Updated 3/21/01 Copyright 2001, J.Graham; All rights reserved.
Access: A popular database package for microcomputers. To purchase Access, click here. For a book about using Access click here.
Address: A location number to identify a byte in memory.
Algorithm: A specific set of steps used for performing a task. Unlike a program, an algorithm is abstract.
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): The part of the CPU that does calculations and logical operations such as comparisons.
Antivirus Programs: Programs which help find and remove viruses. These programs are not a perfect defense, because they might not be able to find and remove all viruses. Two popular antivirus programs are Norton AntiVirus 2001 7.0 and VirusScan Classic 4.0. Book suggestion: The Giant Black Book of Computer Viruses
Applet: A small program written in Java which your browser can automatically download from the Internet and execute.
Applications Packages (Applications): Software that provides useful or interesting output for the user. This includes all software except system software, which is used to operate or maintain the computer system. For example it would include business software, educational software, and games.
Architecture: (System Architecture) The way that the computer system is conceptualized by the assember language programmer.
ARPANET: The predecessor of the Internet, funded by the US Department of Defense, started in 1969. Book suggestion: Casting the Net: From ARPAnet to Internet and Beyond
Artificial Intelligence: The ability of a machine to perform a task which would require intelligence if performed by a person. Book suggestions: Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach, Artificial Intelligence by Patrick Henry Winston.
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange): The standard binary code for storing character data in a computer system. Each character takes one byte.
Assembler Language: (also called Assembly Language) A programming language where each instruction corresponds with one machine language instruction. Book suggestion: Assembly Language for Intel-Based Computers.
Binary Code: A code with two symbols. The two symbols are known as "one" and "zero". All data and programs in a computer system are stored in binary codes.
Biometrics: Using a physical or behavioral characteristic of a person to identify them for security purposes. Book suggestion: Biometrics : Advanced Identify Verification: The Complete Guide
Bit:A single symbol in a binary code. A bit must be a one or a zero.
Block: A unit of data; Generally the amount of data transferred to or from a storage device to memory in one input/output operation.
Booting: The process by which the operating system is loaded into the memory when the computer is started or restarted.
Bootstrap Loader: The program which brings the operating system into memory. For an IBM compatible, the first part of the bootstrap loader is found in a ROM. The second part of the bootstrap loader is found on on a disk.
Browser or Web Browser: A client program used to access the World Wide Web or the web pages on a company's intranet. The two most popular web browsers are Internet Explorer and Netscape.
Bug: Programming error. Book Suggestion: Writing Solid Code : Microsoft's Techniques for Developing Bug-Free C Programs.
Byte: Eight consecutive bits sharing the same address.
Cache Memory: A type of memory which is faster than ordinary RAM, but not as large. By using cache memory for pieces of programs and data that are used most frequently, the computer is able to work faster. Click here to see how cache is used in Intel's Pentium 4 CPU.
Card: Electronic circut board.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A painful condition caused by the swelling of the nerve that runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be caused by use of the computer keyboard. Form more information on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, click here and scroll down. Book Suggestion: Crs Computer-Related Syndrome : The Prevention & Treatment of Computer-Related Injuries
C: The programming language which was the precursor of C++.
C#: A new object oriented language from Microsoft. Book suggestion: C# Programming with the Public Beta.
C++: The most popular programming language.
CD (Compact Disk)A form of optical storage media.
CD-ROM: A CD which cannot be rewritten. CD-ROMs are used for distributing software. A CDR is a CD-ROM. CD-ROM is NOT the same as ROM, which is a form of memory.
Certification: A number of companies offer certifications the are widely recognized in industry. The certification means that a person has been tested and knows a certain body of knowledge. Microsoft, Cisco, Novell, and Sun Microsystems offer certification in the use of their products. For more information on certification programs, click here.
Character Data: Data consisting of letters of the alphabet, numerals, spaces, punctuation, and other symbols entered using the keyboard.
Checksum: A mathematical function used to make sure that a
file or piece of data has not been lost or altered. Used in data communications.
Cipher: A code used to protect the privacy or secrecy of information.
Class: In object oriented programming, a class is a group of objects which meet certain specifications defined by the programmer. The programmer will define each class, giving it a name, and specifying which functions and data items it will contain.
Client: Any program that enables a user to make use of any server. See "Client-Server". On example of a client program would be a web browser.
Client-Server: A form of information system where work is divided up between a client and a server. The server is a system on a network which manages a resource or resources that are shared by users throughout the network. The client is a program on the user's machine which allows them to make use of the server. Book suggestion:
Client/Server Computing For DummiesŪ
Clock Speed: The number of pulses, in a given period of time, from the clock that controls the timing for the CPU.
