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218 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Label
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In a worksheet, any text that is used to describe data.
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LAN
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(local area network) An interconnected group of computers and peripherals located within a relatively limited area, such as a building or campus.
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Lands
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Non-pitted surface areas on optical storage media such as DVDs and CDs that represents digital data.
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Laser mouse
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A pointing device that uses a laser as the light source to track movement.
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Laser printer
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A printer that uses laser-based technology, similar to that used by photocopiers, to produce text and graphics.
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Layout
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The physical position of each element on a page, in a spreadsheet, slide, or any report from a database.
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LCD
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(liquid crystal display) A type of flat panel computer screen that produces an image by manipulating light within a layer of liquid crystal cells.
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License agreement
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A legal contract that defines the ways in which you may use a computer program.
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Link
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Provides the fundamental tool for navigating Web pages.
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Linux
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A server operating system that is a derivative of UNIX and available as freeware.
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Logical storage model
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Any visual aid or metaphor that helps a computer user visualize a file system.
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Mac
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(Macintosh computer) A personal computer platform designed and manufactured by Apple Computer.
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Mac OS
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The operating system software designed for use on Apple Macintosh and iMac computers.
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Magnetic storage
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The recording of data onto disks or tape by magnetizing particles of an oxide based surface coating.
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Mainframe computer
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A large, fast, and expensive computer used by businesses or government agencies to provide centralized storage processing and management for large amounts of data.
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Mathematical modeling software
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A category of software that provides tools for solving a wide range of math, science, and engineering problems.
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Mechanical mouse
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Pointing device that reads its position based on the movement of a ball that rolls over a mouse pad placed on a desk.
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Megabit (Mb or Mbit)
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Approximately 1 million bits, exactly 1,048,576 bits.
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Megabyte (MB)
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Approximately 1 million bytes, exactly 1,048,576 bytes.
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Megahertz (MHz)
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A measure of frequency equivalent to 1 million cycles per second.
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Memory
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The computer circuitry that holds data waiting to be processed.
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Microcomputer
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A category of computer that is built around a single processor chip.
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Microsoft Windows
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An operating system developed by Microsoft Corporation that proovides a graphical interface.
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MIDI sequencing software
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A category of software used for creating sound effects and for controlling keyboards and other digital instruments.
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Millisecond (ms)
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A thousandth of a second.
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Modem
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A device that sends and receives data to and from computers over telephone lines.
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Modem card
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A device that provides a way to transmit data over phone lines or cable television lines.
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Modifier key
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The [Ctrl], [Alt], or [Shift] key, used in conjunction with another key to expand the repertoire of available commands.
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Monitor
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A display device that forms an image by converting electrical signals from the computer into points of colored light on the screen.
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Motherboard
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The main circuit board in a computer that houses chips and other electronic components.
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Mouse
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An input device that allows the user to manipulate objects on the screen by moving it on a surface.
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MP3
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A file format that provides highly compressed audio files with very little loss of sound quality.
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MP3 player
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Software that plays MP3 music files.
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Multifunction device
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Hardware that works both as an input and output device to combine the functions of a printer, scanner, copier, fax, and answering machine.
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Multimedia card (MMC)
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Solid state storage that includes a built in controller in a package about the size of a postage stamp that was initially used in mobile phones and pagers.
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Multiple-user license
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A software license that allows more than one person to use the software - priced per user and allows the allocated number of people to use the software at any time.
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Multitasking
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Provides processor and memory management services that allow two or more tasks, jobs, or programs to run simultaneously.
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Multitasking operating system
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An operating system that runs two or more programs at the same time.
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Multithreading
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Allows multiple parts, or threads, of programs to run simultaneously.
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Multiuser operating system
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An operating system that allows two or more users to run programs at the same time and use their own input/output devices.
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Nanosecond
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A unit of time representing 1 billionth of a second.
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Native file format
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A file format that is unique to a program or group of programs and has a unique file extension.
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Navigation keypad
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On a keyboard, the keypad with the Home, End, and arrow keys - used to efficiently move the screen based insertion point or cursor.
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Netiquette
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Internet etiquette or a set of guidelines for posting messages and emails in a civil, concise way.
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Network card
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An expansion board mounted inside a computer to allow access to a local area network.
