Glossary
Applet
A small Java application that is downloaded by an ActiveX
or Java-enabled web browser. Once it has been downloaded,
the applet will run on the user's computer. Common applets
include financial calculators and web drawing programs.
Application
Computer software that performs a task or set of tasks, such
as word processing or drawing. Applications are also referred
to as programs.
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange, an encoding
system for converting keyboard characters and instructions
into the binary number code that the computer understands.
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Bandwidth
The capacity of a networked connection. Bandwidth determines
how much data can be sent along the networked wires. Bandwidth
is particularly important for Internet connections, since
greater bandwidth also means faster downloads.
Binary code
The most basic language a computer understands, it is composed
of a series of 0s and 1s. The computer interprets the code
to form numbers, letters, punctuation marks, and symbols.
Bit
(short for “binary digit”). The smallest piece
of computer information, either the number 0 or 1.
Boot
To start up a computer. Cold boot—restarting computer
after having turned off the power. Warm boot—restarting
computer without having turned off the power.
Browser
Software used to navigate the Internet. Netscape Navigator
and Microsoft Internet Explorer are today's most popular browsers
for accessing the World Wide Web.
Bug
A malfunction due to an error in the program or a defect in
the equipment.
Byte
Most computers use combinations of eight bits, called bytes,
to represent one character of data or instructions. For example,
the word “cat” has three characters, and it would
be represented by three bytes.
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Cache
A small data-memory storage area that a computer can use to
instantly re-access data instead of re-reading the data from
the original source, such as a hard drive. Browsers use a
cache to store web pages so that the user may view them again
without reconnecting to the Web.
CAD-CAM
Computer Aided Drawing-Computer Aided Manufacturing. The instructions
stored in a computer that will be translated to very precise
operating instructions to a robot, such as for assembling
cars or laser-cutting signage.
CD-ROM
Compact Disc Read-Only Memory. An optically read disc designed
to hold information such as music, reference materials, or
computer software. A single CD-ROM can hold around 640 megabytes
of data, enough for several encyclopedias. Most software programs
are now delivered on CD-ROMs.
CGI
Common Gateway Interface. A programming standard that allows
visitors to fill out form fields on a Web page and have that
information interact with a database, possibly coming back
to the user as another Web page.
CGI may also refer to Computer-Generated Imaging, the process
in which sophisticated computer programs create still and
animated graphics, such as special effects for movies.
Chat
Typing text into a message box on a screen to engage in dialog
with one or more people via the Internet or other network.
Chip
A tiny wafer of silicon containing miniature electric circuits
that can store millions of bits of information.
Client
A single user of a network application that is operated from
a server. A client/server architecture allows many people
to use the same data simultaneously. The program's main component
(the data) resides on a centralized server, with smaller components
(user interface) on each client.
Cookie
A text file sent by a Web server that is stored on the hard
drive of a computer and relays back to the Web server things
about the user, his or her computer, and/or his or her computer
activities.
CPU
Central Processing Unit. The brain of the computer.
Cracker
A person who “breaks in” to a computer through
a network, without authorization and with mischievous or destructive
intent (a crime in some states).
Crash
A hardware or software problem that causes information to
be lost or the computer to malfunction. Sometimes a crash
can cause permanent damage to a computer.
Cursor
A moving position-indicator displayed on a computer monitor
that shows a computer operator where the next action or operation
will take place.
Cyberspace
Slang for the Internet.
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Database
A collection of similar information stored in a file, such
as a database of addresses. This information may be created
and stored in a database management system (DBMS).
Debug
Slang. To find and correct equipment defects or program malfunctions.
Default
The pre-defined configuration of a system or an application.
In most programs, the defaults can be changed to reflect personal
preferences.
Desktop
The main directory of the user interface. Desktops usually
contain icons that represent links to the hard drive, a network
(if there is one), and a trash or recycling can for files
to be deleted. It can also display icons of frequently used
applications, as requested by the user.
Desktop publishing
The production of publication-quality documents using a personal
computer in combination with text, graphics, and page layout
programs.
Directory
A list of files stored in the computer.
Disk
Two distinct types. The names refer to the media inside the
container:
A hard disc stores vast amounts of data. It is usually inside
the computer but can be a separate peripheral on the outside.
Hard discs are made up of several rigid coated metal discs.
