Computer vocabulary
A.I.
(artificial intelligence): the capability of a
game to imitate intelligent human behavior.
Accelerometer: This device measures the vibration and motion of the
player. It is an integral part of the Wii remote.
Adventure: Game genre in which the player
follows a story, solves puzzles, interacts with non-player characters, and
explores the "world".
Advergame: Type of game that has been created solely to promote a
product, such as a movie.
Analog control: A type of controller that is sensitive to the degree in
which a button or joystick is pushed.
Anime: A style of animation originating in Japan that is
characterized by stark, colorful graphics. Numerous videogames have
environments and characters influenced by anime.
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.
Arcade game: A stand-alone game for use in a public space, commonly
seen in the 1980s and early 1990s.
ASCII: American Standard Code for
Information Interchange, an encoding system for converting keyboard characters
and instructions into the binary number code that the computer understands.
Backward compatible (aka downward
compatible): A gaming system (console, PC, etc.) that
supports games that were made for the previous version of the system.
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
Beta: a nearly complete prototype of a game. Users often test
beta versions to alert developers of bugs or problems.
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.
Boss: a powerful character that a player will face and must
defeat at the end of a level.
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.
Bundling: to sell a package containing a videogame and a piece of
hardware. A common example is often seen when games are included with the
purchase of a new gaming system.
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.
C.G. (computer graphics): Graphics created and displayed on a computer.
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.
Cheat code: Some games have the option of entering codes that effect
game play, such as the ability to have unlimited ammunition or to never receive
damage.
Chip: A tiny wafer of silicon
containing miniature electric circuits that can store millions of bits of information.
Console: A hardware device that is connected to a television set
for the purpose of playing a videogame.
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.
Cut-scene: A animation
technique that continues the storyline between game segments. The player cannot
interact with this animation.
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.
Demo: A sample playable demonstration of a game that is
intended to entice the player to purchase the full version.
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 drive: The equipment that operates a hard or floppy disc.
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.
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.
DOS:
Disk Operating
System. An operating system designed for early
IBM-compatible PCs.
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.”
Downwardly compatible (also
backward compatible): A gaming system
(console, PC, etc.) that supports games that were made for the previous version
of a system.
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.
E.S.R.B.
(Entertainment Software Ratings Board): An
industry organization that has developed a rating system for computer and
videogames.
Ebook: An electronic (usually hand-held) reading device that allows a person to
view digitally stored reading materials.
Educational game: A game genre that is intended to teach younger players.
Edutainment: A game genre that is intended to entertain as well as be
educational.
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.
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.
End user: a person who buys and plays a game.
Ethernet
card: A board inside a
computer to which a network cable can be attached.
Ethernet:
A type of network.
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.
First-person: A perspective in which the events in a game are viewed as
if seen through the eyes of the main character.
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.
G.U.I.
(Graphical User Interface): Graphical
interface for the gamer to interact with the computer program onscreen.
Gamer: a person who plays games.
Genre: a category characterized by a particular style, form, or
content. Common genres are action, adventure, role-play, strategy, and so on.
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.
Groupware:
Software that
allows networked individuals to form groups and collaborate on documents,
programs, or databases.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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..
M.M.O.G.
(Massively Multiplayer Online Game): Refers to
online games that can be played simultaneously with other gamers throughout the
world. Poptropica is an example of a
M.M.O.G.
M.M.O.R.P.G.
(Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game): Similar to an MMOG, but in
which the gamer takes the part of a character. World of Warcraft is an example
of a M.M.O.R.P.G.
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.
Macro:
A script that
operates a series of commands to perform a function. It is set up to automate
repetitive tasks.
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.
MS-DOS:
An early operating system developed by Microsoft
Corporation (Microsoft Disc Operating System).
Multimedia:
Software programs
that combine text and graphics with sound, video, and animation. A multimedia PC contains the hardware to support these capabilities.
N.P.C.
(Non-Player Character): a game character under
the control of the A.I.
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.
R.P.G.
(Role-Playing Game): A game in which the gamer takes on the part
of a character.
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.
Recoil: Spring-back effect from the force that is created when
firing a weapon, this action can impact the player's aim on a target.
Resolution: This refers to the ratio of dots per inch on a display, which
impacts the degree of sharpness or fineness of the images.
ROMŃ: 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.
RTS (Real
Time Strategy Games): The player has a high
degree of control over armies and individual units, as well as building bases,
gathering resources, and developing technology. Age of Empires III is an
example of an RTS game.
Sandbox: A game in which the player ignores the game's objectives
so as to explore the game's environment. Sandbox games are also referred to as
nonlinear or open-ended. The Grand Theft Auto series allows for
open-ended play.
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.
Shoulder buttons: These buttons are positioned at the top of a game
controller and are designed to be easily accessible to a player's index or middle
fingers. This contrasts with the main buttons on the controller which are
intended for the player's thumbs.
Simulation game: Refers to games that attempt to accurately depict
situations and experiences one might have in the real world.
Software:
Computer programs;
also called “applications.”
Spoiler: These are details about a game that might ruin a player's
enjoyment, such as information about the ending of the game's story.
Spreadsheet:
Software that
allows one to calculate numbers in a format that is similar to pages in a
conventional ledger.
Stealth: A type of game in which remaining undetected is one of the
main features. Metal Gear Solid is a series of games involving stealth.
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.
Suppression fire: This refers to the strategy of using overwhelming fire
power to prevent enemies from firing their weapons and forcing them to take
cover.
Surfing:
Exploring the Internet.
Surge
protector: A
controller to protect the computer and make up for variances in voltage.
Tactical: A type of game in which the player must use tactics and
strategies to survive and complete the game's objectives.
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.
Third-person: A perspective in which the player has an overhead view of
the characters and events within the game.
UNIX®:
A very powerful operating system used as the basis of many
high-end computer applications.
Unlimited ammo: This is a feature in many games that must be unlocked
with a cheat code. The code allows the player's character to have limitless
ammunition.
Upload:
The process of
transferring information from a computer to a web site (or other remote location
on a network).
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.
URL: Uniform Resource Locator. 1. The protocol for identifying a document on
the Web. 2. A Web address (e.g.,
www.census.gov). A URL is unique to each user. See also domain.
USB hub: A multiple-socket USB connecter
that allows several USB-compatible devices to be connected to a computer.
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.
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: (a) 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. (b) File viruses attached to program files (files
with the extension “.exe”). When you run the infected program, the virus code
executes. (c) Macro viruses copy their macros to templates
and/or other application document files. (d) Trojan Horse is a malicious,
security-breaking program that is disguised as something benign such as a
screen saver or game. (e) 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.
Word
processor: A
computer system or program for setting, editing, revising, correcting, storing,
and printing text.
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.
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.