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. For most purposes, we use the decimal number system, which has ten unique digits, 0 through 9.
  5. boot: to load the first piece of software that starts a computer.
  6. browser: short for web browser, a software application use to locate and display web pages.
  7. buffer: 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.*command: an instruction to a computer or device to perform a specific task.
  13. compatible indicates that a product can work with or is equivalent to another, better-known product.
  14. CPU: abbreviation of central processing unit, and CPU is the brains of the computer.
  15. 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.
  16. data: distinct pieces of information, usually formatted in a special way.
  17. debug: to find and remove errors (bugs) from a program or design.
  18. directory: a special kind of file used to organize other files into a hierarchical structure.
  19. disk drive: a machine that reads data from and writes data onto a disk.
  20. documentation: instructions for using a computer device or program.
  21. DOS: acronym for disk operating system.
  22. edit:a primitive form of editor that requires you to specify a specific line of text before you can make changes to it.
  23. e-mail: short for electronic mail, the transmission of messages over communications networks.
  24. field: a space allocated for a particular item of information.
  25. file: a collection of data or information that has a name, called the filename.
  26. floppy disk: a soft magnetic disk.
  27. flow chart:a graphical representation of a algorithm.
  28. FTP: provides a comprehensive guide to FTP including sections on software elements, command choices and formats, control connection commands, typical messages, and utilities.
  29. function key: any of a set of key on a computer key board that have or can be programmed to have special functions.
  30. graphics: pertains to any computer device or program that makes a computer capable of displaying and manipulating pictures.
  31. hard copy: a printout of data stored in a computer.
  32. hard-disk: a round plate which data can be enclosed.
  33. hard ware: refers to objects that you can actually touch, like disks.
  34. hexadecimal: refers to the base-16 number system.
  35. HTML: short for hyper text markup language, the authoring language used to create documents on the world wide web.
  36. HTTP: hypertext transfer protocol.
  37. intergrated circut:
  38. internet: a global network connecting millions of computers.
  39. interface: something that connects two separate entities.
  40. 1gig: 1billion
  41. 1k: 1thousand
  42. 1meg:1million
  43. LAN: a computer network thatspans a relatively small area.
  44. memory: internal storage areas in the computer.
  45. menu: a list of commands or options from which you can choose.
  46. microprocessor: a silicon chip.
  47. mnemonic: a word or string which is intended to be easier to remember than the thing it stands for.
  48. modem: a modem is a device or program that enables a computer to transmit data.
  49. monitor: another term for display screen.
  50. operating system: the most important program that runs on a computer.
  51. output: anythiung that comes out of a computer.
  52. port: primary storage: a dated term for memory.
  53. printer: a device that prints text or illustrations on paper.
  54. program: an organized list of instructions that, when executed, causes the computer to behave in a predetermined manner.
  55. prompt: a symbol on a display screen indicating that the computer is waiting for input.
  56. RAM: random access memory, a type of computer memory.
  57. ROM: read-only memory, computer memory on which data has been prerecorded.
  58. secondary storage: refers to various techniques and devices for storing large amounts of data.
  59. silicon: a high level of programming language.
  60. software: computer instructions or data.
  61. syntax errror: refers to the spelling and grammar of a programming language.
  62. text file: a file that holds text.
  63. URL: uniform resource locator, the global address of documents and other resources on the world wide web.
  64. user feiendly: refers to anything that makes it easier for novices to use a computer.
  65. windows: an enclosed rectangular area on a display screen.
  66. www: a system of internet servers that support speciallt formatted documents.
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