Currently, hard discs can store 15 to 30 Gb (gigabytes)
A floppy disc, 3.5" square, usually inserted into the
computer and can store about 1.4 megabytes of data. The 3.5"
square “floppies” have a very thin, flexible disc
inside. There is also an intermediate-sized floppy disc, trademarked
Zip discs, which can store 250 megabytes of data.
Disk drive
The equipment that operates a hard or floppy disc.
Documentation
The instruction manual for a piece of hardware or software.
Domain
Represents an IP (Internet Protocol) address or set of IP
addresses that comprise a domain. The domain name appears
in URLs to identify web pages or in email addresses. For example,
the email address for the First Lady is first.lady@whitehouse.gov,
“whitehouse.gov” being the domain name. Each domain
name ends with a suffix that indicates what “top level
domain” it belongs to. These are: “.com”
for commercial, “.gov” for government, “.org”
for organization, “.edu” for educational institution,
“.biz” for business, “.info” for information,
“.tv” for television, “.ws” for website.
Domain suffixes may also indicate the country in which the
domain is registered. No two parties can ever hold the same
domain name.
Domain name
The name of a network or computer linked to the Internet.
Domains are defined by a common IP address or set of similar
IP (Internet Protocol) addresses.
Download
The process of transferring information from a web site (or
other remote location on a network) to the computer. It is
possible to “download a file” or “view a
download.”
v. To transfer information from a web site (or other remote
location on a network) to the computer.
DOS
Disk Operating System. An operating system designed for early
IBM-compatible PCs.
Drop-down menu
A menu window that opens vertically on-screen to display context-related
options. Also called pop-up menu or pull-down menu.
DSL
Digital Subscriber Line. A method of connecting to the Internet
via a phone line. A DSL connection uses copper telephone lines
but is able to relay data at much higher speeds than modems
and does not interfere with telephone use.
DVD
Digital Video Disc—Similar to a CD-ROM, it stores and
plays both audio and video.
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Email
Electronic mail; messages, including memos or letters, sent
electronically between networked computers that may be across
the office or around the world.
Emoticon
A text-based expression of emotion created from ASCII characters
that mimics a facial expression when viewed with your head
tilted to the left. Here are some examples:
:-) Smiling
:-( Frowning
;-) Winking
:_( Crying
Encryption
The process of transmitting scrambled data so that only authorized
recipients can unscramble it. For instance, encryption is
used to scramble credit card information when purchases are
made over the Internet.
Ethernet
A type of network.
Ethernet card
A board inside a computer to which a network cable can be
attached.
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File
A set of data that is stored in the computer.
Firewall
A set of security programs that protect a computer from outside
interference or access via the Internet.
Firewire
Apple® Computer's high-speed data transfer. Frequently
used to import video to a computer.
Folder
A structure for containing electronic files. In some operating
systems, it is called a “directory.”
Fonts
Sets of typefaces (or characters) that come in different styles
and sizes.
Freeware
Software created by people who are willing to give it away
for the satisfaction of sharing or knowing they helped to
simplify other people's lives. It may be freestanding software,
or it may add functionality to existing software.
FTP
File Transfer Protocol. A format and set of rules for transferring
files from a host to a remote computer.
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Gigabyte (GB)
1024 megabytes. Also called gig.
Glitch
The cause of an unexpected malfunction.
Gopher
An Internet search tool that allows users to access textual
information through a series of menus, or if using FTP, through
downloads.
GUI
Graphical User Interface. A system that simplifies selecting
computer commands by enabling the user to point to symbols
or illustrations (called icons) on the computer screen with
a mouse.
Groupware
Software that allows networked individuals to form groups
and collaborate on documents, programs, or databases.
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Hacker
A person with technical expertise who experiments with computer
systems to determine how to develop additional features. Hackers
are occasionally requested by system administrators to try
and “break into” systems via a network to test
security. The term hacker is sometimes incorrectly used interchangeably
with cracker. A hacker is called a “white hat”
and a cracker a “black hat.”
Hard copy
A paper printout of what you have prepared on the computer.
Hard drive
another name for the hard disc that stores information information
in a computer.
Hardware
The physical and mechanical components of a computer system,
such as the electronic circuitry, chips, monitor, disks, disk
drives, keyboard, modem, and printer.
Home page
The main page of a Web site used to greet visitors, provide
information about the site, or to direct the viewer to other
pages on the site.
HTML
Hypertext Markup Language. A standard of text markup conventions
used for documents on the World Wide Web. Browsers interpret
the codes to give the text structure and formatting (such
as bold, blue, or italic).
