Reading...
Play button
Play button
Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to navigate between flashcards;
Use UP and DOWN arrow keys to flip the card;
H to show hint;
A reads text to speech;
162 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
|
Acrobat®
|
A product of Adobe Systems that produces documents which can be displayed and printed from most computer operating systems. Adobe provides free Acrobat® readers for downloading from the Internet. Acrobat® files have extensions of " PDF" (for portable document format).
|
|
|
analog
|
Refers to a signal that varies continuously. The other type is signal is digital which is composed of discrete units. Digital circuits are easier to design and operate. Nearly all modern computers and new communication systems use digital signals. Standalone fax machines usually send and receive analog signals.
|
|
|
android
|
A machine created to perform one or more functions normally done by humans. Android literally means possessing human features; the Oxford English Dictionary defines android as "an automaton resembling a human being." Androids resemble humans while robots need not have physical features like those of humans. See cyborg and robot.
|
|
|
ANSI
|
American National Standards Institute. The United States group that approves US many standards, including the standards for computers and for communications. ANSI is a member of the International Organization for Standardization, ISO. Also see byte.
|
|
|
applet
|
Programs written in Sun Microsystem's Java language. The programs contain the code needed to "play" animations or to present interactive applications. Applets can be downloaded using Netscape and played in a Web session.
|
|
|
application software or programs
|
Programs designed to support work or recreation functions, e.g., word processors, spreadsheets, database managers, and image editors. These programs may be integrated into one or more suites of software. Application software should be distinguished from utility programs.
|
|
|
Archie
|
A system that gathers, indexes, and distribute information on the Internet. Initially developed at McGill University School. While Veronica searches Gopher files, Archie searches FTP file sites. Archie functions are being replaced by Web Search Engines on the World Wide Web.
|
|
|
artificial intelligence (AI)
|
A property of machines that, if achieved, mimics human thought processes. Many researchers in artificial intelligence consider the abilities of "learning", reasoning, and decision making as essential to claims of machines possessing artificial intelligence. Sometimes referred to as AI.
|
|
|
ASCII
|
American Standard Code for Information Interchange. The primary encoding character set used in computers. The current version has 7 bits per character. 8.bit words or character codes provide a bit that can be used as a check but to help that the remaining 7 bits are correct. Also see byte.
|
|
|
Asimov, Issac (1920-1992)
|
Educated as a biochemist; also an author of short stories and novels, mostly science fiction. He is known as a futurist who predicted future developments in computers and information technology and their influence on society. Asimov introduced the fictional "three laws of robotics" that have been the basis for many discussions on ethical considerations of using robotics.
|
|
|
Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)
|
A very fast data transmission method. It dynamically allocates bandwidth and uses a fixed-size data packet. Large files are broken into small standard sized units that are transmitted to the receiving computer where the packets are reassembled into a copy of the original file. The number of packets transmitted per second is dynamically determined based upon the needs of the applications requesting the data.
|
|
|
attachment, e-mail
|
A document sent as a attachment to an e-mail message. The attachment may be any digital file object such as a simple ASCII text document, a word processing document, an image, a sound file, a video file, or a spreadsheet file.
|
|
|
authentication
|
Verification of a person's identity or the source of a document. In network systems, authentication referrers to verifying that messages and documents came from the person indicated.
|
|
|
back door
|
An entry into a computer system deliberately left by designers, usually privileged accounts intended for field service technicians or maintenance programmers. (Also called "trap door" or "wormhole")
|
|
|
backup / back-up
|
1. verb - To make copies of computer data or programs.
2. noun - Copies of computer data or programs. Backups may be on any media such as floppy diskettes, hard disks, CD-ROMs, or tapes. Backups are made to be used for recovery in the the event of damage or loss of the original version of the files. |
|
|
bandwidth
|
1. The difference in height between the highest and lowest frequencies.
2. A measure of the amount of data that can be transmitted through a circuit per unit of time (second). |
|
|
barcode
|
An image of dark stripes of varying widths on a light background; the width and sequence of the stripes denotes the numbers (characters). The images are scanned by laser or conventional light emitting devices; software programs convert the barcode information into digital data.
|
|
|
baud
|
The carrying capacity of communication lines or systems in symbols per second. Baud rates coincide with bits per second only under specific conditions. "Baud" was used for telegraph speeds for one Morse code dot per second. The term is confusing and, "bits per second" (bps) or "characters per second" (cps) should be used for modern computer and fax communications. Note that in the ASCII code, each character is composed of eight bits!
|
|
|
BGR
|
Blue, Green, Red. The colors of light that, when mixed, produce any other color. Images may be stored as sets of separate red, green and blue overlays. The three colors are emitted from to the three "guns" in a color cathode ray tube. BGR is sometimes a synonym for color, for example, a "RGB monitor". There are other methods of storing and representing colors (see CMYK and HSV).
