286- the 80286 microprocessor was introduced by Intel in 1982. PCs with this kind of microprocessor are normally referred to as 286 computers.
486- the 80486 microprocessor was introduced by Intel in 1989. PCs with this kind of microprocessor are normally referred to as 486 computers.
8086- the 8086 microprocessor was introduced by Intel in 1978.
Access time- a standard measure that indicates the level of performance of the hard disk. The measure is the actual time that it takes for a piece of data to be located on the hard disk.
ActiveX - Microsoft technology used on the Internet. There are ActiveX controls, which allow you to view Microsoft word documents via the Web browser, play animated graphical effects, or display interactive maps. An ActiveX control is roughly equivalent to a Java Applet.
ADC- analogue to digital converter. A device which converts analogue information to digital.
ADSL(asymmetric digital subscriber line)- a mechanism by which data can be transmitted across conventional telephone lines.
AGP (advanced or accelerated graphics port)- special interface designed to speed up 3d graphics processing by the computer. Video cards must be specifically designed to plug into the agp connector.
Alpha-based CPU- a CPU technology developed by Digital Equipment Corporation. It supports a number of different operating systems.
Analogue- analogue systems refer to the use of variable voltage in electrical signals to represent any kind of data.
Animated GIF file- a special type of GIF file, giving the impression of a video.
Anonymous FTP (anonymous file transfer protocol)- the procedure of connecting to a remote computer as an anonymous or guest user in order to transfer public files back to your local computer.
ANSI (American National Standards Institute)- the American body responsible for setting telecommunications standards in the U.S.A.
Anti-virus software - A program that finds and removes viruses from a computer.
Applet- a small program written in the Java programming language that can only be used as part of a Web page.
Application- software programs written to serve a particular function for the user of a computer. Typical examples are word processors, spreadsheets, and games.
Archie- a program which enables you to find files on the Internet which you can transfer to your own PC.
Artificial intelligence- a computer science that involves making a computer imitate human intelligence.
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange)- a standard way of representing ordinary text as a stream of binary numbers, with a code set of 128 characters.
ASCII text file- the most common file format found on PCs. Text files contain no formatting information at all. They do not require special programs to access them.
ATM (asynchronous transfer mode)- a dedicated-connection switching technology that organises digital data into 53-byte cells or packets and transmits them over a medium using digital signal technology.
Autoexec.bat- one of the two special batch files which automatically execute when the PC is started up. (The other is config.sys). This file is normally located in the root directory.
Backup - A copy on floppy disk or tape of files on a PC's hard disk. A backup is used in case the hard disk file(s) are erased or damaged.
Bandwidth- the amount of data, measured usually in bits per second, which can be sent through a dedicated (leased) transmission circuit. The bandwidth is basically the maximum speed at which data can be transmitted between computers in a network.
Basic Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code-. A popular programming language developed by John Kemeny and Thomas Kurtz at Dartmouth College in the 1960's. Microsoft developed a version of Basic known as Visual Basic (VB). VB uses the same ideas for programming that Basic uses, but also adds many new commands specifically designed for programming windows applications.
Batch file- set of DOS commands contained within a single text file. If this text file has a file suffix of .bat, then by entering the file name at the DOS prompt, the DOS commands will be executed one after the other.
Baud- a measure of data transfer rate: one bit per second. Thus, data transferred at the rate of 9,600 bits every second is equivalent to 9,600 baud, or about 120 words per second.
BBS (bulletin board system)- a computer which allows the people who subscribe to it to copy files to it from their own PCs, or send messages to other users of the bulletin board.
Beta version- a version of an application program which is available for use but is not the definitive version that the company will be releasing as the final product.
Binary- the base 2 numbering system which is the basis of PC technology. Ten in binary is equivalent to two in decimal.
BIOS (basic input / output system)- the program a PC’s microprocessor uses to get the computer system started after you turn it on. It also manages data flow between the computer’s operating system and attached devices such as the hard disk, video card, keyboard, mouse and printer.
Bit, bytes - A bit is the smallest piece of information that computers use. For simplicity, a PC uses bits in groups of 8 called bytes (8 bits = 1 byte).
Bitmap- scanned photos and “painted” images created in programs such as Adobe PhotoShop and Corel PhotoPaint. Unlike vector art (line drawings), which uses mathematical expressions to represent lines and curves, a bitmap is a graphic image formed by a matrix of dots.
