| A | B |
|---|
| ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) | The part of the CPU that handles arithmetic and logic operations. |
| Applications software | Commercially produced programs written to perform specific tasks. |
| Article | A message posted to a newsgroup. |
| ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) | The code used for representing characters in the computer. |
| Bandwidth | A unit of measurement in bits per second (bps) that reflects the amount of data and the speed at which the data can travel over a transmission media. |
| Base unit | Unit where the CPU, memory, and internal hard disk drive is housed. |
| BASIC | A high-level computer language developed by John Kemeny and Thomas Kurtz. |
| BBS (bulletin board service) | A network service that allows a user to participate in a discussion group. |
| Binary number system | Number system used by modern computers—uses only digits 0 and 1. Also called Base 2. |
| Bit (BInary digiT) | A single 0 or 1 in binary code. |
| Bits per second | The rate at which data is transmitted. |
| Bus Topology | Connects each node of a network to a single shared communication cable called a bus. |
| Byte | A group of 8 bits. |
| Cable modem | Transmits data through a coaxial cable television network. |
| Cache | A type of memory used to store data that is frequently used so that it can be quickly retrieved by an application. |
| CD | Disc made of Mylar with a reflective coating that is sealed in clear, hard plastic. |
| CD-ROM drive | Drive accessible from outside the base unit. Used to read the data on a CD. |
| CD-RW drive | Drive accessible from outside the base unit. Used to read and write data on a CD. |
| Client | A computer accessing the Internet to request information. |
| Client/Server Network | A group of computers, called clients, connected to a server. |
| Coaxial cable | Made up of a central copper wire, a layer of insulation, a braided metal shield, and an outer shield. |
| COBOL | A high-level programming language designed by Grace Murray Hopper. |
| Computer | An electronic machine that accepts data, processes it according to instructions, and provides the results as new data. |
| CPU (Central Processing Unit) | An IC inside the base unit that processes data and controls the flow of data between the computerÂ’s other units. |
| Data | Information either entered into or produced by the computer. |
| Diskette | Sometimes called a floppy disk. Made of Mylar coated with a magnetic material and then loosely encased in hard plastic. |
| Diskette drive | Drive accessible from outside the base unit. Used to read and write data to a diskette. |
| DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) | Modem that uses an analog phone line called an ADSL (Asymmetric DSL) line to transmit data upstream at speeds up to 640 Kbps and receive data downstream at 8 Mbps. |
| DVD | A digital versatile disc similar to a CD, that stores 4.7 to 5.2 GB of data. Used in a DVD-ROM or DVD-RAM drive. |
| DVD-RAM drive | Drive accessible from outside the base unit. Used to read and write data to a DVD. |
| DVD-ROM drive | Drive accessible from outside the base unit. Used to read data from a DVD. |
| E-mail (electronic mail) | A message sent over a network to another user on the network. |
| fax/modem | Both a modem for telecommunications and a fax machine that can receive and send files. |
| Fiber Optic Cable | Composed of a bundle of thin strands of glass or plastic fibers that transmits data modulated onto light waves. |
| Firewall | A network security system that prevents unauthorized access. |
| Fortran | A high-level programming language developed by John Backus. |
| GB (gigabyte) | 1,073,741,820 bytes. |
| Hard disk | Made of aluminum coated with a magnetic material. Permanently installed inside the hard disk drive. |
| Hard disk array | A tower of several hard drives where each drive can be removed and transported to another array. |
| Hard disk drive | Drive completely enclosed in the base unit. Used to read and write to disks within the hard drive. |
| High-level programming language | A programming language that uses English-like instructions. |
| HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) | The protocol used by web sites to transfer data over the Internet. |
| Inkjet printer | A printer that uses an ink cartridge to place very small dots of ink onto paper to create characters and graphics. |
| Input | Data used by the computer. |
| Internet Relay Chat (IRC) | Also called chat. Communicating with someone else who is also online by typing messages back and forth to each other. |
| IC (Integrated Circuit) | Also called a chip. A silicon wafer with intricate circuits etched into its surface and then coated with a metallic oxide that fills in the etched circuit patterns. |
| Interactive | Where information received is a result of selections made. |
| Internet | A worldwide computer network. |
| Internet service provider (ISP) | A company that offers access to the Internet for a fee. |
| ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) | A digital telephone network provided by a local phone company. |
| Jaz disk | A disk, almost as small as a diskette, that stores 2 GB of data. Used in a Jaz drive. |
