my computer dictionary

  1. algorithm: formula or set of steps for solving a particular problem.
  2. alphanumeric: using alphabetic letters, numbers, and special characters.
  3. ALU 1.Arithmetic & Logic Unit.The part of a computer's central processing unit which performs arithmetic operations on integers, and Boolean operations. Floating-point operations are handled by a separate floating-point unit. 2.(Association of Lisp Users).An international user group for the Lisp programming language.
  4. binary: a system of numbers having 2 as its base and using 0s and 1s for its notation.
  5. boot 1.To load a computer�s operating system. 2.The process of loading a computer's operating system.
  6. browser: a client program that allows users to read hypertext documents on the World Wide Web, and navigate between them
  7. buffer: a reserved area of memory for temporarily holding data.
  8. bug: An error in a computer program or in the computer's hardware that causes repeated malfunctions
  9. byte: The amount of memory space used to store one character, which is usually 8 bits
  10. character: a symbol that represents information, or the representation of that symbolby a computer
  11. chip: also called microelectronic or integrated circuit
  12. clock: (CLK). 1.A circuit in a computer that uses a quartz crystal to generate a series of regular pulses which are sent to the CPU
  13. command: an instruction given to the computer, by means of a keyboard, punch card, mouse, voice command, or other method
  14. compatible: able to work together
  15. CPU: Central Processing Unit
  16. cursor: the movable symbol on a computer screen that shows where the user is working, whether typing in text, drawing lines, or moving design elements around
  17. data: information; raw facts
  18. debug: to fix problems in hardware or software
  19. directory: the organization of folders and files and on a hard drive
  20. floppy disk drive: the disk drive where a floppy disk is inserted
  21. documentation: instructions that come with a software program, which may include paper or electronic manuals, README files, and online help
  22. DOS: Disk Operating System
  23. edit: to make changes in a file
  24. email or e-mail: electronic mail
  25. field: one of the items in a database record: for example, Name, City, Zip Code, etc
  26. file: 1.A block of information in the form of bytes, stored together on a computer or external digital storage medium, and given a name.A file may be a program, a document, a database, or some other collection of bytes. 2.To store in a file
  27. floppy disk: (FD).A removable, portable magnetic disk on which data and programs can be stored
  28. flow chart: archaic form of visual control-flow specification employing arrows and "speech balloons" of various shapes
  29. FTP: File Transfer Protocol.
  30. function keys: a set of special keys on a computer keyboard that are numbered F1, F2, etc.
  31. graphics: the creation, editing, and printing of pictures.Computer graphics has two main methods: vector graphics (stored as a list of vectors) and raster or bitmap graphics (stored as a collection of dots or pixels).
  32. hard copy: the paper version of a document, as opposed to the version on disk or tape
  33. hard disk: one or more rigid magnetic disks rotating about a central axle with associated read/write heads and electronics, used to store data
  34. hardware: the hardware is the physical part of a computer system; the machinery and equipment
  35. hexadecimal: the base 16 numbering system, sometimes used as a short way of representing binary numbers.The digits 0-9 are used, plus the letters A-F which stand for numbers 10 to 15. The farthest-right digit is the ones place; the digit next to the left is the 16s place; the next place to the left is 16^2 = 256, etc.Each place is 16 times the place immediately to the right of it.
  36. HTML: HyperText Markup Language
  37. HTTP: HyperText Transfer Protocol
  38. integrated circuit: (IC).Also called microelectronic or chip.A microelectronic device comprising many miniature transistors and other electronic components on a single thin rectangle of silicon or sapphire, approximately 1/16" to 5/8" on a side, and 1/30" thick
  39. internet: a network of networks; a group of networks interconnected via routers
  40. interface: a shared boundary where two or more systems meet; or the means by which communication is achieved at this boundary
  41. gigabyte: one billion bytes.Abbreviated GB, Gbyte or G-byte.
  42. kilobyte: (k, KB, Kb; also Kbyte or K-byte).One thousand bytes (103) or 1024 (210) bytes.A unit of measurement used for computer file sizes.
  43. meg: 1.Mega, or million (M). Sometimes means 1,048,576. 2.Megabyte
  44. LAN: Local Area Network
  45. memory: also called main memory.The working space used by the computer to hold the program that is currently running, along with the data it needs, and to run programs and process data
  46. menu: a onscreen list from which the user may choose an operation to be performed
  47. microprocessor: a computer with its entire CPU contained on one integrated circuit
  48. mnemonic: a memory aid; a word or expression which isdesigned to be easier to remember than what it represents
  49. modem: a peripheral device that connects computers to each other for sending communications via the telephone lines
  50. monitor: also called a display.A device that displays text and graphics generated by a computer
  51. operating system: (OS).The main control program of a computer that schedules tasks, manages storage, and handles communication with peripherals
  52. output: information that comes out of the computer; for example, a picture on the screen, a printed page, sound coming from the speakers, files printed to disk or sent over a communications line
  53. port: 1.A socket at the back of a computer used to plug in external devices such as a modem, mouse, scanner, or printer. 2.In a communications network, a logical channel identified by its unique port number. 3.To translate software from one computer system to another
  54. printer: computer hardware which prints information
  55. primary storage: the internal memory of a computer; Random Access Memory
  56. program: a program helps the user accomplish a specific task
  57. prompt: a message from the computer that asks the operator to do something
  58. RAM: Random Access Memory
  59. ROM: Read-Only Memory
  60. secondary storage: storage other than the computer's internal memory (RAM); external storage, such as disk or magnetic tape
  61. silicon: (Si).An element found in rocks and sand, which is used as the base, or substrate, for computer chips
  62. software: software is the programs that tell a computer what to do
  63. syntax error: a discrepancy between a computed, observed, or measured value or condition and the true, specified, or theoretically correct value or condition
  64. text file: a file containing only text characters, usually ASCII characters; contrast with graphics file and binary file
  65. URL: Uniform Resource Locator (formerly Universal Resource Locator)
  66. Windows: operating system
  67. WWW: World Wide Web
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