HTTP
Hypertext Transfer Protocol. A common system used to request
and send HTML documents on the World Wide Web. It is the first
portion of all URL addresses on the World Wide Web (e.g.,
http://www.whitehouse.gov).
HTTPS
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. Often used in intracompany
internet sites. Passwords are required to gain access.
Hyperlink
Text or an image that is connected by hypertext coding to
a different location. By selecting the text or image with
a mouse, the computer “jumps to” (or displays)
the linked text.
Hypermedia
Integrates audio, graphics, and/or video through links embedded
in the main program.
Hypertext
A system for organizing text through links, as opposed to
a menu-driven hierarchy such as Gopher. Most Web pages include
hypertext links to other pages at that site, or to other sites
on the World Wide Web.
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Icons/Folder icon
Symbols or illustrations appearing on the computer screen
that indicate program files or other computer functions.
Input
Data that goes into a computer device.
Input device
A device, such as a keyboard, stylus and tablet, mouse, puck,
or microphone, that allows input of information (letters,
numbers, sound, video) to a computer.
Instant Messenging (IM)
A chat application that allows two or more people to communicate
over the Internet via real-time keyed-in messages.
Interface
The interconnections that allow a device, a program, or a
person to interact. Hardware interfaces are the cables that
connect the device to its power source and to other devices.
Software interfaces allow the program to communicate with
other programs (such as the operating system), and user interfaces
allow the user to communicate with the program (e.g., via
mouse, menu commands, icons, voice commands, etc.).
Internet
An international conglomeration of interconnected computer
networks. Begun in the late 1960s, it was developed in the
1970s to allow government and university researchers to share
information. The Internet is not controlled by any single
group or organization. Its original focus was research and
communications, but it continues to expand, offering a wide
array of resources for business and home users.
IP (Internet Protocol) address
An Internet Protocol address is a unique set of numbers used
to locate another computer on a network. The format of an
IP address is a 32-bit string of four numbers separated by
periods. Each number can be from 0 to 255 (i.e., 1.154.10.266).
Within a closed network IP addresses may be assigned at random,
however, IP addresses of web servers must be registered to
avoid duplicates.
Equal to 1,024 bytes.
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Java
An object-oriented programming language designed specifically
for programs (particularly multimedia) to be used over the
Internet. Java allows programmers to create small programs
or applications (applets) to enhance Web sites.
Javascript/ECMA script
A programming language used almost exclusively to manipulate
content on a web page. Common Javascript functions include
validating forms on a web page, creating dynamic page navigation
menus, and image rollovers.
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Kilobyte (K or KB)
In decimal systems, kilo stands for 1,000, but in
binary systems, a kilo is 1,024 (2 to the 10th power). Technically,
therefore, a kilobyte is 1,024 bytes, but it is often used
loosely as a synonym for 1,000 bytes. For example, a computer
that has 256K main memory can store approximately 256,000
bytes (or characters) in memory at one time.
A megabyte is 2 to the 20th power (approximately 1 million)
and a gigabyte is 2 to the 30th power (approximately 1 billion).
In computer literature, kilobyte is usually abbreviated as
K or KB. To distinguish between a decimal K (1,000) and a
binary K (1,024), the IEEE has suggested following the convention
of using a small k for a decimal kilo and a capital K for
a binary kilo, but this convention is by no means strictly
followed.
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Link
Short for hyperlink.
Linux
A UNIX®-like, open-source operating system developed primarily
by Linus Torvalds. Linux is free and runs on many platforms,
including both PCs and Macintoshes. Linux is an open-source
operating system, meaning that the source code of the operating
system is freely available to the public. Programmers may
redistribute and modify the code, as long as they don't collect
royalties on their work or deny access to their code. Since
development is not restricted to a single corporation more
programmers can debug and improve the source code faster..
Laptop or Notebook
Small, lightweight, portable battery-powered computers that
can fit onto your lap. They each have a thin, flat, liquid
crystal display screen.
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Macro
A script that operates a series of commands to perform a function.
It is set up to automate repetitive tasks.
Mac OS
An operating system with a graphical user interface, developed
by Apple® for Macintosh® computers. Current System
“X.1” (10) combines the traditional Mac interface
with a strong underlying UNIX® operating system for increased
performance and stability.
Megabyte (MB)
Equal to 1,048,576 bytes, usually rounded off to one million
bytes (also called a “meg”).
