Computer vocabulary
applet
A small Java application that is downloaded by an ActiveX or Java-enabled web
browser. Once it has been downloaded, the applet will run on the user's
computer. Common applets include financial calculators and web drawing
programs.
application
Computer software that performs a task or set of tasks, such as word processing or
drawing. Applications are also referred to as programs.
American Standard Code for Information
Interchange, an encoding system for converting keyboard characters and
instructions into the binary number code that the computer understands.
bandwidth
The capacity of a networked connection.
Bandwidth determines how much data can be sent along the networked wires.
Bandwidth is particularly important for Internet connections, since greater bandwidth also means faster downloads.
binary code
The most basic language a computer
understands, it is composed of a series of 0s and 1s. The computer interprets
the code to form numbers, letters, punctuation marks, and symbols.
bit
(short for “binary digit”). The smallest
piece of computer information, either the number 0 or 1.
boot
To start up a computer. Cold
boot—restarting computer after having turned off the power. Warm
boot—restarting computer without having turned off the power.
browser
Software used to navigate the Internet. Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet
Explorer are today's most popular browsers for accessing the World Wide Web.
bug
A malfunction due to an error in the
program or a defect in the equipment.
byte
Most computers use combinations of eight
bits, called bytes, to represent one character of data or instructions. For
example, the word “cat” has three characters, and it would be represented by
three bytes.
cache
A small data-memory storage area that a
computer can use to instantly re-access data instead of re-reading the data
from the original source, such as a hard drive. Browsers use a cache to store web
pages so that the user may view them again without reconnecting to the Web.
CD-ROM
Compact Disc Read-Only Memory. An optically
read disc designed to hold information such as music, reference materials, or
computer software. A single CD-ROM can hold around 640 megabytes of data, enough for several encyclopedias.
Most software programs are now delivered on CD-ROMs.
CGI
Common Gateway Interface. A programming
standard that allows visitors to fill out form fields on a Web page and have that information interact with a database, possibly
coming back to the user as another Web page.
CGI may also refer to Computer-Generated
Imaging, the process in which sophisticated computer programs create still and
animated graphics, such as special effects for movies.
chat
Typing text into a message box on a screen
to engage in dialog with one or more people via the Internet or other network.
chip
A tiny wafer of silicon containing
miniature electric circuits that can store millions of bits of information.
Cookie
A text file sent by a Web server that is stored on the hard drive of a computer and relays back to the Web server things about the user,
his or her computer, and/or his or her computer activities.
CPU
Central Processing Unit. The brain of the
computer.
cracker
A person who “breaks in” to a computer through
a network, without authorization and with mischievous or destructive intent (a
crime in some states).
crash
A hardware or software problem that causes information to be lost or the computer
to malfunction. Sometimes a crash can cause permanent damage to a computer.
cursor
A moving position-indicator displayed on a
computer monitor that shows a computer operator where the next action or
operation will take place.
cyberspace
Slang for the Internet.
database
A collection of similar information stored
in a file, such as a database of addresses. This information may be created and
stored in a database management system (DBMS).
debug
Slang. To find and correct equipment
defects or program malfunctions.
desktop
The main directory of the user interface. Desktops usually contain icons that represent links to
the hard drive, a network (if there is one), and a trash
or recycling can for files to be deleted. It can also display icons of
frequently used applications, as requested by the user.
disk
Two distinct types. The names refer to the
media inside the container:
A hard disc stores vast amounts of
data. It is usually inside the computer but can be a separate peripheral on the outside. Hard discs are made up of
several rigid coated metal discs. Currently, hard discs can store 15 to 30 Gb (gigabytes)
A floppy disc, 3.5" square,
usually inserted into the computer and can store about 1.4 megabytes of data. The 3.5" square “floppies”
have a very thin, flexible disc inside. There is also an intermediate-sized
floppy disc, trademarked Zip discs, which can store 250 megabytes of data.
disk drive
The equipment that operates a hard or floppy disc.
domain name
The name of a network or computer linked to
the Internet. Domains are defined by a common IP
address or set of similar IP (Internet Protocol) addresses.
download
The process of transferring information
from a web
site (or other remote location on a network) to the computer. It is possible to
“download a file” or “view a download.”
v. To transfer information from a web site (or other remote location on a network) to the computer.