Board- a unit on which various electronic components are mounted.
Bookmark- a link set up by the user to a particular Web page.
Boot, boot up, boot disk - You boot (or boot up) your computer when you switch it on and wait while it prepares itself. Instructions for startup are given to the computer from the boot disk, which is usuallyl the hard disk .
BPS (bits per second)- a measure of the speed at which data is transmitted between computers. A 28.8 modem transmits data at speeds of up to 28,800 bits per second.
Browser, to browse - A browser is a program like Netscape or Internet Explorer. You use it to view or browse the Internet
Bug - A (small) defect or fault in a program .
Bus network- a system of two or more PCs connected by a single cable and able to communicate with one another.
Bus- a computer’s bus is for transportation of computer data. Inside your computer, binary data flows from your processor to other components via a data bus. This type of bus is called an external bus. The internal bus is the path on which the data flows inside the processor.
Byte- the basic storage unit needed to store a single character: 8 bits.
C andC++ -advanced computer programming languages. The programmer can create applications for almost any computer system.
Cache memory- random access memory (RAM) that a computer microprocessor can access more quickly than it can access regular RAM. As the microprocessor processes data, it looks first in the cache memory, and if it finds the data there (from a previous reading of data), it does not have to do the more time-consuming reading of data from larger memory.
CD-ROM - A disk for storing computer information. It looks like an audio CD.
Central processing unit- the microprocessor and the memory of the PC.
CGI (common gateway interface)- scripts are used by Internet programmers to perform basic functions such as counting the number of times a Web page is accessed.
Chip- an integrated circuit commonly used for the microprocessor and memory of a microcomputer.
Circuit- a logical stream of data set up to flow through two or more network nodes. A single physical link between these nodes may have several virtual circuits flowing through it.
Client- a computer program which is capable of accessing information in a computer server.
Client-server interface- a program that provides an interface to remote programs (called clients), most commonly across a network, so these clients can access some service such as databases, printing, etc. In general, the clients act (indirectly) on behalf of a human end-user.
Clock speed- the rate at which the CPU clock operates, usually measured in megahertz (MHz). In theory, the faster the clock speed, the faster the CPU will perform its operations.
Clone- a copy of a more expensive make of PC. It runs the same software, operating systems etc.
CMOS (complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor)- a special RAM chip which stores vital settings about your PC, such as the size of the hard disk and the amount and type of memory.
COM port- one of up to four serial ports on a PC, normally used for a mouse or a modem.
Command interpreter- a DOS program that executes commands entered at the DOS prompt.
Compression- a technique used to reduce the size of a file without losing any of the original information.
Computer- an electronic device capable of receiving instructions and data, performing the indicated logic and arithmetic operations at high speed and issuing the result.
Config.sys- one of the two special batch files which automatically execute when the PC is started up. (The other is the autoexec.bat).
Controller- a circuit board which links the hard disk and the motherboard.
Conventional memory- the first 640 kilobytes of memory. All DOS programs run in conventional memory.
Cookie- a file that is written to your hard disk when you access certain Web pages. The file contains certain information, often information that you entered when you displayed the page.
CPS characters per second- The measure of how fast a printer can print a document or how fast a communications device can send information.
CPU - Central Processing Unit. This is a PC's heart or 'brains'.
Cursor- a flashing rectangle or line on the screen that shows exactly where the user is working.
Cyberspace- a term first used by William Gibson in the novel Neuromancer to refer to a futuristic computer network into which people plugged their brains and interacted with it. The term has come to refer to the increasing interaction of humans with computers.
Data- the content of a file, e.g. the information contained within a spreadsheet or the contents of the records on a database.
Data transfer rate- the speed at which data can be read from the hard disk and delivered to the processor.
Database- a collection of data organised and designed for easy access. A collection of customer names and addresses may form the content of a database.
Default value- a number of programs will require the user to provide information. In some cases if the user chooses not to enter a value a “default value” will be taken.
DES (data encryption standard)- a standard method for encrypting and decrypting data.
Desktop publishing- using a PC to produce professional publications that can be used to market products or present useful information to customers.
Device driver- software that allows the PC to communicate with hardware devices such as the printer and the mouse.
Dialog box- a box displayed on the PC screen by a program, including a message normally indicating that something is about to happen or has just happened.
Digital camera- a camera that produces photographs that can be saved as files on a PC.
