680x0
Short for the 68000 family of Motorola microprocessors, it includes the 68000, 68010, 68020, 68030, 68040, 68050, and 68060.
80x86
Short for the 8086 family of Intel microprocessors, it includes the 8086, 8088, 80286, 80386, 80486, and Pentium.
access
To place data on and retrieve data from a disk or other storage device connected to a computer.
address
A location in the computer memory where a particular unit of data is stored. The address may be in the form of an identifying label, name, or number.
ALGOL
An algorithmic computer programming language, used mainly by mathematicians and scientists.
algorithm
A defined set of instructions or procedural steps that will lead to a logical conclusion for a specific problem.
analog
Of or relating to the representation of an object that resembles the original.
analog computer
A computer that measures a function or behavior involving continuously variable signals, such as signals representing current, voltage, or other factors. An analog computer is also able to respond immediately to changes in input. The output may be presented in the form of a tracing on a graph or a design on a TV picture tube.
analog-to-digital computer
A device that is able to convert continuous analog signals into digital data, or discrete numbers.
application
A computer program that does work, for example, word-processing software or an electronic spreadsheet.
architecture
The design of a computer so that hardware and software interface effectively.
arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
A part of the central processing unit (CPU) that performs arithmetic operations and logical comparisons.
array
An arrangement of data in which each item may be identified by a key or subscript so that a computer program can be designed to examine and extract specific data. An example is a calendar array in which a particular day of the year can be identified.
artificial intelligence (AI)
A broad range of computer applications that resemble human intelligence and that can mimic human behaviors, such as understanding speech, making judgements, and learning.
ASCII
Acronym for American Standard Code for Information Interchange, a uniform character code used by many computer systems so that data can be exchanged directly between various types of central and remote units and peripheral devices. Each alphabetic and numeric character requires a full byte.
assembler
A computer program designed to assemble machine code from symbolic code or source language.
assembly language
A low-level, CPU-specific programming language that represents machine-language instructions as mnemonics.
back up
Make an archival copy of data.
back-up
An archival copy of data.
BASIC
Acronym for Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code, a widely used, high-level programming language.
batch
A group of records or collection of transactions that may be processed together.
baud rate
The rate at which information is transmitted over a modem.
binary
A numbering system based on twos (2's) rather than decimals (10's). Each element has a digit value of either zero (0) or one (1) and is known as a bit.
binary coded decimal (BCD)
A method of encoding four bits of binary computer code to represent the 10 decimal digits. For example, 0 = 0000; 1 = 0001; 2 = 0010; and so on through 9 = 1001.
bit
An acronym constructed from the words binary digit. It refers to a single digit of a binary number (0 or 1), the smallest unit of information stored on a computer.
board
Short for printed circuit board; a flat board that holds chips and other electronic components connected by electronically conductive pathways that are "printed" on the board layers.
bootstrap (boot)
The process of initializing or loading the basic operating instructions into a computer.
bps
Short for bits per second, the unit of measure for the speed of modems and printers.
buffer
A temporary storage area for data that helps compensate for differences in the speed of operations of two or more parts of a computer system, such as the central processing unit and a printer.
bug
A hardware or software error that causes the system to malfunction.
bus
A common channel, or pathway, between hardware devices.
byte
An 8-bit sequence of binary digits. Each byte corresponds to 1 character of data, representing a single letter, number, or symbol.
C
A high-level programming language often used to write commercial products because of its transportability among different computer systems.
C++
An object-orientd version of the C programming language.
CAD/CAM
Abbreviation for computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing.
cathode ray tube (CRT)
An electronic tube, similar to a television picture tube, on which a computer output is displayed (also called a visual display terminal).
