graphic1.jpg (1451 bytes)11 A - General Computer Terms
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1M, 1 Mg Refers to a megabyte of data. See megabyte.
1K, 1 Kilobyte Refers to a Kilobyte of data. See kilobyte.
286, 386, 486,

The Pentium (586)

 These represent the microprocessors used in a computer. The lower the number, the older the model. See microprocessors.
16 bit, 32 bit Refers to the width of the data transfer mechanism inside the computer (or microprocessor). A 32 bit device works at twice the speed of a 16 bit device.
ANSI American National Standards Institute. One of the standard formats for representing computer characters. See ASCII.
Appletalk A combination of devices, cables and software which creates a Macintosh communications environment to allow different computers, peripherals and software to work together.
Application A computer program which offers you the capability of performing a task, such as word processing or spreadsheets.
Archive A collection of files available for access through the Internet. Also, a collection of files, usually for backup or transfer purposes.
ASCII files American Standard Code for Information Interchange. One of the standard formats for representing computer characters. The extended ASCII set = 256 characters. This type of text is used to share text files between computers, and has little formatting.
Back Up To make a copy of a file or application, in case the original is lost or destroyed. Usually back ups are made from a hard disk to diskettes or a tape back-up unit.
Baud Rate The speed at which a modem communicates. The higher the baud rate, the faster the modem can transfer data. Modems come with baud rates of 2,400, 9,600, 14,400, 28,800, 33,600, 56,000, 64,000 or 128,000. Baud rate is the same as bps.
BBS Bulletin Board System. A system which lets people read each other's messages on a computer.
Bit Computers manipulate data as a series of 0s and 1s. A bit is either a 0 or a 1. Eight bits make a byte.
Boot To start or re-start your computer. A cold boot is when you use the On/Off switch. A soft boot is when you use the combination of CTRL + ALT + DELETE buttons or the reset button to restart the computer on IBM systems).
BPS Bits Per Second. The speed at which signals are transferred via modem.
Bug Something that causes a recurring problem in a computer program.
Byte A byte is a combination of 8 bits that represent a character or a symbol. For example, the byte 01000001 creates the letter A.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome A repetitive strain injury which can occur from intensive use of the computer. This causes pain in the wrist and hand.
CD-ROM This stands for Compact Disk-Read Only Memory. A CD-ROM disk stores computer programs and data. One disk can hold over 600 megabytes of data (approx. 1/2 billion characters).
Chooser The part of the Macintosh operating system that lets the user designate devices and shared disks on a network.
Clock Speed The speed at which a computer performs calculations and operations, often measured in megahertz (a measurement of electronic signals). A microprocessor operating at 66MHz is twice as fast as one operating at 33MHZ (assuming they are the same class of microprocessors).
Clone Copy of an original product, mainly hardware. There are many different computer clones, especially for the IBM.
COM Port A communications port on IBM type computers which allows you to plug in a device such as a modem. An external COM port might be COM 1. An internal port might be COM 2.
Communications Program A computer program which allows a computer to call another computer.
Command A specific instruction which a computer executes.
Compatible If hardware is compatible, it runs with a specific system, as in IBM compatible or Mac compatible. Some equipment can work with either system. Software is also classed as compatible with an operating system. Many newer releases are cross-platform. See cross-platform.
Configuration This usually refers to the hardware components (computer, monitor, keyboard and peripherals) which make up a computer system. It can also be the software settings that allow various components of a computer system work together.
Coprocessor A microprocessor which supports the computer's main microprocessor - usually a math coprocessor.
Copy-protect To make a disk difficult or impossible to copy. Many software distributors copy-protect their releases to prevent illegal copying.
CPU Central Processing Unit. A computer chip which controls a computer's operations. See microprocessor.
Crash When the device which reads the data on a computer's hard disk "crashes" down on to the disk, destroying all the data. See backup.
Cross-Platform Many newer releases of applications are classified as cross- platform. Cross-platform releases will work on multiple operating systems. See Java.
Cursor An on-screen marker which shows where the keystrokes will appear.
Cyberspace That realm of activity created by computers communicating with each other, and all of the data related to this activity.
Database A computer application designed for information management. The telephone book is a good example of a print database, a library's catalogue system is another.
