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123 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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3D graphics software
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Provides a set of tools for creating wireframe drawings that represent three-dimensional objects.
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Access time
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The estimated time for a storage device to locate data on a disk, usually measured in milliseconds.
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Accounting software
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A category of software that helps you keep a record of monetary transactions and investments.
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Analog data
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Data that is represented using an infinite scale of values, in contrast to digital data, which is represented as discrete digits, such as 0s and 1s.
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Application software
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Computer programs that help you perform a specific task such as word processing, Also called application programs, applications, or programs.
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ASCII
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(American Standard Code for Information Interchange) A code that represents characters as a series of Is and as, making it possible to transfer data between computers.
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Audio editing software
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A category of software that includes sound playback as well as recording capabilities, Menus provide additional digital editing features, such as speed control, volume adjustments, clipping, and mixing of sounds.
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Audio encoding software
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Converts a raw audio file into a format such as MP3. Sometimes called, audio format converter.
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Benchmark
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A test used to measure computer hardware or software performance.
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Binary digits
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Series of 1s and 0s representing data.
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Binary number system
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A method for representing numbers using only two digits, a and 1, contrast this system to the decimal system, which uses ten digits- 0, 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, and 9.
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Bit
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the smallest unit of information handled by a computer
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Bit depth
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the number of bits that determines the range of possible colors that can be assigned to each pixel.
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Blog
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Derived from the phrase "We BLOG," refers to a personal journal focusing on a single topic or covering a variety of issues posted on the Web for access by the general public.
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Boot process
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the sequence of events that occurs within a computer system between the time the user starts the computer and the time it is ready to process commands.
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Bootstrap program
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a program stored in ROM that loads and initializes the operating system on a computer.
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Browser
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a program that communicates with a Web server and displays Web pages.
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Byte
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An 8-bit unit of information that represents a single character.
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Cable
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Used to connect a peripheral device to a computer through a port.
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Cable modem
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A communications device that can be used to connect a computer to the Internet via the cable TV infrastructure.
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Cache
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Special high-speed memory that gives the CPU rapid access to data that would otherwise be accessed from memory elsewhere on the motherboard (Also called RAM cache or Cache memory.)
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CAD software
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a special type of 3D graphics software designed for architects and engineers who use computers to create blueprints and product specifications.
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Capacitor
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the electronic parts in a chip that hold the bits that represent data.
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Card reader
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A device that transfers data to or from a computer.
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CD
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An optical storage media that can store up to 700 MB of data.
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CD drive
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A storage device that uses laser technology to read data from a CD-ROM.
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CD ripper software
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Pulls a track off an audio CD and stores it in raw digital format.
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CD-R
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An acronym for compact disc-recordable. CD-R is a type of optical disk technology that allows the user to create CD-ROMs and audio CDs.
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CD-ROM disc
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An optical storage media that is read only and that can store up to 700 MB of data.
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CD-RW
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An acronym for compact disc-rewritable, a type of optical disk technology that allows the user to write data onto a CD, then change that data.
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CD-writer
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A general term for recordable CD technologies such as CD-R and CD-RW.
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Cell
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In spreadsheet terminology, the intersection of a column and a row.
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Cell reference
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The column letter and row number that designates the location of a worksheet cell.
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Character data
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Letters, symbols, or numerals that will not be used in arithmetic operations (name, social security number, etc.).
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Chat group
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A discussion in which a group of people communicates online simultaneously.
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CISC
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(complex instruction set computer) A general-purpose processor chip designed to handle a wider array of instructions than a RISC chip.
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Clip art
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Graphics designed to be inserted into documents, Web pages, and worksheets, usually available in CD-ROM or Web based collections.
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Clock speed
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the pace for executing instructions as set by the processor clock specified in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz).
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Color depth
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The number of bits that determines the range of possible colors that can be assigned to each pixel. For example, an 8-bit color depth can create 256 colors.
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Commercial software
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Copyrighted computer applications sold to consumers for profit.