CD-ROM
An acronym for Compact Disc-Read Only Memory; an optical disc, widely used for multimedia and interactive applications. A laser beam retrieves data by scanning tracks of microscopic holes in the disc. The disc can store more than 600 megabytes (the equivalent of 250,000 pages of text).
central processing unit (CPU)
The part of the computer circuitry that actually handles the data processing and controls the storage, movement, and other basic computer functions.
channel
A path through which computer data flow.
character
Any digit, letter, punctuation, or symbol, usually represented by a single byte of eight bits.
chip
Short for integrated circuit chip, a collection of interconnected microminiature electronic components.
CISC
An acronym for Complex Instruction Set Computer, a computer architecture used by the older Intel microprocessors; requires more extensive instructions than the newer RISC architecture. Computers with CISC architecture often require additional circuit boards to handle more complicated tasks.
client
A single-user workstation in a network.
clipper chip
The nickname for the controversial microprocessor that uses the Data Encryption Standard designed by the National Security Agency (NSA). Using a powerful algorithm, the chip offers advanced data encryption; however, one of the keys would be held by the federal government. NSA has recommended that it become the universal standard.
clock
An electronic device that monitors, measures, or synchronizes various functions of a computer system.
COBOL
An acronym formed from the words COmmon Business Oriented Language; one of the first high-level programming languages; widely used for writing financial applications.
code
A set of machine symbols that represents data or instructions; also to write a program.
command
A part of a computer code that gives input/output instructions to the computer.
common carrier
A regulated organization that provides telecommunications services for public use.
communications protocol
Software that manages the delivery of messages between stations on a network.
compiler
A set of programs that compiles or converts a program into the machine language instructions used by a particular computer.
computer
A programmable machine that accepts, processes, and displays data.
connect time
The time a user at a workstation is logged-on to a computer network or on-line service.
console
The part of the central processing unit from which the computer operator manually directs activities of the system, as through a keyboard.
control data
Computer information that helps organize data in key categories, such as sorting sequences.
control unit
The part of the central processing unit that manipulates the sequences of operations according to the program instructions.
cursor
A character, such as a movable line or block of light, used to indicate a position on a cathode ray tube screen.
cybernetics
The comparative study of human and machine processes in order to understand the similarities and differences.
data acquisition system
A system in which data from computers in remote locations can be transmitted to a central computer unit. The flow of data is usually governed by a program control that buffers signal inputs from the various peripheral units.
Data Encryption Standard (DES)
The encryption algorithm endorsed by the U. S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
data glove
A glove used to report the position of a user's hand in virtual reality systems.
data management system
A set of commands used to search and retrieve content, update, and reference information from a database.
database
A large file of organized information that may be updated and manipulated as needed.
debug
To correct a problem within computer hardware or software.
desktop publishing
The production of printed matter by means of a desktop computer having a layout program that integrates text and graphics.
diagnostic routine
A program designed to trace the source of program errors or the cause of a computer malfunction.
digital
Of or relating to the representation, manipulation, or transmission of data by discrete signals.
digital computer
A computer in which discrete numbers are used to express data and instructions.
digitalization rate
The speed with which digitalization occurs in an analog-to-digital converter.
disk (diskette)
A direct access storage device. Types include CD-ROM, floppy disk, and hard disk.
disk drive
A device that is able to "read" data stored in magnetic material on a disk or to "write" data onto such a disk.
DOS
Acronym for disk operating system; a single-user operating system used on Intel based personal computers.
down time
A period of time during which a computer system is out of operation.
download
To transmit data between remote computers, from a file servers to a workstation, or from a computer to a floppy disk; usually means receiveing data; opposite of upload.
dump
A printout of the contents of memory or of a file.
dynamic range
The range of voltage or input signals that results in a digital output in an analog-to-digital converter.
electronic mail
Transmission of memos and mssages over a network. Also called e-mail.
emoticon
A coded shorthand often used within e-mail messages to give emotion to the computer message in networked conversations, for example : ). Also called smileys.
encryption
Encoding data for security purposes.
error message
A message output by the computer, triggered by a program, indicating failure to follow a correct input/output routine, a hardware malfunction, or another problem that may cause the operation to discontinue.
