| A | B |
|---|
| accuracy | – degree of freedom from errors (mistakes) measured; errors a minute (EAM) |
| alphanumeric | – Letters of the alphabet, numbers, and/or symbols. Used to refer to the keyboard, as in alphanumeric keys |
| applications software | – A set of instructions that enable the computer to perform a specific function. Word-processing programs are a type of applications software |
| backspace | A key on some computers that moves the cursor back one space to the left and erases keyed characters at the same time |
| boot | To load all the instructions that your computer needs to start and run a specific program |
| bug | A mistake or error in a computer program or in the design of a computer |
| caps lock | a key when depressed causes all letters to be CAPITALIZED |
| central processing unit | The “brain” of the computer. Often referred to by the initials CPU |
| character | – A symbol, letter, or number on the keyboard |
| CD-ROM | An acronym for Compact Disc-Read Only Memory. A type of optical disk capable of storing large amounts of data up to 1 GB |
| chip | – a very small silicon wafer containing an integrated circuit |
| command | An “order” that the computer processes |
| control key (CTRL) | a special purpose key that when depressed at the same time another key is struck, causes that key to perform a special function |
| cursor | A small line or square light that appears on the screen to indicate where the next keystroke will appear. The cursor can be moved around the screen with the arrow keys |
| data | The information, numbers, letters, and symbols that you input into the computer for processing |
| database | - A large amount of data stored in a well organized format electronically and managed by a program that allows access to the information |
| data processing | The work the computer does to input material into a specific program |
| default | The settings the computer uses unless it receives instructions from the user. In word processing, default setting, usually control margins and tab settings |
| delete | – In word processing, a key that tells the computer to remove data that has been input |
| diskette | Thin plastic disks that are used to store information to be used in the computer. Storing data to disk is like writing information on paper. Two sizes: 3 ½ and 5 ¼ inches (old); most use CDs and DVDs and/or flash drives |
| document | The text or information the author creates |
| double space | – (DS) vertical line spacing which leaves one blank line space between displayed or printed lines of copy |
| download | To transmit data between remote computers from a file server to a workstation, or from a computer to a floppy disk; usually means receiving data |
| edit | the process of rearranging, changing, and correcting copy; includes proofreading but is not limited to it |
| electronic mail (email) | Transmission of memos and messages over a network |
| ethics | moral principles and values for computer users (ex: ethical/unethical behavior) |
| enter | The key that sends a message from the keyboard to the central processing unit. In word processing, after keying a line of text, pressing Enter (key) will return the cursor to the beginning of the next line |
| file | A set of records stored under a specific name or label |
| fire walls | Security barriers on the Internet |
| font | A set of type characters of a particular design |
| formatting | – In word processing, putting text into the proper arrangement for a letter, report, reference list, etc |
| graphics | The artwork, diagrams, pictures, charts, and graphs that are displayed on the screen or by the printer |
| GWAM | (gross words a minute) a measure of the rate of keyboarding speed; GWAM = total 5-stroke words keyed divided by the time required to key or type those words |
| hard copy | The paper copy of information stored in a computer or a document |
| hard drive (disk) | Permanent storage disk located inside the computer |
| hardware | – All the parts of the computer system except the software programs. Hardware includes the CPU, the keyboard, the monitor, and the printer |