Memory
Temporary storage for information, including applications
and documents. The information must be stored to a permanent
device, such as a hard disc or CD-ROM before the power is
turned off, or the information will be lost. Computer memory
is measured in terms of the amount of information it can store,
commonly in megabytes or gigabytes.
Menu
A context-related list of options that users can choose from.
Menu bar
The horizontal strip across the top of an application's window.
Each word on the strip has a context sensitive drop-down menu
containing features and actions that are available for the
application in use.
Merge
To combine two or more files into a single file.
MHz
An abbreviation for Megahertz, or one million hertz. One MHz
represents one million clock cycles per second and is the
measure of a computer microprocessor's speed. For example,
a microprocessor that runs at 300 MHz executes 300 million
cycles per second. Each instruction a computer receives takes
a fixed number of clock cycles to carry out, therefore the
more cycles a computer can execute per second, the faster
its programs run. Megahertz is also a unit of measure for
bandwidth.
Microprocessor
A complete central processing unit (CPU) contained on a single
silicon chip.
Minimize
A term used in a GUI operating system that uses windows. It
refers to reducing a window to an icon, or a label at the
bottom of the screen, allowing another window to be viewed.
Modem
A device that connects two computers together over a telephone
or cable line by converting the computer's data into an audio
signal. Modem is a contraction for the process it performs:
modulate-demodulate.
Monitor
A video display terminal.
Mouse
A small hand-held device, similar to a trackball, used to
control the position of the cursor on the video display; movements
of the mouse on a desktop correspond to movements of the cursor
on the screen.
MP3
Compact audio and video file format. The small size of the
files makes them easy to download and e-mail. Format used
in portable playback devices.
Multimedia
Software programs that combine text and graphics with sound,
video, and animation. A multimedia PC contains the hardware
to support these capabilities.
MS-DOS
An early operating system developed by Microsoft Corporation
(Microsoft Disc Operating System).
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Network
A system of interconnected computers.
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Open source
Computer programs whose original source code was revealed
to the general public so that it could be developed openly.
Software licensed as open source can be freely changed or
adapted to new uses, meaning that the source code of the operating
system is freely available to the public. Programmers may
redistribute and modify the code, as long as they don't collect
royalties on their work or deny access to their code. Since
development is not restricted to a single corporation more
programmers can debug and improve the source code faster.
Operating system (O.S.)
A set of instructions that tell a computer on how to operate
when it is turned on. It sets up a filing system to store
files and tells the computer how to display information on
a video display. Most PC operating systems are DOS (disc operated
system) systems, meaning the instructions are stored on a
disc (as opposed to being originally stored in the microprocessors
of the computer). Other well-known operating systems include
UNIX, Linux, Macintosh, and Windows.
Output
Data that come out of a computer device. For example, information
displayed on the monitor, sound from the speakers, and information
printed to paper.
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Palm
A hand-held computer.
PC
Personal computer. Generally refers to computers running Windows
with a Pentium processor.
Printed circuit board (PC board)
A board printed or etched with a circuit and processors. Power
supplies, information storage devices, or changers are attached.
PDA
Personal Digital Assistant. A hand-held computer that can
store daily appointments, phone numbers, addresses, and other
important information. Most PDAs link to a desktop or laptop
computer to download or upload information.
PDF
Portable Document Format. A format presented by Adobe Acrobat
that allows documents to be shared over a variety of operating
systems. Documents can contain words and pictures and be formatted
to have electronic links to other parts of the document or
to places on the web.
Pentium chip
Intel's fifth generation of sophisticated high-speed microprocessors.
Pentium means “the fifth element.”
Peripheral
Any external device attached to a computer to enhance operation.
Examples include external hard drive, scanner, printer, speakers,
keyboard, mouse, trackball, stylus and tablet, and joystick.
Personal computer (PC)
A single-user computer containing a central processing unit
(CPU) and one or more memory circuits.
Petabyte
A measure of memory or storage capacity and is approximately
a thousand terabytes.
Petaflop
A theoretical measure of a computer's speed and can be expressed
as a thousand-trillion floating-point operations per second.
Platform
The operating system, such as UNIX®, Macintosh®, Windows®,
on which a computer is based.
Plug and play
Computer hardware or peripherals that come set up with necessary
software so that when attached to a computer, they are “recognized”
by the computer and are ready to use.
Pop-up menu
A menu window that opens vertically or horizontally on-screen
to display context-related options. Also called drop-down
menu or pull-down menu.