execute
Performance of an operation specified by a program routine or instruction.
field
The physical unit of data in a record.
file
A collection of related data or information that is stored as a unit.
file server
A computer that stores data and programs shared by network users.
fire walls
Security barriers on the Internet.
flamed
To get bombarded with hundreds of angry electronic messages for a breach in the unwritten code of conduct on the internet; the result for the recipient is jammed telephone lines and a busy, temporarily inoperable computer.
floppy disk
A small, inexpensive removable magnetic disk used to record and store information; commonly used to transfer data from one machine to another or to back up files.
font
A set of type characters of a particular design.
format
The arrangement by which data are stored or displayed.
FORTRAN
An acronym formed from the words FORmula TRANslator. It is a programming language used for mathematical and scientific operations.
fuzzy search
A method of data retrieval that does not depend upon the user knowing the exact information being sought; it can get results when the exact spelling is not known or help users obtain information that is loosely related to a topic.
garbage
A popular term for meaningless data, usually the result of erroneous input/output operations or the result of data left in the computer memory from a previous unrelated project.
generation
Pertaining to a group of computers developed within the same time period based on the model of an earlier product.
generator
A routine designed to produce a program that will perform a specific version of a general operation, usually by filling in certain details within a predetermined framework.
global memory
The shared central memory of a multiple-processor system.
graphical user interface
A method originally popularized by the Macintosh computer that employs graphical symbols to represent instructions and commands to the computer for ease in operating by less-experienced users.
groupware
Software designed to allow several users to work together, in synchronization, on one project.
hard copy
A copy of the output of a computer that has been produced on paper, as distinguished from the electronic copy of the same data on disk or tape.
hard disk
A metal or glass platter covered with a magnetic recording surface. Hard disks have become the primary storage device of a personal computer.
hardware
The physical equipment or devices, such as the central processing unit, of a computer system.
hexadecimal
A system of whole numbers with a base of 16 used in certain computer operations. Hexadecimal coding uses numerals 0 to 16 with the first 10 digits represented by 0 through 9 and the next six digits represented by the letters A through F.
high-level language
Any computer language in which each instruction corresponds to a group of machine code instructions. Examples include BASIC and COBOL.
housekeeping
Standard computer routines, such as deleting garbage or preliminary input/output functions, that are not directly related to a particular job.
hybrid computer
A computer that is able to perform both analog and digital computing functions.
input
The information a computer receives from a keyboard, tape, or disk.
input/output (I/O) terminal
A computer device that is capable of both receiving and retrieving data.
instruction
A part of a program that directs a computer to perform a single specific function as part of a sequence of functions.
integrated circuit (IC)
The formal name for a chip.
Intel
A major manufacturer of integrated circuites used in many personal computers. Intel makes the 8086 family of microprocessors and its derivatives as well as the Pentium processor.
interactive
A type of computing that does not have a predetermined outcome; instead, the operator may interrupt to program to make choices that affect the course of the program.
Internet
A network of computer networks involving millions of users.
interrupt
A temporary suspension of processing by a computer, caused by input or other activity by another part of the system.
joystick
A lever that is connected to a computer for use in moving the cursor from one point to another on a video display terminal.
K
An abbreviation for kilo and a symbol for 1,000 (actually 210, or 1,024); it is commonly used to indicate the storage capacity of a computer memory. For example, a 64K memory has a theoretical capacity of 64 x 1,024, or 65,536, bytes or data storage locations.
key
The code that will open encrypted data.
keyboard
A device that encodes characters for a computer function by depressing keys. Pressing the keys may punch holes in punched cards or provide a direct input of data to the computer.
kludge
An inelgant solution to a technical problem.
label
A group of computer characters used to identify a file, record, or memory storage area.
language
A set of characters that can be used to form a meaningful set of words and symbols in writing instructions for a computer. Examples include ALGOL, BASIC, C, C++, COBOL, FORTRAN, PASCAL.
light pen
A photoelectric device connected to the cathode ray tube of a display unit. It can be used by the operator to activate the computer to change or modify an image displayed by touching the pen to the screen.
load
The actuar operation of putting information and data into the computer or memory.
local area network (LAN)
A computer system that links computers, printers, and other devices in a confining area, such as a building or campus.
log on/log off
To connect to or disconnect from another computer system or file server.
machine language
A language composed of a set of numbers and symbols that can direct computer operations without the need for translation.
machine readable
Any paper form or storage medium that a computer can read.
