with text and graphics. This would include movies, animations, music, people talking, sound effects like the roar of a crowd and smashing glass.

multi-tasking

programs take turns using the processor.

N

nag screen

screen that reminds you to pay up each time you run a shareware program

nanosecond (ns)

1 billionth of a second. Used to measure memory speed

natural language (input)

a voice input system which recognizes normal human speech

natural language (programming)

5th Generation Languages. We don't really have any programming languages yet that use natural language. In such a language you would write statements that look like normal sentences.

near letter quality (NLQ)

print quality nearly as good as best typewriter output

nesting

putting directories or folders inside other directories or folders

network

a set of computers which are linked together on a permanent basis

newsgroup

a discussion group on the Internet where messages and responses are posted for all to read

node

each device connected to a network

noise filter

removes from a signal the interference caused by the magnetic fields of nearby devices

non-impact printer

type of printer does not involve actually striking the paper. Instead, it uses ink spray or toner powder.

non-interlaced

a scanning pattern for monitors that scans left to right, drops down a row, and scans back left.

non-volatile

describes memory which retains data even when the power goes off.

O

OCR software

software which changes a scanned document from an image to editable text

operating system

the instructions that the computer uses to tell itself how it "operates". It's the answer to "Who am I and what can I do?"

optical codes

printed bar codes on products, envelopes, etc.

optical mark recognition

machine reads special marks, for example to score a test

optical character recognition

program that uses a machine to recognize the shapes of letters and characters. In the past special shapes had to be used that the computer could recognize. Modern OCR programs can recognize standard fonts very accurately.

optical disk

a storage medium which uses tiny lasers to create peaks and valleys in a plastic layer on a circular disk

optical card

embedded data on a card. May not be updatable.

orientation

direction the printed page runs: portrait or landscape

OS/2

an operating system by IBM

output

data that has been processed into useful form, now called Information

P

page scanner

device that captures a whole page and convert it to digital image

page printer

printer that uses toner and a heat bar to form characters, like a copy machine.

page out

moving data from main memory to virtual memory

painting program

a graphics program that deals with images on a dot-by-dot basis. Each pixel is defined separately. Required for photos. Formats include bmp, gif, jpg, pcx, png, tiff, tga and many more.

palm-top

personal computer small enough to fit in your hand. Limited capabilities.

parallel printer cable

sends data 8 bits at a time. Printer must be within 50 feet of the computer.

parity

a method of checking for errors in digital data. In an even parity system an extra bit (making a total of 9 bits) is assigned to be on or off so as to make the number of on bits even. In an odd parity system the number of on bits would have to be odd. If the number of on bits is wrong, an error has occurred

partition

a portion of a hard disk. Disks are partitioned in order to reduce cluster size or to have separate partitions for different operating systems.

password

a secret code used to validate user's identity

paste

place clipboard contents at cursor location

path

a list of locations for the computer to look for commands if the full path is not given.

PCI slot

newer type of slot on motherboard for peripheral device boards

PDA

Personal Digital Assistant. Small personal computer with limited capabilities.

pen input

a pen-like device used to control mouse motions, enter data by drawing letters, or give commands by using set gestures. Esp. used on PDAs.

peripheral device

a device that connects to the motherboard. Includes monitor, mouse, keyboard, modem. etc.

personal computer (PC)

computer for personal use which comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, from tiny PDAs (personal digital assistant) to hefty towers

Personal Information Management (PIM)

a special kind of database for recording appointments, addresses, phone numbers, tasks.

pixel

one dot on a screen. From "picture element".

plasma screen

screen type used for very large screen involving a gas plasma for creating characters.

plotter

printer used for very wide pages like architectural or engineering drawings

point size

measures the height of letters where one point is 1/72 inch

point-of-sale terminal

a special-purpose terminal. Replaces cash register.

POST

Power On Self Test. Set of basic test of hardware run when a computer is turned on.

power button

on/off switch for your computer

power supply

converts the electricity from the wall outlet into the flavor that the computer can digest

power spike

a huge jump that lasts for fractions of a second.

power surge

more electricity through the line than normal for several seconds

ppm

pages per minutes. Measures printer speed

presentation graphics

program which links together a sequence of slides containing text and graphics, for example for a sales presentation or training

primary storage

main memory, which holds what is currently being processed.

print

putting the document on paper with a printer

print preview

displays how the document will print as opposed to how it looks on the screen

print spool

a temporary file created to hold print jobs so user can continue working while printer is printing

print manager

program which manages printing, handling the job order

printer resolution

a measure of print quality. Measured in dots per inch (dpi)

processing

taking data and doing things with it. It is the "thinking" that the computer does - the calculations, comparisons, and decisions

processor speed

measure of how fast a CPU processes data

program

a set of detailed directions telling the computer exactly what to do

programmer

writes the actual code for a computer program

project management

specialized spreadsheet that is optimized to track all of the people, tasks, and deadlines in a major project

proprietary

unique to a given manufacturer

PS/2 port

small connection port used by some mice. Computer MUST be off to connect or disconnect at this port.