Power PC
A competitor of the Pentium chip. It is a new generation of
powerful sophisticated microprocessors produced from an Apple-IBM-Motorola
alliance.
Printer
A mechanical device for printing a computer's output on paper.
There are three major types of printers:
Dot matrix: creates individual letters, made up of
a series of tiny ink dots, by punching a ribbon with the ends
of tiny wires. (This type of printer is most often used in
industrial settings, such as direct mail for labeling.)
Ink jet: sprays tiny droplets of ink particles onto
paper.
Laser: uses a beam of light to reproduce the image
of each page using a magnetic charge that attracts dry toner
that is transferred to paper and sealed with heat.
Program
A precise series of instructions written in a computer language
that tells the computer what to do and how to do it. Programs
are also called “software” or “applications.”
Programming language
A series of instructions written by a programmer according
to a given set of rules or conventions (“syntax”).
High-level programming languages are independent of the device
on which the application (or program) will eventually run;
low-level languages are specific to each program or platform.
Programming language instructions are converted into programs
in language specific to a particular machine or operating
system (“machine language”) so that the computer
can interpret and carry out the instructions. Some common
programming languages are BASIC, C, C++, dBASE, FORTRAN, and
Perl.
Puck
An input device, like a mouse. It has a magnifying glass with
crosshairs on the front of it that allows the operator to
position it precisely when tracing a drawing for use with
CAD-CAM software.
Pull-down menu
A menu window that opens vertically on-screen to display context-related
options. Also called drop-down menu or pop-up menu.
Push technology
Internet tool that delivers specific information directly
to a user's desktop, eliminating the need to surf for it.
PointCast, which delivers news in user-defined categories,
is a popular example of this technology.
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QuickTime®
Audio-visual software that allows movie-delivery via the Internet
and e-mail. QuickTime mages are viewed on a monitor.
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RAID
Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks. A method of spreading
information across several disks set up to act as a unit,
using two different techniques:
Disk striping: storing a bit of information across several
discs (instead of storing it all on one disc and hoping that
the disc doesn't crash).
Disk mirroring: simultaneously storing a copy of information
on another disc so that the information can be recovered if
the main disc crashes.
RAM
Random Access Memory. One of two basic types of memory. Portions
of programs are stored in RAM when the program is launched
so that the program will run faster. Though a PC has a fixed
amount of RAM, only portions of it will be accessed by the
computer at any given time. Also called memory.
Right-click
Using the right mouse button to open context-sensitive drop-down
menus.
ROM
Read-Only Memory. One of two basic types of memory. ROM contains
only permanent information put there by the manufacturer.
Information in ROM cannot be altered, nor can the memory be
dynamically allocated by the computer or its operator.
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Scanner
An electronic device that uses light-sensing equipment to
scan paper images such as text, photos, and illustrations
and translate the images into signals that the computer can
then store, modify, or distribute.
Search engine
Software that makes it possible to look for and retrieve material
on the Internet, particularly the Web. Some popular search
engines are Alta Vista, Google, HotBot, Yahoo!, Web Crawler,
and Lycos.
Server
A computer that shares its resources and information with
other computers, called clients, on a network.
Shareware
Software created by people who are willing to sell it at low
cost or no cost for the gratification of sharing. It may be
freestanding software, or it may add functionality to existing
software.
Software
Computer programs; also called “applications.”
Spider
A process search engines use to investigate new pages on a
web site and collect the information that needs to be put
in their indices.
Spreadsheet
Software that allows one to calculate numbers in a format
that is similar to pages in a conventional ledger.
Storage
Devices used to store massive amounts of information so that
it can be readily retrieved. Devices include RAIDs, CD-ROMs,
DVDs.
Streaming
Taking packets of information (sound or visual) from the Internet
and storing it in temporary files to allow it to play in continuous
flow.
Stylus and tablet
A input device similar to a mouse. The stylus is pen shaped.
It is used to “draw” on a tablet (like drawing
on paper) and the tablet transfers the information to the
computer. The tablet responds to pressure—the firmer
the pressure used to draw, the thicker the line appears.
Surfing
Brwosing/Exploring the Internet.
Surge protector
A controller to protect the computer and make up for variances
in voltage.
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Telnet
A way to communicate with a remote computer over a network.
Trackball
Input device that controls the position of the cursor on the
screen; the unit is mounted near the keyboard, and movement
is controlled by moving a ball.
Terabytes (TB)
A thousand gigabytes.