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Network-enabled printer
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A printer that connects directly to the network, rather than to one of the computers on a network.
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Network operating system
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Programs designed to control the flow of data, maintain security, and keep track of accounts on a network.
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Notation software
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A category of software used to help musicians compose, edit, and print musical scores.
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Notebook computer
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Small, lightweight, portable computer that usually runs on batteries - Also called laptop or laptop computer.
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Numeric data
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Numbers that represent quantities and can be used in arithmetic operations.
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Numeric keypad
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Calculator style input device for numbers located towards the right side of a keyboard.
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Object code
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The low-level instructions that result from compiling source code.
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Office productivity software
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Software that integrates word processing, spreadsheet, database, drawing, and presentation capabilities.
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Open source software
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A category of software, such as Linux, that includes its uncompelled source code, which can be modified and distributed by programmers.
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Operating system (OS)
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Software that controls the computer’s use of its hardware resources, such as memory and disk storage space.
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Optical mouse
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Pointing device that uses an LED light and computer chip to track a light beam as it bounces off a surface, such as a desk or mouse pad.
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Optical storage
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A means of recording data as light and dark spots on a CD, DVD, or other optical media.
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Output
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The results produced by a computer (for example, reports, graphs, and music).
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Output device
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A device, such as a monitor or printer, that dissplays, prints, or transmits the results of processing from the computer memory.
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Pages per minute (ppm)
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A measure of printer speed, most personal or small business printters are rated 15-30 ppm.
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Paint software
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A category of software that provides a set of electronic pens, brushes, and paints for painting images on the screen, also called image editing software.
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Palm OS
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One of the operating systems used in handheld computers.
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Parallel processing
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A technique by which two or more processors in a computer perform processing tasks simultaneously.
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Password
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A special set of characters used to restrict access to a computer or network.
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Path
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a file's location in a file structure.
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Payroll software
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Horizontal market software used by businesses to maintain payroll records, collect data, and make calculations in order to produce payroll checks and W2 forms.
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PC
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A microcomputer that uses Windows software and contains an Intel-compatible processor.
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PC card
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A type of expansion card, such as for memory, a modem, sound card, or network card, and devices such as a hard drive that fit in a PCMCIA slot on a notebook computer.
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PCMCIA slot
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A special type of external slot found on most notebook computers that can hold more than one PC card.
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PDA
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(Personal Digital Assistant) A computer that is smaller and more portable than a notebook computer.
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Peripheral device
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A component or equipment, such as a printer or scanner, that expands a computer's input, output, or storage capabilities.
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Personal computer (PC)
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A microcomputer designed for use by an individual user for applications such as Internet browsing, graphics, email, and word processing.
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Personal finance software
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A category of software designed to help manage individual finances.
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PGA (pin-grid array)
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A common chip design used for processors.
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Photo editing software
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A category of software that provides tools and wizards that simplify common photo editing tasks.
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Photo printer
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Uses inkjet technology to produce photographic quality images.
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Physical storage model
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The way data is stored on a storage media.
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Pipelining
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A technology that allows a processor to begin executing an instruction before completing the previous instruction.
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Pits
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Dark spots that are burned onto the surface of optical storage media such as DVDs and CDs to represent digital data.
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Pixel (picture element)
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The smallest unit in a graphic image, computer display devices use a matrix of pixels to display text and graphics.
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Plasma screen technology
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Display device technology that is used in gas plasma screens to create an on-screen image by illuminating miniature colored fluorescent lights arrayed in a panel-like screen.
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Platform
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A family or category of computers based on the same underlying software and hardware.
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Plug and Play (PnP)
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The ability of a computer to recognize and adjust the system configuration for a newly added device automatically.
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Podcast
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Free downloadable Internet broadcast that includes newscasts, radio shows, and teleconferences, typically downloaded to a portable MP3 player.
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Pointing device
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An input device, such as a mouse, that you use to manipulate an on-screen pointer and other screen-based graphical controls.
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Pointing stick
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Pointing device typically used with notebook computers as an alternative to a mouse that looks like the tip of an eraser and is embedded in the keyboard of a notebook computer.
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Portable software
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Software designed to run from removable storage such as a CD, DVD, or a USB flash drive.
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Presentation software
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A category of software that provides tools to combine text, graphics, graphs, animation, and sound into slides that can output to a projector, overhead transparencies, paper copies, or 3S-millimeter slides.
