| A | B |
|---|
| Software | The set of instructions that tell the computer what to do. Examples: word processor, graphics programs, games, Internet browser |
| Disk Drive | The device that reads from and writes to a floppy disk or hard drive |
| CD-ROM | Compact Disc-Read Only Memory; an optical disc that can only be read by a laser |
| Printer | A mechanical output device that can print text and graphics |
| Bit, in computer terminology | Binary Digit i.e. 1 & 0 |
| Chip | A very small silicon wafer containing an integrated circuit. |
| URL | Universal Resource Locator - the internet address that you see in the address bar when on the Net |
| LAN | Local Area Network; a number of computers connected together by cables or telephone lines |
| Modem | Stands for Modulator-DEModulator; a device that permits a computer to transmit and receive over a telephone line or cable. |
| CPU | Central processing Unit--, or, aka, the computer chip that's like the brains of the computer |
| RAM | Random Access Memory; the temporary memory of a computer. |
| Monitor | A display screen designed as an output device. |
| MAC or Macintosh (aka Apple Computers) | Macintosh computers are found in many homes and are very popular in the graphics, publishing and multimedia industries. The Macintosh was the first home computer that offered a graphical display |
| CD-ROM Drive | The device that reads from a CD-ROM disk, using a laser beam. |
| PC | A PC is a computer designed to meet the needs of a single person and usually refers to IBM-compatible computers. PCs are found in many businesses and are popular for home use. |
| Byte | 8 bits--used to measure the amount of information a computer can store |
| WAN | Wide Area Network; i.e. the www (World Wide Web) |
| Scanner | device that essentially converts text and graphic material into bit-mapped data that is input into the computer |
| Hardware | The physical parts of the computer that you can see and touch. Examples: keyboard, mouse, monitor, CPU, Printer, Scanner |
| CPU | Central Processing Unit, the main component ("the brain") of the computer; the chip that performs all of the information processing. |
| Gigabyte or 1 gig | 1 billion bytes |
| ROM | Read Only Memory-the computer can only read what it contains in this memory and cannot change; this is permanent memory. |
| Floppy Disk | An older but common storage device; this disk is stored inside a hard plastic shell. |
| Browser | Software used to view web pages |
| Megabyte or 1 meg | 1 million bytes |
| Digital Camera | Takes pictures without film and stores them as files which can later be loaded into the computer |
| Mouse | A hand held input device, moved around on a surface to cause the cursor to move |
| Keyboard | An input device resembling a typewriter |
