AC (Alternating Current)

Form of electrical power found in residential and commercial buildings. This electricity is transported over long distances, usually by power lines in the form of current that reverses its direction regularly and continually. 

Acceptable Use Agreement/Policy (AUA or AUP)

Contract specifying what a user can and cannot do while using computer service. Often called Terms of Service (TOS), it includes liability disclaimers and lists behaviors that can result in service termination.

Adaptive Devices

Generally refers to any hardware device that allows additional functionality

Adobe Reader

Free downloadable PDF (Portable Document Format) reader software program available from Adobe Acrobat

AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)

High-speed graphics port designed by Intel. An AGP port supplies a direct connection between a computer's display adapter and memory.

Alternative Keyboard

Keyboard designed to meet special needs

Algorithm

Programming language developed in the late 1950s that is used for computations

Amplifier

Strengthens an incoming signal to make the signal stronger and more powerful.

Analog

Data that can be represented by continuous waves

Animation

Graphics that give the illusion of motion through various techniques. (Commonly created with Flash for computer use)

Anti-virus software

Program that strives to identify, block, and expel computer viruses and other harmful programs from invading a machine.

Application software

Software program that is created to do a task or produce a result, such as word processing or database management.

Application suite

Multiple software applications bundled together in one package (examples: Open Office and Microsoft Office)

Assistive Technology

Often referred to as AT, it makes it possible for disabled people to use technology through enhancements, such as a text telephone that converts text messages into tones to allow deaf people to communicate.

AT

A type of form factor associated with older technologies.

Attachment

Computer file that is sent with an e-mail message

Attribute

Special HTML code that appears inside a tag bracket. It controls items like height, width, color, style, etc.

ATX

A type of form factor in current use. It is a development of the Baby AT specification with the motherboard rotated 90 degrees in the chassis. 

Backbone

A larger transmission path in a network into which smaller lines feed

Backwards compatible

Works without complications with a previously used program

BBS (Bulletin Board Systems)

Computer system software that allows users to communicate by posting and exchanging information on a message board

Binary number system

A base 2 number system, meaning that it relies on only two numbers (0 and 1)

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)

Determines what tasks a computer can perform without having to access information from a software application or elsewhere. The BIOS contains all the required code to control the display screen, disk drives, keyboard, serial communications, and other common functions.

Bitmap

Individual data pieces collected together to produce an image.

Boolean (Boolean Operator)

With computer users, most often used in connection with search engines. A “Boolean search” uses a logical operation (commonly AND, OR, NOT) to make the search more efficient.

Boot

Starting up and loading a computer’s operating system

Bridge

Divides networks into smaller, more manageable sections, helping reduce network traffic. Data signals arriving at a bridge contain information about their destinations. The network bridge allows only specific information to travel over certain paths.

Broadband

Generally refers to fast data transmission, in which multiple pieces of data are sent simultaneously to increase the rate. Technically, any analog modem operating at speeds greater than 600 bits per second is considered broadband.

Browser

The vehicle that allows you users to travel from Web site to Web site.

Bus

A common pathway for electronic information and data between multiple devices. The three main types of buses include ISA, PCI and AGP.

Bug

A coding error in a computer program

Byte

Unit of data that consists of eight bits. It is the amount of disk space needed to store one character of information (e.g. a letter, digit, or punctuation mark).

Cabling

Two or more wires (or fibers) bound together inside a protective sheath

Cache

A section in the CPU where information and data is stored until the microprocessor is ready to process it

CAD (Computer Aided Design)

Refers to software, most often used by engineers, architects, and others in graphical design work

Calculator

Device that performs numerical operations and calculations

Capacitor

An electronic device that can store electrical charge. It is the basis of a dynamic RAM cell. Capacitors are also used for power supply smoothing or decoupling.

Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)

A glass cylinder with an electron gun at the rear that emits electron beams to activate a phosphor-coated screen to create an image. CRT is used to describe any monitor that uses a cathode ray tube.

CCD

Acronym for charge-coupled device, which is an image sensor.

CD-R

Write once, read only type of compact disc.

CD-ROM

A computer peripheral device that utilizes a read-only optical storage medium to access up to 682mb of data, including text, audio, video, and graphics.

