Cyberspacesupport.com - Computer Terms Index - Free computer help to find and fix computer problems.

Here is a list of some of the most popular
computer terms.

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Absolute address	A spreadsheet cell address (such as $B$15 in Lotus 1-2-3) that does not shift when the formula using it is copied into a new cell
Accounting application software	Computer programs and related documentation that are used to perform the data processing for such accounting tasks as preparing payroll checks or maintaining accounts receivable files
Acoustic coupler	A type of modem that uses a telephone handset and audio (instead of digital) signals for data communication purposes
ADA	A high-level programming language named after Lady Ada Augusta Byron that was developed for the Department of Defense and primarily is used for specialized control systems
Address	A number used to designate a location in memory
Address register	Locates where instructions and data are stored in memory
Advanced microcomputer	A state-of-the-art microcomputer, typically used by business or in education or research applications, that has such advanced features as a hard disk, a large expandable memory, and the ability to accept a large number of peripheral devices
Amplitude	The height of the carrier wave form in analog transmission; it indicates the strength of the signal
Amplitude modulation	A change of the amplitude of the carrier wave in analog data transmission to represent either the 0 bit or 1 bit
Analog computer	A device that transforms, manipulates, or stores data in analog forms -- for example, electrical voltage in vacuum tubes
Analog data transmission	The use of radio waves, sound frequencies, and other analog data representations for transferring data, typically over long-distance communication lines
Analytical graphics	Traditional line graphs, bar charts, and pie charts used to illustrate and analyze data
APL	An acronym for "A Programming Language
applet	A small Java application that is downloaded by an ActiveX or Java-enabled web browser. Once it has been downloaded, the applet will run on the user's computer. Common applets include financial calculators and web drawing programs.
application	Computer software that performs a task or set of tasks, such as word processing or drawing. Applications are also referred to as programs.
Application programs	Computer programs that perform end-user applications such as accounting or word processing (as opposed to operating-system or utility-program chores)
Arithmetic operations	Mathematical calculations performed on data by the ALU
Arithmetic-logic unit (ALU)	The portion of the CPU used for arithmetic operations (e
Artificial intelligence	The study and use of computers to replicate or improve upon such intelligent human thought processes as reasoning or learning
ASCII	American Standard Code for Information Interchange, an encoding system for converting keyboard characters and instructions into the binary number code that the computer understands.
Assembler	A program that translates assembly language programs into machine language so that the computer can execute the instructions
Assembly language	A machine-dependent, second-level programming language
Asynchronous data transmission	A method of data communications that uses one or more "start bits" and "stop bits" for each character to indicate the beginning and ending of a character instead of a synchronized timing pattern
Attenuation (of signal strength)	The loss of signal strength during transmission over long distances
Attribute	Column of a relation in a relational database
Audio input	The use of sound to input data to a computer
Audio response output	Computerized output that is translated into sounds or spoken language
Auto-answer	Automatic answering by a modem of incoming calls from another modem
Autodial feature on modem	The ability of a modem to dial telephone numbers through the numeric keys of terminals or microcomputers, or directly through software
Automated report generation	A data base management system's ability to format, adjust, print, and re-create printed output
Automatic teller machine (ATM)	Machines at banks that process inputs and outputs -- for example, using magnetic strips affixed to cards
Background mode	The ability of a computer program to execute certain instructions without user interaction, thereby freeing the computer for some more immediate ("foreground") chore
Backup copy	A second copy of a computer program or file that is used in case the original copy is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed
Backup procedures	Procedures for copying data and programs onto spare magnetic disks or magnetic tapes to provide security
Band printer	A line-at-a-time, impact printer
Band width	The data-carrying capacity of a data-communications channel
bandwidth	The capacity of a networked connection. Bandwidth determines how much data can be sent along the networked wires. Bandwidth is particularly important for Internet connections, since greater bandwidth also means faster downloads.
Bar code reader	An input device that interprets bar codes such as the universal product code (UPC) found on supermarket items and inputs the data as digitized information to a computer
Bar graph	A type of graph or picture that uses bars or heavy lines to depict data relationships
BASIC	A high-level programming language that is easy to learn, yet possesses great power in writing formulas expressing input/output instructions
Batch processing	Processing data in a group, or batch, as opposed to processing data singly in real time
Baud	The number of signal changes in a communications channel per second, and therefore an important determinant of the speed at which data is communicated in data communications
Bidirectional printing	The ability of the print head of a printer to print in both a forward and backward direction
binary code	The most basic language a computer understands, it is composed of a series of 0s and 1s. The computer interprets the code to form numbers, letters, punctuation marks, and symbols.
Binary code	A code composed of a set number of bits in which each different combination of bits is used to represent a different character (e
Binary coded decimal (BCD) code	A binary code that uses six bits to represent letters and numbers
Binary digit (bit)	The fundamental unit of storage in all digital computers
bit	(short for “binary digit”). The smallest piece of computer information, either the number 0 or 1.
Bit	The fundamental unit of storage in all digital computers
Bit-mapping	Graphics in which picture elements (pixels) are controlled by a corresponding bit in computer memory
Blocked records	Two or more logical file records that have been groups together to form one physical record
Boilerplate (word processing)	Reports, form letters, and other prewritten documents that can be coordinated with mailing lists and other variable information to produce personalized hard-copy output
Bold declaration	The imbedding of print-control characters in a word-processing document to make the text appear darker on a printed page
Bold face	Printing of characters or words in darker type than the surrounding characters or words
Boolean operator (in data base programs)	An instruction that enables users to create more complex criteria for file searchers (e
boot	To start up a computer. Cold boot—restarting computer after having turned off the power. Warm boot—restarting computer without having turned off the power.