Teraflop
A measure of a computer's speed. It can be expressed as a
trillion floating-point operations per second.
Trojan Horse
A type of virus that opens backdoors and allows hackers to
gain access to your computer.
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UNIX®
A very powerful operating system used as the basis of many
high-end computer applications.
Upload
The process of transferring information from a computer to
a web site (or other remote location on a network).
v. To transfer information from a computer to a web site (or
other remote location on a network).
URL
Uniform Resource Locator.
1. The protocol for identifying a document on the Web.
2. A Web address (e.g., www.census.gov). A URL is unique to
each user. See also domain.
UPS
Universal Power Supply or Uninterruptible Power Supply. An
electrical power supply that includes a battery to provide
enough power to a computer during an outage to back-up data
and properly shut down.
USB
Universal Serial Bus. An industry standard for connecting
different compatible peripheral devices across multiple platforms.
Devices include printers, digital cameras, scanners, game
pads, joysticks, keyboards and mice, and storage devices.
USB peripherals offer the use of plug-and-play convenience
by eliminating the need to turn off or restart the computer
when attaching a new peripheral. Users can connect USB peripherals
whenever they need them. For example, a user producing a newsletter
could easily swap a digital camera for a scanner-without any
downtime. Small, simple, inexpensive, and easy to attach,
USB supports simultaneous connection of up to 127 devices
by attaching peripherals through interconnected external hubs.
USB hub
A multiple-socket USB connecter that allows several USB-compatible
devices to be connected to a computer.
USENET
A large unmoderated and unedited bulletin board on the Internet
that offers thousands of forums, called newsgroups. These
range from newsgroups exchanging information on scientific
advances to celebrity fan clubs.
User friendly
A program or device whose use is intuitive to people with
a nontechnical background.
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Video teleconferencing
A remote “face-to-face chat,” when two or more
people using a webcam and an Internet telephone connection
chat online. The webcam enables both live voice and video.
virtual reality (VR)
A technology that allows one to experience and interact with
images in a simulated three-dimensional environment. For example,
you could design a room in a house on your computer and actually
feel that you are walking around in it even though it was
never built. (The Holodeck in the science-fiction TV series
Star Trek: Voyager would be the ultimate virtual reality.)
Current technology requires the user to wear a special helmet,
viewing goggles, gloves, and other equipment that transmits
and receives information from the computer.
virus
An unauthorized piece of computer code attached to a computer
program or portions of a computer system that secretly copies
itself from one computer to another by shared discs and over
telephone and cable lines. It can destroy information stored
on the computer, and in extreme cases, can destroy operability.
Computers can be protected from viruses if the operator utilizes
good virus prevention software and keeps the virus definitions
up to date. Most viruses are not programmed to spread themselves.
They have to be sent to another computer by e-mail, sharing,
or applications. The worm is an exception, because it is programmed
to replicate itself by sending copies to other computers listed
in the e-mail address book in the computer. There are many
kinds of viruses, for example:
Boot viruses place some of their code in the start-up disk
sector to automatically execute when booting. Therefore, when
an infected machine boots, the virus loads and runs.
File viruses attached to program files (files with the extension
“.exe”). When you run the infected program, the
virus code executes.
Macro viruses copy their macros to templates and/or other
application document files.
Trojan Horse is a malicious, security-breaking program that
is disguised as something benign such as a screen saver or
game.
Worm launches an application that destroys information on
your hard drive. It also sends a copy of the virus to everyone
in the computer's e-mail address book.
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WAV
A sound format (pronounced “wave”) used to reproduce
sounds on a computer.
Webcam
A video camera/computer setup that takes live images and sends
them to a Web browser.
Window
A portion of a computer display used in a graphical interface
that enables users to select commands by pointing to illustrations
or symbols with a mouse. “Windows” is also the
name Microsoft adopted for its popular operating system.
World Wide Web (“WWW” or “the Web”)
A network of servers on the Internet that use hypertext-linked
databases and files. It was developed in 1989 by Tim Berners-Lee,
a British computer scientist, and is now the primary platform
of the Internet. The feature that distinguishes the Web from
other Internet applications is its ability to display graphics
in addition to text.
Word processor
A computer system or program for setting, editing, revising,
correcting, storing, and printing text.
Worm
A type of virus.
WYSIWYG
What You See Is What You Get. When using most word processors,
page layout programs (See desktop publishing), and web page
design programs, words and images will be displayed on the
monitor as they will look on the printed page or web page.
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