My computer dictionary

My Ordered List:
  1. algorithm: A detailed, ordered set of instructions for solving a problem
  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
  4. binary: A system of numbers having 2 as its base and using 0s and 1s for its notation.
  5. boot: 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
  8. bug: An error in a computer program or in the computer's hardware that causes repeated malfunctions.
  9. byte: The amount of memory space used to store one character, which is usually 8 bits
  10. character: A symbol that represents information, or the representation of that symbol by a computer
  11. chip: Also called microelectronic or integrated circuit.A microelectronic device comprising many miniature transistors and other electronic components
  12. clock: A circuit in a computer that uses a quartz crystal to generate a series of regular pulses which are sent to the CPU.The clock is the heartbeat of the computer.
  13. command: An instruction given to the computer, by means of a keyboard, punch card, mouse, voice command, or other method.
  14. 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.Software must also be compatible with the hardware it is used with.
  15. CPU: Central Processing Unit.The CPU controls the operation of a computer
  16. 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.
  17. data:nformation; raw facts.Data can be input into a computer and processed in various ways
  18. debug:To fix problems in hardware or software.
  19. directory: a collection of similiar data
  20. disk drive: (floppy)The disk drive where a floppy disk is inserted. (hard disk)A disk drive that reads from and writes to a hard disk.
  21. documentation: nstructions that come with a software program, which may include paper or electronic manuals, README files, and online help.
  22. DOS:Disk Operating System.More computers worldwide have DOS than any other operating system
  23. edit: To make changes in a file.
  24. e-mail: Electronic mail.A service that sends messages on computers via local or global networks.
  25. field:One of the items in a database record. A field may have a specific number of characters or may vary.A group offields make up a record.
  26. file: A block of information in the form of bytes, stored together on a computer or external digital storage medium, and given a name.
  27. floppy disk: A removable, portable magnetic disk on which data and programs can be stored.
  28. flow chart: graphical representation of an algorithm.
  29. FTP:File Transfer Protocol.A client/server protocol for exchanging files with a host computer.Examples are Xmodem, Ymodem, Zmodem and Kermit.
  30. 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.
  31. graphics:The creation, editing, and printing of pictures
  32. hard copy:The paper version of a document, as opposed to the version on disk or tape.
  33. hard-disk:The main device that a computer uses to store information.
  34. hardware:The hardware is the physical part of a computer system; the machinery and equipment.Software means the programs that tell the computer what to do
  35. hexadecimal:The base 16 numbering system, sometimes used as a short way of representing binary numbers.
  36. HTML: HyperText Markup Language.The language used to create World Wide Web pages, with hyperlinks and markup for text formatting
  37. 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://
  38. integrated circuit:Also called microelectronic or chip.A microelectronic device comprising many miniature transistors and other electronic components
  39. internet:A network of networks; a group of networks interconnected via routers.The Internet (with a capital I) is the world's largest internet.
  40. interface:A shared boundary where two or more systems meet; or the means by which communication is achieved at this boundary
  41. 1 Gig: One billion bytes; gigabytes
  42. 1K:1000 bytes.
  43. 1 Meg: Mega, or million megabyte
  44. LAN:Local Area Network.A network that connects computers that are close to each other, usually in the same building, linked by a cable.
  45. memory:Also called main memory.The working space used by the computer to hold the program that is currently running, along with the data it needs, and to run programs and process data.
  46. menu:A onscreen list from which the user may choose an operation to be performed.
  47. microprocessor: A computer with its entire CPU contained on one integrated circuit
  48. mnemonic:A memory aid; a word or expression which isdesigned to be easier to remember than what it represents.
  49. modem:A peripheral device that connects computers to each other for sending communications via the telephone lines.
  50. monitor:Also called a display.A device that displays text and graphics generated by a computer
  51. operating system:The main control program of a computer that schedules tasks, manages storage, and handles communication with peripherals.
  52. 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.
  53. port:A socket at the back of a computer used to plug in external devices such as a modem, mouse, scanner, or printer. 2.In a communications network, a logical channel identified by its unique port number. 3.To translate software from one computer system to another.
  54. printer:A high-speed, non-impact printer that uses a laser beam to form images on a page.Laser printers work like photocopiers to produce high-resolution, high-quality printouts.
  55. primary storage: The internal memory of a computer; Random Access Memory.
  56. program:A program that helps the user accomplish a specific task
  57. prompt: A message from the computer that asks the operator to do something, such as enter a command, enter a password, or enter data.
  58. RAM:Random Access Memory.The working memory of the computer.RAM is the memory used for storing data
  59. ROM: Read-Only Memory.Memory that can be read but not changed.Read-only memory is non-volatile storag
  60. secondary storage:Storage other than the computer's internal memory (RAM); external storage, such as disk or magnetic tape
  61. silicon:An element found in rocks and sand, which is used as the base, or substrate, for computer chips.
  62. software: Software is the programs that tell a computer what to do.Hardware is the physical part of a computer system; the machinery and equipment.
  63. syntax error: when you break the rules of a programming language.
  64. text file: A file containing only text characters, usually ASCII characters; contrast with graphics file and binary file.
  65. URL: Uniform Resource Locator (formerly Universal Resource Locator).An Internet address which tells a browser where to find an Internet resource
  66. user friendly: a program that has a really well designed interface.
  67. Windows:User interface software with windows released by Microsoft in 1985 to run with MS-DOS.
  68. 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

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