Booting	Loading an operating system or application program into computer memory and then transferring control to it for execution
Branching	A decision point in a program where the precessing logic much choose among tow or more paths
Broadband channel	Data communications channels that are capable of transmitting large amounts of data
browser	Software used to navigate the Internet. Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer are today's most popular browsers for accessing the World Wide Web.
Bubble memory	A garnet chip inclosing one or more thin layers of magnetic film
Buffer memory	Temporary memory that is used to hold (buffer) input or output
bug	A malfunction due to an error in the program or a defect in the equipment.
byte	Most computers use combinations of eight bits, called bytes, to represent one character of data or instructions. For example, the word “cat” has three characters, and it would be represented by three bytes.
Byte	A 8-bit group used to represent a single letter, number, or special symbol in a computer
C	A sophisticated programming language invented by Bell Labs in 1974
cache	A small data-memory storage area that a computer can use to instantly re-access data instead of re-reading the data from the original source, such as a hard drive. Browsers use a cache to store web pages so that the user may view them again without reconnecting to the Web.
CAD	Computer-assisted design
CAD-CAM	Computer Aided Drawing-Computer Aided Manufacturing. The instructions stored in a computer that will be translated to very precise operating instructions to a robot, such as for assembling cars or laser-cutting signage.
CAM	Computer-assisted manufacturing
Carrier wave	An analog signal used in the transmission of electric signals
Cathode ray tube	The major component of a visual display terminal and one that closely resembles the picture tube of a television screen
CD-ROM	Compact Disc Read-Only Memory. An optically read disc designed to hold information such as music, reference materials, or computer software. A single CD-ROM can hold around 640 megabytes of data, enough for several encyclopedias. Most software programs are now delivered on CD-ROMs.
Cell	A memory location in a spreadsheet identified by its row and column coordinates and that is used to store labels, numbers, formulas, or instructions
Cell referencing	Spreadsheet formulas that use the addresses of other cells (e
Central processing unit	A device that performs the actual data processing tasks of a computer system
Centronics	A type of cable connector used for parallel data transmission
CGI	Common Gateway Interface. A programming standard that allows visitors to fill out form fields on a Web page and have that information interact with a database, possibly coming back to the user as another Web page.
CGI	CGI may also refer to Computer-Generated Imaging, the process in which sophisticated computer programs create still and animated graphics, such as special effects for movies.
Chain address	A data field in an index or record that contains the disk address of a related record
Chain printer	An impact printer that can assemble an entire output line at one time
Channel	A data communications path through a medium that data can take to accomplish a communications task
Character	A letter, number, or special character (such as $)
Character addressable	Refers to computers that address data as a series of single characters
Character-at-a-time printers	Printers that only print one character at a time; often called serial printers
Character-oriented	Refers to word processing programs that display special characters on the screen that do not appear when the text is printed
chat	Typing text into a message box on a screen to engage in dialog with one or more people via the Internet or other network.
Check bit	Parity bit
client	A single user of a network application that is operated from a server. A client/server architecture allows many people to use the same data simultaneously. The program's main component (the data) resides on a centralized server, with smaller components (user interface) on each client.
Clipboard	A temporary holding area where data is stored when being transferred between software applications in an integrated software package
Clock	A component of the CPU that produces pulses at a fixed rate to synchronize all computer operations
Clone	A personal computer that closely imitates the operation and architecture of the IBM Personal Computer
Closed architecture	Personal computer design that limits add-ons to those that can be plugged into the back of the machine
Coaxial cable	A copper or aluminum wire that is wrapped in one or more layers of insulating metallic and/or fibrous sheathing, and that protects the data-carrying wire from external electrical static and noise
COBOL	A high-level programming language that uses instructions resembling English statements and imposes an overall framework for a program
Coding	The process of writing instructions for a computer program in a specific language (e
Command menu	The menu of commands in an applications software program such as Lotus 1-2-3
Command program	A program designed by a user to manipulate computer file data within a data base management system using the DBMS's command language
Command-driven system	The opposite of menu-driven software -- in other words, application software that requires the user to memorize commands rather than select options from a screen menu
Communications protocol	The conventions by which data is communicated between a sending station and a receiving station
Compact disk read-only memory	Optical data storage technology using disk formats identical to audio compact disks
Compacted printing	The ability of a printer to compress print characters so that more of them can be printer in the same horizontal space -- for example, to print 132 characters in the space normally used for 80 characters
Compiler	A program that translates high-level programming language instructions into machine code
Compressed printing	The ability of a printer to compress print characters so that more of them can be printer in the same horizontal space -- for example, to print 132 characters in the space normally used for 80 characters
Computer	An electronic device with the ability to (1) accept user-supplied data, (2) input, store, and execute programmed instructions, (3) perform mathematical and logic operations, and (4) output results according to user specifications
Computer branch exchange	Telephone equipment such as PBX's or PABX's that are used to create a computer network with data-over-voice modems connected to standard telephone jacks
Computer console	A device consisting of a monitor and a keyboard that is directly connected to the CPU
Computer hardware	Computer equipment such as a CPU, disk drives, CRT, or printer
Computer program	A set of instructions that a computer can execute to accomplish a data processing task
Computer software	Programs that instruct a computer how to process data and documentation that explains how these programs should be used
Computer-assisted design	A computerized application used primarily for research and design of new products
Computer-assisted manufacturing	A computerized application used by industrial manufacturers to produce products
Conditioned line	A telephone line or other data communications channel that has been specially protected from unwanted noise, static, or other interference
Context switching	Changing from one software application to another -- for example, from a spreadsheet to a word processor -- while using an integrated software package
Control unit	The component of the central processing unit responsible for fetching, interpreting, and supervising the execution of the instructions of computer programs
Cookie	A text file sent by a Web server that is stored on the hard drive of a computer and relays back to the Web server things about the user, his or her computer, and/or his or her computer activities.
