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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
hard disk A high-capacity disk storage unit.
hardware Physical components that make up a computer,
monitor, printer, and so on.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Java A
programming language.
joystick An input device used for playing games.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