CGA (Color Graphics Array)

The first graphics standard introduced in 1981, it became obsolete when VGA was introduced in 1987.

Chassis

A metal frame inside the desktop of tower case that serves as the structural support for electronic components of a computer. It houses the circuit boards and wiring and contains slots for expansion boards.

Chat room

Internet location where people can “talk” online at the same time (much like a telephone conversation)

Client/Server Network

Network that separates itself into client and server roles

Clip art

Electronic images that can be inserted into documents

Clipboard

On a computer, a special memory area that stores data temporarily before being copied to another location

CMOS chip

Complementary metal oxide semiconductor design chip. It is a battery powered memory and clock chip that is used to store system clock settings and configuration data.

Coaxial cable

Commonly used for home televisions and video equipment to carry broadband signals, these thick cables protect their inner core with insulation and a plastic outer sheath

Compression

Often used with graphics and audio, it refers to reducing the amount of data while retaining a usable image for the Web. This helps browsers load web pages more efficiently.

Constant angular velocity (CAV)

This is an alternative to CLV, where the track data is moving past the read laser at different speeds, depending on where the track is physically located over the diameter of the CD.

Constant linear velocity (CLV)

The ability of the CD-ROM disk to spin at different rates of speed, ensuring that the amount of data that goes past the lens assembly during a fixed increment of time remains constant.

Content Advisor

An IE tool that can be enabled to control the Internet content that can be viewed

Control panel

A utility represented by an icon in the My Computer default container and in the Start menu under Settings. The Control Panel provides access to configuring color, fonts, mouse, desktop, date and time, sound, and other system features.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

A microchip about the size of a thumbnail that acts as a computer's brain. It is sometimes referred to as a processor or microprocessor.

CPU interface

A connector on the motherboard that houses the Central Processing Unit.

Daisy Chain

Term used to describe the bus topology of floppy drives, IDE hard drives, and especially SCSI hard drives, where every device is arranged linearly in a long line on a ribbon cable.

Data

Raw numbers and other information

Database

Organized collection of data and records

DB connector

A specific type of connector in the D-shell family of port connectors. The "D" stands for D-shell family of connectors. The "B" stands for the size of that particular shell, and the proceeding number refers to the connector's maximum pin count.

DC (Direct Current)

Electrical current that travels in only one direction as opposed to alternating current. It is generally used in electronic circuits.

Defragmenting

Rewriting files to a disk so that they are in contiguous order

Desktop

The on-screen space that underlies all work done on the computer. Like the actual top of a desk, the computer’s desktop gives a computer user a location to organize work.

Desktop computer

Non-portable PC made for using on top of a desk in office or home environment

Desktop publishing

Refers to using a personal computer to produce high-quality printed documents

Digital

Data that can be represented and measured in distinct intervals

Digital camera

A camera that takes pictures without using film; instead it stores the snapshots as digital files in its memory.

Digital Divide

Gap between people with excellent access to digital technologies and those without it

Digitizing tablet

Graphics tablet that allows the user to input hand drawn graphics to a computer

DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module)

A small circuit board that holds a group of memory chips. DIMMs replaced SIMMs as the predominant memory type used by modern PCs.

Disk Platters

The actual disks that store information and data on a hard disk drive

Disk striping

Data storage scheme used to share and replicate data on multiple drives

DOS (Disk Operating System)

OS that formed the foundation for many of Microsoft’s systems from the earliest Windows program through Windows Me

Dot matrix printer

A type of impact printer that creates characters and graphics by striking pins against an ink ribbon. The striking pins print closely spaced dots in the appropriate shapes of characters.

Driver

A device-specific program routine helping to connect a specific peripheral device to the operating system

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

High speed Internet connection available through telephone companies for personal and business applications

DVD

A Digital Versatile (or Video) Disk holds between 4.7 – 17 GB, which is enough for a full length motion picture

EGA (Enhanced Graphics Array)

The second graphics standard introduced in 1984, it became obsolete when VGA was introduced in 1987

EIDE (Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics)

Update to the older IDE and ATA standard. Same as the ATA-2 standard.