Q

query

a way to arrange records in a particular kind of order or to show only the records that match certain criteria

queue

the set of print jobs waiting to be done

R

Random Access Memory (RAM)

main memory. Volatile memory that is erased when power is turned off.

Read Only Memory (ROM)

memory which cannot be changed. Contains the minimum instructions to start the computer.

Read The Fine Manual

device which displays computer output. Short for "computer screen" or "display screen"

record

a related set of data which are contained in fields

recording density

how close together bits can be on a sector on the innermost track of a storage disk.

refresh rate

how often the picture is redrawn on a monitor

registration code

a special code that identifies you as a legal purchaser of software or hardware

relational database

a database composed of linked tables which have records which are made up of fields. No one table has all the information about a record.

removable media

storage media that are removed from the computer, such as floppy diskettes, tapes, CD-ROM disks

replace

replace specific word(s) or character(s) with stated text

reset button

used to restart the computer quickly

response time

how long it takes the computer to respond when data is entered

reverse video

highlights selected text with a background color and a change of text color.

rewritable

CD disk which can be erased and written on again.

RGB color system

red, green, blue dots on a standard monitor screen can create all the colors by combining what dots are aglow.

ribbon cable

a wide flat connection cable. Used for connecting drives to the motherboard or controller card

ring configuration

network configuration where devices are connected in a ring.

root directory

area on storage disk that lists where things are on the disk. Names as in A:\ or C:\

rotational delay

time to rotate a storage disk under the read/write head of the drive to the correct sector. Measured in milliseconds (ms).

router

connects several networks and controls the traffic of data among the networks

RTFM

Read The Fine Manual

S

screen resolution

measures how clear and detailed the image is

script

small subprogram

scrolling

graphical interface: moving document around within window;
  text interface: moving the lines displayed on the screen up or down one line at a time

search

look for specific word(s) or character(s) in a document

sector

a numbered wedge-shaped area of a storage disk

seek time

time it takes to move the read/write head of a drive to the proper track on the storage disk. Measured in milliseconds (ms)

semiconductor

integrated circuit on a chip. This is what modern computers use for memory

serial printer cable

sends data only 1 bit at a time. Printer can be up to 1000 feet from the computer.

server

a computer which handles network tasks and data

settling time

time for read/write head to lower to the storage disk and cease vibrating, allowing reliable reading and writing. Measured in milliseconds (ms)

shading

background color or pattern of a table

shareware

software which you may try for a limited time before purchasing

shut down

close all background programs and turn off computer

single sheet paper

regular letter paper

single-sided disk

only one surface of the storage disk is used.

slack space

unused space in a cluster beyond the data stored in it.

slide

a single picture or screen in a sequence for a presentation

smart terminal

also called intelligent or programmable. Can process or store data on its own.

smart card

credit card type card which has an embedded computer chip that updates your account values with each use.

soft copy

displayed on screen or by other non-permanent means

software

the programs (instructions) that tell the computer what to do

spacing

space between letters or lines of text

speaker dependent system

a voice input system which must be trained to recognize each word by each individual user.

speaker independent system

a voice input system which recognizes words from most speakers with no training.

spell checker

program which looks for spelling errors

spike

see power spike

spreadsheet

program for handling numeric data, like budgets, financial statements, grade sheets, and sales records

SQL

Structured Query Language - the language for commands that create database queries

star configuration

network configuration where all devices are connected directly to the host computer

storage

the media and methods used to keep information available for later use

style sheets

saved sets of formats to reuse

suite

a set of separate applications which are packaged together usually at a lower price than they would cost separately. Also may have some additional software to help the programs work together.

supercomputer

used for weather forecasting, engineering design and testing, serious decryption. They cost several million dollars so they are few and far between.

surge

see power surge

surge protector

device that blocks power spikes

SVGA

Super VGA, a video type allowing several large resolutions and 16 million colors.

swap file

file used for virtual memory in Windows

swap

moving data from main memory to virtual memory and back

system clock

electronic pulse used to synchronize processing. Measured in megahertz (MHz)

system software

programs that handle the running of your computer's hardware

system requirements

hardware needed to run the program

systems analyst

designs the overall program requirements and sets the strategy for the program.

