Thursday, 26 September 2013

Computer Glossary A to M

     
                      
        8086                       One of the very first personal computers.

antivirus                  Software that prevents files containing viruses from running on a computer or software that detects, repairs, cleans, or removes virus-infected files.

application              Software such as a word processor, spreadsheet, database, graphics editor, game, or Web browser.
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backup                   The process of duplicating a file onto a floppy.

bit                          One piece of information.

boot sector             The first sector on a disk that tells the system how to load files into memory.

boot                       To load a program into the computer.

bug                        An error or defect in a program.

byte                        A collection of bits.
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CD                         Compact disc

CD-R                      Compact Disc-Recordable, can be recorded on.

CD-ROM                 Compact Disc-Read Only Memory, drive that read CD’s.

CD-RW                   Compact Disc-ReWritable, a CD that can be written to several times.

circuit board            The collection of circuits gathered on a sheet of plastic.

CBT                        computer-based training.

console                  Keyboard used to communicate with the computer.

controller                A card that controls the electronics for one or more devices such as hard disks.

crash                      When the computer doesn’t work and information maybe lost.

crosstalk                 Signal from one wire interfering with the signal of another wire.
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data                        Groups of information.

default                    Any setting at startup.

degauss                 To remove magnetic charges.

desktop                  A personal computer that sits on a desk.

device driver           A memory-resident program loaded when the computer starts up that controls a device such as, speakers, external drives, etc.

dip switches            Tiny switches on a circuit board.

directory                 An area of a disk that stores the titles or names of files.

DOS                       Disk Operating System.  A collection of programs that load hardware into the computer before application software can be run.

dot-matrix printer     An impact printer that prints characters composed of dots.

drive                       A device that manipulates data.

DVD                       digital versatile disc.  High-capacity CD-ROM disc.
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Ethernet                  A type of network protocol developed in the late 1970’s by Bob Metcalf at Zerox Corporation.

external device        A device that is installed outside of the computer.
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file allocation table  FAT  A table that allows the computer to keep track of data.

fax / modem           A device that is a fax machine and a modem.

filename                  The name given to a file when you save it.

floppy disk             A removable disk.

folder                     Like a file folder in a filing cabinet that holds files.
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gateway                  A conversion program that coverts files from one computer system to another over a network.

gigabyte                 GB  A unit of information storage equal to 1,073,741,824 bytes.

GUI                         Graphical User Interface.  Allows users to use a mouse.
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hard disk                 A high-capacity disk storage unit.

hardware                 Physical components that make up a computer, monitor, printer, and so on.
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inkjet printer            A type of printer that sprays one or more colors of ink on the paper.

input                       Entering / typing data into the computer.

Internet                   A computer network that joins many government, university, and private computers together over phone lines.
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Java                       A programming language.

joystick                   An input device used for playing games.
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keyboard                The primary input device for most computers consisting of keys with letters of the alphabet, digits, punctuation, and function control keys.

kilobyte                   KB  A unit of information storage equal to 1,024 bytes.
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laptop computer      A small, briefcase size computer.

laser printer             A type of printer that uses heat and a laser to transfer ink onto paper.

local area network  LAN  A network that is in one building or on one floor of a very large building.
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megabyte               MB  A unit of information storage equal to 1,048,576 bytes.

memory                  Any component in a computer that stores information for future use.

modem                   A device that converts data from the computer, sends it over the telephone line to another computer and modem.

motherboard           The main circuit board in a computer.

mouse                    An input device invented by Douglas Engelbart of Stanford Research Center in 1963.  Consists of a roller ball and a tracking mechanism that relays horizontal and vertical position to the computer.

MPEG                    Motion Picture Experts Group.  A video / graphics file.

multimedia              The use of sound, graphic images, animation, motion video, and text in a file.


multitask                 To run several programs at the same time.

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