DOS
Disk Operating System. An operating system designed for early IBM-compatible PCs.
Drop-down menu
A menu window that opens vertically
on-screen to display context-related options. Also called pop-up menu or pull-down menu.
DSL
Digital Subscriber Line. A method of
connecting to the Internet via a phone line. A DSL connection uses copper
telephone lines but is able to relay data at much higher speeds than modems and
does not interfere with telephone use.
DVD
Digital Video Disc—Similar to a CD-ROM, it stores and plays both audio and video.
ebook
An electronic (usually hand-held) reading
device that allows a person to view digitally stored reading materials.
email
Electronic mail; messages, including memos
or letters, sent electronically between networked computers that may be across
the office or around the world.
emoticon
A text-based expression of emotion created
from ASCII characters that mimics a facial expression when viewed with your
head tilted to the left. Here are some examples:
:-) Smiling
:-( Frowning
;-) Winking
:_( Crying
encryption
The process of transmitting scrambled data
so that only authorized recipients can unscramble it. For instance, encryption
is used to scramble credit card information when purchases are made over the
Internet.
ethernet
A type of network.
ethernet card
A board inside a computer to which a
network cable can be attached.
file
A set of data that is stored in the
computer.
firewall
A set of security programs that protect a
computer from outside interference or access via the Internet.
freeware
Software created by people who are willing
to give it away for the satisfaction of sharing or knowing they helped to
simplify other people's lives. It may be freestanding software, or it may add
functionality to existing software.
FTP
File Transfer Protocol. A format and set of
rules for transferring files from a host to a remote computer.
gigabyte (GB)
1024 megabytes. Also called gig.
glitch
The cause of an unexpected malfunction.
Gopher
An Internet search tool that allows users to access textual information through a
series of menus, or if using FTP,
through downloads.
GUI
Graphical User Interface. A system that
simplifies selecting computer commands by enabling the user to point to symbols
or illustrations (called icons) on
the computer screen with a mouse.
groupware
Software that allows networked individuals
to form groups and collaborate on documents, programs, or databases.
hacker
A person with technical expertise who
experiments with computer systems to determine how to develop additional
features. Hackers are occasionally requested by system administrators to try
and “break into” systems via a network to test security. The term hacker is
sometimes incorrectly used interchangeably with cracker. A
hacker is called a “white hat” and a cracker a “black hat.”
hard drive
another name for the hard disc that stores information information in a
computer.
hardware
The physical and mechanical components of a
computer system, such as the electronic circuitry, chips, monitor, disks, disk
drives, keyboard, modem, and printer.
home page
The main page of a Web site used to greet visitors, provide information about the site, or to
direct the viewer to other pages on the site.
HTML
Hypertext Markup Language. A standard of
text markup conventions used for documents on the World Wide Web. Browsers interpret the codes to give the text structure and formatting
(such as bold, blue, or italic).
HTTP
Hypertext Transfer Protocol. A common
system used to request and send HTML documents on the World Wide Web. It is the first portion of all URL addresses on the World Wide Web (e.g., http://www.whitehouse.gov).
HTTPS
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. Often
used in intracompany internet sites. Passwords are required to gain access.
hyperlink
Text or an image that is connected by hypertext coding to a different location. By
selecting the text or image with a mouse,
the computer “jumps to” (or displays) the linked text.
hypertext
A system for organizing text through links,
as opposed to a menu-driven hierarchy such as Gopher. Most Web pages include hypertext links to other pages at that site, or to other
sites on the World Wide Web.
input device
A device, such as a keyboard, stylus and tablet, mouse, puck, or microphone, that allows input of information (letters, numbers,
sound, video) to a computer.
instant messenging (IM)
A chat application that allows two or more people to
communicate over the Internet via real-time keyed-in messages.
interface
The interconnections that allow a device, a
program, or a person to interact. Hardware interfaces are the cables that connect the device to its power source
and to other devices. Software interfaces allow the program to communicate with
other programs (such as the operating system), and user interfaces allow the user to communicate with the program
(e.g., via mouse,
menu commands, icons, voice commands, etc.).