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Printer
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A peripheral device used to create hard copy output.
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Processing
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The manipulation of data using a systematic series of actions.
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Processor
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An integrated circuit that contains the circuitry for processing data, It is a single chip version of the central processing unit (CPU) found in all computers.
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Processor clock
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A device on the motherboard of a computer responsible for setting the pace of executing instructions.
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Productivity software
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Any type of application software that has the potential to help people do their work more efficiently.
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Programming language
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Provides the tools that a programmer uses to create software.
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Project management software
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A category of software specifically designed as a tool for planning, scheduling, and tracking projects and their costs.
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Public domain software
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Any software that is available for use by the public without restriction, except that it cannot be copyrighted.
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RAM (random access memory)
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A type of computer memory circuit that holds data, program instructions, and the operating system while the computer is on.
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Random access
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The ability of a storage device (such as a hard drive) to go directly to a specific storage location without having to search sequentially from a beginning location.
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RDRAM (Ramous dynamic RAM)
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A fast (up to 600 MHz) type of memory used in newer personal computers.
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Read-only (ROM) technology
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Data stamped on the CD or DVD surface when it was manufactured, such as commercial software, music, and movies.
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Read-write head
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The mechanism in a hard drive that magnetizes particles on the storage disk surface to write data, or senses the bits that are present to read data.
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Record
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In the context of database management, a record is the set of fields of data that pertain to a single entity in a database.
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Recordable technology
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Optical storage technology used to create CDs and DVDs.
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Reference software
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A category of software that provides a collection of information and a way to access that information.
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Refresh rate
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The speed at which the screen is repainted, The faster the refresh rate, the less the screen flickers
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Resolution
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The density of the grid used to display or print text and graphics
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Resource
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In the context of a computer system, refers to any component that is required to perform work such as the processor, RAM, storage space, and peripherals.
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Restore point
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A snapshot of your computer settings created by a Windows utility you can use if you have a hard drive failure or instability.
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Revolutions per minute (rpm)
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A unit of measure that specifies how many times a platter spins each minute.
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Rewritable technology (RW)
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An optical storage technology that uses phase change technology to alter a crystal structure on the disc surface making it possible erase and rewrite data on a disc.
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R1MM (Ramous in-line memory module)
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A memory module using RDRAM.
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RISC (reduced instruction set computer)
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A processor chip designed for rapid and efficient processing of a small set of simple instructions.
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ROM (read-only memory)
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One or more integrated circuits that contain permanent instructions the computer uses during the boot process.
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ROM BIOS (basic input/ output system)
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A small set of basic input/output system instructions stored in ROM that causes the computer system to load critical operating files when the user turns on the computer.
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Root directory
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The main directory of a disk or other storage medium.
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Scanner
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An input device that converts a printed page of text or images into a digital format.
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Screen size
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On a display device, the measurement in inches from one corner of the screen diagonally across to the opposite corner.
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SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM)
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A type of RAM that synchronizes itself with the CPU, thus enabling it to run at much higher clock speeds than conventional RAM.
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Search engine
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Program that uses keywords to find information on the Internet and return a list of relevant documents.
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Secure Digital (SD) card
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Solid state storage device popular for MP3 storage featuring fast data transfer rates and cryptographic security protection for copyrighted data and music.
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Security utility
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Protects and secures the computer. Helps control nuisance ads, intrusion attempts, and spam
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Semiconducting material
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Materials such as silicon and germanium that are used to make chips. The conductive properties create miniature electronic pathways and components, such as transistors.
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Sequential access
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A form of data storage, usually on computer tape, that requires a device to read or write data one record after another, starting at the beginning of the medium.
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Serial processing
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Processing of data that completes one instruction before beginning another.
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Server
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A computer or software on a network that supplies the network with shared data and storage.
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Server operating system
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Provides communications and routing services by routing data and programs to each user's local computer, where the actual processing takes place.
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Server software
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The software used by servers to locate and distribute data requested by a network or Internet users.
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Setup program
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A program module supplied with a software package for the purpose of installing the software.
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Shareware
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Copyrighted software marketed under a license that allows users to use the software for a trial period and then send in a registration fee if they wish to continue to use it.