|
|
|
binary
|
Relating to systems composed of only two items or choices. See bit.
|
|
|
bit
|
binary digit. The smallest unit of information for data storage and transmission. Each bit is considered to be either a "1" or a "0" and is said to be "set" or true if its value is 1 and "clear" or "reset" if the value is "0". Bits are sometimes referred to as being O or 1, and sometimes as plus (+) or minus (-), sometimes as being "on" or "off", and sometimes as "true" or "false". (See byte. Also see Boolean logic and fuzzy logic.)
|
|
|
bitmap
|
A file or image structure representing, bit for bit, an image displayed on a monitor. Bitmaps define the width and height of images and the parts of images. Bitmaps may represent colored images; in this case, more than on bit is needed to define each pixel. See BGR.
|
|
|
BMP
|
An image file format used in Microsoft Windows. A bitmap format.
See GIF, JPEG, PIC, PIX, TIFF, and WPG. |
|
|
Boolean logic
|
A system of logic based on Boolean algebra and named after George Boole (hence, capitalized). It deals with the two truth values of "TRUE and "FALSE". It also included the modifiers of "AND", "OR" and "NOT". The Boolean conditions of true and false are often represented by "0" for "false" and "1" for "true". The "0" and "1" states are sometimes referred to as "no" and "yes" conditions. See fuzzy logic
|
|
|
boot / boot up
|
To start or initialize a computer operating system.
|
|
|
bps / BPS
|
Bits per second, the transmission speed of data between computers (or fax machines). BOPS is often used to express data transmission speeds.
|
|
|
browser
|
A program for reading hypertext. Browser permit viewing the contents of documents and support navigating among documents. The most popular World Wide Web browsers (1996) are Netscape Navigator and Microsoft's Internet Explorer.
|
|
|
bug
|
An unwanted operation or function in a program or in computer hardware. the use of the term "bug" to computer malfunctions is attributed to Admiral Grace Hopper. The story told by Admiral Hopper is that an early computer had malfunctioned. Upon investigation, a moth was discovered between the contacts in the machine.
|
|
|
bulletin board system (bbs / BBS)
|
A computer and software providing a message database. Users log in and leave and read messages. Messages are often divided into topics. Some BBS provide archives of files or other services, e.g., e-mail.
|
|
|
byte
|
The unit of data storage and transmission in computers. A byte is usually considered the code for a single character. The number of bits in a byte varies among computer systems. We usually think of a byte as being 8 bits long. The English Latin alphabet has 52 characters (upper and lower case) and computers commonly also use punctuation marks and a few special characters such as the period, exclamation mark, slashes, equal sign, tilde, ampersand, dollar symbol, pound sign, percent mark, asterisk, plus sign, and carriage return. Including punctuation mark and special characters, we need approximately 100 unique codes. Each bit can exist in only two states, 0 or 1. Thus, a 6 bit word can define only 64 characters, a 7 bit word can define 128 characters, and an 8 bit word can define 256 characters. If one bit is used to check the integrity of the entire byte, then we need at least an 8 bit byte (or "word") for common computer uses.
|
|
|
CAD
|
Computer Aided Design. CAD systems are sometimes integrated with a computer aided manufacturing system.
|
|
|
CAL
|
Computer Aided Learning. learning that is assisted by interactive computer programs. See training and tutorial.
|
|
|
call forward
|
A telephone service by which telephone calls are forwarded to a previously determined number. The number to which calls are forwarded can be changed at time either remotely or at the phone from which the calls are forwarded.
|
|
|
call id / caller id
|
A telephone service the displays the telephone number and name of the person calling.
|
|
|
CAM
|
Computer Aided Manufacture. CAM systems are sometimes integrated with a computer aided design system.
|
|
|
CD & CD-ROM
|
Compact Disk, Compact Disk-Read Only Memory. A data storage medium that uses the same physical formats as audio compact disk. There are several logical formats used to store data on CDs. Compact disk can store (currently,1996) approximately 600 megabytes (8-bit bytes) of data. Note: The French Academy has recommended the Gallicized cédérom version of word with this dictionary entry, Cédérom (masculine noun) (final m pronounced). Adapted from the American term CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only memory).
|
|
|
CERN
|
The European Laboratory for Particle Physics located in Geneva, Switzerland. The World Wide Web originated in this laboratory in 1989 when its staff proposed a multimedia, hyperlinked system of documents. This laboratory has sometimes been referred to as the "home of the Web." The NCSA staff developed the first graphical browser, Mosaic, for the World Wide Web. Mosaic was released (free) for public use in 1990.
|
|
|
CGI
|
Common gateway interface. A type of program that will run under nearly all operating systems and is used primarily to process requests from HTML forms or act on information obtained from HTML forms.