Coprocessor	A microprocessor typically mounted on an expansion card that can speed computations in such applications as scientific simulations or statistical calculations
Copy command	A spreadsheet option that allows users to copy existing formulas into other, unoccupied cells
Copy protection	A software or hardware block that make it difficult or impossible to make unauthorized copies of software
Correspondence quality printing	The print quality of dot-matrix printers that occurs when a second printing pass is completed to fill in the spaces between the dots made by the first pass
CP/M	An abbreviation for "Control Program/Microcomputers
CPU	Central Processing Unit. The brain of the computer.
CPU	Central processing unit
cracker	A person who “breaks in” to a computer through a network, without authorization and with mischievous or destructive intent (a crime in some states).
crash	A hardware or software problem that causes information to be lost or the computer to malfunction. Sometimes a crash can cause permanent damage to a computer.
CRT	Cathode ray tube
cursor	A moving position-indicator displayed on a computer monitor that shows a computer operator where the next action or operation will take place.
Cursor	A tiny rectangle, dash, or line on a display screen that indicates where the user will input data
Cursor	Keys on terminal or microcomputer keyboards, usually designated with arrows, that position the screen cursor up, down, right or left
Cut and paste	A word-processing term meaning to move text from one place to another within a document
cyberspace	Slang for the Internet.
Cylinder	A vertically aligned set of tracks on a disk pack that are equidistant from the central spindle
Cylinder addressing	The ability to locate disk records by assigning each one a cylinder number, surface number, and record count number
Daisywheel printer	A serial, impact printer that uses a plastic or metal typing element to create characters on paper in a way similar to certain typewriters
Data	A single fact, figure, or statistic that, out of context, often lacks meaning
Data base	A set of one or more computer files that is used by one or more application programs and that minimizes data redundancy
Data base management system	Special computer programs that enable users and application programs to create, maintain, manipulate, and retrieve file data and create useful reports
Data communications channel	A path that data can take for data communications -- e
Data encryption	The process of translating communicated data into secret codes in order to safeguard this data
Data field	The set of characters comprising a data item in a filed record (e
Data input screen	A template or model that is used to enter data for a programming application
Data redundancy	Duplicate information that typically gets created on the files of related computer applications
Data transcription	The process of converting source documents into machine-readable format for computer processing
Data transmission	The process of sending data from one location to another location within a computer or between computers and/or equipment
Database	A collection of data, typically organized to make retrievals easy and efficient.
DBMS	Data base management system
Dedicated computer	A computer specially configured to perform a single, data-processing function such as performing security tasks at a computer center
Dedicated word processing system	A microcomputer or minicomputer that is developed, marketed, and used primarily for word processing applications
Demodulation	Reconstruction of the original digital message after analog transmission
Dependent variables	Outputs of a model, so called because they depend on the inputs
Desktop publishing	The use of specialized hardware and software to crate professional-looking, high-quality text and graphics -- for example, an in-house weekly newspaper containing feature stories and maps of the local region
Destructive write	What happens when existing data is replaced with new data in computer memory -- i
Device address	A unique location designator assigned to peripheral devices and used by a computer's operating system for identification purposes (e
Diagnostic error message	An error message that is output by a compiler (or similar program), indicating that one or more source-language instructions do not conform to prescribed rules of syntax and grammar
Dial-back system	A computer security system in which a user dials the computer, enters a password, is disconnected from the computer, waits while the computer checks the password against a table, and finally is reconnected only if the password is found
Dial-up Connection	Common form of internet connection for the home user, connecting a computer to a host computer over standard telephone lines.
Digital computer	A device whose fundamental unit of storage is the binary digit or bit
Digital data transmission	The use of discrete electrical pulses, light pulses, or other discrete signals to create binary codes for data communications
Digital Signature	Electronic signature based on encryption and the use of sender's private key.
Digitizer	A device that converts analog input into digital data
Digitizing tablet	A graphics input device that allows the user to create images
Direct access storage device	A device such as a magnetic disk that is able to assign a unique address to each data record
Direct file organization	Organization of records so each is individually accessible
Direct file processing	Processing that allows the user to access the record wanted directly by using a record key
Direct-connect modem	A modem connected directly to the telephone line
Directory	Also called "folder", a directory is a group of files usually stored togethr for organizational purposes.
Disk	A disk is a physical object used for storing data, which it will retain when the computer is turned off. It is always used in conjunction with a disk drive. Some disks can be removed from their drives, some cannot.
Disk drive	A device used to read data from, and write data to, a magnetic disk
Documentation	Written or displayed information that explains how computer programs should be used
Dot command	An instruction or command beginning with a period or dot
Dot-addressable display	A graphics display screen that is divided into dots, each which can be illuminated
Dot-matrix printer	A serial, impact printer that creates characters out of a "grid" or matrix of tiny dots
Double-density diskette	A floppy disk that can store twice as many characters (about 360k) as a single-density disk
Double-sided diskette	A floppy disk that can store data on both of its sides
Download	Transferring data (usually a file) from another computer to the computer you are are using. The opposite of upload.
Downloading data	Transferring files, programs, or other data from a larger mainframe or minicomputer to a smaller minicomputer or microcomputer
Draft quality printing	The relatively poor print quality created by the first pass of a dot-matrix printer
Drive	A device for storing and/or retrieving data. Some drives (e.g. disk drives, zip drives, and tape drives) can have new data written to them, but others (e.g. CD-ROMs or DVD-ROMs) cannot.