EISA (Expanded Industry Standard Architecture)

Standard PC bus that can accommodate 32-bit expansion cards

Electronic Card Catalog

Data stored electronically in files

E-mail

Electronic mail is the transmission of memos, letters, messages, and files by the Internet

Emoticon

Also known as a “smiley”, an emoticon consists of a sequence of typed characters to approximate a facial expression to express an emotion

Encryption

Conversion of data into a secret code for transmitting over a public network.  Prevents unauthorized users from accessing the data.

Encryption software

Program that encodes files to increase security. Encrypted files can be read only by authorized users. Without proper authorization, encrypted files remain scrambled and unreadable.

Enter Key/Return Key

Large key on the right hand side of the keyboard that allows the user to execute commands

ESD

The flow or spark of electricity that originates from a static source, such as a carpet, and arcs across a gap to another object.  The direction in which the electrical charge moves is from a positive to a negative.

Expansion card

Another term for the device that serves as an interface between the system unit and the devices attached to it. It may also be called an adapter.

Expansion socket

A terminal on a motherboard that accepts printed circuit boards called expansion cards

Fair Use Guidelines

In copyright law, “fair use” allows users to make copies under certain conditions, including: reduced portions as part of a review, educational purposes, creating a parody, helping people to make a purchase, or find work

Fault tolerance

A computer system's ability to continue operating when hardware fails

Fax

Short for facsimile, the transmission of text or graphics over telephone lines in digitized form

Fiber optics

Uses optical fibers, which transmit light inside thin, transparent “tubes” made of glass or plastic

Field

For databases, an area to enter data

File

Basic unit of storage on a computer that distinguishes its data from others

File management system

The operating system's organizer, arranging files in a hierarchical tree-like structure--the root directory

FireWire

A high-speed serial bus developed by Apple and Texas Instruments. FireWire has a transfer rate of about 50 megabytes per second.

Flash

Can refer to the widely used multimedia authoring program or player. A proprietary program that may be called Adobe Flash (previously Macromedia Flash).

Floppy disk

A flexible circle of magnetic material, also called a diskette. Floppy disks are widely used to transfer and backup data, and for temporary data storage.

Floppy disk drive

A device that reads from, and writes to, floppy disks.

Font

Character set with common typeface, style, and weight. (example: Arial, italicized, 10 point)

Form factor

The physical dimensions of a system unit.  Two computers with the same form factor are physically interchangeable.

Format

Process of preparing a disk to store information

Formulas

Procedures that direct the computer to do an operation on a cell or group of cells and to place the answer in the cell where the formula is entered

Framemaker

Adobe proprietary desktop publishing application

Front bezel

Panel that covers the face of a drive.  As its name indicates, it is located on the front of the computer.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

Simple set of rules that computers use to make file transfers simple

Game port

An input/output connector used to connect a joystick to a computer. A joystick is a pointing device designed to move on-screen objects in various directions. A game port is typically a 15-pin socket located on the back of a PC. Joysticks are most commonly used with video games--the reason for the port's name.

Google

Most often refers to its search engine, which is currently the most popular one on the Web. Google is a corporation that includes a variety of services.

GPS (Global Positioning System)

Satellite navigation system to determine a precise location virtually anywhere on Earth. Designed and controlled by the U.S. Department of Defense, it is available to anyone free of charge.

Graphics

Pictorial representations of objects and concepts

Graphic Calculator

Interactive software tool that visually displays mathematical functions

Graphic Organizer

Instructional tool that allows students to visualize concepts

GUI (Graphical User Interface)

Easy to use interface that uses pictures and text, rather than text alone, to represent the input and output of a program

Hacking

Modifying a program by changing its code

Hard copy

Permanent reproduction of data. Term most often used to describe a computer printout.

Hard disk drive

A permanently sealed, large magnetic disk that stores data and is usually a computer's non-removable, main disk drive

Headers and footers

Text fields that appear at the top and bottom of every page.

Hexadecimal colors

Three, two-digit hexadecimal number pairs that use number values for red, green, and blue (#RRGGBB).

Hierarchical database

Database that organizes itself in a branching pattern

Home page

The first Web page retrieved and opened when launching a browser

Host

Any computer--whether mainframe, server, or PC--that acts as an information source on a network

Hotspot

1. Located at the tip of the mouse cursor (the tip of the arrow). It is the only thing that actually interacts with the object on the screen.
2. Location from where you can access the Internet with a mobile computer without cables. Public places that often serve as hotspots are frequently close to cafes, restaurants, libraries, airports, and train stations.

