My Computer Dictonary

  1. Algorithm-An algorithm for encrypting data, making it well-nigh impossible for others to read your message.
  2. Alphanumeric-Using alphabetic letters, numbers, and special characters.
  3. ALU-Arithmetic & Logic Unit.The part of a computer's central processing unit which performs arithmetic operations on integers, and Boolean operations.Floating-point operations are handled by a separate floating-point unit. 2.(Association of Lisp Users).An international user group for the Lisp programming language.
  4. binary-A system of numbers having 2 as its base and using 0s and 1s for its notation.
  5. boot-1.To load a computer�s operating system. 2.The process of loading a computer�s operating system.
  6. browser-A client program that allows users to read hypertext documents on the World Wide Web, and navigate between them.
  7. buffer-A reserved area of memory for temporarily holding data.A buffer can hold data being sent from a high-speed device to a low-speed device until the slower device can accept the input; for example, to hold data sent to a printer until the printer is ready for it.
  8. bug-An error in a computer program or in the computer's hardware that causes repeated malfunctions.yte-The amount of memory space used to store one character, which is usually 8 bits.character-A symbol that represents information, or the representation of that symbol by a computer.chip-Also called microelectronic or integrated circuit.
  9. A circuit in a computer that uses a quartz crystal to generate a series of regular pulses which are sent to the CPU.command-An instruction given to the computer, by means of a keyboard, punch card,mouse,voice command,or other method.compatible-Able to work together.Two hardware devices, such as a computer and printer, can be compatible; or two kinds of software with each other.
  10. CPU-Central Processing Unit.The CPU controls the operation of acomputer.cursor-The movable symbol on a computer screen that shows where the user is working, whether typing in text, drawing lines, or moving design elements around.data-Information; raw facts.Data can be input into a computer and processed in various ways.
  11. debug-To fix problems in hardware or software.directory-a colection of simaler data.disk drive-The disk drive where a floppy disk is inserted.documentation-instructions that come with a software program,wich may include paper or electronic manulas, README files, and online help.
  12. DOS-Disk Operating System.edit-To make changes in a file.e-mail-Electronic mail.A service that sends messages on computers via local or global networks.field-One of the items in a database record: for example, Name, City, Zip Code etc.A field may have a specific number of characters or may vary.A group of fields make up a record.file-1.A block of information in the form of bytes, stored together on a computer or external digital storage medium, and given a name.A file may be a program, a document, a database, or some other collection of bytes. 2.To store in a file.floppy disk-A removable, portable magnetic disk on which data and programs can be stored.Also called diskettes,floppies are flexible plastic.
  13. flow chart-FTP- File Transfer Protocol.A client/server protocol for exchanging files with a host computer.Examples are Xmodem, Ymodem, Zmodem and Kermit.function key-A set of special keys on a computer keyboard that are numbered F1, F2, etc.that perform special functions depending on the application program in use.Also called F keys,graphics-The creation, editing, and printing of pictures.Computer graphics has two main methods: vector graphics (stored as a list of vectors) and raster or bitmap graphics (stored as a collection of dots or pixels).hard copy-The paper version of a document, as opposed to the version on disk otape.
  14. hard disk-The main device that a computer uses to store information.hardware-The hardware is the physical part of a computer system; the machinery and equipment.hexadecimal-The base 16 numbering system, sometimes used as a short way of representing binary numbers.
  15. HTML-HyperText Markup Language.The language used to create World Wide Web pages, with hyperlinks and markup for text formatting (differentheading styles, bold, italic, numbered lists, insertion of images, etc.).
  16. HTTP-HyperText Transfer Protocol.The protocol most often used to transfer information from World Wide Web servers to browsers, which is why Web addresses begin with http://.Also called Hypertext Transport Protocol.
  17. integrated circuit-Also called microelectronic or chip.A microelectronic device comprising many miniature transistors and other electronic components on a single thin rectangle of silicon or sapphire, approximately 1/16" to 5/8" on a side, and 1/30" thick.An integrated circuit can contain dozens, hundreds, or millions of electronic components.internet- network of networks; a group of networks interconnected via routers.The Internet (with a capital I) is the world's largest internet.interface- shared boundary where two or more systems meet; or the means by which communication is achieved at this boundary.1 Gig-million1 k-thousand1 Meg-billion
  18. LAN-Local Area Network.A network that connects computers that are close to each other, usually in the same building, linked by a cable.memory-menu-onscreen list from which the user may choose an operation to be performed.microprocessor- computer with its entire
  19. CPU contained on one integrated circuit. The first microprocessor wascertaed by intel.mnemonic-A memory aid; a word or expression which isdesigned to be easier to remember than what it represents.modem-
  20. A preipheral device that connects computers to each other for sending communcations via the telephane lines.monitor-
  21. Also called a display.A device that displays text and graphics generated by a computer.operating system-The main control program of a computer that schedules tasks manages storage, and handles communication with peripherals.output-Information that comes out of the computer; for example, a picture on the screen, a printed page, sound coming from the speakers, files printed to disk or sent over a communications line.
  22. port-A socket at the back of a computer used to plug in external devices such as a modem, mouse, scanner, or printer. printer-
  23. A printer that has a metal print head shaped like a ball, with raised characters around its surfaceprimary storage-The internal memory of a computer; Random Access Memory.program-
  24. A high-level mathematical programming language developed by Kenneth Iverson in the 1960sprompt- message from the computer that asks the operator to do something, such as enter a command, enter a password, or enter data.RAM-Random Access Memory.The working memory of the computer.RAM is the memory used for storing data temporarily while working on it, running application programs, etc.
  25. ROM-Read-Only Memory.Memory that can be read but not changed.Read-only memory is non-volatile storage; it holds its contents even when the power is turned off.secondary storage-Storage other than the computer's internal memory (RAM); external storage, such as disk or magnetic tape.silicon-
  26. An element found in rocks and sand, which is used as the base, or substrate, for computer chips.software-The term return refers to moving to the beginning of the next line in a text documentsyntax error-Refers to the spelling and grammar of a programming language.
  27. text file-A file containing only text characters, usually ASCII characters; contrast with graphics file and binary file.URL-Uniform Resource Locator (formerly Universal Resource Locator).An Internet address which tells a browser where to find an Internet resource.user friendly-Refers to anything that makes it easier for novices to use a computer.Windows-Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows CE and Windows NT, which are 32-bit operating systems.WWW-World Wide Web. A hypermedia-based system for browsing Internet sites.It is named the Web because it is made of many sites linked together; users can travel from one site to another by clicking on hyperlinks.