Internet
An international conglomeration of
interconnected computer networks. Begun in the late 1960s, it was developed in
the 1970s to allow government and university researchers to share information.
The Internet is not controlled by any single group or organization. Its
original focus was research and communications, but it continues to expand,
offering a wide array of resources for business and home users.
IP (Internet Protocol) address
An Internet Protocol address is a unique
set of numbers used to locate another computer on a network. The format of an
IP address is a 32-bit string of four numbers separated by periods. Each number
can be from 0 to 255 (i.e., 1.154.10.266). Within a closed network IP addresses
may be assigned at random, however, IP addresses of web servers must be registered to avoid duplicates.
Equal to 1,024 bytes.
Java
An object-oriented programming language
designed specifically for programs (particularly multimedia) to be used over the Internet. Java allows programmers to create small programs or applications (applets) to
enhance Web
sites.
Linux
A UNIX®-like,
open-source operating system developed primarily by Linus Torvalds. Linux is free and runs on many platforms, including both PCs and Macintoshes. Linux
is an open-source operating system, meaning that the source code of the
operating system is freely available to the public. Programmers may
redistribute and modify the code, as long as they don't collect royalties on
their work or deny access to their code. Since development is not restricted to
a single corporation more programmers can debug and improve the source code
faster..
laptop and notebook
Small, lightweight, portable
battery-powered computers that can fit onto your lap. They each have a thin,
flat, liquid crystal display screen.
macro
A script that operates a series of commands
to perform a function. It is set up to automate repetitive tasks.
Mac OS
An operating system with a graphical user interface, developed by Apple® for Macintosh®
computers. Current System “X.1” (10) combines the traditional Mac interface
with a strong underlying UNIX® operating system for increased performance and
stability.
megabyte (MB)
Equal to 1,048,576 bytes, usually rounded
off to one million bytes (also called a “meg”).
menu bar
The horizontal strip across the top of an application's window. Each word on the strip has a
context sensitive drop-down menu containing features and actions that are available for the application in use.
MHz
An abbreviation for Megahertz, or one
million hertz. One MHz represents one million clock cycles per second and is
the measure of a computer microprocessor's speed. For example, a microprocessor
that runs at 300 MHz executes 300 million cycles per second. Each instruction a
computer receives takes a fixed number of clock cycles to carry out, therefore
the more cycles a computer can execute per second, the faster its programs run.
Megahertz is also a unit of measure for bandwidth.
modem
A device that connects two computers
together over a telephone or cable line by converting the computer's data into
an audio signal. Modem is a contraction for the process it performs:
modulate-demodulate.
mouse
A small hand-held device, similar to a trackball, used to control the position of the
cursor on the video display; movements of the mouse on a desktop correspond to
movements of the cursor on the screen.
MP3
Compact audio and video file format. The small
size of the files makes them easy to download and e-mail. Format used in portable playback devices.
multimedia
Software programs that combine text and
graphics with sound, video, and animation. A multimedia PC contains the hardware to support these capabilities.
MS-DOS
An early operating system developed by Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft Disc Operating
System).
network
A system of interconnected computers.
open source
Computer programs whose original source
code was revealed to the general public so that it could be developed openly.
Software licensed as open source can be freely changed or adapted to new uses,
meaning that the source code of the operating system is freely available to the public. Programmers may redistribute and modify
the code, as long as they don't collect royalties on their work or deny access
to their code. Since development is not restricted to a single corporation more
programmers can debug and improve the source code faster.
operating system
A set of instructions that tell a computer
on how to operate when it is turned on. It sets up a filing system to store
files and tells the computer how to display information on a video display.
Most PC operating systems are DOS
(disc operated system) systems, meaning the instructions are stored on a disc
(as opposed to being originally stored in the microprocessors of the computer).
Other well-known operating systems include UNIX, Linux, Macintosh, and Windows.
palm
A hand-held computer.
PC board
Printed Circuit board. A board printed or
etched with a circuit and processors. Power supplies, information storage
devices, or changers are attached.