CMOS: A battery powered memory. One common use is to have it
remember the time, date, what disk drives are connected to a computer, computer passwords, etc.
The CMOS is also used as memory in some digital cameras.
Code: (1) (noun) Computer programs or parts of computer programs; (2) (verb) To write computer programs. (3) (noun) Any method of representing data other than natural language. (4) (noun) A system of representing data designed to protect the privacy of that data.
Communications Medium: The physical material or physical-level technique for transferring data from one location to another. This would include twisted wire pair, coaxial cable, fiber optics, and microwave.
Compiler: A program that translates the source program written by the programmer into the object program which is in machine language. For each programming language there are various compilers available. For examples of compilers, click here.
Computer: Programmable electronic data processing machine. Programmable means that the computer follows lists of instructions called programs in order to perform any task.
Computer Aided Design (CAD): Using computers to design anything. Can be used to design building, bridges, cars, clothing, computers, etc. The program, among other things, allows the user to see the object being designed from various angles. To see examples of software used for CAD, click here and scroll down.
Computer Architecture: The way that the computer system is conceptualized by the assember language programmer.
Computer System: A system promprised of a computer, the software installed on it and the peripherals connected to it.
Controller: A circut which controls an input, output, or storage device.
Cookies: Small pieces of data left on a computer by a web server to identify or give information about the computer's users. Cookies can be used in ways which invade the computer user's privacy. For more information on this problem and what to do about it, click here. For more general information on cookies, click here.
Copy Protection: Any technological means of preventing the copying of intellectual property.
Copyright: The protection property rights of the author with respect to written works, pictures, and sound recordings. The author can sell his or her right to another party. All such creative works are covered by copyright law, even if they are not registered with the government. Works can be registered with the U.S. Copyright Office in order to provide a record of who the author is. Book suggestion: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1564145123/newyorkstarwebad">
Copyright Plain & Simple
CPU (Central Processing Unit): The part of the computer that executes the machine language program. In microcomputers, the CPU is a silicon microprocessor chip such as the Pentium. For an example of a CPU for a desktop computer click here.
CRC (Cyclical Redundency Check: A method of making sure that pieces of data have not been corrupted or altered. Used by disk drive controllers.
Crytography: Creating new codes and breaking existing codes. Book suggestion: Secret Messages : Concealment, Codes, and Other Types of Ingenious Communication.
CU (Control Unit): The part of the CPU which determines which instruction to execute next.
Data: Symbols or signals which could convey information. Facts which are in a format in which they cannot immediately be used. A computer is considered a data processing machine rather than an information prgrocessing machine because it does not understand the symbols it processes.
Data Element: A single piece of data, such as a person's name or an amount.
Data Field: A space in which a particular data element is placed.
Database: An organized collection of data. Book suggestion:
Database Design for Mere Mortals : A Hands-On Guide to Relational Database Design.
Database Engine: A program which handles a database. A database package may consist of a user interface and a database engine.
Database Package A software package that is used to manage databases. A popular database packages for microcomputers is
Microsoft Access 2000. Database packages for machines of various sizes are made by IBM, Oracle, and Sybase.
Data Mining: Searching through large collections of data such as data warehouses to find useful patterns. Book suggestion:
Data Mining: Concepts and Techniques.
Data Network: A network designed to carry various types of data as opposed to the telephone network which was designed for voice data.
Data Warehouse: Very large collections of data, used for data mining. Unlike typical databases, the purposes for which data warehouses will be used are not planned in advance. Book suggestion:
The Essential Guide to Data Warehousing.
Decision Support System: A system designed to help with specific management decisons.
Decryption: The process of decoding information that is in code.
Digital Code: A code(3) that has a limited number of symbols.
Digital Camera: A camera that uses an electronic memory instead of film. With respect to a computer system, the digital camera is an input device. To see examples of digital cameras, click here.
Digital Signature: A code used for signing an electronic document, such as an email. A program must be used to determine whether the digital signature is valid. The digital signature also includes a time stamp which the recipient should check to guard against forgeries. One program that creates digital signatures is McAfee PGP Personal Security.
Disk: Storage media which are round, flat and which rotate as they are read and written. There are magnetic disks which include hard disks and floppy disks. There optical disks (optical storage media)such as CDs and DVDs.
Disk Drive: A storage device which reads and writes a disk. There are floppy disk drives,
hard disk drives, and optical disk drives.
Distributed Application: A system of
Distributed Database: A database which is spread out among different locations.
DOS: Short for MS-DOS; Also was the name of an "mp.htm#opersyst">operating system for IBM Mainframe computers.
DVD: An optical storage media with more capacity than the CD. They are read by a DVD Drive.
DVD Drive: A device that reads DVD optical storage media. Click here and scroll down to see examples of DVD Drives.