| A | B |
|---|
| application software | computer programs designed to perform specific tasks |
| artificial intelligence | The aspect of computer science that deals with computers taking on attributes of humans, such as mimicking human thought. |
| ASCII codes | A code representing English characters as numbers, where each is given a number from 0 to 255. |
| backup | Any type of storage of files to prevent their loss in the event of hard disk failure. |
| banners | Advertisements often found on a web page. |
| bits | The smallest units of information inside the computer, each represented by either the digit "0" or "1" |
| byte | A unit of data that contains 8 binary digits, or bits |
| cache | A special high-speed storage that can either be a part of the computer's main memory or can be a separate storage device. |
| CD burner | A device that is capable of "writing" data onto a blank compact disk or copying data from one CD to a blank CD |
| computer | A machine that is designed to accept, store, process, and give out information |
| cookies | Messages sent out to a Web browser from a Web server that identify users and prepare custom Web pages for them, possibly displaying their name on return to the site. |
| Cursor | A symbol appearing on the monitor that shows where the next character to be typed will appear |
| cyberspace | The nonphysical space of the online world of computer networks in which communication takes place |
| database | A collection of related files that serves as a foundation for retrieving information |
| device driver | The program or commands given to a device connected to a computer that enable the device to function. |
| digital subscriber line (DSL) | High-speed, sophisticated modulation scheme that operates over existing copper telephone wiring systems |
| Digital video disk (DVD) | An optical disk tha holds approximately 28 times more information than a CD |
| disk | A removable device shaped like a hard plastic square with a magnetic surface that is capable of storing computer programs |
| disk drives | Devices that load a programor data stored on a disk into the computer |
| ecommerce | Used to describe the sale and purchase of goods and services over the internet |
| email | Communications transmitted via computer or computer network |
| environment | The state of the computer, usually determined by the programs that are running as well as hardware and software characteristics |
| fax | A document sent using a facsimile machine |
| flash | Animation technology often used on the opening page of a website to draw attention, excite, and impress the user |
| flash drive | A small portable device that connects into the USB port that can carry 2 to 8 or more gigabytes of information |
| font | A design for a set of type characters |
| format | To magnetically create tracks on a disk where information will be stored, usually done by the manufacturer of the disk |
| gigabyte | Approximately 1 billion bytes |
| hard copy | The readable paper copy or printout of information |
| hardware | The physical components of the computer system such as the CPU, monitor, and printer |
| HTML | The language used to create documents for use on the internet |
| HTTP | Defines how messages are formatted and transmitted over the internet. |
| hub | A common connection point for devices in a network containing multiple ports, often used to connect segments to a LAN |
| icons | Pictures, often on the desktop of a computer, that represent programs or objects. |
| input | Information entered into and used by the computer |
| Java | A commonly used object-oriented high-level programming language that is well suited for the internet |
| kilobyte | Approximately 1024 bytes |
| megabyte | Approximately 1 million bytes |
| megahertz | The measuring device for microprocessors; 1 million cycles of elctromagnetic currency alternation per second |
| MIDI | Interface that allows computers to record and manipulate cound |
| modem | A device that allows information to be transmitted over telephone lines, at sppeds measured in bits per second (bps) |
| monochromatic | having or consisting of one color at a time |
| multimedia | The presentation of graphics, animation, video, sound, and text on a computer in an integrated way, or all at once. |
| output | Information that is processed by the computer and transmitted to a monitor, printer, or other device |
| queries | Requests for information from the database |
| router | A device used to connect any number of LANs, which communicate with other routers and determine the best route between any two hosts |
| scanner | Device that reads text or illustrations on a printed page and can translate the information on that page into a form that the computer can understand |
| search engines | Programs that search documents for keywords and return a list containing those words |
| server | A computer or device on a network tha manages shared network resources |
| sound card | Device that allows a computer output sound through speakers that are connected to the main circuitry board, or motherboard |
| switch | In networks, a device that filters information between LAN segments and decreases overall network traffic and increases speed and bandwidth usage efficiency |
| system software | The operating system and all utility programs that allow the computer to function and perform operations |
| TCP/IP | A suite of communications protocols used to connect users or hosts to the internet |
| telecommunications | The science and technology of communication by transmission of information from one location to another via telephone, television, telegraph, or satellite |
| terabyte | Approximately 1 trillion bytes |
| URL | Specifies the global of documents or information on the internet |
| virtual reality | An artificail environment presented to a computer user that feels as if it were a real environment, often involving use of special gloves, earphones, and goggles to tenhance the experience |
| zip drive | A small, portable disk drive that is primarily used for backing up information and archiving computer files. |