Macintosh
A family of personal computers from Apple Computer that use the Motorola 680x0 processor or PowerPC CPUs; these computers (also called Macs) popularized the graphical user interface.
magnetic memory
A memory device that uses magnetic fields for storing data.
mainframe computer
A large professional computer system used by a major industry or government agency, as distinguished from a smaller minicomputer or microcomputer.
memory
The ability of a computer to store and retrieve data.
menu
Programs, functions, or other choices displayed in a list on the monitor for user selection.
message
A combination of characters or symbols used to communicate information between points of a computer system. See also error message.
microcomputer
A small personal computer or word processor.
microprocessor
A single large-scale integrated circuit on a fingernail-sized silicon chip. It contains thousands of individual circuit elements and is the heart of the central processing unit.
minicomputer
A computer that is larger in capacity, flexibility, and cost than a microcomputer. It may commonly be used to control industrial processes.
modem
An acronym formed from the words MOdulator DEModulator. It is an electronic device that allows computer data to be carried over telephone lines.
monitor
A high resolution screen used to display the output of a computer.
mouse
A movable device attached to a computer that permits the operator to reposition the cursor on the video display terminal. Manipulating the device moves the cursor vertically or horizontally on the screen.
multimedia
A software format that utilizes a CD-ROM to disseminate information via a combination of audio, text, graphics, animation, and full-motion video.
multiprogramming
The performance of two or more different computer functions at the same time.
multitasking
The ability to run more than one program on one computer at the same time.
network
In communications, terminals and computers linked together with the ability to interact with one another. Examples include the local area network and the wide area network.
network operating system
An operating system that supports multiple, simultaneous users. Examples include NetWare, UNIX, LANtastic, LAN Manager, Windows 95, and Windows NT.
nibble
One half byte, or 4 bits.
noise
Extraneous, random disturbances that degrad or disrupt electronic signals in a communication network or electronic device.
object-oriented programming
A programming method with formalized rules for developing self-contained software routines, or objects, that can be reused in other applications for greater programming flexibility.
objects
Self-contained software modules used in object-oriented programming languages; contain reusable and interoperable instructions to complete specific tasks in multiple applications.
off-line
Pertaining to computer functions that are not under the direct control of a central processing unit or computer operator. The term is sometimes applied to hard copy or stored data.
on-line
Computer operations that are under the direct control of the central processing unit or operator.
open architecture
An electronic system whose architecture is made available to the public.
operating system (OS)
A program that enables one to use a computer and its peripheral devices.
optical character reader (OCR)
A device capable of recognizing characters in a special typeface.
optical fiber
An ultrathin strand of glass that can carry billions of bits of encoded data per second when pulses of laser light are beamed through it.
optical scanner
An electronic device that scans direct or reflected light from a surface, such as a printed page, and converts the signals to machine-readable inputs.
optoelectronics
A technology that joins light and electricit. OCRs, laser printers, and CD-ROMs are examples of optoelectronic devices.
output
The results of a computer operation, which may appear in the form of a printout or visual display.
Pascal
A popular high-level programming language.
PC
An abbreviation for personal computer.
peripheral
Any device that is separate from but connected to the computer for the purpose of supplying input or output functions, such as a modem or printer.
pixel
An acronym for picture element; the smallest display element on a video display screen.
port
The channel or interface between the microprocessor and peripherals.