Desktop Publishing (DTP) Using a computer to produce publications. There are computer programs designed specifically for DTP which assist with the design of newsletters, brochures, leaflets, etc. An example of a desktop publishing program is Pagemaker. However, attractive desktop publishing designs can also be created with several good word processing programs. See glossary of DTP terms.
Device Driver A file which tells a computer how to work with an external device, such as a printer.
Dialog box The dialog box is an on-screen prompt which prompts the user for additional information. For example: EXIT: Yes/No?
Digital A system which uses 0s and 1s to represent data.
Directory A section of the hard disk which holds computer files. (See subdirectory.) Some systems refer to directories as "folders".
Disk A medium for storing computer information. It can be the hard disk, a diskette or CD-ROM.
Disk capacity The maximum kilobytes or megabytes which can be stored on a disk or a diskette.
Diskette (disk) A small plastic device which stores computer data on magnetic tape. The most popular size is 3.5" and holds either 720 kilobytes or 1.44 megabytes. Older computers usually use the larger 5.25" disks, or "floppies".
Disk drive A device inside a computer which reads data from diskettes.
Document Also known as a file, a document is any file which you create with an application program.
DOS (MS-DOS) Microsoft-Disk Operating System. A collection of basic programs which direct the computer for such tasks as file management, and co-ordinates the use of such items as the keyboard, printer or central processing unit. (For IBM/Compatibles.)
DOS prompt An on-screen signal which indicates your location on the hard disk or diskette. For example, C:\ means that you are at the main directory of the hard disk (C). A prompt which says A: indicates that you are reading a diskette.
Double Density A measurement of how much data a diskette can hold. A 3.5" double density disk holds 720 or 800 kilobytes. A high density disk can hold 1.44 megabytes. Some older disk drives can only read double density diskettes.
Download To copy a file over a network or modem to your computer.
DX2 / DX4 A name given to a microprocessor which has a math coprocessor and a device which doubles the clock speed of the microprocessor. A DX4 has a device which quadruples the clock speed of the microprocessor.
E-mail Electronic mail is a message that has been sent via the computer.
ELF Extremely Low Frequency. A measurement of emissions which come from a computer. Usually ELF emissions come from the back or sides of a microcomputer. These emissions may be harmful to humans.
Ergonomics The study and practice of designing equipment and furniture for comfort, health and productivity.
Error (message) An error message is the computer's response to a command it could not carry out. For example: Error: file not found.
Expansion slots Slots inside the computer which hold cards that allow the computer to work with other devices, such as scanners or printers.
Fax Facsimile transmission, a method of sending information through phone lines using a modem.
File A collection of computer data which has been given a name. The files you create and save are called data files. The files which operate computer programs are called program files.
File server The central computer on a network. It stores and distributes files to attached microcomputers. A file server is at the centre of a Local Area Network (LAN).
Folder A folder contains documents, programs and other folders or sub- folders either on the desktop or in a directory.
Format (a disk) At one time, new diskettes had to be formatted to accept information (hold data). Formatting creates a disk which can work with your computer (IBM or Macintosh). It is currently possible to purchase disks which are pre-formatted to the type of computer system you are working with.
Format (a file) To make changes to a text file which can alter its appearance both on-screen or as a printed document. Examples: centering text, using large fonts or changing margins and line spacing.
FTP File Transfer Protocol. A standardized method of downloading or uploading files on the Internet. FTP commands allow the user to transfer, copy, move or delete files and can include graphical applications.
Gigabyte A gigabyte = one billion bytes. A megabyte is 1 million bytes. A kilobyte is 1,024 bytes.
Gopher A tool used for information search and retrieval on the Internet. It allows the user to access information from numerous Gopher servers at one time. "Veronica" and "Jughead" are two common search tools. See Internet Terms.
Graphics Anything formed on-screen which is not composed of numbers and letters.
Hard disk A device inside a computer which holds computer files. Hard disks are measured by how many megabytes/gigabytes of information they hold. External hard disks are also available.
Hardware The physical equipment which allows the computer to run. For example, the monitor, the printer, the CPU, etc. See software.
Hypermedia An online document which combines multimedia and hypertext.
Hypertext A way of attaching words or phrases to a document which connect you to an alternate word or phrase, usually a definition or synonym. Hypertext is text that is selected to link with other sections of a file, or other files.