| Jaz drive | Drive used to read and write data to a Jaz disk. |
| K (kilobyte) | 1,024 bytes. |
| Laser printer | A printer that uses a laser and toner to generate characters and graphics on paper. |
| Leased/Dedicated lines | Allow for a direct connection to the Internet. |
| Listserv | A discussion group that uses e-mail to send messages. |
| LISTSERV | A program that maintains a list of the e-mail addresses of the users who subscribe to the listserv. |
| Local Area Network (LAN) | A network that connects computers within a small area. |
| Machine language | Instructions in binary code (0s and 1s). |
| Mailing list | A list of e-mail addresses. |
| Mainframe | Computer system that is usually used for multiuser applications. |
| MB (megabyte) | 1,048,576 bytes. |
| Memory | ICs in the base unit that store data electronically. |
| Microcomputer | A computer that fits on a desktop and uses a microprocessor. |
| Microprocessor | An entire CPU on a single chip. |
| Modem | Device that converts binary data into tones and tones back into binary data so that computer data can be sent over telephone lines. |
| Monitor | Used to display computer output. |
| Mouse | An input device from which the computer can accept information. |
| Nanosecond | One billionth of a second. |
| Netiquette | Network etiquette. |
| Network | Allows computers to exchange data and to share applications software and devices. |
| Network Architecture | Includes the type of computers on the network and determines how network resources are handled. |
| Network interface card | A circuit board in the base unit of a networked computer. |
| Network News | A BBS available on the Internet. |
| Newsgroup | An individual bulletin board. |
| Online service | A company that offers access to the Internet as well as other services for a fee. |
| Operating system software | Software that allows the user to communicate with the computer. |
| Output | Data produced by a computer program. |
| PC (Personal Computer) | A small computer employing a microprocessor. See also microcomputer. |
| Peer-to-Peer Network | A group of computers that share responsibilities and resources equally without a server. |
| Peripheral device | A device attached to a PC. |
| Printer | An output device. |
| Program | List of instructions written in a special language that the computer understands. |
| RAM (Random Access Memory) | Temporary memory where data and instruction can be stored. |
| Read | Accessing data from a storage medium. |
| Removable hard drive | Drive used to read and write data to a removable disk. |
| Ring Topology | Each node of a network is connected to form a closed loop. |
| ROM (Read Only Memory) | Data that is a permanent part of the computer and cannot be changed. |
| Scanner | Uses a laser to create a digital image from artwork. |
| Server | A computer on the network of the Internet that provides information. |
| Software | Instructions stored as electronic data that tells the computer what to do. |
| Star Topology | Connects each node of a network to a hub, which is a device that joins communication lines at a central location on the network. |
| SuperDisk | A disk, very similar to a floppy diskette, that stores 120 MB of data. Used in a SuperDisk drive. |
| SuperDisk drive | Drive used to read and write data to a SuperDisk. |
| Tape drive | Drive used to read and write data to a magnetic tape. |
| TCP/IP | Communication software used for computers connected to routers. |
| Telecommunications | Transmitting and receiving computer data over telephone lines. |
| Telecommuting | Using telecommunications to work at home. |
| Terminal | A keyboard and monitor used to communicate with a mainframe. |
| Toner | A fine powder that fuses to paper when heated. Used in laser printers. |
| Topology | The logical arrangement of the nodes on a network. A node is a device, such as a computer or printer that is connected to the network and is capable of communicating with other network devices. |
| Transistor | An electronic device that replaced the vacuum tube making computers smaller and less expensive and increasing calculating speeds. |
| Transmission Media | The type of connection used to connect computers. |
| Twisted-pair wiring | Consists of pairs of insulated strands of copper twisted around each other to form a cable. |
| Uniform Resource Locator (URL) | An address that tells a web browser which web site to access. |
| Web browser | Software that is required to view information at a web site.. |
| Web page | Information at a web site that can include graphics, text, and links to other web sites or pages. |
| Web site | A location on the WWW where information is presented in web pages using graphics, text, and sound. |
| Wide Area Network (WAN) | A network that connects computers over a long distance. |
| Wireless Networks | Transmission media that uses high frequency radio waves or infrared signals to transmit data. |
| World Wide Web (WWW) | Computers on the Internet that provide information in the form of text, graphics, and sound. |
| Write | Storing data on a storage medium. |
| Zip disk | A disk, almost as small as a diskette, that stores 250 MB of data. Used in a Zip drive. |
| Zip drive | Drive used to read and write data to a Zip disk. |
