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ALU ~ (Arithmetic Logic Unit) The part of the CPU that handles arithmetic and logic operations.
Applications software ~ Commercially produced programs written to perform specific tasks.
Article ~ A message posted to a newsgroup.
ASCII ~ (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) The code used for representing characters in the computer.
Base 2 ~ (See Binary number system.)
Base unit ~ Unit where the CPU, memory, and internal hard disk drive is housed.
BASIC ~ A high-level computer language developed by John Kennedy and Thomas Kurtz.
BBS ~ (bulletin board service) A network service that allows a user to participate in a discussion group.
Binary number system ~ Number system used by modern computers - uses only digits 0 and 1.
Bit (BlnarydigiT) ~ A single O or l in the binary code.
Bits per second ~ The rate at which data is transmitted.
Byte ~ A group of 8 bits.
CD ~ Disc made of mylar with a reflective coating that is sealed in clear, hard plastic.
CD-ROM drive ~ Drive accessible from outside the base unit. Used to read the data on a CD.
CD-RW drive ~ Drive accessible from outside the base unit. Used to read and write data on a CD.
Chip ~ (See Integrated circuit.)
Client ~ A computer accessing the Internet to request information.
COBOL ~ A high-level programming language designed by Grace Murray Hopper.
Computer ~ An electronic machine that accepts data, processes it according to instructions, and provides the results
as new data.
CPU ~ (Central Processing Unit) An IC inside the base unit that processes data and controls the flow of data between the
computer's other units.
Data ~ Information either entered into or produced by the computer.
Database ~ An application that stores and manipulates large quantities of data.
Desktop publishing ~ An application that allows text and graphics to be placed on a page and manipulated until the layout
appears as desired.
Diskette ~ Sometimes called a floppy disk. Made of mylar coated with a magnetic material and then loosely encased in hard
plastic.
Diskette drive ~ Drive accessible from outside the base unit. Used to read and write data to a diskette.
Domain name ~ A server name on the Internet. (eg. WWW.MYSITENAME.COM)
DVD ~ A digital versatile disc similar to a CD, that stores 4.7 to 5.2 GB of data. Used in a DVD-ROM or DVD-RAM drive.
DVD-RAM drive ~ Drive accessible from outside the base unit. Used to read and write data to a DVD (digital versatile disc).
DVD-ROM drive ~ Drive accessible from outside the base unit. Used to read data from a DVD (digital versatile disc).
E-mail ~ (electronic mail) A message sent over a net work to another user on the network.
FORTRAN ~ A high-level programming language developed by John Backus.
GB (gigabyte) ~ Measurement of computer memory capacity. 1,073,741,820 bytes.
Hardware ~ Physical devices that make up the computer.
Hard disk ~ Made of aluminum coated with a magnetic materiaL Permanently installed inside the hard disk drive.
Hard disk array ~ A tower of several hard drives where each drive can be removed and transported to another array.
Hard disk drive ~ Drive completely enclosed in the base unit. Used to read and write to disks within the hard drive.
High level programming language ~ A programming language that uses English like instructions.
HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) ~ The protocol used by Web sites to transfer data over the Internet.
HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) - The programming language that is the backbone for web page design. Created by Tim
Berners-Lee in 1984. (See also DHTML, XHTML)
Hyperlink ~ Links to either another portion of the current page, other pages at the Web site, or other Web sites.
Inkjet printer ~ A printer that uses an ink cartridge to place very small dots of ink onto paper to create characters
and graphics.
Input ~ Data used by the computer.
IC (Integrated Circuit) ~ Also called a chip. A silicon wafer with intricate circuits etched into its surface and then
coated with a metallic oxide that fills in the etched circuit patterns.
Interactive ~ Where the information received is a result of the selections made.
Internet ~ A worldwide computer network.
Internet service provider (ISP) ~ A company that offers access to the Internet for a fee.
Internet site (See server.)
Intranet ~ A network that uses TCP/IP software, but s not accessible from outside the organization using the network.
Jaz disk ~ A disk, almost as small as a diskette, that stores 2 GB of data. Used in a Jaz drive.
Jaz drive ~ Drive used to read and write data to a Jaz disk
K (kilobyte) ~ Measurement of computer memory capacity. 1,024 bytes.