Driver	Software that works with a computer's operating system to control a particular piece of hardware, like a printer or scanner.
Drum plotter	A hard-copy-producing device that creates plotted or graphic output and that uses a single arm to move a pen across its cylindrical, or drum, writing surface
Dumb terminal	A computer terminal that cannot be programmed to perform the "intelligent" tasks of a smart terminal
DVD	(Digital Versatile Disc or Digital Video Disc) A type of optical disk similar to the CD-ROM but with much greater storage capacity. A DVD holds a minimum of 4.7GB of data, enough for a full-length movie. DVD drives are backward-compatible with CD-ROMs, so they can play old CD-ROMs, CD-I disks, and video CDs.
DVD-R	(DVD-Recordable) Recordable DVD format similar to CD-R.
Dvorak keyboard	A keyboard designed to be more efficient than the QWERTY keyboard, but one that has not gained popular use
Dynamic partitioning	The ability of a computer operating system to divide the memory of the CPU into portions of varying sizes as needed to efficiently store several programs
EBCDIC	Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code is a common binary code in use today
Eight-bit microcomputer	A microcomputer whose microprocessor can process only eight bits, or one byte, of data at a time
Electron gun	The electronic component in a cathode ray tube (CRT), such as a television or monitor, that aims a stream of electrons against the screen's phosphor elements, thereby creating a screen image
Electronic bulletin board	A file that is accessible to the users of a local area network and typically contains notices of current interest such as advertisements, messages, and announcements
Electronic mail	The use of a computer for personal or business communications, in which users leave short, written message in each other's computer "mail boxes"
Electronic spreadsheet	A software program that creates a large number of cells, each of which can be referenced by its row and column coordinates
Electronically altered PROM	A programmable read-only chip that can be electronically erased and reprogrammed
Electronically erased PROM	A programmable read-only chip that can be electronically erased and reprogrammed
e-mail	(Electronic mail) A means of sending text or files to other computers via an internet connection.
Emulation	The use of special control programs to make a new computer system "act" like an older one, thus enabling a business to execute its older programs while software conversion takes place
Encryption	The process of scrambling computerized data using a predefined formula or algorithm in order to protect it during transmission or storage
End user	Usually nontechnical individuals who use computer resources to accomplish daily tasks
Erasable programmable read only memory	A programmable read only memory that can be erased and programmed with special devices
Erasable read only memory	A type of read only memory that can be erased by exposure to ultraviolet light
Ethernet	Network access method developed in the early 1970s. Ethernet is the most widely used network technology.
Execution time	The portion of one machine cycle needed by a CPU's supervisory-control unit to execute an instruction
Expansion card	Electronic components that have been wired onto a flat board and that slip into an expansion slot of a microcomputer
Expansion slot	Physical areas in a central processing unit, especially microcomputers, that are used to install additional electronic components
Explicit formatting	The use of observable print-control characters to plan the placement and appearance of output in a word processing document
Exploded pie chart	A type of graphic picture whose circular format resembles the slices of a pie, but with at least one of these pieces partially removed from the pie's center
External data transmission	The transfer of data to either local or remote computers or equipment
FAQ	(Frequently Asked Questions) FAQs are files of answers to commonly asked questions. Always read FAQs before asking obvious questions.
FAX	A device for digitizing picture images and transmitting them over long distances -- typically over telephone lines
Field	A set of character spaces reserved for a specified data item (such as an employee's last name) in a computer record
Field mask	A designated area on a preformatted screen that identifies the field size for input data
FIFO	First-in, first-out
File	A set of computer records that have been stored together on tape or disk for some common data processing purpose
File management program	A program that allows the user to enter data on forms and make requests for particular types of data items
Firewall	Hardware and/or software used to prevent computer hackers from getting into a computer system. Further Information
Firmware	Halfway between hardware and software, firmware consists of modifiable programs embedded within hardware enabling it to run properly.
First-generation programming language	A machine language written in binary code and stored in primary memory
FIFO	A method of prioritizing job requests in which the first user to request service gets it
Fixed disk	A disk drive whose disk pack has been permanently mounted
Fixed-length record	A computer record that uses the same amount of space as every other record on the file
Flat file	A collection of similar computer records in which each record on the file is the same as every other record in terms of importance or use
Flat panel display screen	A liquid crystal display (LCD) screen that contains a grid of luminescent substances which glow when excited by electricity
Flatbed plotter	A plotter using a bed or tray to hold paper in a fixed position
Floating point number	A number with significant digits to the right of the decimal point
Floppy	A common type of removable disk. Floppies hold little data, but most computers are capable of reading them. However, there are different formats used for floppies, so that a floppy written by one type of computer might not directly work on another. Also sometimes called "diskette".
Floppy disk	A flexible mylar disk often used as secondary storage and commonly called a diskette
Flowchart	The pictorial representation of an orderly step-by-step solution to a problem
Font	The typestyle used in printing a document
Footers	The lines of text that appear at the bottom of every page of a word-processing document
Foreground mode	Computer processing that is immediately controllable by the user
Form letter	A letter created with a word processing system in which most of the information is standard and a limited amount of variable information (such as the recipient's name and address) is added from a separate file
Formula	A calculation to be performed and stored in certain cells, typically using data from other cells
Formula Display	A spreadsheet's ability to display the actual formula programmed in a particular cell instead of the value the formula computes
FORTH	A language released by Charles Moore in 1975 that was designed for real-time control tasks, as well as business and graphics applications
FORTRAN	The first high level language, introduced in 1954 by IBM; it is scientifically oriented
Freeware	Software that is made available for download and to use completely free of charge.
