| A | B |
|---|
| application software | Computer programs that apply the computer's capabilities to specific uses such as word processing, graphics, database management, and spreadsheets. |
| CD-ROM drive | An optical storage medium using a compact disk (CD); read only memory (ROM) means that the disk cannot record information but may be used to copy new programs onto the hard drive or to store information. |
| CPU | The central processing unit or "brain" of the computer; transforms raw data into organized information. |
| databases | A term used for the complete history of a patient as contained in a problem-oriented medical record (POMR): includes the problem, medical, social, and family histories, a review of systems, and the physician's conclusions; also, any collection of related data, sets, or subsets of information. |
| diskettes | A magnetic medium storage device for data; a round, flat disk designed to spin in a circle while being read by or written to the computer. |
| e-mail | A telecommunications system for exchanging written messages through a computer network; also known as electronic mail. |
| file server | A central computer within a computer network, used to store the computer programs and data that must be shared by all the computers in the network; also called, simply, a "server." |
| graphics application | Software program that allows the user to manipulate images and to create original images electronically. |
| hard drive | Non-removable disk built into the computer that serves as the computer's central "filing cabinet." |
| input | Data and instructions from a computer user, provided to the computer through input devices, the most common of which is the keyboard. |
| Internet | A vast worldwide computer network that links millions of computers; enables almost instantaneous sharing of information in various digital forms - text, graphics, sound, video, etc. |
| keyboard | The most common computer input device; consists of a set of keys with numbers, letters, and symbols; used for entering data and instructions into the computer. |
| laptops (laptop computer) | Portable model of a computer, designed to fit into a briefcase; able to run on either plug-in current or batteries. |
| mainframes | (Mainframe computer) Designed to store massive databases that many users may all access at the same time. |
| minicomputers | A computer category having less power than a mainframe; may operate for a single user or along with many terminals. |
| modem | Computer component that allows computers to communicate through telephone lines. |
| monitor | The display screen attached to the computer that shows to the user the results of commands, instructions to the computer, and data input. |
| networking | A means of communicating, exchanging information, and pooling resources among a group of electronically linked computers. |
| on-line | A term used to describe a computer user who is connected to a computer network for purposes of comunicating, gathering, or exchanging information. |
| operating system | The internal programming that tells the computer how to use its own components by controlling the basic functions of the computer and directing the computer to interact with the user and with imput and output devices. |
| output | Processed data sent back to the user by the computer through output devices such as a monitor. |
| palm computer | A version of the personal computer small enough to be held in the palm of the hand; less powerful than other personal computers but usually has e-mail, fax, and other features; also called "palmtop" or, technically, "personal digital assistant (PDA)." |
| passwords | Codes assigned to a computer user as a security measure; limits access to computer files and safeguards information. |
| personal computers | Designed specifically for the single user and may reside on a desktop or may be portable, as laptop and notebook computers are; referred to as "PCs" or, less frequently, as "microcomputers. |
| printer | A computer output device that produces a paper, or "hard," copy of electronic information or images. |
| RAM | Randon access memory, or the temporary memory function, that the computer requires to process data. |
| ROM | (read-only memory) The permanent memory of the computer. |
| scanner | A computer input device that takes a picture of a printed page or graphic and copies it into the computer's memory. |
| spreadsheet programs | (spreadsheet application) Software program used for financial planning and budgeting. |
| supercomputers | The most powerful computers available. |
| template | A standard electronic version of a frequently used document; may be altered slightly from one use to the next; saves time in keying and formatting. |
| voice-recognition software | A program used along with a word processing application to transcribe spoken words into text without the use of a keyboard. |
| wireless communication | The use of radio waves rather than wires or cables to transmit data through a computer network. |
| word processing program | A software program used to enter, edit, format, and print documents. |
| Zip drive | A small disk drive that may be installed inside a PC or operated externally; stores large files or creates archives of files for long-term storage. |