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Shrink-wrap license
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A software license usually sealed in an envelope, plastic box, or shrink wrapping that goes into effect as soon as you open the packaging.
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Single-user license
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A license that limits use of the software to only one person at a time.
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Single-user operating system
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Operating system designed for one user at a time with one set of input and output devices..
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Site license
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A software license generally priced at a flat rate and allows software to be used on all computers at a specific location.
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Skins utility
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Used to customize screen-based desktops with screensavers that display clever graphics when the machine is idle.
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Slide
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A component of presentation software that combines text, graphics, graphs, animations, and sound into slides to display on a monitor or on a computer projection device for group presentations.
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Smart Media card
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The least durable of the solid state storage media, does not include a built-in controller, so it requires a Smart Media reader to manage the read/write process.
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Software
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The instructions that prepare a computer to do a task, indicate how to interact with a user, and specify how to process data.
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Software license
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A legal contract that defines the ways in which you may use a computer program.
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Software suite
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A collection of application software sold as a single package.
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Solid state storage
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A variety of compact storage cards, pens, and sticks that stores data in a nonvolatile, erasable, low-power chip in a microscopic grid of cells.
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Sound card
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A circuit board that gives the computer the ability to accept audio input from a microphone, play sound files stored on disks and CD-ROMs, and produce audio output through speakers or headphones.
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Sound system
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Speakers and a circuit board (sound card) used to create high-quality music, narration, and sound effects using a computer.
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Source code
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Computer instructions written in a high-level language.
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Spam
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unwanted electronic junk mail that arrives in your Inbox.
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Spam filter
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Software that automatically routes advertisements and other junk mail to the Deleted Items folder maintained by your email client
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Speakers
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Output devices that receive signals for the computer's sound card to play music, narration, or sound effects.
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Spreadsheet
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An electronic worksheet for numerical calculations presented in the form of a grid of columns and rows
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Spreadsheet software
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The software for creating electronic worksheets that hold data in cells and perform calculations based on that data.
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Statistical software
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A category of software that helps you analyze large sets of data to discover relationships and patterns, summarize survey results, test scores, experiment results, or population data.
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Storage
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The area in a computer where data is retained on a permanent basis.
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Storage capacity
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The amount of data that can be stored on a storage medium.
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Storage device
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A mechanical apparatus that records data to and retrieves data from a storage medium.
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Storage medium
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The physical material used to store computer data, such as a flash drive, a hard drive, USB flash drive, or a CD-ROM.
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Storage technology
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Defines the data storage systems (storage media and storage devices) used by computers to store data and program files.
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Store-and-forward technology
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A technology used by communications networks in which an email message is temporarily held in storage on a server until it is requested by a client computer.
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Stored program
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A set of instructions that resides on a storage device, such as a hard drive, and can be loaded into memory and executed.
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Subdirectory
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A directory found under the root directory.
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Supercomputer
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The fastest and most expensive type of computer, capable of processing more than one trillion instructions per second.
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System requirements
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Specifications for the operating system and hardware configuration necessary for a software product to work correctly.
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System software
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Computer programs that help the computer carry out essential operating tasks.
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System unit
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The case or box that contains the computer's power supply, storage devices, main circuit board, processor, and memory.
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System utility
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Software that provides disk maintenance, such as tracking down and fixing disk errors or corrupted files.
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Table (database)
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An arrangement of data in a grid of rows and columns. In a relational database, a collection of record types with their data.
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Table (layout)
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Grid like structure that can hold text or pictures.
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Tablet computer
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A portable computing device featuring a touch-sensitive screen that can be used as a writing or a drawing pad.
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Tape
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A sequential magnetic storage technology that consists of a tape for the storage medium and a tape drive for the storage device.
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Tape cartridge
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A removable magnetic tape module similar to a cassette tape.
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Tax preparation software
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A specialized type of personal finance software designed to help gather annual income and expense data, identify deductions, and calculate tax payments.
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TCP /IP
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(Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) A standard set of communication rules used by every computer that connects to the Internet.
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Tera-
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Prefix for a trillion.
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Toggle key
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A key that switches back and forth between two modes, such as Caps Lock on or Caps Lock off.
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Toner
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The fine powder in the cartridges used in laser printers that creates the image on the page.