Frequency	The number of times an analog signal repeats during a specific time interval
Frequency modulation	The alteration of the carrier wave frequency to represent 0s and 1s
Friction feed printers	A printer that uses friction, instead of tractor or pin feeders, to hold printer paper steady in its platen
FTP	(File Transfer Protocol) A protocol that allows the transfer of files from one computer to another over the internet.
Full-duplex transmission	Data transmission in both directions at once
Full-screen display	The ability to use 80 columns and 25 lines on a video display screen
Function keys	Special keys programmed to execute commonly-used commands which are usually labeled "F1", "F2", etc
Gallium arsenide	Speedy material used as a substitute for silicon in chipmaking
Gantt chart	A bar chart commonly used to depict schedule deadlines and milestones
General-purpose register	A register used for several functions, such as arithmetic and addressing purposes
Generic operating system	An operating system that works with different computer systems
Gigabyte	1,000 or 1,024 Megabytes, depending on the measuring system.
Gigabyte	One billion bytes
GIGO	Garbage in, garbage out: The quality of the output is directly dependent on the quality of the input
Graphics adapter board	A circuit board that enables an IBM Personal Computer to display pictures or graphs as well as text
Graphics printer	A printer such as a dot-matrix printer that is capable of preparing graphics (such as charts or drawings) as well as text output
Graphics system	A set of computer hardware and software for creating, storing, manipulating, changing, and outputting graphics images
Graphics terminal	A terminal with the ability to produce pictures, line drawings, graphs, charts, and other pictorial displays in numerous eye-pleasing formats, often in color
Grid chart	A row-and-column chart commonly used in the systems analysis phase of a computer project to document input and output specifications
GUI	(Graphical user interface) A graphics-based means of communicating with a program, especially an operating system or window manager.
Hacker	The current popular meaning of the term is to describe those who break into computer systems or networks, destroy data, steal copyrighted software, and perform other destructive or illegal acts.
Half-duplex data transmission	Data transmission in either direction, but only one way at a time
Hard disks	5 inch or 3 1/2 - inch Winchester disks in sealed modules
Hard hyphenation	A permanent dash in a word document (e
Hardcard	10, 20 or more megabytes of hard disk on a board that fits into an expansion slot inside a personal computer
Hard-copy output	Computer output that is permanent -- for example, output that is printed or graphed on paper
Hard-sector disk	A disk with a hole in front of each sector, near the center of the diskette
Hardware	The computer and its associated equipment
Head crash	An accident caused by a read/write head touching (crashing) the disk, and which destroys the heads, disks, and data stored on the disk
Headers	The lines of text that appear at the top of every page of word processing documents
Help facility	A computer program's ability to provide users with on-screen explanations of system commands, formatting conventions, or usage techniques
Help key	A function key that enables a user to obtain additional explanatory information on the input requirements or acceptable codes of an application program
Hexadecimal number system	A number system that uses 16 symbols to represent data
Hierarchical model	A database model in which records in a file are associated in a one-to-many, or parent-child, relationship
High-level languages	English-like programming languages developed after the development of symbolic languages
Host	Any end-user computer system that connects to a network.
IBM 360	The first third-generation computer
Icon	A small figure on the computer screen that represents a computer activity
IEEE parallel port	An electrical connector that transmits 9 bits simultaneously along 9 or more wires
Imbedded formatting	The use of "hidden" print-control characters that do not appear on a visual display screen to plan the placement and appearance of output in a word processing document
Impact printer	A printer that forms characters by physically striking the paper
Independent variables	Inputs to a model, so called because they can be changed
Index	A table of record keys for a data-base file and a location entry indicating where the associated record for each key can be found
Index files	Files that allow the same data to be presented in different sequential orders
Indexed file organization	Combination of sequential and direct file organization
Indexed sequential access method	A method of file organization in which records are stored sequentially but the location of these records is stored in one or more indexes
Information	Processed data; data that is organized, meaningful, and useful
Initialize	To set the starting values of certain program variables
Ink Jet printer	A serial, non-impact printer that forms characters by spraying a very fine jet of magnetically charged ink through a nozzle
Instruction time	The portion of one machine cycle required by the supervisory-control unit of a CPU to fetch an instruction from primary memory and decode the instruction
Integrated circuit	A complete electronic circuit on a small chip of silicon
Internal modem	A modem on a circuit board that can be installed in a computer by the user
Internet	The global network through which computers communicate. The internet includes the World Wide Web, Usenet user groups and newsgroups.
Interpreter	A program that translates and executes high-level languages on instruction at a time
Interrupt	Condition that causes normal program processing to be suspended temporarily
Intranet	A private network of computers. There are many intranets scattered all over the world. Some are connected to the Internet via gateways.
I-time	The instruction portion of the machine cycle
Job control language	A special programming language that programmers use to communicate with a computer's operating system
Joy stick	A graphics input device that allows fingertip control on a CRT screen
Key	Unique identifier for a record
Keyboard	A common input device similar to the keyboard of a typewriter
Kilobyte	A thousand bytes.
Kilobyte	1024 bytes or 8192 bits
Labels	Headings, row titles, and other alphabetic text in a spreadsheet
LAN	Local area network
Laptop	Portable computer as powerful as a desktop system which can run for a short time on batteries.
Laser memory	A type of secondary storage that uses a pit etched in a plastic medium by a laser
Laser printer	A printer that uses a light beam to transfer images to paper
LCD	(Liquid Crystal Display) Type of monitor where each pixel on the screen is displayed by a specific set of liquid crystal cells.