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)

Programming language that computers and the Internet use to communicate

HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol)

Method that information on the World Wide Web is transferred between a requester (client) and a server

Hub

A relay and reroute device, organizes data signals and cleanly transfers data from one cable to another

Hyperlink

Specially coded word, phrase, or picture that opens a new Web page, picture, map, or multimedia file

Hypermedia

System that supports linking graphics, sound, and other multimedia elements in addition to text

Hyperstack

A type of graphics organizer

Hz

Abbreviation for hertz—a unit of frequency

IBM (International Business Machines Corporation)

World's largest computer company that dates back to Herman Hollerith’s adding machine

Icon

A small on-screen image that the user double-clicks on to access an application or device

IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics)

Type of drive interface ratified in 1989 and called the ATA standard

Identity theft

Form of fraud that occurs when someone wrongfully obtains personal information, usually for financial gain.

Infrared

An invisible band of radiation at the lower end of the electromagnetic spectrum

Initialization

Process of assigning values to variables and data structures in a program when first starting it up

Inkjet printer

A type of non-impact printer that uses liquid ink to spray characters onto the page

Input device

Any device that lets the user enter data into a computer

Input/Output ports

I/O ports are sockets on a motherboard that allow input and output devices to be connected to a computer

Instant messenger (IM)

Form of real-time text communication between 2 or more people over the Internet

Interactive

In the IT world, this refers generally to software that accepts and requires human input to function

Internet

A large network made up of smaller networks, more than 100,000, interconnected, all across the world, designated for commercial, academic, and government purposes. The Internet spans more than 140 countries.

Internet Explorer shell

Web browser that uses IE’s Trident rendering engine. Common examples include: AOL Browser, Avant Browser, Crazy Browser, and Netscape Browser 8.x

Intranet

A network used to send information within an organization

IRC (Internet Relay Chat)

System for chatting that involves a set of rules and conventions and client/server software

ISA

An Industry Standard Architecture bus allows users to connect 8- or 16-bit expansion cards.

ISDN

An Integrated Services Digital Network, or ISDN, is an international telecommunications standard that uses digital telephone lines to transmit voice, video and data.

ISP (Internet Service Provider)

Subscription service that offers access to the Internet

Jaz drive

Developed by Iomega, it uses disks capable of storing 1GB (old version) or 2GB (new version). 

Joule

A unit used to measure energy that is equal to one watt of power per second. One calorie is roughly four joules.

Kernel

Regulates disk files, memory management, program objectives and tasks, and program execution and processes. The kernel is considered the operating system's core because it controls a computer's hardware and is responsible for either directly activating computer hardware or for interfacing with software that drives the hardware.

Keyboard

Hardware input device that allows the user to type or enter commands into the computer. Based on the typewriter keyboard, a typical PC keyboard contains special keys that are used with computer programs.

Keyword searching

Search engine strategy of inserting important words in order to find information

LAN (Local Area Network)

The smallest of the three network types. Generally located in a single structure such as an office building, LANs cannot span long distances or multiple buildings.

Laptop

A small portable, personal computer, designed for traveling, that runs on a battery or from an AC/DC adaptor. A laptop computer has a flat screen and usually weighs less than ten pounds.

Laser printer

A type of non-impact printer that uses a laser to draw an image on an electrically charged drum, which is transferred to electrically charged paper using toner.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

Type of monitor that uses a polarized, molecular structure liquid, held between two see-through electrodes, as its display medium.

Line conditioner

A device that helps regulate and condition electricity to protect equipment.

Line printer

High-speed impact printer that prints entire line at a time.

Link

Short for hyperlink. Specially coded words, phrases, or pictures that open new Web pages, pictures, maps, or multimedia files.

Linux

A UNIX-like operating system designed to provide PC users with a low cost or free operating system.

Mac

Common abbreviation for Apple Macintosh computer

Mac O/S

Operating system designed by Apple to run on its Macintosh computers

Macros

Automated common, repetitive tasks by recording a set of actions or commands and executing them with a single keystroke

Mainframe computer

A large computer designed for high-level computational tasks.   Mainframes are typically shared by other PCs that are connected together.

