MY COMPUTER DICTIONARY

  1. algorithm- A 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 Booleanoperations
  4. binary-A system of numbers having 2 as its base and using 0s and 1s for its notation.Binary code is used by computers because it works well with digital electronics and Boolean algebra.
  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.A buffer can hold data being sent from a high-speed device to a low-speed device until the slower device can accept the input
  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.A computer that has 8-bit bytes (most large and small computers today) can distinguish 28 = 256 different characters.See bits, kilobytes and megabytes.
  10. character-ol that represents information, or the representation of that symbol by a computer.
  11. chip-Also called microelectronic or integrated circuit.
  12. clock-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.Two hardware devices, such as a computer and printer, can be compatible.
  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.Data can be input into a computer and processed in various ways.
  18. debug-To fix problems in hardware or software.
  19. directory-to help you find something.
  20. disk drive-The disk drive where a floppy disk is inserted.
  21. documentation-Instructions that come with a software program, which may include paper.
  22. DOS-Disk Operating System.
  23. edit-To make changes in a file.
  24. e-mail-Electronic mail-.A service that sends messages on computers via local or global networks.
  25. field-ems 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.
  27. floppy disk-.A removable, portable magnetic disk on which data and programs can be stored.
  28. FTPFile Transfer Protocol- .A client/server protocol for exchanging files with a host computer.Examples are Xmodem, Ymodem, Zmodem and Kermit.
  29. function key-A set of special keys on a computer keyboard that are numbered F1, F2, etc.
  30. graphics-The creation, editing, and printing of pictures.
  31. hard copy-The paper version of a document, as opposed to the version on disk or tape.
  32. hard disk-The main device that a computer uses to store information.
  33. hardware-The hardware is the physical part of a computer system; the machinery and equipment.Software means the programs that tell the computer what to do.
  34. hexadecimal-The base 16 numbering system, sometimes used as a short way of representing binary numbers.
  35. HTML-HyperText Markup Language.
  36. HTTP-HyperText Transfer Protocol.
  37. integrated-(IC).Also called microelectronic or chip.
  38. internet-A network of networks; a group of networks interconnected via routers.The Internet (with a capital I) is the world's largest internet.
  39. interface-A shared boundary where two or more systems meet;
  40. 1 Gig-billion bytes
  41. 1K-thousand bytes
  42. 1Meg-million bytes
  43. memory-Also called main memory.
  44. menu-A onscreen list from which the user may choose an operation to be performed.
  45. microprocessor-A computer with its entire CPU contained on one integrated circuit. The firstmicroprocessor wascreated by Intel.
  46. mnemonic-A memory aid; a word or expression which isdesigned to be easier to remember than what it represents.
  47. modem-A peripheral device that connects computers to each other for sending communications via the telephone lines.
  48. monitor-Also called a display.A device that displays text and graphics generated by a computer.
  49. operating system-(OS).The main control program of a computer that schedules tasks, manages storage, and handles communication with peripherals.
  50. output-Information that comes out of the computer;
  51. port-1.A socket at the back of a computer used to plug in external devices such as a modem, mouse, scanner, or printer.
  52. b-prints paper
  53. primary storage-The internal memory of a computer; Random Access Memory.
  54. program-PL).A high-level mathematical programming language developed by Kenneth Iverson in the 1960s.
  55. prompt-A message from the computer that asks the operator to do something, such as enter a command, enter a password, or enter data.
  56. RAM-Random Access Memory.The working memory of the computer.RAM is the memory used for storing data temporarily while working on it, running application programs, etc.
  57. ROM-Read-Only Memory-Memory that can be read but not changed.Read-only
  58. memory is non-volatile storage;
  59. secondary storage-Storage other than the computer's internal memory (RAM); externalstorage, such as disk or magnetic tape.
  60. silicon-Si).An element found in rocks and sand, which is used as the base, or substrate, for computer chips.
  61. sofrware-Software is the programs that tell a computer what to do.Hardware is the physical part of a computer system; the machinery and equipment.
  62. syntax error-i could not find it.
  63. text file-A file containing only text characters, usually ASCII characters; contrast with graphics file and binary file.
  64. URL-iform Resource Locator (formerly Universal Resource Locator). user friendly-cant find it
  65. Windows-User interface software with windows released by Microsoft in 1985 to run with MS-DOS.
  66. WWW-World Wide Web-A hypermedia-based system for browsing Internet sites.



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