| A | B |
|---|
| Cache | Speed up data transfer and may be either temporary or permanent. |
| Defragment | Reorganizes the disk by putting files into contiguous order. |
| MIcroprocessor | Speed is measured in megahertz and gigahertz. |
| Norton Utilities | Includes programs to search, edit and undelete files, restore damaged files, defragment the disk and more. |
| HTML | The document format used on the World Wide Web. |
| Multimedia | Includes the use of text, audio, graphics, animated graphics and full-motion video. |
| Multitasking | The running of two or more programs in one computer at the same time. |
| Motherboard | Contains the bus, CPU and coprocessor sockets, memory sockets, keyboard controller and supporting chips |
| Pixel | The higher the number of these, the more information your monitor's screen can display. |
| Random access memory | A group of memory chips that functions as the computer's primary workspace. |
| File server | A high-speed computer in a network that stores the programs and data files shared by users |
| Disk access time | An average of the time between initiating a request and obtaining the first data character. |
| LAN | Is made up of servers, workstations, a network operating system and a communications link. |
| BUS | Provides a parallel data transfer path between the CPU and main memory and to the peripheral. |
| Display adapter | An expansion board that plugs into a desktop computer that converts the images created in the computer to the electronic signals required by the monitor |
| Expansion board | A printed circuit board that plugs into an expansion slot and extends the computer's ability to control another type of peripheral device. |
| Operating system | The first program loaded when the computer is turned on, and its main part, called the "kernel," resides in memory at all times. |
| Worksheet | Appears on screen as a matrix of rows and columns, the intersections of which are identified as cells |
| Parallel port | A socket on a computer used to connect a printer or other parallel device via the computer's parallel interface |
| Menu | An on-screen list of available functions, or operations, that can be performed currently. |
| Peripheral | Any piece of hardware attached to a computer, such as a printer. |
| Application software | Lets you accomplish specific tasks, such as database management. |
| Modem | A device that lets computers communicate through telephone lines. |
| Mouse | A device that lets you select and move items on the screen. |
| Expansion slot | A socket on the motherboard in which you plug in your video adapter card. |
| CPU | The main chip in a computer that processes instructions, performs calculations, and manages the flow of information through a computer. |
| Surge protector | A device that guards a computer against power fluctuation. |
| Uninterruptible power supply | A device that protects a computer from a loss of power. |
| Network interface card | A device that lets connected computers share information and equipment. |
| Video card | A device that generates the images displayed on the monitor. |