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Compact Flash (CF) card
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A solid state storage device that is about the size of a matchbook and provides high storage capacities and access speeds.
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Compiler
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Software that translates a program written in a high-level language into low-level instructions before the program is executed.
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Compression utility
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Software to reduce file size for quick transmission or efficient storage.
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Computer
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An electronic device that accepts input, processes data, stores data, and produces output.
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Computer chip
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An integrated circuit consisting of a thin slice of silicon crystal containing microscopic circuit elements, such as transistors, wires, capacitors, and resistors.
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Computer file
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A single collection of data stored on a storage medium.
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Computer language
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Tools that allow a programmer to write instructions or software that a computer can execute.
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Computer network
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A collection of computers and related devices, connected in a way that allows them to share data, hardware, and software.
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Computer program
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Detailed, step-by-step instructions that tells a computer how to solve a problem or carry out a task.
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Computer programmer
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A person who codes or writes computer programs.
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Computer system
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The hardware, peripheral devices, and software working together to input data, process data, store data, and produce output.
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Computer-aided design software
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(CAD)
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Computer-aided music software
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composes, edit, and print the notes for compositions, designed to generate unique music simply by selecting the musical style, instruments, key, and tempo.
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Concurrent-use license
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A software license agreement that is priced per copy and allows a specific number of copies to be used at the same time.
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Control unit
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The part of the ALU that directs and coordinates processing.
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Controller
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A circuit board in a hard drive that positions the disk and read-write heads to locate data.
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Copyright
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A form of legal protection that grants certain exclusive rights to the author of a program or the owner of the copyright.
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Copyright notice
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A line that identifies a copyright holder.
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CPU
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(central processing unit) The main processing unit in a computer, consisting of circuitry that executes instructions to process data.
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CRT
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(cathode ray tube) A display technology that uses a large vacuum tube similar to that used in television sets.
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Cursor
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A symbol that marks the user's place on the screen and shows where typing will appear, Also called insertion point.
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Cycle
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The smallest unit of time a processor can recognize.
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Cylinder
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A vertical stack of tracks that is the basic storage bin for a hard disk drive.
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Data
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In the context of computing and data management, the symbols that a computer uses to represent facts and ideas.
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Data bus
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An electronic pathway or circuit that connects the electronic components on a commputer's motherboard.
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Data file
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A file containing words, numbers, or pictures that the user can view, edit, save, send, or print.
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Data representation
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The use of electrical signals, marks, or binary digits to represent character, numeric, visual, or audio data.
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Data transfer rate
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The amount of data that a storage device can move from a storage medium to computer memory in one second.
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Database
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A collection of information that may be stored in more than one file.
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Database software
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A category of software designed for tasks associated with maintaining and accessing data stored in data files.
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Demo ware
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Commercial software available as a trial version and distributed for free.
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Desktop computer
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A category of computer small enough to fit on a desk and built around a single processor chip.
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Desktop operating system
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An operating system, such as Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X, that is specifically designed for personal computers.
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Desktop publishing software (DPT)
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A category of software used to create high-quality output suitable for commercial printing.
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Desktop search tool
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Utility that helps you find and access information stored in emails, Web pages, and contact lists, in addition to data and program files.
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Device driver
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The software that provides the computer with the means to control a peripheral device.
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Dial-up connection
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A connection that uses a phone line to establish a temporary Internet connection.
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Digital
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Any system that works with discrete data, such as Os and 1s, in contrast to analog.
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Digital camera
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An input device that records an image in digital format.
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Digital convergence
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The trend in which several technologies with distinct functionalities evolve to form a single product.
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Digital data
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Text, numbers, graphics, sound, and video that has been converted into discrete digits, such as Os and Is.
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Digital device
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A device that works with discrete (distinct or separate) numbers or digits.
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Digital electronics
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Circuitry that's designed to work with digital signals.
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Digital revolution
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An ongoing process of social, political, and economic change brought about by digital technology, such as computers and the Internet.