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Touch screen technology
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Technology that makes it possible for a single touch or handwriting to be used to input data.
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Touchpad
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An alternative input device often found on notebook computers.
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Trackball
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Pointing input device used as an alternative to a mouse.
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Track pad
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an alternative input device often found on notebook computers.
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Track Point
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An alternative input device often found on notebook computers.
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Tracks
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A series of concentric or spiral storage areas created on a storage medium during the formatting process.
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Transistor
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Key component in all integrated circuits.
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Typing keypad
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The basic keys on a computer keyboard that include the keys or buttons with letters and numbers as well as several keys with characters and special words to control computer-specific tasks.
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Ultra-mobile PC (UMPC)
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A small tablet computer designed to run most of the software available for larger portable computers.
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Unicode
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A 16-bit character representation code that can represent more than 65,000 characters.
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Uninstall routine
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A program that removes software files, references, and Windows Registry entries from a computer's hard drive.
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UNIX
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A multi-user, multitasking server operating system developed by AT&T's Bell Laboratories in 1969.
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Unzipped
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Refers to files that have been uncompressed.
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Uploading
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The process of sending a copy of a file from a local computer to a remote computer.
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URL
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(Uniform Resource Locator) The address of a Web page.
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USB flash drive
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A portable solid state storage device featuring a built-in connector that plugs directly into a computer's USB port.
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USB (universal serial bus) port
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Popular ports for connecting peripheral devices including mice, scanners, printers, and joysticks that have USB connections.
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User ID
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A combination of letters and numbers that serves as a user's identification, also referred to as a username.
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User interface
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The software and hardware that enable people to interact with computers.
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Utility software
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A subcategory of system software designed to augment the operating system by providing ways for a user to control the allocation and use of hardware resources, also called utilities.
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Validation code
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Series of alphanumeric characters supplied by the software publisher that is required to complete the installation of software.
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Value
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A number used in a calculation.
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Vertical market software
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Computer programs designed to meet the needs of a specific market segment or industry, such as medical record-keeping software.
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Video editing software
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Category of software that provides a set of tools for transferring, editing of video footage from a camcorder to a computer.
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Viewing angle width
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Measurement of a monitor or display device that indicates how far to the side you can still clearly see the screen image.
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Virtual machine technology
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Software that allows you to use one computer to simulate the hardware and software of another computer and to switch from one operating system to another.
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Virtual memory
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A computer's use of hard drive storage to simulate RAM.
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Volatile
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Data that can exist only with a constant power supply.
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Web
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An Internet service that links documents and information from computers distributed all over the world using the HTTP protocol.
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Web authoring software
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Category of software that provides easy-to-use tools for composing, assembling, and generating HTML to develop Web pages.
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Web-based email
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An email account that stores, sends, and receives email on a Web site rather than a user's computer.
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Web page
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A document on the World Wide Web that consists of a specially coded HTML file with associated text, audio, video, graphics, and links to other Web pages.
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Web server
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A computer and software that stores and transmits Web pages to computers connected to the Internet.
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Web site
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Location on the World Wide Web that contains information relating to specific topics.
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Widget
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A utility program that appears on a computer's screen based desktop, looks like a control, and might display a snippet of information, sometimes called a dashboard widget or control.
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Windows Explorer
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A file management utility included with most Windows operating systems that helps users manage their files.
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Windows Mobile OS
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A version of the Windows operating system designed for portable or mobile computers.
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Windows Registry
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A crucial data file maintained by the Windows operating system that contains the settings for hardware and software that has been installed on the system, also called the Registry.
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Windows XP tablet edition
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A version of the Windows operating system designed for tablet computers.
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Word size
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The number of bits a CPU can manipulate at one time, which is dependent on the size of the registers in the CPU and the number of data lines in the bus.
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Workstation
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(1) A computer connected to a local area network, (2) A powerful desktop computer designed for specific tasks.
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Word processing software
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A category of software that assists the user in producing documents, such as reports, letters, papers, and manuscripts.
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Worksheet
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A computerized or electronic, spreadsheet.
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Zip disk
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Removable magnetic storage technology manufactured by Iomega Corporation.
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SEC (single edge contact) cartridge
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A common, cassette-like chip design for processors.
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Sector
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Subdivision of the tracks on a storage medium that provides a storage area for data.
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