|
|
|
chat room
|
A virtual "place" where two or more network users can exchange e-electronic messages. Most chat or talk systems support real -time or simultaneous communications.
|
|
|
checkdigit
|
A checksum of only one digit. See ISBN for an example of a checkdigit.
|
|
|
checksum
|
A value that is computed and that depends on the contents of a set of data. Checksums are stored or transmitted with the data. The checksum is used to detect if the data has been altered during transmission or when being stored and retrieved. Receiving programs recompute the checksum to compare with the checksum sent or stored with the data. Checksums may be more than one digit. They are not always the result of addition but may be the result of one or more computations involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. A very simple example of a checksum is found in ISBN codes for books and other documents. The last digit of an ISBN code is a checkdigit. (The ISBN codes use a single digit check value; thus an "x" is used to denote a value of 10 in ISBN codes.) ISBN checksums are examples of a one-digit checksum, or a checkdigit.
|
|
|
CISC
|
Complex instruction set computer. The opposite of RISC. Pentium and x86 type chip use CISC chips. See also RISC.
|
|
|
client
|
A computer program that requests a service of another computer system (a "server"). See also client-server.
|
|
|
client-server
|
A software partitioning scheme in which a system is divided between server tasks performed on requests from clients, asking for information or action.
|
|
|
CMYK
|
A method for describing colors by amounts of the secondary colors of Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow. In addition the amount of blacK (the "key") is also specified. The CMYK system is used in printing. See BGR and HSV).
|
|
|
code of conduct
|
Standards of behavior that are expected by or required of members of a community. Users of networks abide a code of conduct that insists upon respect for intellectual property rights, respect for other users of the network, and responsible use of network facilities.
|
|
|
commercial software
|
Software, usually copyrighted, produced for sale or license for use. See freeware software, public domain software, and shareware software.
|
|
|
compression
|
The coding of files to storage space or transmission time. Most commonly used files of text, images, sound, or video can be converted into files of fewer bits. These compressed files can then be expanded to the original form for display or play. Many compression algorithms exits. Some compressions are better suited on one type of file than for others. Commonly used image compression methods are JPEG, and GIF. There are special compression methods for sound and video (e.g., MPEG compression) files. Some compression methods are used for files without regard to the kind of data represented. Common general compression methods include zip and pkzip for DOS based systems, stuffit for Macintosh® operating systems, and compress (using gzip) for UNIX operating systems. Two or more compressed files may be combined into an archive file using compression programs such as tat or zip.
|
|
|
computer abuse
|
With respect to computer systems, using computers and networks to perform illegal or unacceptable acts. Abusive acts may include unauthorized access, send messages or making available files containing offensive language pornographic materials, repeated sending of unwanted messages, or any act considered unacceptable by the community sharing the resources.
|
|
|
computer crime
|
Any illegal or unauthorized behavior in connection with computers and computer networks. Examples of computer crime include computer sabotage, unauthorized access, computer forgery, damage to computer data or programs, computer fraud, computer espionage, unauthorized use of a computer, and unauthorized use of protected computer program.
|
|
|
computer-aided interface
|
The devices and software that enable people to use computers. These include physical devices such as mouse, keyboard, pointers, and light wands. They also include software, such as Microsoft Words, with icons, help dialogues, and wizards.
|
|
|
cookie
|
A transaction ID used between cooperating programs. Cookies are used by some browsers and Web server programs to identify the client user and even unique preferences or requests from the client user. Cookies may be stored for use during a given session, for a set length of time (seconds, minutes, hours, or days), or retained permanently. Cookie information is stored with the browser on the client side; the information is automatically accessed and used by the browser in subsequent transactions.
|
|
|
copyright
|
The legal right of authors, composers, or publisher to "print" and distribute intellectual and artistic creations. The right is granted by governments and may apply to intellectual property in digital forms. In this case the printing and distribution includes digital forms of the works.
|
|
|
cps
|
Characters per second, used in expressing the speed of transferring digital data.
|
|
|
CPU
|
Central proccessing Unit. The main processingh chip of a computer
|
|
|
cracker
|
A person who attempts to gain unauthorized access a computer system, often for malicious purposes. The term was coined by hackers to defend against misuse of "hacker".
|
|
|
cyborg
|
A human with one or more mechanical or electronic devices implanted to enhance the capabilites of that human. See android and robot.
|
|
|
data
|
Numbers, codes, words, or phrases without units or other items that define or give meaning to these original elements. See information, knowledge, and wisdom.
|
|
|
database
|
A collection of related types of data in a single file, or set of files, for sorting, analyzing, and reporting.
|
|
|
data encryption
|
The scrambling of data into unintelligible characters using passwords. The encrypted file can be restored to their original state using the correct password. See an external document about encryption.