Letter-quality printer	A printer, such as a daisy wheel, ink jet or laser printers, that produces high-quality output
Light pen	A graphics input device that allows the user to interact directly with the computer screen
Line printer	A printer that assembles all characters on a line at one time and prints them out practically simultaneously
LCD	The flat display screen found on laptop computers
LISP	A language designed to process nonnumeric data; popular for writing artificial intelligence programs
Local area network	A network designed to share data and resources among several computers
Logic function	A predefined spreadsheet formula that is normally used to test data for a specific condition -- for example, an IF test
Logic operations	The ability to compare two pieces of data to determine if they are equal or which is larger
Logical file	A conceptual file that satisfies the data requirements of an application program (i
Logical operations	Comparing operations
Logical record	A record written by an applications program
LOGO	A language developed at MIT by Seymore Papert that features commands that move a "turtle" on the CRT screen
Looping	The process of executing the same instructions over and over
Low-level programming language	A computer programming language such as machine language or assembly language requiring instructions to be written at a very detailed, hardware-dependent level
Machine cycle	Combination of I-time and E-time
Machine language	The lowest level of language that represents information as 1s and 0s
Macro instructions	A mini-program or sets of spreadsheet instructions that enable users to avoid repetitive keystrokes when constructing or manipulating a spreadsheet
Magnetic disk	An oxide-coated disk on which data is recorded as magnetic spots
Magnetic-ink character recognition	A method of machine-reading characters made of magnetized particles
Mail merge	A word processing option that enables users to merge the variable information (such as name and address information) of one file with the standard information of a memo, letter, or other document stored in a second file
Mailing list	A computerized file of names and addresses that is used to distribute printed documents
Mainframe computer	A fully configured computer intended for substantial, high-volume data processing
Megabyte	A million bytes.
Megabyte	One million bytes of computer storage
Megahertz	Millions of cycles per second -- a measure of the processing speed of a microprocessor
Memory	The electronic circuitry that temporarily holds data and program instructions needed by the CPU
Menu	A set of processing choices displayed on a computer display screen
Menu-driven	Systems that give users of video terminals a list of selections and prompts from which to make choices
microchip	A tiny wafer of silicon containing miniature electric circuits that can store millions of bits of information.
Microcomputer	The smallest and least-expensive computer
Microprocessor	A chip in a microcomputer that contains the arithmetic/logic and control functions
Microsecond	One millionth of a second
Microwave	High-frequency radio waves that can transmit data signals up to 40 miles
MIME	(Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions). The standard for attaching binary files to e-mail messages, allowing audio, video, graphics, word-processor documents etc. to be attached to e-mails
Minicomputer	A computer that is larger than a microcomputer and less powerful than a mainframe computer
MIPS	MIPS stands for millions of instructions per second -- a method of measuring the computational speed of microprocessor chips
Modem	(MOdulator, DEModulator) A device that connects a computer to a phone line and allows the computer to communicate with other computers through the phone system.
Modem	A data communications device standing for "modulator-demodulator" and which translates digital signals into analog ones (and vice versa)
Modulation	The process of converting a signal form digital to analog
Monitor	A video display screen commonly used with microcomputers and graded by its display size, display resolution, graphics capabilities, and ability to display outputs in a single color (monochrome) or several colors
Monochrome	A computer screen that displays information in only on color on a black or dark background
Mother board	The major physical connector for the expansion slots of a microcomputer and also the electronic components into which cards are installed
Mouse	A small box with a round ball on the bottom and one or more depression-switches on the top
MPEG	(Moving Pictures Expert Group). An international standard for video compression and desktop movie presentation.
MS-DOS	A disk operating system developed for microcomputers by Microsoft, Inc
Multiplexer	A data communications device that allows several users to share communication channels
Multitasking	A microcomputer or operating system's ability to perform several tasks concurrently -- for example, through the use of several active onscreen "windows"
Network	Two or more computers are connected together to share resources.
Network data base	A data base structure that enables file designers to create complex relationships among file records with pointer addresses and record chains
Newbie	A new user of a technology, such as a computer, a certain computer program, or the internet.
Nibble	Half a byte or four bits
Node	A microcomputer in a network
Nonimpact printer	Printers that do not use page striking to create images
Notebook	A small laptop computer with similar price, performance, and battery life.
Numerical key pad	A ten-key pad on a keyboard used to enter numerical data
Object code	Computer program instructions that have been translated into machine language
Object module	Machine-language version of a program produced by a compiler or assembler
OCR	Optical character recognition
Octal numbering system	A number system based on eight symbols
OEM	Original equipment manufacturer
On-line	Refers to processing in which terminals are directly connected to the computer
On-screen editing	The ability to change screen-displayed data -- for example, by using the backspace key and retyping -- in order to correct mistakes or change input
Open architecture	Personal computer design that allows additional circuit boards to be inserted in expansion slots inside the computer to support add-ons
Operating environment	A comfortable operating system environment in which the user does not have to memorize or look up commands
Operating system	A set of programs through which a computer manages its own resources
Optical bar code	A type of code consisting of several machine-readable vertical lines or bars
Optical read-only memory	Optical storage media that cannot be written to but can be used to supply software or data
Optical-character recognition	Input devices that use a light source to read special characters and convert them to electrical signals to be sent to the CPU
Optical-recognition system	A system that converts optical marks, optical characters, handwritten characters, and bar codes into electrical signals to be sent to the CPU
Organizer	A small computer used primarily to store names, addresses, phone numbers, and date book information.
