| A | B |
|---|
| Absolute reference | A cell reference in a spreadsheet which remains the same when copied (replicated) to other cells. |
| ASCII | American Standard Code for Information Interchange. |
| Backing Storage Medium | An object upon which data can be held - e.g. a hard disk or CD-ROM. |
| Byte | A group of eight bits. |
| Backup | A copy of a program or data made in case the original is lost or destroyed. |
| Bit | A binary digit, either 1 or 0. |
| CD-Recordable (CD-R) | A CD which can be written to until it is full. |
| CD-Rewritable (CD-RW) | A CD which can be written to and erased over and over again. |
| CD-ROM | Compact Disk Read Only Memory. Can not be written to. Capacity of 650 to 700Mb. |
| Cell protection. | The process of locking the contents of a cell to prevent them from being changed. |
| Client and Server Network | Network stations (clients) make use of resources available on one or more servers. |
| Common HCI | In an integrated package the common HCI makes it easier to learn how to use the package. |
| Computed field | A field containing a formula based one other fields in the record. |
| Complex search | A search involving more than one field in the database. |
| Computer Misuse Act | A law which makes hacking and the spread of viruses illegal. |
| Customising the HCI | Changing the HCI of a General Purpose Package to suit the user. |
| Data Glove | An input device used in Virtual Reality. |
| Data Protection Act | A law which regulates how personal data about individuals should be kept on a computer. |
| Information | Information is output by the computer for use by people and has meaning and structure. |
| Data | Data is processed by computers and has no meaning or structure for people. |
| Types of data | Number, text, graphics, audio, animation and video. |
| Human Computer Interface | The way that the user and the computer communicate with each other. |
| User friendly programs | Programs that are easy to learn to use and help you understand as you are using them. |
| On-line help | Help in the form of information screens which you can call up while using the program. |
| On-line tutorial | A series of guided lessons for beginners on how to use the package. |
| WIMP environment | Windows, icons, menus and pointers. |
| Wizard | A feature which guides the user through the process of document creation. |
| Template | A ready made blank document with placeholders for users to enter text or graphics. |
| Integrated packages | Combine tow or more general purpose packages - like a Word Processor, Spreadsheet, Database and Graphics. |
| Advantages of Integrated Packages | A common HCI, links between tasks, ease of transfer of data. |
| Disadvantage of Integrated Packages | Lack of features. |
| Dynamic Data Linkage | Changes in one document will automatically be carried over to other linked documents. |
| Static Data Linkage | Changes in one document will not be carried over to other linked documents. |
| Standard Text Formats | ASCII, text and RTF |
| Standard Graphics Formats | GIF, JPEG, TIFF, PNG |
| RTF | Rich Text Format - preserves the formatting of the text. |
| Advantage of standard file formats | Enables different programs and computer systems to read the files. |
| Copyright, Designs and Patents Act | Makes copying software and other materials illegal unless the owner has given permission. |
| Social Implications | Job types and careers, retraining, mailshots, employment and working conditions, increased paper. |
| Economic Implications | Initial costs, Replacement costs, Running costs, Staff costs. |
| Types of Server | File server, Print server, Email and Internet server, Database server. |