PDA
Personal Digital Assistant. A hand-held
computer that can store daily appointments, phone numbers, addresses, and other
important information. Most PDAs link to a desktop or laptop computer to download or upload
information.
Pentium chip
Intel's fifth generation of sophisticated
high-speed microprocessors. Pentium means “the fifth element.”
peripheral
Any external device attached to a computer
to enhance operation. Examples include external hard drive, scanner,
printer, speakers, keyboard, mouse, trackball, stylus and tablet, and joystick.
petabyte
A measure of memory or storage capacity and
is approximately a thousand terabytes.
petaflop
A theoretical measure of a computer's speed
and can be expressed as a thousand-trillion floating-point operations per
second.
platform
The operating system, such as UNIX®, Macintosh®, Windows®, on which a computer is based.
pop-up menu
A menu window that opens vertically or
horizontally on-screen to display context-related options. Also called drop-down menu or pull-down menu.
printer
A mechanical device for printing a
computer's output on paper. There are three major types of printers:
Dot matrix: creates individual letters, made up of a
series of tiny ink dots, by punching a ribbon with the ends of tiny wires.
(This type of printer is most often used in industrial settings, such as direct
mail for labeling.)
Ink jet: sprays tiny droplets of ink particles onto
paper.
Laser: uses a beam of light to reproduce the
image of each page using a magnetic charge that attracts dry toner that is
transferred to paper and sealed with heat.
program
A precise series of instructions written in
a computer language that tells the computer what to do and how to do it.
Programs are also called “software” or “applications.”
programming language
A series of instructions written by a
programmer according to a given set of rules or conventions (“syntax”).
High-level programming languages are independent of the device on which the application (or program) will eventually run;
low-level languages are specific to each program or platform. Programming language instructions are
converted into programs in language specific to a particular machine or operating system (“machine language”) so that the computer
can interpret and carry out the instructions. Some common programming languages
are BASIC, C, C++, dBASE, FORTRAN, and Perl.
puck
An input device, like a mouse. It
has a magnifying glass with crosshairs on the front of it that allows the
operator to position it precisely when tracing a drawing for use with CAD-CAM software.
push technology
Internet tool that delivers specific information
directly to a user's desktop, eliminating the need to surf for it. PointCast, which
delivers news in user-defined categories, is a popular example of this
technology.
RAID
Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks. A
method of spreading information across several disks set up to act as a unit,
using two different techniques:
Disk striping: storing a bit of information
across several discs (instead of storing it all on one disc and hoping that the
disc doesn't crash).
Disk mirroring: simultaneously storing a
copy of information on another disc so that the information can be recovered if
the main disc crashes.
RAM
Random Access Memory. One of two basic
types of memory. Portions of programs are stored in RAM when the program is
launched so that the program will run faster. Though a PC has a fixed amount of
RAM, only portions of it will be accessed by the computer at any given time.
Also called memory.
ROM
Read-Only Memory. One of two basic types of
memory. ROM contains only permanent information put there by the manufacturer.
Information in ROM cannot be altered, nor can the memory be dynamically
allocated by the computer or its operator.
scanner
An electronic device that uses
light-sensing equipment to scan paper images such as text, photos, and
illustrations and translate the images into signals that the computer can then
store, modify, or distribute.
search engine
Software that makes it possible to look for
and retrieve material on the Internet, particularly the Web.
Some popular search engines are Alta Vista, Google, HotBot, Yahoo!, Web
Crawler, and Lycos.
server
A computer that shares its resources and
information with other computers, called clients, on a network.
shareware
Software created by people who are willing
to sell it at low cost or no cost for the gratification of sharing. It may be
freestanding software, or it may add functionality to existing software.
software
Computer programs; also called “applications.”
spreadsheet
Software that allows one to calculate numbers
in a format that is similar to pages in a conventional ledger.
storage
Devices used to store massive amounts of
information so that it can be readily retrieved. Devices include RAIDs, CD-ROMs, DVDs
streaming
Taking packets of information (sound or visual)
from the Internet and storing it in temporary files to allow it to play in
continuous flow.
stylus and tablet
A input device similar to a mouse.