Digital video disk- a disk that can hold over 4 gigabytes of information.
DIMMS (dual in-line memorymodules)- memory chips which are soldered onto plugs, which slot into sockets on the motherboard. They have 168 pins in two rows.
Directory- a catalogue for files stored on the hard disk of a PC.
Disk- a flat, circular, metal or plastic platter coated with a thin layer of magnetic material on which data may be recorded as a series of magnetic signals arranged in circular patterns (called tracks).
Diskette- another name for a 3.5 inch floppy disk.
DLL (dynamic link library)- a library of program subroutines which can be shared among several different application programs.
Domain name system (DNS)- the Internet naming scheme, which consists of a hierarchical sequence of names from the most specific to the most general (left to right), separated by dots.
DOS - Disk Operating System. The original system used for PCs. You type in commands instead of pointing and clicking.
Downloading- the electronic transfer of information from one computer to another, generally from a larger computer to a smaller one, such as a microcomputer.
DPI (dots per inch)- the resolution for page printers, image-setters and graphics screens.
Driver - A small program that tells a PC how a peripheral works.
DSL (digital subscriber line)- technology for bringing high-bandwidth information to homes and small businesses over ordinary copper telephone lines.
Electronic mail (email, e-mail) - Messages sent from one computer to another. You can see email on the screen or print it out.
EDI (electronic data interchange)- a set of standards that allows corporations to order from and send invoices to other corporations, by means of data networks. Also referred to as electronic commerce.
Electronic bulletin board- a shared file where users can enter information for other users to read or download.
Encryption- the process of converting data into “unreadable code.” Valuable and sensitive information is often sent from one computer to another.
Ethernet- the most widely installed local area network technology.
Expansion card- a printed circuit card such as a video card that plugs into an expansion slot and adds functionality to the PC.
Extranet- similar to an intranet with the added feature that the information contained can be accessed externally by business partners.
FAQ (frequently asked question)- a file which new users can refer to when using a new service or piece of Internet software.
FAT (file allocation table)- a table stored on a hard disk, identifying the physical location of each file on the disk.
Fibre or fibre optic cable- contains about two dozen threads of pure glass. Lasers attached to the end of such cable can send digital patterns of light pulses.
Field- records are comprised of fields. Each field is set aside for a particular piece of information. For example, a company database may contain a record for each customer. Each of these records may contain a field containing the customer’s telephone number.
File- data is stored in the form of a file. Files can be program files, containing instructions that allow the PC to perform various tasks under the control of the user, or data files that contain information only.
File extension- in DOS or Windows, computer files have to be named using a standard consisting of a name, a point and a file extension. For example, the file “autoexec.bat” has a file extension of “bat.”
File server- a computer that stores files which can be accessed by a number of different users and provides network access to those files.
Firewall- a set of related programs, located at a network gateway server that protects the resources of a private network from users from other networks. A combination of specialised hardware and software designed to keep unauthorised users from accessing information.
Flame- a strong message containing some form of criticism directed at another users —comments normally within e-mail.
Floating point calculation- a mathematical method which the processor uses to perform calculations which need a high degree of accuracy.
Floppy disk - A cheap, removable disk used for storing or transferring information. It is floppy (soft) because it is plastic. See hard disk.
Floppy drive - The device used to run a floppy disk (usually drive 'A'.)
Flowchart- a diagram produced to show the steps in a particular process. Flowcharts are used to show diagrammatically what processes certain computer programs perform.
Folder (directory) - A sub-division of a computer's hard disk into which you put files.
Font - A particular sort of lettering (on the screen or on paper). Arial is a font. Times New Roman is another.
Format - All hard disks and floppy disks have to be electronically prepared for use by a process called formatting. Hard disks are pre-formatted by the computer manufacturer. If you buy a floppy disk that is not pre-formatted, you format it yourself, using a program that comes with your PC.
FTP (file transmission protocol) a standard for moving files from one computer to another. Predominantly used on the Internet.
Gateway- a network point that acts as an entrance to another network. In a company network, a proxy server acts as a gateway between the internal network and the Internet. A gateway may also be any device that passes packets from one network to another in their trip across the Internet.
GIF file- the most common type of image file used on the Internet. These files are compressed so they take up the minimum amount of space and can therefore be downloaded more quickly than other graphics files.
Gigabyte- one billion bytes.
