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.
4. binary:Pertaining to a number system that has just two unique digits.
5. boot:To load the first piece of software that starts a computer.
6. browser:A software application used to locate and display Web pages
7. buffer:A temporary storage area, usually in RAM. The purpose of most buffers is to act as a holding area.
8. bug:An error or defect in software or hardware that causes a program to malfunction.
9. byte:A unit of storage capable of holding a single character.
10. character: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.
13. command:An instruction to a computer or device to perform a specific task.
14. compatible:The ability of one device or program to work with another device or program.
15. CPU:Abbreviation of central processing unit, and pronounced as separate letters. The CPU is the brains of the computer. Sometimes referred to simply as the processor or central processor, the CPU is where most calculations take place.
16. 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.
17. data:Distinct pieces of information, usually formatted in a special way.
18. debug:To find and remove errors (bugs) from a program or design.
19. directory:A special kind of file used to organize other files into a hierarchical structure.
20. disk drive:A machine that reads data from and writes data onto a disk.
21. documentation:Instructions for using a computer device or program.
22. DOS:Acronym for disk operating system. The term DOS can refer to any operating system, but it is most often used as a shorthand for MS-DOS.
23. editor:A program that enables you to create and edit text files.
24. e-mail:The transmission of messages over communications networks.
25. field:A space allocated for a particular item of information.
26. file:A collection of data or information that has a name, called the filename.
27. floppy disk:A soft magnetic disk.
28. flow chart:A graphical representation of a algorithm.
29. FTP:Abbreviation of File Transfer Protocol, the protocol used on the Internet for sending files.
30. function key:Special keys on the keyboard that have different meanings depending on which program is running.
31. graphics:Pertains to any computer device or program that makes a computer capable of displaying and manipulating pictures.
32. hard copy:A printout of data stored in a computer.
33. hard-disk:Can store anywhere from 20MB to more than 10GB. Hard disks are also from 10 to 100 times faster than floppy disks.
34. hardware:Refers to objects that you can actually touch, like disks, disk drives, display screens, keyboards, printers, boards, and chips.
35. hexadecimal:Refers to the base-16 number system, which consists of 16 unique symbols: the numbers 0 to 9 and the letters A to F.
36. HTML:Short for HyperText Markup Language, the authoring language used to create documents on the World Wide Web.
37. HTTP:Short for HyperText Transfer Protocol, the underlying protocol used by the World Wide Web.
38. integrated circuit:Another name for a chip, an IC is a small electronic device made out of a semiconductor material.
39. internet:A global network connecting millions of computers.
40. interface:Something that connects two separate entities.
41. 1 Gig:A billion
42. 1K:A thousand
43. 1 Meg:A million
44. LAN:An area network.
45. memory:Internal storage areas in the computer.
46. menu:A list of commands or options from which you can choose.
47. microprocessor:A silicon chip that contains a CPU.
48. mnemonic:A memory aide.
49. modem:A device or program that enables a computer to transmit data over telephone lines.
50. monitor:Another term for display screen.
51. operating system:Operating systems perform basictasks, such as recognizing input from the keyboard, sending output to the display screen, keeping track of files and directories on the disk, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers.
52. output:Anything that comes out of a computer.
53. port:An interface on a computer to which you can connect a device.
54. printer:A device that prints text or illustrations on paper.
55. primary storage:A somewhat dated term for main memory. Mass storage devices, such as disk drives and tapes, are sometimes called secondary storage.
56. program:An organized list of instructions that, when executed, causes the computer to behave in a predetermined manner.
57. prompt:A symbol on a display screen indicating that the computer is waiting for input.
58. RAM:Pronounced ram, acronym for random access memory, a type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly; that is, any byte of memory can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes.
59. ROM:Pronounced rahm, acronym for read-only memory, computer memory on which data has been prerecorded.
60. secondary storage:Refers to various techniques and devices for storing large amounts of data.
61. silicon:The most common semiconductor material used to produce chips.
62. software:Anything that can be stored electronically is software. The storage devices and display devices are hardware.
63. syntax error:Spelling and grammar of a programming language.
64. text file:A file that holds text. The term text file is often used as a synonym for ASCII file, a file in which characters are represented by their ASCII codes.
65. URL:Abbreviation of Uniform Resource Locator, the global address of documents and other resources on the World Wide Web.
66. user friendly:Anything that makes it easier for novices to use a computer.
67. Windows:An enclosed, rectangular area on a display screen.
68. WWW:World Wide Web