Output	Raw data that has been processed into usable information
Output devices	Devices, such as printers, that make processed information available for use
Overstrike printing	The way most dot-matrix and daisywheel printers create bold characters -- i
PABX	A telephone switching system that enables a large number of internal telephones to share a smaller number of external "outside" voice lines
Page formatting	The margins and other print settings in a word processing system, DBMS, or other software package that enable users to create useful and convenient printed output
Page-at-a-time printer	Fast printers that print a page-at-a-time (e
Parallel data processing	The ability of a computer to execute several instructions concurrently instead of sequentially
Parallel data transmission	The simultaneous transmission of bits along several wires
Parameters	Values in spreadsheets that remain constant for any single analysis but that can be varied in subsequent analyses
Parity bit	An extra bit added to each byte to alert the computer if a bit is incorrect
Parity checking	A data-testing procedure for checking the accuracy of data communications
Partitioned memory	A method of dividing the main memory of a CPU into workspaces and allocating one partition to each user
PASCAL	A high-level programming language widely used in such academic disciplines as computer sciences and engineering
PBX	Private branch exchange
PC	(Personal Computer) In popular usage, refers to a computer running under the Microsoft Windows operating system.
PC-DOS	A special version of the MS-DOS operating system developed for IBM microcomputers
PDA	(Personal Digital Assistant) A small, portable, battery-powered computer. Most have a pen interface and come with a detachable stylus rather than a mouse. Currently, the most popular PDA is the Palm Pilot.
Peripheral equipment	Hardware devices that surround the CPU and are physically attached to it
Phantom disk	Portion of the volatile RAM memory which is used as if it were a diskette
Phase	The relative position in time of one complete cycle of a wave
Picosecond	One trillionth of a second
Pixel	Picture element on a computer display screen
Plug-in	Software that adds features to a larger piece of software.
Presentation graphics	High-quality business or educational graphics designed to allow the user to share information with others
Private branch exchange	A telephone multiplexer connecting a large number of inside telephone lines or extensions to a smaller number of metered outside lines
Processor	The processor (also called Central Processing Unit, or CPU) is the part of the computer that actually works with the data and runs the programs.
Processor	The central processing unit (CPU) of a computer
Program	A set of step-by-step instructions that directs a computer to perform specific tasks and produce certain results
Programming language	A set of rules that instructs a computer what operations to perform
PROM	Programmable read-only memory
Prompt	A signal that the computer or operating system is waiting for a command from the user
Protocol	A set of rules for the exchange of data between a terminal and a computer or between two computers
Psuedocode	An English-like way of representing structured programming control structures
Quad density diskette	A floppy disk that is able to store more than four times the amount of data of a single-density diskette -- typically in excess of 1 megabyte
Queues	Areas on disk in which programs waiting to be run are kept
QWERTY keyboard	The standard keyboard used on most conventional typewriters and computer terminals
RAM	(Random Access Memory) The most common type of memory found in computers and other devices, such as printers. RAM is the "working memory" within the computer that is available to operate programs and is lost when the computer is switched off. There are two types of RAM: DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and SRAM (Static Random Access Memory). Although SRAM is faster, it is less common than DRAM because it is much more expensive.
RAM disk	A chip that lets the computer regard part of its memory as an additional disk drive
RAM-resident program	A program that stays in memory background, ready to be activated when needed
Random-access memory	Memory that provides volatile temporary storage for data and program instructions
Raster-scan	Video display technology in which electronic beams cause the CRT screen to emit light to produce a screen image
Read	to bring data outside the computer into memory
Read/write head	An electromagnet that reads the magnetized areas on magnetic media and converts them into the electrical impulses that are sent to the processor
Read-only media	Media recorded on by the manufacturer that can be read from but not written to by the user
Read-only memory	Memory that can be read only and remains after the power is turned off
Real-time processing	Processing in which the results are available in time to affect the activity at hand
Record	A collection of related fields
Record structure	The composition of a typical data base record, including such characteristics as the name of each data field, its length, its type, and the number of decimal places to use if the field is of numeric type
Refreshed	refers to the maintenance of the image on a CRT screen
Register	A temporary storage area for instructions or data
Relational data base	A data base that relies on external tables or indexes for storing and retrieving file information
Relational model	A database model that organizes data logically in tables
Relative address	Those cell addresses in spreadsheet formulas that are automatically adjusted to reference new, relative locations when copied
Report generator	A feature of a database management system that allows the user to prepare common types of business reports without using a programming language
Resolution	Clarity of a video display screen or on the printed page
Retrieval	Recovery of data stored in a computer system
Reverse video	The capability to switch the two contrasting colors on a visual display screen
RGB monitor	Refers to red, green, and blue colors which are used to produce color video images on the video screen
Right-justified	Refers to an even right margin in a computer document
RS232 serial port	An electronic connector on a piece of computer equipment that transmits bits sequentially along a single wire
Scan rate	The number of times a CRT screen is refreshed in a given time period
Screen	A television-like output device that displays data and output
Screen-oriented	Refers to a word processing program that displays on the screen exactly what will be printed on paper
Scrolling	A word processing feature that allows the user to view any part of the document on the screen in 20-line chunks
Search and replace	A word processing function that finds and changes each instance of a repeated item
Secondary storage	Additional storage for data and programs that is separate from the CPU and memory
Sector method	A method of organizing data on a disk in which each track is divided into sectors that hold a specific number of character
Seek time	The time required for an access arm to position over a particular track on a disk
Semiconductor	A crystalline substance that conducts electricity when it is "doped" with chemical impurities
Semiconductor storage	Data storage on a silicon chip
Sequential file organization	Organization of records in sequential order by key
Sequential file processing	Processing in which records are usually in order according to a key field
Serial processing	Processing in which one program must finish running before another can begin
Server	A computer or software package that provides a specific kind of service to client software running on other computers. An ISP's servers allow users to connect to the Internet.
