| A | B |
|---|
| host computer | the main computer to which all the computer terminals of a network are connected |
| icon | stylized figure or image used on a computer screen to represent available functions or activities |
| input | Adding data into the computer. Can be done from the keyboard or from a disk, CD, DVD |
| key | the process of striking keys to record or display words and data; also called enter, key in, keyboard, input and type |
| keyboard | The input device for word processing. It has the alphanumeric, symbol, and function keys |
| load | To place data from a file into the active memory of the computer |
| local area network (LAN) | A computer system that links computers, printers, and other devices in a confined area, such as a building or a campus |
| memory | The computer’s internal storage capacity |
| menu | A listing in a software that gives you choices of what you can do or parts of the program with which you can work |
| modem | An acronym for modulator-demodulator; A device that connects one computer to another at a different location. Works through the phone lines |
| monitor | The part of the computer that looks like a television screen and shows information as it is entered |
| mouse | A handheld device used to move the cursor around the screen without using the keyboard |
| multi-tasking | The ability to run more than one program on one computer at the same time |
| network | A communications system that links computers so they can share information, software, and equipment. A device called a file server has the master files and programs on a disk |
| operating system | A master control program that runs the computer. It provides the user interface and routines that let the user load and run software |
| output | The data displayed, printed, or stored as the result of a specified process |
| peripheral | Any hardware device that provides input, output, or storage for a computer, such as keyboards, monitors, disks, or printers |
| pixel | An acronym for picture element; the smallest display element on a video display screen |
| printer | The computer hardware that makes hard copy from output |
| prompt | A cue that appears on the monitor and asks the user to give the computer new instructions |
| proofread | to read copy on a display screen or on a printout against the original or source copy and to correct errors (or mark them for corrections); also one of the steps in edition copy |
| program | a set of instructions that a computer follows to solve a problem or perform a number of functions |
| RAM | An acronym for Random Access Memory; holds information temporarily |
| rate | the speed of doing a task, as keyboarding or typing data—usually expressed in words a minute |
| retreive | To bring a document in word processing back onto the screen |
| ROM | An acronym for Read Only Memory; a permanent memory, the contents of which can be read, but not altered |
| save | A function that keeps the document the user has created on a disk, in memory, or on a tape for future use |
| shift key | a key used to make capital letters and certain symbols when struck in unison with another key |
| single space (SS) | vertical line spacing which leaves no blank space between printed or displayed lines of copy |
| software | The programs and instructions that run the computer and allow the user to perform different functions |
| spreadsheet | electronic worksheet that helps you organize, analyze, and attractively present data. It is made up of rows, columns, and many cells. EXCEL allows one to use formulas and functions, editing and formatting data and make charts |
| technique | the degree of expertness with which a task is performed |
| telecommuting | Working at home and communicating with the office by computer via modem, fax, and other electronic means |
| virus | A destructive program that is secretly attached to an existing program; once run, it alters or deletes data or causes a computer system to malfunction whenever the preexisting program is run |
| window | A separate view area on a display screen |
| word processing | Creating, editing, and formatting text |
| word-wrap | A feature of most word processing programs that moves a word that does not fit within the right margin to the beginning of the next line |
