| A | B |
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| Computer | An electronic device that can perform tasks and calculations based on instructions that have been given to it. |
| Software program | A detailed set of computer instructions installed in the computer and tells the computer what to do. |
| Application software | Tells the computer to perform a specific task. |
| System software | Controls the way computer parts work together. |
| PC | Personal computer |
| Supercomputer | Fastest type of computer. |
| Mainframe | Less expensive and less powerful than a supercomputer, but are still capable of storing and processing large amounts of data. |
| Minicomputer | Also called a server. Smaller than a mainframe, larger than a microcomputer, can support multiple users. |
| Byte | A unit of storage capable of holding a single character. |
| Megabyte | Approximately one million bytes. |
| Kilobyte | Approximately one thousand bytes. |
| Gigabyte | Approximately one billion bytes. |
| Random Access Memory (RAM) | Physical memory contained inside the computer. |
| Read-Only Memory (ROM) | Computer memory on which data has been prerecorded. Data recorded on a ROM chip can only be read; it cannot be deleted. |
| Clock speed | A computer's processing speed. |
| Megahertz or Gigahertz | Unit of measurement for computer processing speeds. |
| Cache | A series of superfast RAM chips that allow the processor to communicate more quickly and efficiently with the rest of the computer. |
| Hardware | The physical parts of the computer. |
| Input devices | Transport data into the computer. |
| Optical Character Recognition (OCR) | A device that scans a printed page and translates characters and images into a computer file that can be edited. |
| Scanner | A device that can read text and illustrations and transmit them in a digitized format into the computer. |
| Digital camera | A filmless camera that captures images into memory storage. |
| Video input camcorder | A digital video camera that can record live audio and video, which can then be downloaded into a computer. |
| Processing unit | Also referred to as microprocessor or CPU (central processing unit) is the "brains" of the computer. |
| Output devices | Allow the user to see or hear the information the computer compiles. |
| Personal computer | A computer that fits on a desk, is relatively inexpensive, designed for an individual user. |
| Microphone | Accepts voice input to enter data |
| Pixels | A series of dots |
| Operating Ssstem for Macs | MacOS |
| Operating system for pc's | Windows |
| Groupware | Software that helps groups of users communicate and organize acitivities |
| Web sites | Multiple Web pages displayed over the Internet |
| Web server | A dedicated computer that delivers Web pages |
| Domain name | Used in URL's to identify a Web site |
| Electronic bulletin board | Info on variety of topics on Internet |
| Teleconferencing | Allows persons in different locations to see and hear one another |
| Network | A linked group of computers |
| Intranet | An internal network confined within a specific location |
| LAN | Local Area Network |
| WAN | Wide Area Network |
| Wireless | Works like a cordless phone |
| PDA | Personal Digital Assistant |
| Bluetooth | A short-range radio technology for Internet and mobile devices |
| Blackberry | A popular line of mobile e-mail devices |
| Monitor | The computer screen. Also known as display, CRT, flat panel, lcd. |
| Resolution | The clarity and sharpness of an on-screen image. |
| Storage devices | Allow instructions and data to be saved. |
| Hard drive | An internal storage device, also known as a "fixed" disk. |
| Floppy disk | A bendable, oxide-coated magnetic plastic with a hard cover that can be inserted and removed from a disk drive. |
| Zip disk | Larger versions of floppy disks. Eash Zip disk holds about as much as 80 floppy disks. |
| CD-ROM (compact disc-read only memory) | Can store large amounts of data, approximately 650 MB. |
| Digital Audio Tape DAT | Standard magnetic tape that can store tremendous amounts of data. |
| Word Processing software | Is used to create, edit, and print documents such as letter, memos, and reports. |
| Spreadsheet software | Is used for analysis and reporting of statistical or numerical data to complete such tasks as preparing budgets, payroll, balance sheets, and profit and loss statements. |
| Database software | Allows users to collect, store, organize, modify, and extract data. |
| Internet Browser software | Used to locate and display Web pages. |
| E-mail programs | Used to send and retrieve electronic mail from a mail server. |
| Presentation software | Used to create slides that can be shown while an oral report is given. |
| Voice Recognition software | Is used to create, edit, and format documents by speaking into a microphone which is attached to a computer. |
| Web page software | Used to create and manage professional-quality Internet Web sites. |
| Graphics software | Used to create charts, pictures, illustrations, drawings, and 3D images. |
| Internet | A worldwide network of smaller computer networks all linked together by unique addresses. |
| IP (Internet Protocol) | A unique address that identifies each and every computer on the Internet. |
| Internet Service Provider (ISP) | Sells access to the Internet. |
| World Wide Web | A service of the Internet on which pages, or Web sites, display information. |
| HTML (hypertext markup language) | The programming language of the Web. |
| Uniform Resource Locator (URL) | Web address |
| Modem | A device that connects a computer to a phone line, allowing data to be transmitted from one computer to another. |