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Digital technology
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Technologies that work using digital electronics such as computers, communications networks, the Web, and digitization.
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Digitize
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The conversion of non-digital information or media to a digital format through the use of a scanner, sampler, or other input device.
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DIMM
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( dual in-line memory module) a small circuit board that holds RAM chips, A DIMM has a 64-bit path to the memory chips.
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DIP
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( dual in-line package) a chip configuration characterized by a rectangular body with numerous plugs along its edge.
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Directory
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A list of files contained on a computer storage device.
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Disk partition
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A section of a hard drive that is treated as a separate storage unit.
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Display device
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The main output device for a computer
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Distribution media
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One or more discs, CDs, or other storage media that contain programs and data, which can be installed to a hard drive.
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Document production software
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Computer programs that assist the user in composing, editing, designing, and printing documents.
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Document reader utility
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Computer program, such as Acrobat Reader, that transforms files into a portable format that can be created and read by any computer on which it is installed.
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DOS
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(disk operating system) The operating system software shipped with the first IBM PCs and used on millions of computers until the introduction of Microsoft Windows.
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Dot pitch
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The diagonal distance between colored dots on a display screen, Measured in millimeters, dot pitch helps to determine the quality of an image displayed on a monitor.
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Downloading
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The process of transferring a copy of a file from a remote computer to a local computer's hard drive.
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Dpi
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(dots per inch) Printer resolution as measured by the number of dots it can print per linear inch.
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Drawing software
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Provides tools to draw lines, shapes, and colors that can be assembled into diagrams, corporate logos, and schematics that tend to have a flat cartoon-like quality, but are very easy to modify.
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Drive bay
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An area within a computer system unit that can accommodate an additional storage device.
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Dual-boot utility
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Program that lets you run Windows as and Windows software on your Mac if you have an Intel Mac.
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Dual core processor
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A single chip containing the circuitry for two processors
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Duplex printer
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a printer that has the capability of printing on both sides of a page in a single pass.
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Duty cycle
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Determines how many pages a printer is able to print out
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DVD
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(digital video disc or digital versatile disc) an optical storage medium similar in appearance and technology to a CD but with higher storage capacity.
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DVD authoring software
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Provides tools for transferring video footage from a camcorder to a computer, deleting unwanted footage, assembling video segments in any sequence, adding special visual effects, etc.
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DVD drive
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An optical storage device that reads data from CD-ROM and DVD discs.
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DVD+R
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(digital versatile disc recordable) A DVD disc that stores data using recordable technology.
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DVD-R
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(digital versatile disc recordable) A DVD disc that stores data using recordable technology.
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DVD-ROM
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(digital versatile disc read-only memory) A DVD disc that stores data that has been permanently stamped on the disc surface.
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DVD+RW
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(digital versatile disc rewritable) A DVD disc that stores data using rewritable technology.
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DVD-RW
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(digital versatile disc rewritable) A DVD disc that stores data using rewritable technology.
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DVD-writer
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Device that can be used to create and copy CDs and DVDs.
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Ear training software
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The category of software that targets musicians and music students who want to learn to play by ear, develop tuning skills, recognize notes and keys, and develop other musical skills.
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EBCDIC
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(Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code) A method by which digital computers, usually mainframes, use Os and Is to represent character data.
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Educational software
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A category of software that helps you learn and practice new skills.
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EEPROM
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(electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) A nonvolatile chip that requires no power to hold data and holds computer configuration settings.
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Email
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(electronic mail) A single electronic message, or the entire system of computers and software that handles electronic messages transmitted between computers over a communications network.
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Email account
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A service that provides an email address and mailbox.
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Email address
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the unique address for each mailbox on the Internet, which typically consists of a user 1D, an @ symbol, and the name of the computer that maintains the mailbox.
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Email attachment
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a separate file that is transmitted along with an email message.
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Email client software
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the software that is installed on a client computer and has access to email servers on a network. This software is used to compose, send, and read email messages.
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Email message
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A computer file containing a letter or memo that is transmitted electronically via a network.
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