My computer dictionary

1. algorithm: A formula or set of steps for solving a particular problem.
2. alphanumeric: Describes the combined set of all letters in the alphabet and the numbers 0 through 9.
3. ALU: Abbreviation of arithmetic logic unit, the part of a computer that performs all arithmetic computations, such as addition and multiplication, and all comparison operations.
4. binary: Pertaining to a number system that has just two unique digits.
5. boot: (v) To load the first piece of software that starts a computer.
6. browser: Short for Web browser, a software application used to locate and display Web pages.
7. buffer: (n) A temporary storage area, usually in RAM.
8. bug: An error or defect in software or hardware that causes a program to malfunction.
9. byte: Abbreviation for binary term, a unit of storage capable of holding a single character.
10. character: In computer software, any symbol that requires one byte of storage.
11. chip: A small piece of semiconducting material (usually silicon) on which an integrated circuit is embedded.
12. clock: Also called clock rate, the speed at which a microprocessor executes instructions.
13. command: An instruction to a computer or device to perform a specific task.
14. compatible: (n) Indicates that a product can work with or is equivalent to another, better-known product.
15. CPU: Abbreviation of central processing unit, and pronounced as separate letters. The CPU is the brains of the computer.
16. cursor: A special symbol, usually a solid rectangle or a blinking underline character, that signifies where the next character will be displayed on the screen.
17. data: Distinct pieces of information, usually formatted in a special way.
18. debug: To find and remove errors (bugs) from a program or design.
19. directory: A special kind of file used to organize other files into a hierarchical structure.
20. disk drive: A machine that reads data from and writes data onto a disk. A disk drive rotates the disk very fast and has one or more heads that read and write data.
21. documentation: Instructions for using a computer device or program.
22. DOS: Acronym for disk operating system.
23. editor: Sometimes called text editor, a program that enables you to create and edit text files.
24. e-mail: Short for electronic mail, the transmission of messages over communications networks.
25. field: A space allocated for a particular item of information.
26. file: A collection of data or information that has a name, called the filename.
27. floppy disk: A soft magnetic disk. It is called floppy because it flops if you wave it.
28. flow chart: A graphical representation of an algorithm.
29. FTP: Abbreviation of File Transfer Protocol, the protocol used on the Internet for sending files.
30. function key: any of a set of keys on a computer keyboard that have or can be programed to have special functions.
31. graphics: Pertains to any computer device or program that makes a computer capable of displaying and manipulating pictures.
32. hard copy: A printout of data stored in a computer. It is considered hard because it exists physically on paper, whereas a soft copy exists only electronically.
33. hard-disk: a rigid metal disk coated with a magnetic material on which data for a computer can be stored.
34. hardware: Refers to objects that you can actually touch, like disks, disk drives, display screens, keyboards, printers, boards, and chips.
35. hexadecimal: Refers to the base-16 number system, which consists of 16 unique symbols: the numbers 0 to 9 and the letters A to F.
36. HTML: Short for HyperText Markup Language, the authoring language used to create documents on the World Wide Web.
37. HTTP: Short for HyperText Transfer Protocol, the underlying protocol used by the World Wide Web. HTTP defines how messages are formatted and transmitted.
38. integrated circuit: Another name for a chip, an IC is a small electronic device made out of a semiconductor material.
39. internet: A global network connecting millions of computers.
40. interface: (n) Something that connects two separate entities.
41. 1 Gig: one billion bytes.
42. 1 K: One thousand bytes.
43. 1 Meg: One million bytes.
44. LAN: A computer network that spans a relatively small area. Most LANs are confined to a single building or group of buildings.
45. memory: Internal storage areas in the computer.
46. menu: A list of commands or options from which you can choose.
47. microprocessor: A silicon chip that contains a CPU.
48. mnemonic: assisting or intended to assist memory.
49. modem: Acronym for modulator-demodulator. A modem is a device or program that enables a computer to transmit data over telephone lines.
50. monitor: Another term for display screen. The term monitor, however, usually refers to the entire box, whereas display screen can mean just the screen. In addition, the term monitor often implies graphics capabilities.
51. operating system: The most important program that runs on a computer. Every general-purpose computer must have an operating system to run other programs. Operating systems perform basic tasks.
52. output: (n) Anything that comes out of a computer. Output can bemeaningful information or gibberish, and it can appear in a variety of forms.
53. port: An interface on a computer to which you can connect a device.
54. printer: A device that prints text or illustrations on paper.
55. primary storage: A somewhat dated term for main memory.
56. program: (n) An organized list of instructions that, when executed, causes the computer to behave in a predetermined manner.
57. prompt: A symbol on a display screen indicating that the computer is waiting for input.
58. RAM: acronym for random access memory; that is, any byte of memory can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes.
59. ROM: Pronounced rahm, acronym for read-only memory, computer memory on which data has been prerecorded.
60. secondary storage: Mass storage devices, such as disk drives and tapes, are sometimes called secondary storage.
61. silicon: A material that is neither a good conductor of electricity nor a good insulator. These materials are then doped to create an excess or lack of electrons.
62. software: Computor instructions or data. Anything that can be stored electronically is software.
63. syntax error: Refers to the spelling and grammar of a programming language. The expected form to type in a computer is called the syntax.
64. text file: A file that holds text. The term text file is often used as a synonym for ASCII file, a file in which characters are represented by their ASCII codes.
65. URL: Abbreviation of Uniform Resource Locator, the global address ofdocuments and other resources on the World Wide Web.
66. user friendly: Refers to anything that makes it easier for novices to usea computer.
67. Windows: An enclosed, rectangular area on a display screen. Graphical user interfaces, such as the one supported by the Apple Macintosh or Windows, enable you to set the dimensions and position of each window by moving the mouse and clicking appropriate buttons.
68. WWW: World Wide Web. A system of Internet servers that support specially formatted documents.