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

Spanning no more than 50 miles, MANs are designed to connect an organization's existing LANs to link collective resources. Often spans a town or even a county.

Math coprocessor

A component in a microprocessor that deals with the task of managing mathematical data and instructions, freeing the rest of a microprocessor to perform other tasks

MCA (Micro Channel Architecture)

A 32-bit bus manufactured by IBM

Media

Refers to any material that transports data in any way or form. Network media can include twisted pair cable, coaxial cable, fiber optics, and infrared and microwave radio transmissions.

Menu

An options list of actions, commands, or formats

Memory card

Electronic storage device often used with digital cameras and laptop computers

Merge

In computer science, a “merge sort” is a special algorithm that arranges data into a specified order

Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE)

Microsoft’s proprietary web browser

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface)

An interface created to allow music synthesizers and other electronic music devices to communicate with computers. The MIDI makes it possible for musicians to create, manipulate, and mix entire musical compositions with a computer. A MIDI is an extremely useful tool for creating original music for multimedia projects.

Modem

Acronym for Modulator/Demodulator.  A modem is a device that enables a computer to transmit digital data over analog telephone lines through modulation and demodulation.

Monitor

Device that allows the user to see what the computer is doing, just like a TV screen.   Monitors display the information the computer is processing in real time, or as it is happening.

Motherboard

Also called a main board or system board. The main component in a computer's system unit. A motherboard is a printed circuit board that acts as a computer's nerve center.

Mouse

Hardware input device that allows the user to point to and select items on-screen.  It is used primarily with graphical user interface (GUI) programs to select icons and menu commands. It is also used with most drawing and paint programs.

Mozilla Firefox

Open source web browser developed by Mozilla

Navigational tools

Allow visitors to get around on the site: to go from one page to another, or to visit other sites

Nested list

Looks just like an outline, with different levels of information indented. It is actually a list that’s inside another list.

Netiquette

Conventions of polite behavior to be followed in various forums on the Web

Netscape

Netscape’s proprietary web browser

Network

Created when multiple computers (two or more) are linked together and share resources, including data, printers, Internet servers, and software applications

Network Protocol

The specific standards governing the sending and receiving of data. Data transmission systems follow predetermined rules so data travels in a universally accepted manner. Because there are different computer languages, protocols have been developed.

Newsgroup

Often a discussion group between people with similar interests (similar to message boards), newsgroups use special software to act as storage and distribution center on the Usenet system.

NIC (Network Interface Card)

Printed circuit board that plugs into the computer's motherboard and allows the computer to communicate with a network

Notes pane

Used to add speaker notes or information about the slide or discussion topics

OCR (Optical Character Recognition)

Computer system that can translate text (usually through a scanner) into standard code (ASCII or Unicode)

OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode)

Used in display devices. This technology does not require a backlight to work.

Online

1. When referring to devices on a network, it means “connected” (example: describing whether a printer is online or offline).
2. When referring to users, it generally refers to whether the user is currently connected to the Internet.

Open Source Model

Philosophy or method that openly shares its code and relies on the contributions of a community of users to develop software. It is characterized by early releases, numerous versions, and frequent bug fixes.

Operating system (OS)

Controls all the activities that take place inside the computer. An operating system organizes a computer's contents and safeguards system files, disk drives and internal memory. Integral to a computer, an operating system provides a smooth-running operational base.

OSI Reference Model

Layered abstract standard adopted to allow different computers to be able to communicate with each other

Outline pane 

Used to organize and develop the content of the presentation. All text can be typed in this pane. In addition, bullet points, paragraphs, and slides can be reorganized.

Output device

Presents data from a computer through a computer screen, a printer, or other output method.

Pack and Go

Packs up a presentation so that it can be run on another computer that does not have PowerPoint installed

Packet

Block of data carried by a computer network

Parallel port

An input/output port that connects peripheral devices such as printers, portable hard disks, tape backups, and CD-ROMs. Parallel ports move eight bits of data at a time, making them substantially faster than serial ports. During a parallel data transmission, bits flow through separate, parallel lines simultaneously, like two trains moving side-by-side on different tracks.

Parity

A special data block used in implementation of RAIDs from which data can be restored in the case of a failed drive. (see RAID) Parity bits are used as a simple error detector. Two types exist: even and odd.