PowerPC
A family of RISC-based CPU chips from Motorola and IBM. It was also designed by Apple. The PowerMac was the first personal computer to use the PowerPC chip.
primary memory
The part of the computer used as the main storage area for data or programs.
printer
A device that converts computer output to printed images.
program
A sequence of detailed, coded instructions telling a computer how to perform a specific function.
random access
The direct retrieval of data from a location in the computer memory without the need for sorting through sequential information.
random access memory (RAM)
A computer storage device that permits direct access to data independent of its location in the computer memory.
read only memory (ROM)
A type of computer memory that can be used to retrieve data for output only; new data cannot be written into it.
real time
Computer operations that permit rapid analyses of data so that decisions can be made immediately.
record
A group of related fields that store data about a subject.
register
A part of the computer's central processing unit that stores information for future use. It may have specific uses, such as arithmetic functions or word processing. A computer may contain several different registers.
response time
The amount of time between the input of information into a computer and its output, or response to the input.
RISC
An acronym for Reduced Instruction Set Computer; a computer architecture that is less complicated and generally requires fewer instructions than the traditional CISC architecture. Used by PowerPCs, RISC architecture is better suited for programs involving speech recognition and multimedia.
sector
A defined portion of a concentric track on a disk.
serial processing
A type of computer function in which two or more programs are run in sequence rather than simultaneously.
software
The programs or instructions used to operate a computer system, as distinguished from the hardware.
storage capacity
The amount of data that can be stored in a computer memory. See also K.
streaming mode
A removable magnetic-tape backup system for hard disk drives. It permits copying data from the hard disk so that it can be preserved in the event of a hard drive failure.
supercomputer
The fastest, most powerful computers at a given time; typically supercomputers can manipulat large amounts of data.
telecommuting
Working at home and communicating with the office by computer via modem, fax and other electronic means.
teleconferencing
To communication with a number of people simultaneously viat telephone lines or radio signals with audio, vidio, or computer connections.
terminal
An input/output device that allows an operator to control a computer. It may consist of a keyboard and video display screen.
time sharing
A computer function of handling two or more tasks simultaneously, as when a mainframe computer is used to process operations of several remote terminals at the same time. Such a system depends on buffering and switching inputs and outputs for each terminal. This is done at such a high rate of speed that operators of individual terminals are unaware that others are sharing the same central processing unit.
track
A segment of a disk or other magnetic storage device that stores a fixed amount of data in a designated address for rapid retrieval.
UNIX
A multiuser operating system that runs on a variety of computers. It is most often used by the academic and engineering professions and in the business world on network servers.
upload
To transmit data between remote computers, from a file server to a workstation, or from a computer to a floppy disk; usually refers to transmitting, rather than receiving data. The opposite of download.
user-friendly
Easy to learn and use.
virtual memory
The use of hard disk storage to expand effective memory capability.
virtual reality
Interaction with a computer to create an artificial reality that projects the user into a 3-dimensional space.
virus
A destructive program that is secretly attached to an existing program; once run it alters or deletes data or causes a computer system to malfunction whenever the preexisting program is run.
wide area network (WAN)
A communications network that spans large geographic distances and usually relies on transmission facilities from telephone companies and other common carriers.
Winchester disk drive
A type of hard disk drive capable of transferring data, detecting errors, and making corrections at a high rate of speed.
window
A separate viewing area on a display screen.
word
A fixed number of bits processed by a computer as a single basic unit.
word processor
A text creation and editing program or system that allows electronic writing and correcting of documents.
workstation
A high-performance, single-user microcomputer or minicomputer; or in a local area network, a person computer that serves a single user.
write
The process of recording data in a computer memory.
write-access
Authorization to record or alter data stored in a computer.
write-protected disk
A computer disk designed to prevent altering the data stored on it.
X-Y digitizer
An electronic device that allows a cursor or light pen to produce the X and Y coordinates of a graph on a video display terminal.