Gopher- an application that locates, retrieves, and records information from the Internet. Like FTP, Gopher has become part of the World Wide Web.
Graphic- a picture or non-text item within a document. Most Web pages contain a number of graphics.
Graphics card - The equipment inside a computer that creates the image on the screen.
GUI (graphical user interface)- designed so that the user can perform tasks by using a mouse to point and click on an icon. The user can perform any task with either the mouse or the keyboard.
Hacker- a non-professional computer expert, or one who tries to gain unlawful access to a computer system.
Hard disk - The main disk inside a computer used for storing programs and information. It is hard because it is metal.
Hard drive- a computer device that reads and writes data from and to one or more magnetic disks. These disks are permanently housed inside the hard drive.
Hardware- the physical components of a PC.
Head- the part of the hard-disk mechanism that actually reads and writes data to the disk.
Hexadecimal- the base-16 numbering system, widely used in PC technology.
Home page- the page by which a user normally enters a Web site.
Host computer- in the context of networks, a computer that directly provides service to a user. In contrast, a network server provides services to a user through an intermediary host computer.
HotJava- a Web browser which can display “executable content” written in the Java programming language.
Hotspot- a position on the screen that will result in a particular event occurring if the mouse is clicked. For example, clicking on a particular city shown on a map might give information about that city.
HTML (HyperText Mark-up Language)- used to format information so that it can be structured and made accessible to the WWW.
HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol)- the set of rules for exchanging files (text, graphic images, sound, video, and other multimedia files) on the World Wide Web.
Hub- a device to which several others are attached, providing a common point of connection to all other devices in the network.
Hypertext links- make it possible to connect or link a passage in a document to another document on the same Web site or a document on another Web site.
IBM-compatible- a computer that can run software written for an IBM computer.
Icon - A small image or picture on a computer screen that is a symbol for folders, disks, peripherals, programs etc.
Internet - International network of computers that you connect to by telephone line. Two popular services of the Internet are the World Wide Web and electronic mail.
Kb, Mb, Gb - Kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes. Used to measure computer memory and storage.
Memory - Memory is for the temporary storing of information while a computer is being used. See RAM, ROM and Cache.
MHz - Megahertz. This describes the speed of computer equipment. The higher the MHz the better the performance.
Modem - Equipment connected to a computer for sending/receiving digital information by telephone line. You need a modem to connect to the Internet, to send electronic mailand to fax.
OCR - Optical Character Recognition. OCR lets a PC read a fax or scanned image and convert it to actual lettering.
Parallel port - A socket at the back of a computer for connecting external equipment or peripherals, especially printers.
PC card - A device that is the same size as a thick credit card, for plugging into a slot on notebook computers. You can buy memory, modems and hard drives as PC cards.
Peripheral - Any equipment that is connected externally to a computer. For example, printers, scanners and modems are peripherals.
Pixel - The image that you see on the screen is made of thousands of tiny dots, points or pixels.
Program Software- that operates a PC and does various things, such as writing text (word-processing program), keeping accounts (accounts program) and drawing pictures (graphics program).
QWERTY - The first 6 letters on English-language keyboards are Q-W-E-R-T-Y. The first 6 letters on French-language keyboards are A-Z-E-R-T-Y.
RAM, ROM - Two types of memory RAM (Random Access Memory) is the main memory used while the PC is working. RAM is temporary. ROM (Read Only Memory) is for information needed by the PC and cannot be changed.
Resolution - The number of dots or pixels per inch (sometimes per centimetre) used to create the screen image.
Scanner - Equipment for converting paper documents to electronic documents that can be used by a computer.
Serial port - Socket at the back of a PC for connecting peripheral.
Taskbar, Start button - Two areas of the screen in Windows95. The taskbar, at the bottom of the screen, shows the programs in use. The start button, in the bottom left corner, is for opening the programs.
TFT - Thin Film Transistor, a type of high quality screen for notebook computers.
Virus - A small, unauthorized program that can damage a PC.
Windows - An operating system used by the majority of PCs. The current versions are Windows 98 and Windows NT.
World Wide Web, WWW, the Web - WWW are initials that stand for World Wide Web. The Web is one of the services available on the internet. It lets you access millions of pages through a system of links. Because it is 'world-wide', it was originally called the World Wide Web or WWW.
WYSIWIG - 'What You See Is What You Get.' With a WYSIWIG a program, if you print a document it looks the same on paper as it looks on the screen.