|
|
|
data integrity
|
The entry and preservation of stored data in a manner that results in its retrieval in a form identical to the original and representing the original observations or ideas. Uncorrupted data.
|
|
|
data redundancy
|
The storage of duplicate data. Relational databases provide file structures than can help reduce the need for duplicate data elements. Networks help reduce the need for duplicate data by permitting the sharing of data.
|
|
|
DBMS
|
Database management system. A program that sorts, links, and otherwise organizes and manages data in a database. DBMS may also assist in the analysis of data and the preparation of reports.
|
|
|
defragment
|
A process that reads file segments form non-contiguous sections of a storage device and then writes the files to the same device so that each file segment is contiguous with the preceding and following segments. When storage devices have files deleted, the unused space is available for future storage. If the net file written into the released space is large than the space available, then a pointed is recorded at the end of the segment and the remained of the file is written into one or more non-contiguous segments.
|
|
|
DES
|
Data Encryption Standard. An encryption algorithm. DES is the same as the ANSI standard Data Encryption Algorithm. It is a popular encryption method, "approved" by the US Government. DES has been implemented in hardware and software, neither of which are supposed to be exported from the United States.
|
|
|
design brief
|
Specifications that describe the functions and appearance of a system.
|
|
|
desktop publishing (DTP)
|
The use of computers to prepare text and graphics for printing. The best desktop publishing programs support the fitting of text into irregular shapes and the use of a variety of typefaces and font sizes and styles (bold, italic, underline, outline, superscripts, subscripts).
|
|
|
digital
|
Of or pertaining to data, programs, or information that exist in electronic binary form. The information is represented by combinations of the "1" and "0" conditions. See binary.
|
|
|
digital data
|
Data captured, stored, or transmitted in binary form. See bit and binary.
|
|
|
directory
|
A division of a file system into which files are placed. Directories are often organized into a hierarchical system with a root or main directory and one or more sub-directories. Each sub-directory may also have many levels of sub-directories. In practice, most users keep related files with a single directory; operating system files are usually placed within specially named directories. In the MacIntosh Operating System, directories are called folders. See folder.
|
|
|
DNS
|
1. Domain Name System. A data query service used on Internet for translating host names into Internet addresses. It is also the host name used on the Internet. The proper term for a host name its "fully qualified domain name". DNS refers to both a way of naming hosts and the way of naming the servers and clients that manage that information on the Internet.
2. Distributed Name Service, used by OSF (Open Software Foundation) as the naming service for DCE (Distributed Computing Environment). |
|
|
DOS
|
Disk Operating System. A widely used interpreter or program that translates user commands into machine code for computer-disk interactions. Functions include the organization of files into folders or directories and the finding, erasing, coping, or restoring of files.
|
|
|
drag-and-drop
|
The initiation of software processing by the virtual movement of icons into an icon for a program or process. Examples are: printing a document by moving an icon or a copy of its image into the icon for a printer, or deleting a file by moving its icon into the icon for the trash can.
|
|
|
EDI
|
Electronic Data Interchange. The set of document format standards and protocols by which business and academic information is exchanged over networks. EDI documents are used to process purchase orders, pay bills, invoices, share shipping orders, send transcripts, and to facilitate similar transactions.
|
|
|
electronic mail / e-mail
|
Documents or messages exchanged electronically over computer networks. E-mail is typically sent to a mail server computer where the document is held until the intended recipient connects to the mail server and reads or downloads the documents. E-mail notes may have attached files.
|
|
|
encryption
|
The reversible modification of data into unintelligible sequence of characters using passwords and special computer programs. See data encryption.
|
|
|
Encapsulated PostScript
|
A type of formatting in which positions and vectors describe images. Postscript formatted information is embedded into files for display orprinting. Abbreviated as EPS. EPS is used for Postscript graphics files that are to be incorporated into other documents.
|
|
|
ergonomics
|
The designing of equipment to increase productivity and reduce user fatigue or discomfort.
|
|
|
Ethernet
|
A coaxial cable local area network and an industry standard. Data is sent packets and the bandwidth (speed) is approximately 10 Mbits per second.
|
|
|
ethics
|
The critical and systematic reflection on morality. See also morality.
|
|
|
ethical considerations
|
Thoughts on moral implications of a given situation. Ethical considerations raise questions about the moral justifications of human behavior.
|
|
|
ethical decision making
|
The process of making moral choices about how to act in a given situation.
|
|
|
executive information system (EIS)
|
Real-time computer access to internal and external business information by executives for comprehensive decision making. Sometimes the data is captured at fixed intervals to provide data that can be more accurately compared.