Shareware	Software which can be used free of charge for a trial period, after which a registration fee must be paid in order to continue to use it.
Shell	An operating environment layer that separates the operating system from the user
Simplex transmission	Transmission of data in one direction only
Single-density diskette	A floppy disk capable of storing a limited amount of data -- e
Single-sided diskette	A floppy disk that can only be recorded on one side
Site license	A license permitting a customer to make multiple copies of a piece of software
Smart terminal	A terminal that can do some processing, usually to edit data it receives
Soft-sectored disk	A disk whose sectors are determined by the software
Software	Instructions that tell a computer what to do
Software piracy	Unauthorized copying of computer software
Sort	An operation that arranges data into a particular sequence
Sort key field	The data field in each computer record of a file that is used to sequence the records themselves -- for example, employee's social security numbers in payroll records
Source document	Original paper containing data to be prepared as input to a computer
Speech recognition	The process of presenting input data to the computer through the spoken word
Speech synthesis	The process of enabling machines to talk to people
Spelling checker program	A word processing program that checks the spelling in a document
Split screen	A user's ability to view two separate portions of a worksheet at the same time
Spooling	A process in which files to be printed are placed temporarily on disk
Spreadsheet	A worksheet divided into rows and columns that can be used to organize and present business data
Stand-alone programs	Individual programs, such as word processing and spreadsheet programs
Storage register	A register that temporarily holds data taken from or about to be sent to memory
Subroutine	A group of instructions within a computer program that performs a specific function (e
Supercomputer	The largest and most powerful category of computers (i
Supervisor program	An operating system program that controls the entire operating system and calls in other operating system programs from disk storage as needed
Synchronous transmission	Data transmission in which characters are transmitted together in a continuous stream
Syntax errors	Errors in use of programming language
Tab settings	Right and left margin and "ruler settings" settings in a word processing program that designates the horizontal positions where the cursor should align when the "tab" key on the keyboard is depressed
Table	The ability of a spreadsheet to reference a table and assign a data value based on the table entry to a spreadsheet cell
TCP/IP	(Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) - the protocols which enable the transfer of files to and from servers and users' computers over the Internet.
Telecommunications	The use of telephone lines to transmit computer data over long distances
Teleconferencing	A system of holding conferences by linking geographically disbursed people together through computer terminals or personal computers
Template	A skeleton or data outline in a spreadsheet, containing the appropriate labels and formulas of a required report but lacking variable user information
Terabyte	1000 gigabytes.
Terminal	A device that consists of an input device, an output device, and a communications link to the main terminal
TFT	(Thin Film Transistor) A type of LCD flat-panel display screen, in which each pixel is controlled by from one to four transistors.
Thesaurus program	With a word processing program, this program provides a list of synonyms and antonyms for an overused word in a document
Touch pad	A computer input device consisting of a flat pad with a special pin and an electronically sensitive grid
Touch screen	A computer screen that accepts input data by letting the user point at the screen to select a choice
Track	On disk, one of many data-holding concentric circles
Tractor feed	An attachment that enables a printer to feed continuous-form paper using the paper's prepunched sprocket holes
Transistor	A small device that transfers electrical signals across a resistor
Translator	A program that translates programming language into machine language
Tree structure	A hierarchical data structure using parent-child relationships to organize file records
Turnkey system	A completely assembled, fully configured computer system of hardware and compatible software that theoretically only needs to be plugged in, turned on, and loaded with data to begin operating
UNIVAC	The first computer built for business purposes
Universal product code	A code number unique to a product that is represented on the product's label in the form of a bar code
UNIX	A common operating system, popular for running servers on the Internet.
Update	Keeping files current by changing data as appropriate
Uploading data	The transfer of data from a small microcomputer or minicomputer to a larger minicomputer or mainframe computer
Upward compatibility	Old programs and data files that can also be run or read by new software releases or revisions
User friendly	Refers to software that is easy for a novice to use
Utility programs	Programs that perform routine file conversions and sort/merge operations
Vacuum tube	An electronic tube used as a basic component in the first generation of computers
Variable length	Refers to records containing different numbers of character
Video display terminal	A terminal with a screen
Video graphics	Computer-produced animated pictures
Virtual memory or storage	A condition in which part of the program is stored on disk and is brought into memory only as needed
Virus	A segment of program code which is self-perpetuating and can corrupt other files
VisiCalc	The first electronic spreadsheet for personal computers
Volatile	Refers to the loss of data in semiconductor storage when the current is interrupted or turned off
WAN	(Wide Area Network) A network technology that covers large geographic distances. Also called long-haul networks, WANs usually operate at slower speeds and have significantly higher delays than networks that operate over shorter distances.
WAV	(Waveform Audio) A common audio file format for Windows computers (.wav).
Winchester disk	A disk drive in which the disks, access arms, and read/write heads are combined in a sealed module
Window	Any portion of a worksheet or split screen of a worksheet displayed on the screen at a given time
Word	Four bytes or thirty-two bits
Word processing	Computer-based creation, editing, formatting, storage and printing of text
Word wrap	A word processing feature that automatically starts a word at the left margin of the next line if there is not enough room on the line
Write-protect	The user's ability to protect the encoding on a floppy disk by covering a small notch on the outside of the diskette
WYSIWYG	"What you see is what you get," an acronym referring to scree-oriented word processing programs
Xenix	An operating system written especially for IBM-compatible microcomputers to serve in a time-sharing environment
ZIP	A compressed file format (.zip). Many files available on the Internet are compressed or "zipped" in order to reduce storage space and transfer times.
Zoom	A software option that allows users to expand the size of a display window, thereby revealing more detailed graphics images or written information on-screen

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