Pass-through socket

Also located on the back of a computer, and looks similar to an ordinary, 3-prong, female wall socket. The circuitry in a computer's power supply allows electricity to actually "pass through" and into a pass-through socket. This socket is used as an additional power supply for peripheral devices such as a computer monitor.

Password

Used for IT security, a “word” that allows a user access to IT services. The best passwords are NOT dictionary words, but contain random letters (both upper and lower case) and numbers

PC

Another name for an IBM-standard personal computer

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)

Expansion bus designed by Intel, and commonly used in PCs and Macintosh computers. The PCI bus runs at 33MHz and supports 32- and 64-bit data paths between a CPU and peripheral devices.

PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)

Handheld device that can synchronize data with PC and laptop computers. It often includes office organizer functions: clock, address and date book, memo pad, calculator, task list, etc.

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Adobe proprietary format for documents

Peer

Any computer sharing the same protocol layer with another computer. When two computers share resources, security levels, and user group, they are considered peers.

Peer-to-Peer Network

Network that shares resources equally without a central computer to act as a server

Peripheral device

Any hardware connected to a computer

Phishing

Form of fraud practiced on the Internet that attempts to gain access to sensitive information like social security numbers and credit card information for financial gain

PIM (Personal Information Manager)

An application program that serves as a personal organizer—address books, calendar, e-mail

PIN (Personal Identification Number)

As the name implies, a “password” consisting of only numbers that identifies a user

Pits and Lands

As a disc is being read, a laser bounces light off the pits and lands located on the underside of the disc. Pits reflect less light and are read by the CD-ROM drive as binary zeros. Lands reflect more light and are read as binary ones.

Pixel

Short for picture element, this is the smallest element of a video image

Plasma display

Display that works with lighting created by plasma discharge between two panels of glass.

Plotter

Vector graphics device used mostly in technical drawing

Plug-in

Term applied to Plug and Play program that is able to automatically configure expansion boards and other devices

Point and Click

GUI method of selecting item by placing the mouse over an object and clicking it

Port

A parallel or serial interface where data is transferred. Generally, ports are located on the back of a computer system. 

Power supply

Box inside the computers system unit that converts AC electricity from a power outlet to the DC electricity used by the computer.  The power supply box always has a fan that keeps the box and the other components from over-heating.

Power supply leads

Connect the power supply to the computer's internal components. There are three kinds of power supply leads: motherboard lead, large drive connector leads, and small drive connector leads.

PowerPoint

Microsoft’s popular proprietary Presentation program

Preference

Generally refers to a user’s selection of favored options in both hardware and software

Presentation

Software application used to display information, most frequently in slide show format.

Printer

An output device that produces paper printouts from computer software applications such as word processors and spreadsheets.

Projector

Machine that converts image data onto a distant wall or screen

Query

Question that is submitted to a database

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Consists of high-speed memory chips that manage data and program instructions.

RAMDAC (Random Access Memory Digital-to-Analog Converter)

The chip in a video adapter that controls the resolution and color of each pixel, converts digital data into analog signals, and sends converted data over a cable to the display monitor.

Rectifier

A device for converting alternating current into direct current. An AC to DC converter.

Record

For databases, a unit of information

Relational database

Database organized in tables with columns and rows

Remote control

Device used for remote operation of a machine—most common is for televisions

Repeater

Device that strengthens signals and allows them to remain clear over longer distances.

Required power cord socket

The standard socket that resides on the back of a computer. This socket connects a computer's power supply to an external power source, such as a wall socket or power strip.

Resistor

A small device having electrical resistance that is used in an electric circuit for protection, operation, or current control.

Resolution

Term used to reference the size of the pixels in a video display.  The higher the graphics resolution, the higher the pixel size in general.

Resource

Any single hardware device, software, or data that is part of a larger system. For example, network resources can include network servers and printers. Software resources refer to available programs and applications.

RGB model

Refers to the primary colors of red, green, and blue that can be combined to produce other colors

Robot

Mechanical device that can do automated tasks

ROM (Read-Only Memory)

A group of memory chips found on the motherboard that contains routine instructions including the instructions for booting up a computer.