|
|
|
executive support system (ESS)
|
Computer system that contains data and that performs analytical processes to support decision making
|
|
|
expert system (ES)
|
A programmed system containing the collective knowledge of experts in a given area. Expert systems also employ reasoning methodologies or models to emulate an expert decision making process.
|
|
|
Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code (EBCDIC)
|
An old and outdated character set used on IBM computers. EBCDIC lacked codes for some important characters and punctuation marks. EBCDIC was adapted from punched card code.
|
|
|
fiber optics
|
Glass fibers used to transmit digital data infra-red or visible light a the carrier (usually a laser). The fiber are very thin, smaller than a human hair. Light does not escape from the fibers because they are made to give complete reflection inside the fibers. Fiber optics can carry very large amounts of data over long distances at great speeds and without distortions. In one test, AT&T transferred the equivalent of the entire Encyclopedia Britannica a distance of approximately 160 km (100 miles) in one second.
|
|
|
field
|
A single element of data in a single record within a database
|
|
|
file
|
An electronic digital sequence of bits representing ASCII characters or other code sets. This electronic data may be stored on disks, tapes, or other devices and can be transmitted in electronic form. The digital data may represent text (letters or numbers), sound and/or images.
|
|
|
file conversion
|
The conversion of files formatted for on application into a from that can be used by another application. Typical file conversions are processed to permit the exchange of files between similar types of software but from different vendors. An example: The conversion of word processor documents created using Microsoft Word into a from for processing with WordPerfect word processor.
|
|
|
File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
|
A protocol used between clients and servers and allows one computer to transfer files to and from another computer over a TCP/IP network Connections require a user identification which may be open to "guest" or "anonymous" users, or the connections may restricted to specific persons. The connections may require public passwords, e-mail addresses, or secret passwords. Users many be permitted only to download files or they maybe given permission to both upload and download files.
|
|
|
firewall
|
A software program or a or machine device that prevents unauthorized access to computers or computer files. Firewalls are sometimes specific machines containing security software and devices; these machines are provide connection to networks from dial-in lines. These special machines protect the computers on a network "behind" the firewall. Computers behind the firewall can connect to an outside network but the firewall protects these computers from unauthorized access from the outside network.
|
|
|
flame
|
Electronic mail or Usenet news messages that insult or provoke. As a verb, it is the sending such messages.
|
|
|
flat-file
|
An ASCII file containing data and usually serving as a database file. Flat file records may be single "line" or several records may occur in a line of or block of data. Flat-files are less useful for high speed searches or for linking tow or more sources of data. They are easily transferred among various operating systems and database managers.
|
|
|
freeware
|
Software, often copyrighted, produced for free distribution and use. There often are restrictions regarding the sale or modification of the software. Sometimes referred to as public domain software. See commercial software, public domain software, and shareware software.
|
|
|
fuzzy logic
|
A type or set of Boolean logic used to process conditions of partial truth, that is for values that lie between being completely true and being completely false. Fuzzy logic was developed in recognition that conditions exits that cannot be easily described as belonging to a binary classification: 1 or 0, + or -, true or false. The term was introduced in 1960 by Dr. Lotfi Zadeh. See Boolean logic. Fuzzy logic attempts to treat degrees of truth or probabilities of truth as opposed to declaring that a condition is either always true or always false. Practical applications in computer controlled systems include the control of fuel and air mixtures in internal combustion engines, the proportional slowing of the speed of objects as they approach a given state or target, the heating and cooling of objects or spaces to prevent overheating, the mixing of two or more ingredients to achieve a defined final condition (especially when the components and their properties are constantly changing). Fuzzy logic uses weighted
|
|
|
GIF
|
1. A file name extension.
2. Graphics Interchange Format. A file compression method developed byCompuServe. The method reduces file sizes by counting repeating pixels and storing the pixel color and the number of repetitions. GIF compression is well suited for line art and simple images. GIF compression reduces image colors to no more than 256 colors. Most old computers and many computers in current use only display 256 colors. See JPEG, PIC, PIX, TIFF, and WPG.A more complete discussion of GIF compression is given in another document. |
|
|
gigabyte (Gb / GB)
|
1 Gb = 1000 million bytes. Actually, 1,073,741,824 bytes or 1024 megabytes. The fact that a Gb is not exactly 1 billion is because digital systems are binary, based on a system to base 2. Thus, 2 raised to the power of 30 = 1,073,741,824. In non-computer systems and where the number system is to the base of 10, then 1 GB = exactly 1 billion. See byte, megabyte, kilobyte, terabyte.
|
|
|
Global Positioning System (GPS)
|
A system using satellites to accurately determine the location of any place in the earth's surface.
