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A reads text to speech;
343 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
Data
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The symbols that a computer uses to represent facts and ideas
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Processing
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The manipulation of data using a systematic series of actions.
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Computer Program
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A detailed set of instructions that tells a computer how to solve a problem or carry out a task.
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Software
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The instructions that direct a computer to perform a task, interact with a user, or process data.
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Central Processing Unit
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The main processing unit in a computer, consisting of circuitry that executes instructions to process data.
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Memory
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The computer circuitry that holds data waiting to be processed.
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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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Output
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The results produced by a computer.
Ex: (Reports, graphs, and music) |
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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, abd can be loaded into memory and executed.
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Microcomputer
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A category o0f computer that is built around a single microprocessor chip.
The computers typically used int homes and small businesses, (also called a personal computer) |
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Microprocessor
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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 found in all computers.
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Personal Computer
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A microcomputer designed for use by an individual user for applications such as Internet browsing and word processing.
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Desktop Computer
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A computer that is small enough to fit on a desk and built around a single microprocessor chip.
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Notebook Computer
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A small, lightweight, portable computer that usually run on batteries.
Sometimes called a laptop. |
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Tablet Computer
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A small, portable computer with a touch-sensitive screen that can be used as a writing or drawing pad.
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PDA
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Personal Digital Assistant
A computer that is smalelr and more portable than a notebook computer. Also called a palm-top or a handheld computer. |
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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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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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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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Videogame Console
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A computer designed specifically for playing games using a television screen and game controllers.
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Mainframe Computer
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A large, fast, and expensive computer generally used by businesses or government agencies to provide centralized storage, processing, and management for large amounts of data.
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Supercomputer
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The fastes and most expensive type of computer, capable of processing more than 1 trillion instructions per second.
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Server
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A computer or software on a network that supplies the network with data and storage.
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System Unit
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The case or box that contrains the computer's power supply, storage devices, main circuit board, processor, and memory.
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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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LCD Screen
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Liquid Crystal Display
A type of flat panel computer screen, typically found on notebook computers. |
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Mouse
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An input device that allows the user to manipulate objects on the screen by clicking, dragging, and dropping.
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CD drive
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An optical drive that can work with one or more CD formats, such as CD-ROM, CD-R, or CD-RW.
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DVD Drive
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An optical storage device that reads data from CD-ROM and DVD disks.
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Floppy disk drive
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A storage device that writes data on, and reads from, floppy disks.
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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-ROM's, and produce audio output through speakers or headphones.
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Modem
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A device that sends and receives data to and from computers.
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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.
Also called a network interface card. |
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Peripheral Device
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A component or equipment that expands a computer's input, output, and storage capabilities, such as a printer or scanner.
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Information
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The words, numbers, and graphics used as the basic for human actions and decisions.
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Digital
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Any system that works with discrete data, such as 0's and 1's, in contrast to analog.
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Byte
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An 8-bit unit of information that represents a single character.
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File
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A anamed collection of data (such as a computer program, document, or graphic) that exists on a storage medium, such as a hard disk, floppy disk, or CD-ROM
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Data file
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A file containing words, numbers, and/or pictures that the user can view, edit, save, send, and/or print.
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Executable File
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A file, usually with an .exe extension, containing instructions that tell a computer how to perform a specific task.
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File Name
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A series of letters or characters used to identify a file stored on a computer.
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File Extension
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A set of letters and/or numbers added to the end of a filename that helps identify the file contents or file type.
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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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Operating System
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The software that controls the computer's use of its hardware resources, such as memory and disk storage space. Also called OS.
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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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Platform
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A "family" or category of computers based on the same underlying software and hardware of a computer.
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PCs
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Microcomputers that use Windows software and contain Intel-compatible microprocessors.
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Macs
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Macintosh computers
A personal computer designed and manufactured by Apple Computers. |
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Internet
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The worldwide communication infrastructure that links computer networks using TCP/IP protocol.
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Internet Backbone
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The major communications links that form the core of the Internet.
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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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Downloading
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The process of transferring a copy of a file from a remote computer to a local computer's disk drive.
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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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peer-to-peer
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The process by which one workstation/server shares resources with another workstation/server. Refers to the capability of a network computer to act as both a file server and a workstation.