T

table

a set of rows and columns

telecommunications

any long-distance communications, especially television

teleprocessing

accessing computer files located elsewhere

terminal

a keyboard and computer screen. Also called display terminal or video display terminal (VDT)

terminal emulation

mimicking a different kind of computer terminal

text interface

user interface that uses only text commands, no graphics.

thermal printer

printer that uses heat on chemically treated paper to form characters, like some fax machines.

thesaurus

contains synonyms for selected word

throughput

how much data is moved in a certain amount of time. Usually measured in kilobytes per second (Kbps) or megabytes per second (Mbsp)

time slice

minimum amount of time for a task in the CPU. Measured in milliseconds (ms)

time-sharing

multiple users share use of the host computer processor

token ring configuration

network configuration where devices are connected in a ring and a token is passed around the ring to handle the turns of access to the communications line

touchscreen

monitor screen that reacts to being touched by finger.

tower

Vertical case for a personal computer

track

the area of intersection of a track and a sector on a storage disk

track sector

the area of intersection of a track and a sector on a storage disk

trackball

an input device similar to a mouse except the ball is on top where it can be moved with only one finger or the thumb.

tractor feed

uses sprockets to pull continuous-feed paper through a printer

transcription error

typing the wrong character like typing 7754 instead of 7154.

transmission media

the physical materials that are used to transmit data between computers

transmission rate

rate data is transferred.
digital: Measured in bits per second (bps)
analog: Measured in baud where one baud is one change in the signal per second.

transmission protocol

rules for what information is exchanged and in what order

transposition error

interchanging two characters like typing 7754 instead of 7745.

Trojan

(short for Trojan horse) A program that does not appear to be destructive but which, in fact, allows others to access your data, to record your logins and passwords, or to destroy or alter your data. 

turbo button

obsolete button which ran CPU at a higher clock rate

tutorial

a set of lessons that walks you through the use of hardware or software

twisted wire

phone line, consisting of 4 twisted pairs of wires bound together

typeface

a set of characters of similar design

U

undo

reverses whatever change you just made

Unicode

Unicode Worldwide Character Standard. A scheme for encoding characters using 16 bits per character. Unicode includes glyphs for the scripts for all major languages, including symbols.

UNIX

operating for scientific applications by Bell Labs

upgrade

to replace a program with a newer version of one you already have

upload

transfer a file from your computer to another

UPS

Uninterruptable Power Supply - combination of surge protector, power line conditioner, and battery power supply

USB

Universal Serial Bus. A type of connection that can be used by a wide range of devices, rather than each device having its own shape for its connector. Fast (12 Mbps). Quickly replacing serial and parallel ports.

user interface

the way the user tells the software what to do and how the computer displays information and options to the user.

user friendly

a program or user interface which is easy to use

user response

what the user does to answer a question that the computer asks

user ID

identification name of user

user profile

a set of preferences for a particular user. Available in network settings.

utility

a program that performs tasks related to the maintaining of your computer's health - hardware or data.

V

vacuum tube

oldest device used for memory in electronic computer. Generated a lot of heat and burned out often.

vector

a means of defining an image in terms of geometric shapes. Used by drawing programs

VGA

Video Graphics Adapter - low end video type with 640 x 480 resolution and 256 colors

video camera

records data on tape that can be uploaded to the computer

video recorder (VCR)

records data on tape that can be uploaded to the computer with the right hardware

video display terminal (VDT)

device which displays computer output. From early network terminals.

video display unit (VDU)

any device that displays computer output including on hand-held devices.

virtual

not really there but acts as though it were real

virtual memory

disk space used as part of main memory

virtual machine

method that tricks computer into thinking it is a different kind of machine than it is

virus

a computer program that performs tasks without your permission or consent. May be harmless but annoying or may be highly damaging.

voice input

using human voice to directly enter data or commands

volatile

term for memory which loses data when the power goes off.

W

WAN

Wide Area Network - a network of computers that are far apart, as in different cities or countries

warm boot

method of restarting the computer which doesn't require the hard disk to stop spinning first

window

a rectangular area of the screen which displays a program's user interface, a document, or a system message

wizard

an automatic set of steps that lead you through a process, for example to create a letter

word wrap

automatically wrapping the text to the next line so it all fits within the screen's width

word processing

a computer program used to create documents which are text-based, like letters, memos, and term papers. It is the most used computer application.

word

amount of data the CPU can process at one time. Measured in bits.

working storage

temporary storage of the intermediate results of work in progress

workstation

personal computer networked to other computers. Sometimes more capable than a desktop model.

WORM

Write Once Read Many. Most common type of optical disk

worm

An unwanted computer program that duplicates itself across a computer network. It uses up the network's storage space and resources and can interfere with the ability of the network to function at all.

write protect

method that keeps data from being over-written. May be a physical obstacle or a file attribute choice that prevents overwriting.

WYSIWYG

What You See Is What You Get (pronounced "wiz-e-wig")- how a page displays on screen is the same as how it prints

X

Y

Z

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