Glossary
| return | |
| access | a database within the Microsoft office suite. |
| AGP | accelerated graphics port, is a dedicated graphics port that delivers a fast, smooth true color video image. |
| anti-virus | a program or software that monitors and protects your system against harmful data that causes internal failure of your computer. |
| return | |
| baud rate | the number of bits per second that are transmitted. |
| bps | abbreviation for bits per second, the standard measure of data transmission speeds. |
| byte | abbreviation for binary term, a unit of storage capable of holding a single character. On almost all modern computers, a byte is equal to 8 bits. |
| return | |
| CD-ROM | Compact Disc - Read Only Memory a data storage medium that uses laser optics rather than magnetic means for reading data. CD-ROMs read compact discs similar to the audio CDs available in music store. |
| cache | a special high-speed storage mechanism. It can be either a reserved section of main memory or an independent high-speed storage device. |
| return | |
| database | a collection of information organized for easy retrieval. Databases are organized into a hierarchy of files, records, and fields. |
| data transfers | the process of moving information from one source to another, usually from one hard drive to an another hard drive. |
| diagnostics | a software program that allows the user to troubleshoot problems within a computer system. |
| DPI | dots per inch, a measurement of resolution within a monitor or printer. |
| DVD | digital versatile disc, a large-capacity optical disc able to store more data than a standard CD. |
| return | |
| excel | a spreadsheet within the Microsoft office suite. |
| expansion slot | an outlet on the motherboard that is used to connect expansion boards (cards that give the computer more power and/or features) expansion slots provide a way to improve the computer system. |
| return | |
| flatbed scanner | a computer input device that converts an image on a piece of paper into an electronic representation that can be stored in a computer file. |
| return | |
| gigabyte | a unit of measurement of computer memory, referring to the capacity of the new larger had drives. |
| graphics | files that consist of visuals, like a scanned or digitized version of a picture. |
| return | |
| hard drive | consists of a rigid platter which is fixed inside a sealed casing. A hard drive can store more information and retrieve data at faster speeds than a diskette. The permanent storage place for software/programs within your computer. |
| hardware | the physical apparatus of a computer system. |
| return | |
| internet | is a network of networks composed of tens of thousands of computers. |
| return | |
| jumper | a metal bridge that closes an electric circuit. Typically, a jumper consists of a plastic plug that fits over a pair of protruding pins. Jumpers are used to configure expansion boards. By placing a jumper over a different set of pins, you can change a board's parameters. |
| return | |
| keyboard | a typewriter-like device used to enter, or input, instructions into the computer. |
| return | |
| L1 cache | short for Level 1 cache, a memory cache built into the microprocessor. |
| L2 cache | short for Level 2 cache, an external cache. |
| LAN | abbreviation for local-area network. A computer network that spans a relatively small area. Most LANs are confined to a single building or group of buildings. |
| LPT | a name frequently used by operating systems to identify a printer. |
| return | |
| MB | megabyte, a unit of measurement of computer memory of storage equivalent to approximately one million (1,048,576) bytes. |
| MHz | megahertz, used to measure a computer system's speed, one MHz is equivalent to one million cycles per second. |
| modem | a device that enables data to be transmitted between computers, generally over telephone lines but sometimes on fiber-optic cable or radio frequencies. |
| monitor | a television-like output device for displaying data. |
| motherboard | the circuit board containing the vital components of a computer system. The central processing unit is located on the motherboard and all expansion boards must be connected to the motherboard. |
| mouse | a handheld device which operates by the signals sent from a rolling ball on the bottom of the mouse. A common input device for a computer. |
| multitasking | executing more than one program at a time in an operating system. |
| return | |
| network | a group of computers and associated devices that are connected by communications facilities. Small or large, a computer network exists to provide computer users with a means of communicating and transferring data electronically. |
| return | |
| online service | also known as an ISP, a dial-up service that provides access to the world wide web. |
| operating system | the master control program that manages the computer's internal functions and enables you to direct the computer's operations. |
| return | |
| peripherals | a device like a printer or modem that is externally connected to the computer. |
| printer | an input device that transfers information from the computer onto a sheet of paper. |
| processor | CPU, the brain chip of your computer, about the size of a large stamp. |
| return | |
| QuickTime | a video and animation system developed by Apple Computer. QuickTime is built into the Macintosh operating system. PCs can also run files in QuickTime format, but they require a special QuickTime driver. |
| QWERTY | refers to the arrangement of keys on a standard English computer keyboard or typewriter. |
| return | |
| RAM | random-access-memory, memory that holds the instructions and data currently being used. Data in RAM is lost when the computer is turned off. |
| ROM | read-only-memory, permanently stored memory that contains data that can be read but cannot be altered. |
| return | |
| software | instructions, or programs, that enable a computer to do useful work; contrasted with hardware, or the actual computer. |
| speakers | a device that takes the signal from the sound card and makes it audible. |
| spreadsheet | a program that simulates and accountant's worksheet, which is made up of rows and columns. It's used to calculate budgets and perform financial analysis. |
| sound card | a circuit board that can be installed in side your computer case to enhance your system's sound capabilities. |
| surge protector | an electronic device that absorbs excess voltage from power surges coming through the outlet where the PC is plugged in. |
| system disk | or boot disk, a diskette that contains the files that make an operating system and can be used to boot, or start, a computer. |
| return | |
| tape drive | a device, like a tape recorder, that reads data from and writes it onto a tape. Tape drives have data capacities of anywhere from a few hundred kilobytes to several gigabytes. |
| TCP/IP | acronym for Transport Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. TCP/IP is actually two protocols - TCP and IP - but they are almost always used together. It is the defacto standard for transmitting data over networks. |
| telecommunications | refers to all types of data transmission, from voice to video. |
| return | |
| USB | universal serial bus, is a peripheral bus standard that enables automatic detection of certain peripheral devices, such as scanners. |
| utilities | software that takes care of housekeeping functions such as hard disk organization, file management and other matters relating to the performance of the computer. |
| return | |
| video card | a circuit board that enables a computer to display text and images on a monitor. |
| return | |
| web browser | a software program, such as Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer that allows the user to view the world wide web. |
| windows | is an operating system developed by Microsoft that allows users to access the operations of a computer using a graphical user interface rather than a character-based interface such as DOS. |
| word | a word processing program within the Microsoft office suite. |
| word processor | the computerized version of a typewriter. It is a form of applications software that allows users to manipulate text onscreen and usually offers features such as spell checking, moving text and various types of formatting. |
| return | |
| return | |
| return | |
| ZIF socket | Zero Insertion Force socket. A chip socket that allows you to insert and remove a chip without special tools. |
| ZIP | a popular data compression format for PCs. |
|
|