|
|
|
Gopher
|
1. A document retrieval system.
2. Programs for retrieving network files. Gopher was developed at the University of Minnesota (USA) for use on their Campus Wide Information System. Gopher servers present document menus. The documents can be text, sound, image, program, or video files. Submenus may direct users to other Gopher file systems. The menus form a hierarchal file location system. The Web is replacing Gopher as the primary Internet system for finding, displaying, and downloading files. |
|
|
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
|
A graphically-based computer monitor interface in which images, icons, dialogue boxes, and standard "widgets" are used to facilitate communication between humans and machines.
|
|
|
hacker
|
A person who enjoys details of programming, often obsessively and quickly. The term cracker should be used for negative application of programming skills.
|
|
|
hard disk & hard drive
|
A device for the storage of digital data. These are standard devices in most personal computers and may also exist outside a computer and used by cable connections. See tape drive.
|
|
|
hardware
|
Computer and network equipment consisting of transistors, circuit boards, wiring, connectors, disk drives, cables, and similar physical or tangible components. See software.
|
|
|
hertz
|
Cycles per second. A unit of frequency. One hertz is equal to one cycle per second. Abbreviated as Hz.
|
|
|
host computer
|
A computer connected to a network. Host computers are sometimes also called nodes on the network.
|
|
|
HotJava
|
A World Wide Web browser from Sun Microsystems that can execute programs "applets" written in the Java programming language.
|
|
|
HSV
|
A method of describing colors using Hue, Saturation, and Value when used to describe colors. Hue is the tint or basic color; saturation is degree of lightness or darkness; value is the intensity or the "amount" of color. Saturation is sometimes called the "shade" of color. Value is sometimes referred to as "tone". See BGR and CMYK
|
|
|
HTML
|
A set of tags or commands used by World Wide Web browsers to format and display text and images, to play sound or video, or to run programs.
|
|
|
Hyperlink
|
Links or references within Web documents that upon selection (clicking the mouse with the cursor located over the document link) cause jumps to another location within the document, to other documents, or to programs that process images, sound, videos, operate upon databases, or perform other functions. Hyperlink objects may be words, phrases, images, or parts of images. Hyperlinked objects are usually displayed in a manner to distinguish them as links. Image maps may not show obvious linked portions and many areas of an image can be linked to different targets.
|
|
|
Hypermedia
|
Like hypertext but includes graphics, sound, video and other kinds of data.
|
|
|
Hypertext
|
A document or set of documents with "links" that aid users in navigating among links and their references. Links may reference and facilitate jumps to places with a single document, to other documents in the same computer, or to documents in any computer on a network.
|
|
|
Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)
|
Hypertext document format used World Wide Web documents.HTML tags tell Web browsers how the document should be displayed. HTML documents may include forms used for data capture; the values from HTML forms are processed by CGI programs on a Web server.
|
|
|
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)
|
The client-server TCP/IP protocol used on the World-Wide Web for the exchange of HTML documents.
|
|
|
icon
|
Images, often very small, that represent an idea or object. Selecting an icon usually causes a program or document to open or a program to run and perform a set of operations.
|
|
|
image maps
|
Images in which portions have defined as linked to other documents or objects.
|
|
|
information
|
Data combined with units of measure or data with accompanying meaning. See data, knowledge, and wisdom.
|
|
|
information economy
|
An economy that is highly dependent upon the collection, storage, and exchange of information. many businesses now deal in managing and adding value to data and by selling information derived from the data. Data and information have economic value. Examples include sales, production costs, potential customers and markets, crop yield predictions, weather forecasts, credit ratings, buying patterns, census and demographic data, and levels of education, and indicators of life styles.
|
|
|
information retrieval system (IRS)
|
A computer system used to store data and from which data may be selected and retrieved for use in reports and for analysis. Abbreviated IRS. See information system.
|
|
|
information superhighway
|
The Internet and its subset, the World Wide Web. (Also called "Infobahn" and "Info Strada".) The term "information superhighway" was first used in 1990 by Al Gore, US Vice-president. Mr. Gore was referring to the high-speed global communications network that carries voice, data, video data around the world. The information superhighway is mediated by copper cables, satellites, fiber optics, and cellular telecommunications.
|
|
|
information system (IS)
|
A system (usually computer based) into which data is placed , in which data may be processed, from which data is selected and may analyzed, and from which reports may be produced. Abbreviated IS. See information retrieval system
|
|
|
information technology (IT)
|
Any set of machines or programs used to store, retrieve, transmit or otherwise process data and information. Abbreviated IT. Information technology includes systems that control machines or processes or that assist in making decisions. See information system.
|
|
|
INpg
|
Internet Protocol next generation.(also called IPv6) The most likely protocol or addressing method to replace the current Internet Protocol. Its main purpose is to provide a solution to the shortage of IP addresses.
|
|
|
IP
|
Internet Protocol. The network part of the TCP/IP protocol that is widely used on Ethernet networks. This protocol facilitates the routing of packets of data by routing, fragmenting and re-assembling of data files.