Router

A device that forwards data packets between Local or Wide Area Network groups. Using routing tables and protocols, routers read a signal's network address and determines its most expedient route.

Sampling

Refers to the process of converting actual sound waves into digital code

Scanner

Hardware input device that reads hard copy printed information such as pictures or text and translates them into digital data the computer can understand

Scientific notation

Numbering scheme used by scientists and mathematicians to more easily write very large or very small numbers

Screensaver

Computer program designed to preserve monitor displays by blanking the screen or filling them with moving images when the computer is not in use.

Scrolling

Using the mouse to move a page up or down

SCSI (Small Computer Systems Interface)

Standard interface that transfers data between computer devices

Search engine

A Web site that maintains a Web-address database in which the search engine can locate Web sites based on specific search criteria.

Secure Shell

The most popular security protocol used on the World Wide Web

Sensor

Device (usually electronic) that detects physical conditions. Often used in industry, medicine, and robotics.

Serial port

An input/output port designed to connect to computer peripheral devices such as a modem, mouse or scanner. Serial ports move one bit of data at a time. During a serial data transmission, bits flow in a continuous series, one at a time, like a train on a one-way track.

Serif

Typefaces that include short lines stemming from the upper and lower ends of the strokes of letters. (Times New Roman is a common example)

Server

Powerful computer that acts as a “slave” to provide network services

Shockwave

Macromedia proprietary software program that was its original multimedia player

Signal regenerators

Receive and rebuild signals, then re-transmit the signals with fresh power.

Signature information

Important information about a Web site, including the Webmaster’s name and email address, copyright and trademark information, and the last date the site was updated.

SIMM (Single Inline Memory Module)

A small circuit board that holds a group of memory chips. The first standardized memory module created to add memory to a computer.

Simulation

Process of imitating a real life condition via mathematical formulas that are often compiled on a database

Slide master

Presentation device that controls certain text characteristics, such as font type, size, and color, called "master text," as well as background color and certain special effects, such as shadowing and bullet style.

Slide pane

Presentation device that shows how the text looks on each slide. Graphics, movies, and sounds can be added in this pane. In addition, hyperlinks and animations can be added to individual slides.

Slimline

A type of form factor in current use

Sort

Logical way of arranging data.

Source Code

The actual code that makes up a Web page.

Spam

Junk e-mail

Stand alone page

A Web page that is about only one topic

Spreadsheet

Application that usually deals with financial information. It consists of a table grid containing data.

Spyware

Unwanted software that takes over partial control of a computer’s operation without the user’s consent, usually for commercial purposes. Most common practices include: monitoring Internet use for marketing purposes, delivering pop up advertising, routing the user to advertising sites, and stealing credit card numbers

SQL (Structured Query Language)

The most common computer language used to create and interact with data in relational databases

Stand alone page

A Web page that is about only one topic

STP (Shielded Twisted Pair)

Cable that consists of twisted, plastic-coated, sheath-wrapped copper wire.

Streaming (Web Streaming, Streaming media)

Technique for transferring data that allows the viewer to begin seeing/hearing the data before all of it is loaded

Supercomputer

A large very fast mainframe used especially for scientific computations

Super VGA

An extension to the VGA standard, which was introduced by a consortium of companies. Super VGA increased resolution from VGA's 640x480 to 1024x728.

Surge protector

A device used to protect equipment from transient power surges that travel from AC power lines and telephone circuits.

Switch

Device that helps determine how data moves over very large networks. Networks, usually Local Area Networks and Wide Area Networks, rely on three types of switches:

1. Circuit switches establish a single, direct data route.
2. Message switches store data, forwarding the information when possible.
3. Packet switches combine circuit and message switching technology, dividing long messages into smaller ones called "packages."

Syntax

Rules and patterns for writing HTML code

System unit

Includes all of the components that allow a computer to process information, store data, and communicate with the other parts of a computer

Tag

A special symbol used in HTML code

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)

Suite of protocols that allow information to be transmitted across a network. TCP/IP is the protocol used by the Internet.

Telnet

A commonly used Internet protocol that allows a computer user to log onto a remote computer and run computer programs. Telnet allows Internet users to connect directly to other computers to share resources, use another computer's database, and even participate in a multi-player game with other Telnet users.