Keyboard ~ Device resembling a typewriter used to input data into a computer
Laser printer ~ A printer that uses a beam of light and toner to generate characters and graphics on paper.
Listserv ~ A discussion group that uses e-mail to send messages
Local Area Network (LAN) ~ A network that interconnects computers within a local area.
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Machine language ~ Instructions in binary code (0's and 1's).
Mailing list ~ A list of e-mail addresses.
Mainframe ~ Computer system that is usually used for multi-user applications.
MB (megabyte) ~ Measurement of computer memory capacity. 1,048,576 bytes.
Memory ~ IC's in the base unit where data can be stored electronically.
Microcomputer ~ A computer that fits on a desktop and uses a microprocessor.
Microprocessor ~ An entire CPU on a single chip.
Modem ~ Device that converts binary data into tones and tones back into binary data so that computer data can be sent
over telephone lines.
Monitor ~ Used to display computer output.
Mouse ~ An input device from which the computer can accept information.
Nanosecond ~ One billionth of a second.
Netiquette ~ The etiquette that should be followed when using a network.
NetNews ~ (see Network News)
Network ~ Allows computers to exchange data and to share applications software and devices.
Network interface card (NIC) ~ A circuit board that goes into the base unit of a computer for networking.
Network News ~ A BBS available on the Internet.
Newsgroup ~ An individual bulletin board.
Online service ~ A company that offers access to the Internet as well as other services for a fee. (eg Telus, Shaw)
Operating system ~ software Software that allows the user to communicate with the computer.
Output ~ Data produced by a computer program.
PC (Personal Computer) ~ A small computer employing a microprocessor. (See also microcomputer
Peripheral device ~ A device attached to a PC.
Presentation graphics ~ An application that allows the user to combine text and graphics to create professional looking
material to use in an electronic slideshow presentation.
Printer ~ An output device.
Program ~ List of instructions written in a special language that the computer understands.
RAM (Random Access Memory) ~Temporary memory where data and instruction can be stored.
Read ~ Accessing data from a storage medium.
Removable hard drive ~ Drive used to read and write data to a removable disk.
ROM (Read Only Memory) ~ Data that is a permanent part of the computer and cannot be changed.
Scanner ~ Uses a beam of light to create a digital image from artwork and text.
Server ~ A computer on the network of the Internet that provides information.
Software ~ Instructions stored as electronic data that tells the computer what to do.
Spreadsheet ~ An application that is used to primarily store numeric data which can then be used in calculations.
SuperDisk ~ A disk, very similar to a floppy diskette, that stores 120 M8 of data. Used in a SuperDisk drive.
SuperDisk drive ~ Drive used to read and write data to a SuperDisk.
Tape drive ~ Drive used to read and write data to a magnetic tape.
TCP/IP ~ Software that is the base of the Internet.
Telecommunications ~ Transmitting and receiving computer data over telephone lines with the use of a modem.
Telecommuting ~ Using telecommunications to work at home.
Terminal ~ A keyboard and monitor used to communicate with a mainframe.
Toner ~ A fine powder that fuses to paper when heated. Used in laser printers.
Transistor ~ An electronic device that replaced the vacuum tube making computers smaller and less expensive and increasing
calculating speeds.
Uniform Resource Locator (URL) ~ An address that tells a Web browser which Web site to access.
Web ~ (See World Wide Web.)
Web browser ~ Software that is used to display the graphics, sound, and text of Web sites.
Web page ~ Information at a Web site that can include graphics, text, and link to other Web sites or pages.
Web site ~ A location on the WWW where information is presented in Web pages using graphics, text, and sound.
Wide Area Network (WAN) ~ A network that interconnects computers over a long distance.
WiFi (Wireless) ~ Computer networks that do use landline connections.
Word processor ~ An application that allows the user to insert and delete text, correct mistakes, move text, and perform
numerous other functions all on the computer screen.
World Wide Web (WWW) ~ Computers on the Internet that transmit text, graphics, and sound using special software.
Write ~ Storing data on a storage medium.
Zip disk ~ A disk, almost as small as a diskette, that stores 250 MB of data. Used in a Zip drive.
Zip drive ~ Drive used to read and write data to a Zip disk.
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