|
|
|
institution
|
For the ITGS course, any community or collection of persons with common interests, objectives, or goals, or that provide related services. Examples include businesses, schools, universities, governments, governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGO), churches non-profit agencies.
|
|
|
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)
|
Communications standards for a single wire or optical fiber to carry voice, digital network services and video. ISDN is offered by telephone systems in Australia, France, Japan, Singapore, the UK and in the USA. Europe is phasing to Euro-ISDN. ISDN lines may vary in their capacity to transmit data as shown in the following table.
|
|
|
intellectual property
|
An original creation by a person, often non-tangible (not necessarily an object). These may include ideas, discoveries, writings, works of art or literature, collections and presentations of data
|
|
|
intellectual property rights
|
Legal rights to the ownership of intellectual products through patents, trade marks, registered designs, and copyright. These rights provide protection to technical inventions, designs, literary, artistic, and musical creations, trade marks, and confidential information.
|
|
|
intelligent system
|
A computer based system programmed to process data input by humans or machines and emulating human decision making. These systems may respond to respond to external stimuli, e.g., temperature, pressure, weight, time, strain, radio signals, acceleration, velocity, vectors. See artificial intelligence
|
|
|
interface
|
A boundary between two systems. In IT, machines or humans communicate across these boundaries. An interface may be as simple as a hardware connectors, it may include communication protocols, or programs and features by which humans enter commands into and receive information from machines.
|
|
|
Internet
|
The Internet is usually capitalized to indicate that it a special set of connected computers. It is the largest network in the world and consists of many different physical networks around the world. These networks use various protocols including the Internet Protocol to communicate.
|
|
|
Internet Protocol (IP)
|
The network part of the TCP/IP protocol set. It supports routing, file fragmentation and re-assembly.
|
|
|
Intranet
|
A network that uses the tools of the World Wide Web but often with access restricted to within an organization or office. The Web tools that support an intranet are a Web server and client browsers. HTML forms and CGI programs also are often used in intranets.
|
|
|
ISBN
|
International Standard Book Number. The last character of an ISBN is a check digit. See a supplementary document for more details about ISBN
|
|
|
ISO
|
International Organization for Standardization. A voluntary, organization that creates international standards, including the standards for computers and communications. National standards groups from nearly 90 countries belong to the ISO. The American National Standards Institute, ANSI is a member of ISO. An example of an ISO set of standard codes is the two-character code set to denote countries, e.g., AR = Argentina, AT = Austria, AU = Australia, DE = Germany, SG = Singapore, and US = United States of America. (ISO is not one of the thousands of acronyms used by computer and communications workers!
|
|
|
Java
|
An, object-oriented, general-purpose programming language developed by Sun Microsystems and that supports programming platform-independent Java "applets" or the Internet .
|
|
|
JIC
|
Just In Case. A situation where a company keeps on hand a small stock of rare components or those that require long production times, just in cae of a rush order. JIC is implemented to more fully serve customers. Do not confuse JIC with JIT
|
|
|
JIT
|
Just In Time. A manufacturing method in which the raw materials are delivered to the factory just before they are needed in the production. JIT is facilitated by information technology in which inventories are monitored and purchases are made using EDI, electronic data interchange. See JIC.
|
|
|
JPEG
|
Joint Photographic Experts Group file compression method that modifies the original data and stores information on the shapes and colors that will represent the image upon decompression. JPEG is well suited for photographic images, those with shading and gradual merging of colors, and those with many colors. JPEG compression methods do not decompress to the exact original image, but for most practical uses, humans cannot distinguish the expanded JEPG images from the original images. JPEG compression can store thousands or even millions of colors. See GIF, PIC, PIX, TIFF, and WPG. A more complete discussion of JPEG compression is given in another document.
|
|
|
JPG
|
1. A file compression method.
2. A file name extension for JPEG files. (This shortened version of JPEG is required by DOS systems that can only accept file extensions with a maximum of three characters.) |
|
|
kilobyte (Kb)
|
1 Kb = 1000 bytes. Actually, 2 raised to the power of 10 bytes = 1024 bytes. A kilobyte isn't exactly 10 to the third bytes because digital systems are binary, hence based on a system of two. In non-computer systems, and where the number system uses a base of 0, then kilo does men 10 to the third. See also byte, megabyte, gigabyte, and terabyte.
|
|
|
Knowbot Information Service (KIS)
|
Net address. Provides a uniform user interface to many remote directory services (e.g., whois, finger, X.500, MCIMail).