IBM International Business Machines. The company which is responsible for creating the internationally known IBM computer systems. Computers are either known as IBM compatible or as Mac compatible, and programs/hardware must be purchased to adapt to the correct platform for your system. See MacIntosh.
I-beam A type of marker which represents the cursor and is shaped like the capital letter I. It is also known as the insertion point.
Icon An on-screen symbol which represents a program or command. By clicking on an icon the user can activate that icon's function.
Information Highway A series of technologies which allow massive amounts of computer data to be transmitted. This data could include computer files, as well as audio and video signals.
Input Information which is transferred to the computer through an external source, such as a keyboard.
Internet A vast world-wide collection of computers which can communicate with each other.
Java A computer language which allows programmers to create applets (small applications) in a cross-platform format. Java is commonly used on the World Wide Web and many new software releases are being created in Java to allow cross-platform use.
Jump Similar to hypertext, a jump will take you to other related topics or text.
Keyboard A device attached to the computer which allows the user to input information. It looks similar to a typewriter, but has extra keys to allow the user increased power of control over input.
Kilobyte A measurement of computer data. A kilobyte is 1,024 bytes. A byte is one character.
LAN Local Area Network. This system connects a group of computers for the purpose of sharing resources. Also called a network. See Local Area Network.
Laser printer A computer printer which works much like a photocopier. It prints the text which you have typed and formatted.
Local Area Network Also known as LAN, a Local Area Network allows microcomputers to communicate with each other to share data. LANs have central computers called file servers which pass out the data.
Lock To prevent files or disks from being deleted or changed.
Macintosh (Mac) Produced by the Apple Corporation, the Macintosh is known for its ease of use. Computers are either known by IBM or Macintosh platform. See IBM.
Mac OS The Macintosh Operating System. The most recent is Mac O.S. 8
Mainframe A very large computer which has numerous "dumb terminals" (screens and keyboards) attached to it.
Megabyte A measurement of computer data that equals one million bytes. A byte is one character.
Memory See RAM/ROM.
Menu A list of commands or options presented on-screen.
Microcomputer Also known as a PC (personal computer). A microcomputer is used by one person.
Microprocessor The central computer chip of a computer which coordinates all of the other parts of the computer. Microprocessors are usually named by numbers which refer to how fast they manipulate data. Microprocessors can also be described as DX or SX (IBM platform only) which refers to whether they have math co-processors and their clock speeds (Mhz).
MIDI Musical Instrument Digital Interface - allows communication of musical data between a synthesizer and a computer.
Modem Short for modulator/demodulator. A device which allows a computer to contact another computer via telephone lines. The modem changes the digital signals of the computer to telephone-acceptable signals. It also accepts telephone signals (called analog) and translates them back to the digital signals needed by a computer.
Monitor The device which displays computer data on-screen. See VDT.
Motherboard This is composed of a collection of computer hardware which determines the speed and power of a computer. The motherboard on many computers can be upgraded when newer, faster units are available. See microprocessor.
Mouse An external hand-held device which is connected to the computer. and provides an alternate method of cursor control and input by clicking on a button.
Multimedia A computer which has sound and video capabilities, also photos, graphics and animation.
Multitasking The capability of a computer to operate more than one program at a time.
News Groups Computer discussion groups which are part of USENET, a worldwide collection of discussion groups. See Internet terms.
OCR Optical Character Recognition. A technology which allows a device to "read" text and translate it into computer data.
OLE Object Linking and Embedding. When a document which is created in one application uses text or graphics from another application.
On-line Usually refers to when a computer is communicating with another computer system.
Operating system Every computer needs an operating system to organize the internal functions and peripheral devices. Operating systems control input and output, as well as making it possible to use many different kinds of software.
Output device A device which receives and processes signals from a computer, such as a printer, speakers, headphones or scanner.
Parallel Port An outlet on a computer which is used to connect it to an external device, such as a printer.
Pentium A microprocessing chip. Pentium also refers to computer which uses a pentium microprocessing chip. See microcomputers.
Peripherals Peripheral devices work with the computer, but are separate pieces of hardware, such as a printer, keyboard, modem or mouse.
Piracy The illegal copying and use of a computer program.
Pixel Picture Element. A pixel is the smallest dot represented on the computer screen. It takes numerous pixels to represent a graphic on-screen.
Platform A computer's operating system, usually DOS, Windows or the Macintosh based Mac OS.