Template

In context of documents, a pattern or format to follow

Toolbar

Row or column of buttons/icons that activate program functions

Touch screen

Device that allows the user to interact with a computer through a display screen

Tracks and Sectors

A hard disk's surface area is divided into concentric circles called tracks. Tracks are further divided into areas called sectors.

Transformer

A device for increasing or decreasing voltage

Trojan Horse

In IT context, a program disguised as legitimate that unleashes a virus or other harmful code once it is downloaded

Undo

Go back to an earlier state. With software programs this is usually termed “uninstall” to remove an unwanted program.

UNIX

A powerful multi-tasking operating system capable of running on multiple CPUs at the same time.  Developed originally by Bell Labs at AT&T in the 1970s and still very popular.

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

Backup device designed to provide an uninterrupted power source in the event of a power failure

URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

An address that defines the best path to a specific Web or Internet file

USB Port

Can support data transfer rates of more than 12 million bits per second, and is expected to eventually phase out all serial and parallel ports. USB can simultaneously connect several devices to a system unit, providing an interface for low-speed peripheral devices like keyboards, mice, joysticks, scanners, and printers. In addition, a USB port allows devices to be added or removed without having to shut down a computer.

User interface

The operating system shell--what users see onscreen and interact with when giving a computer instructions and commands.

VCR (Video Cassette Recorder)

Device that uses removable video tape cassettes that can record both audio and video from television broadcasts that can be played back.

Vector based

Uses geometric formulas to create and manipulate graphics with more flexibility than programs relying on bit maps

VGA (Video Graphics Array)

First analog video graphics standard introduced by IBM Corporation in 1987

Video

Displaying images and text on a display monitor

Video adapter

An expansion board that plugs into a computer system to give it display capabilities.  The video adapter, in conjunction with the display monitor, forms the video system for the computer.

Video Conferencing

Network of users who use electronic means (including video) to meet

Virus

Unwanted code that loads onto a computer that can do damage to the system and/or files

VL-bus

An expansion bus from Video Electronics Standards Association or VESA local bus. The VL-bus served as a high-speed data path between the CPU and peripheral devices.

V-RAM

A type of specialized DRAM memory chip on video boards designed for dual port access. This means that it has two access paths, and can be written to and read from simultaneously.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

Largest of the three network types, WANs are used to distribute information thousands of miles, among thousands of users. A WAN spans cities, countries, and even continents. Some WANs connect a single company's worldwide branches. Others link multiple companies.

WAV

A WAV file is the digital audio format used in Windows, and is characterized by its "WAV" extension. Windows uses WAV files for general system sound as well as multimedia audio files.

Web

Another name for WWW or the World Wide Web

Webcam

Real-time camera that displays images on the Web

Web directory

Directory on the WWW that categorizes and links other web sites by hand

Web page

A collection of text, pictures, graphics, animation, video, sounds, or hypertext links with a specific URL, located on a Web server

Web Site

A server that contains Web pages and continuously makes a page available on the Internet

White space

Empty space on a page

Wi-Fi

Term for a wireless local area network (WLAN)

Window

An onscreen display area where a program or utility functions

Windows Explorer

Microsoft Windows feature that helps users find and open system files and folders. Presents a folder and companion file list for user selection

Windows O/S

Wide number of Microsoft operating systems that can run on a variety of platforms—from servers to PCs to embedded devices

Windows Update

A valuable tool for any computer technician. Using Windows Update, a technician can obtain the latest Microsoft bug fixes, security patches, driver updates, and enhancements. The Windows Update checks the system’s configuration and lists both necessary and optional upgrades currently available for the system.

Wizard

User friendly utility within an application that helps you upload the application and use it

Word processing

Refers to using a computer to create, edit, and print documents

Workstation

Any network computer that connects to and requests resources from a network.

WWW (World Wide Web)

Consists of all the documents on the Internet. Written in HTML, the WWW locates documents by their URL addresses.

WYSIWYG

Acronym for What You See Is What You Get. This is commonly used for applications like Web authoring software that allows users to create web pages without having to use raw code.

Yahoo!

Second most popular search engine on the Web, Yahoo! includes a variety of services

Zip drive

Developed by Iomega, it uses disks capable of storing 100MB (old version) or 250MB (new version)