The stylus is pen shaped. It is used to “draw” on a tablet (like drawing on
paper) and the tablet transfers the information to the computer. The tablet
responds to pressure—the firmer the pressure used to draw, the thicker the line
appears.
surfing
Exploring the Internet.
surge protector
A controller to protect the computer and
make up for variances in voltage.
telnet
A way to communicate with a remote computer
over a network.
terabytes (TB)
A thousand gigabytes.
teraflop
A measure of a computer's speed. It can be
expressed as a trillion floating-point operations per second.
UNIX®
A very powerful operating system used as the basis of many high-end
computer applications.
upload
The process of transferring information
from a computer to a web
site (or other remote location on a network).
v. To transfer information from a computer
to a web site (or other remote location on a network).
URL
Uniform Resource Locator.
1. The protocol for identifying a document
on the Web.
UPS
Universal Power Supply or Uninterruptible
Power Supply. An electrical power supply that includes a battery to provide
enough power to a computer during an outage to back-up data and properly shut
down.
USB
Universal Serial Bus. An industry standard
for connecting different compatible peripheral devices across multiple platforms. Devices include printers, digital cameras, scanners, game pads, joysticks, keyboards and mice,
and storage devices. USB peripherals offer the use of plug-and-play convenience by eliminating the need to
turn off or restart the computer when attaching a new peripheral. Users can
connect USB peripherals whenever they need them. For example, a user producing
a newsletter could easily swap a digital camera for a scanner-without any
downtime. Small, simple, inexpensive, and easy to attach, USB supports
simultaneous connection of up to 127 devices by attaching peripherals through
interconnected external hubs.
USB hub
A multiple-socket USB connecter that allows
several USB-compatible devices to be connected to a computer.
USENET
A large unmoderated and unedited bulletin
board on the Internet that offers thousands of forums, called newsgroups. These range from
newsgroups exchanging information on scientific advances to celebrity fan
clubs.
virtual reality (VR)
A technology that allows one to experience
and interact with images in a simulated three-dimensional environment. For
example, you could design a room in a house on your computer and actually feel
that you are walking around in it even though it was never built. (The Holodeck
in the science-fiction TV series Star Trek: Voyager would be the
ultimate virtual reality.) Current technology requires the user to wear a
special helmet, viewing goggles, gloves, and other equipment that transmits and
receives information from the computer.
virus
An unauthorized piece of computer code
attached to a computer program or portions of a computer system that secretly
copies itself from one computer to another by shared discs and over telephone
and cable lines. It can destroy information stored on the computer, and in
extreme cases, can destroy operability. Computers can be protected from viruses
if the operator utilizes good virus prevention software and keeps the virus
definitions up to date. Most viruses are not programmed to spread themselves.
They have to be sent to another computer by e-mail, sharing, or applications. The worm is an exception, because it is
programmed to replicate itself by sending copies to other computers listed in
the e-mail address book in the computer. There are many kinds of viruses, for
example:
Boot viruses place some of their code in the start-up
disk sector to automatically execute when booting. Therefore, when an infected
machine boots, the virus loads and runs.
File viruses attached to program files (files with the
extension “.exe”). When you run the infected program, the virus code executes.
Macro viruses copy their macros to templates and/or
other application document files.
Trojan Horse is a malicious, security-breaking program
that is disguised as something benign such as a screen saver or game.
Worm launches an application that destroys information on your hard drive. It also sends a copy of the virus to everyone in the computer's e-mail
address book.
webcam
A video camera/computer setup that takes
live images and sends them to a Web
browser.
World Wide Web (“WWW” or “the Web”)
A network of servers on the Internet that use hypertext-linked databases and
files. It was developed in 1989 by Tim Berners-Lee, a British computer
scientist, and is now the primary platform of the Internet. The feature that distinguishes the Web from other
Internet applications is its ability to display graphics in addition to text.
word processor
A computer system or program for setting,
editing, revising, correcting, storing, and printing text.
WYSIWYG
What You See Is What You Get. When using
most word processors, page layout programs (See desktop publishing), and web
page design programs, words and images will be displayed on the monitor as they
will look on the printed page or web page.
Fact Monster/Information Please® Database, © 2007 Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
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