Port An outlet on the computer which allows external devices to be connected to the computer by cables. See serial/parallel ports.
Printer A device which provides printed output, also known as hard copy.
Program A collection of computer files which instruct a computer to perform a series of related tasks, such as wordprocessing. Also known as software.
Programming The science of creating a computer program or of using programmable software.
Prompt A computer message requesting additional input, such as: Replace file: Yes/No?
RAM Random Access Memory. A temporary electronic space which is created when a computer is turned on. If the computer is turned off, the RAM disappears, and anything stored in RAM (such as text) also disappears. Parts of programs are stored in RAM when they start, so the more RAM a computer has, the faster it will operate. RAM is also known as memory.
ROM Read Only Memory. Permanent memory storage built into the computer. It can't be changed, the computer can only read it. The user has no control over this memory.
Save Data is only stored in the computer's memory on a temporary basis. When the computer is turned off, the information disappears. Therefore it is necessary to "save" that information by copying it to a storage area, such as the hard disk or a diskette.
Scanner A device which resembles a small photocopier, except that it copies text and graphics and translates the information to digital form which can be stored and used by a computer.
Serial Port An outlet at the back of a computer which allows you to hook up an external device, such as a modem.
SIMM Single In-line Memory Module. It is a circuit board with eight RAM chips. It is connected to the computer's main circuit board. See RAM.
Shareware Programs which you can try out free of charge. If you decide to keep the program, you are expected to remit a small fee to the developer.
Software Also known as a program, this comes on diskettes or CD-ROMs, and provides the computer with instructions to perform a series of related operations. Software includes games, wordprocessing and desktop publishing programs, etc.
Sound board A device or "card" which can be installed in an IBM compatible computer to upgrade the computer's normal sound system. The sound board relies on the use of speakers or a headset. (Example: Soundblaster)
Spreadsheet A program which allows you to manipulate text and numbers, and perform a variety of calculations.
Storage Usually refers to where data is kept, such as on the hard disk or a diskette. Storage on a hard disk is usually measured in megabytes or gigabytes.
Sub-directory A section on the hard disk which holds files. The 'sub' part means that it is inside another directory.
Sub-folder A folder inside another folder. See Folder.
SX / DX The letters SX usually follow the type of microprocessor to indicate that something has been removed. For example, 486SX means that the math coprocessor usually found on the 486 microprocessor has been removed. DX means that the math coprocessor is present. SX chips are cheaper than DX chips.
System Unit The system unit is the main computer box which houses the CPU, hard disk, memory chips, etc.
Text file Also known as an ASCII file. This is a computer data file that does not contain any formatting codes.
VDT Video Display Terminal. Also known as the monitor. The device which displays computer data on-screen.
Version number (V) The number assigned to a program when it is released for marketing. A program starts with 1.0. If there is a major revision the number might change to 2.0, etc. However, if it is a minor revision, the number could change to 1.1.
VGA A type of monitor used with IBM-compatible PCs. The original was an EGA. An SVGA (super video graphics array) monitor is superior to the VGA because it can display more colours (250) and pixels (the dots which create what you see on the screen).
Virus A program which can destroy data on a diskette or hard disk. Viruses are usually passed via program files, particularly within the operating system. Virus writers can also create viruses which attach to files. Virus checkers can be installed which prevent most viruses from attacking a system.
Virus check A program which examines hard disks and diskettes for possible viruses. It can usually remove, or "disinfect" the virus.
Virtual Memory Hard disk space which is used as an extension of the computer's main memory.
Windows A computer program which runs other computer programs. It uses a graphic interface in the form of icons to help the user select programs or perform tasks. The latest version is Windows 95.
World Wide Web The World Wide Web (WWW) is part of the Internet. It communicates information as text, graphics and sound. The Web uses hypertext links to connect information in one computer to information in another computer. (See Internet Terms.)
Word processing A computer program which allows the user to create text files and manipulate it in a variety of ways, including the use of graphics.
WYSIWYG Pronounced 'wizziwig', it means What You See Is What You Get. A WYSIWYG screen displays your file the way it will print.
Zip A "zipped" file is a compressed file. It needs to be "unzipped' to operate. Many files which are downloaded from the Internet are zipped.
 
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© Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, 1998
Email comments to Peter Wilson
Last updated: November 12, 1998
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