|
|
|
knowledge
|
An understand that humans derive by reasoning based upon data and its associated information. Examples of data are simple numbers, such as 123 and 456. Examples of information are $1.23 per dozen eggs and $4.56 per dozen eggs. Knowledge is an understanding that the $1.23 price is a better buy than is the $4.56 price. Wisdom may include judgements about the nutritional and health value of eggs or about the relative value of eggs as a source of protein compared to other sources. See data, information, and wisdom.
|
|
|
knowledge base
|
A collection of data representing related experiences and their results or related problems and their solutions. Knowledge bases include programs for searching and retrieving information. Knowledge bases are used to assist persons in making decisions.
|
|
|
LINUX
|
A UNIX style operating system for personal computers. LINUX is freeware and can be installed at low cost, usually the cost of the delivery media, eg., CD-ROM.
|
|
|
Listserv
|
An electronic discussion support system. Users can subscribe and unsubcribe by e-mail. All messages sent to the discussion list are automatically sent to all subscribers. Most list servers support archiving of the messages by day, week, month, or year.
|
|
|
local area network (LAN)
|
A computer based communications network limited to approximately 1 km radius and often within a single office, building, or single company location. See network
|
|
|
logic bomb
|
Code secretly inserted into an application or operating system causing it to perform some destructively.
|
|
|
markup language & markup tags
|
A set of codes inserted I documents and used by print or browser programs to format the output. Markup tags are independent of the vendors' programs and devices that print or display the document. The code does not constitute a programming language, but some markup "languages" include codes that permit the optional printing or displaying or the merging of data. The original and primary intent of markup tags was to facilitate the printing of documents, independent of the printer or print formatting programs used.
|
|
|
megabyte (Mb)
|
1 Mb = 1000 kilobytes. Actually = 1,048,576 bytes or 1024 kilobytes. A megabyte isn't exactly 10 to the third bytes because digital systems are binary, hence based on a system of two. In non-computer systems, and where the number system uses a base of 0, then kilo does men 10 to the third. See byte, kilobyte, gigabyte, terabyte.
|
|
|
menu
|
A list of choices. In IT, users select from the choices presented. Selections are usually made using a mouse. Selections may also be controlled by keyboard selections. Menus may be presented within dialogue boxes, on the central portion of a computer monitor, or as pull-down menu lists that display choices when one of several choices is selected on a menu bar, usually displayed at the top of a window or top of a monitor display.
|
|
|
MIDI
|
Musical Instrument Digital Interface. A hardware specification and a protocol used with synthesizers, computers, keyboards, and other devices for producing music.
|
|
|
model & modeling
|
A description of an event, behavior, or condition in the real world. Models help in understanding complex systems. Models are useful only to the extent that they explain the real conditions they describe. Models are used to develop simulation programs.
|
|
|
modem
|
Modulator / demodulator. A piece of electronic equipment that converts between serial data from a computer and audio signals transmitted over telephone lines. Modems vary in speeds at which they can transmit data. Data compression and error correction algorithms permit transmissions at the higher speeds. Modems may either be internal within a computer or externally connected to the computer.
|
|
|
Mosaic
|
A World Wide Web browser developed and distributed free by the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) in the United States.
|
|
|
mouse
|
A hand-held device for moving the cursor and for pointing on computer monitors. The device may have one or two keys that, when pressed, will cause objects under the cursor to be selected or activated. Later versions of the mouse include small pads upon which a moving finger will cause the cursor too move. Other versions of pointing and selecting devices (in place of a mouse) are "track balls", laser or microwave mediated devices, and "joy sticks".
|
|
|
multitasking
|
A method by which an operating system supports the sharing of a single processor with tow or more jobs or programs.
|
|
|
NC
|
Network Computer. A system designed to use high speed networks or cable TV systems to connect to centrally stored data. NC machines tend to have less memory and very small or no hard disk and are less expensive than non-NC computers. NC machines depend upon the external machine to which they are connected for data storage and often for complex data processing.
|
|
|
netiquette
|
Acceptable use and behavior in using network resources, especially the use of e-mail and news groups. Poor netiquette involves "flaming", "spamming", and posting rude and degrading messages, resending entire long messages when responding, and failure to include useful subject lines.
|
|
|
network
|
Any set of computer systems connected by cables, phone lines, or radio communication methods and which share data.
|
|
|
news groups
|
Internet and World Wide Web discussion groups to which persons may subscribe. An message posted to the group is sent to all subscribers. A very few news groups are moderated; that is, the messages are first reviewed by a person who may censor or restrict what is posted. The news groups are processed by news or discussion group server which receive and store the messages for distribution to subscribers. The messages are usually stored for only one or two weeks. Subscribers must actively request downloads of unread messages; the messages are not automatically sent to a subscriber's e-mail mail box.
|
|
|
node
|
1. An device on a computer network and which can be addressed so it can be contacted by other computers.
2. A "host" computer on a network. |
