| A | B |
|---|
| .NET | An operating system platform from Microsoft that blurs the line between the Web and Microsoft's operating systems and applications. |
| algorithm | A set of step-by-step instructions that, when completed, solves a problem. |
| booting | Loading the non-ROM part of the operating system into memory. |
| bug | An error in programming. |
| command-line interface | User interface that requires the user to type text commands on a command-line to communicate with the operating system. |
| compatible (compatibility) | The ability of a software program to run on a specific computer system. Also, the ability of a hardware device to function with a particular type of computer. |
| compiler | A translator program that translates an entire program from a high-level computer language before the program is run for the first time. |
| copyright | A type of law that traditionally protects forms of literary expression. |
| copyrighted software | Software that prevents a disk from being copied. |
| debugging | Finding and correcting errors-bugs-in computer software. |
| defragmentation utility | A program that eliminates fragmented files by changing the assignment of clusters to files. |
| desktop | The virtual workspace on a graphical user interface that resembles the physical desktops found in brick-and-mortar offices. |
| device drivers | Small programs that allow input/output devices to communicate with the computer. |
| dialog box | In a graphical user interface, a box that enables the user to communicate with the computer. . |
| end-user license agreement (EULA) | An agreement typically including specifications for how a program may be used, warranty disclaimers, and rules concerning the copying of the software. |
| file-management utility | A program that allows you to view, rename, copy, move, and delete files and folders. |
| fragmented file | A file allocated to noncontiguous clusters on a disk, thus degrading the disk's performance. |
| graphical user interface (GUI) | A user interface based on graphical displays. With a mouse, the user points to icons that represent files, folders, and disks. Documents are displayed in windows. The user selects commands from menus. |
| icon | In a graphical user interface, a picture that represents a file, folder, or disk. integrated software, |
| intellectual property | The results of intellectual activities in the arts, science, and industry. |
| Java | A platform-neutral, object-oriented programming language developed by Sun Microsystems for use on multiplatform networks. |
| Linux | An operating system based on UNIX, maintained by volunteers, and distributed for free. Linux is used mostly in servers and embedded computers, but is growing in popularity as a PC operating system. |
| machine language | The language that computers use to process instructions. Machine language uses numeric codes to represent basic computer operations. |
| menu-driven interface | User interface that enables users to choose commands from onscreen lists called menus. |
| Microsoft Windows | The most popular and powerful PC operating system; uses a graphical user interface. |
| natural language | Language that people speak and write every day. |
| open source software | Software that can be distributed and modified freely by users; Linux is the best-known example. |
| operating system (OS) | A system of programs that performs a variety of technical operations, providing an additional layer of insulation between the user and the bits-and-bytes world of computer hardware. |
| patent | A type of law that protects mechanical inventions. |
| public domain software | Free software that is not copyrighted, offered through World Wide Web sites, electronic bulletin boards, user groups, and other sources. |
| root directory | The main folder on a computer's primary hard disk, containing all the other files and folders kept on the disk. |
| shareware | Software that is free for the trying, with a send-payment- if-you-keep-it honor system. |
| software piracy | The illegal duplication of copyrighted software. |
| system software | Software that handles the details of computing. Includes the operating system and utility programs. |
| trademark | Legal ownership protection for symbols, pictures, sounds, colors, and smells used by a business to identify goods. |
| UNIX | An operating system that allows a timesharing computer to communicate with several other computers or terminals at once. UNIX is the most widely available multi-user operating system in use. It is also widely used on Internet hosts. |
| upgrade | A new and improved version of a software program. |
| virtual memory | Use of part of a computer hard disk as a substitute for RAM. |