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E-mail
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Messages that are transmitted between computers over a communications network. Short for electronic mail.
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Mailing List Server
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Any computer and software that maintains a list of people who are interested in a topic, and facilitates message exchanges among all members of the list.
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Usenet
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A worldwide Internet bulletin board system of newsgroups that share common topics.
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Newsgroups
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Online discussion groups that focus on specific topics.
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Blog
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(WeB LOG)
A publically-accessible personal journal posted on the Web. Blogs often reflect the personality of the author and are typically updated daily. |
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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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Instant Messaging
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A private chat in which users can communicate with each other in real time using electronically transmitted text messages.
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Internet telephony
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A set of hardware and software that allows users to make phone-style calls over the Internet, usually without a long-distance charge.
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E-commerce
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Short for electronic commerce, it is the business of buying and selling products online.
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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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Voiceband Modem
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The type of modem that would typically be used to connect a computer to a telephone line.
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Cable Internet Service
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A type of Internet connection offered to subscribers by cable television companies.
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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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Always-on Connection
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A permenant connection, as opposed to a connection that is established and dropped as needed.
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ISDN
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Integrated Services Digital Network.
A telephone company service that transports data digitally over dial-up or dedicated lines. |
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DSL
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Digital Subscribers Line
A high-speed Internet connection that uses existing telephone lines, requiring close proximity to a switching station. |
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ISP
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Internet Service Provider
A company that provides Internet access to businesses, organizations, and individuals. |
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user ID
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A combination of letters and numbers that serves as a user's "call sign" or identification. Also referred to as a user name.
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Password
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A special set of symbols used to restrict access to a user's computer or network.
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Case-sensitive
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A condition in which uppercase letters are not equivalent to their lowercase counterparts.
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World Wide Web
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An internet service that links documents and information from computers located worldwide, using the HTTP protocol.
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HTTP
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Hypertext Transfer Protocol
The communcations system used to transmit Web pages. |
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Web pages
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Documents on the World Wide Web that consist of a specially coded HTML file with associated text, audio, video, and graphics files. A Web page often contains links to other Web pages.
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Links
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Underlined areas of text that allow users to jump between Web pages.
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Web site
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Usually a group of Web pages identified by a common domain name, such as www.cnn.com
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Web servers
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Computers that use special software to transmit Web pages over the Internet.
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URL
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A Uniform Resource Locator is the address of a Web page.
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HTML
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Hyptertext Markup Language
A standardized format used to specify the layout for Web page documents. |
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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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HTML tags
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A set up instructions, such as <B>, inserted into an HTML document to provide formatting and display information to a Web browser.
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Search Engine
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A program that uses keywords to find information on the Internet and returns a list of relevant documents.
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Query
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A search specification that promts the computer to look for particular records in a file.
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Keyword
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1) A word or term used as the basis for a Web page search.
2) A command word provided by a programming language. |
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Search Operator
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A word or symbol that has a specific function within a search, such as "AND" or "+"
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Topic Directory
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A list of topics and subtopics arranged in a hierarchy from general to specific.
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E-mail account
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A service that provides users with an e-mail address and a mailbox.
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E-mail message
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A computer file containing a letter or memo that is transmitted electronically via a communications network.
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Message header
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The section of an e-mail document that contains the address, subject, and file attachment information.
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e-mail attachment
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A separate file that is trasmitted along with an e-mail message.
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MIME
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Multi-purpose Internet Mail Extensions
A conversion process used for formatting non-ASCII message so that they can be sent over the Internet. |
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Netiquette
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Internet etiquette or a set of guidelines for posting messages and e-mails in a civil, concise way.
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Smileys
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Text-based symbols used to express emotion.
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Spam
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Unsolicited e-mail typically sent as a bulk or mass-mailing and used for fradulent or deceptive marketing.
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Spam filter
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Software that identifies unsolicited and unwanted e-mail messages and blocks them from the recipient's inbox.
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E-mail system
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The collection of computers and software that works together to provide e-mail services.
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E-mail servers
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A computer that uses special software to store and send e-mail messages over the Internet.
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store-and-forward technology
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A technology used by communications networks in which an e-mail message is temporarily held in storage on a server until it is requested by a client computer.
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POP
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Post Office Protocol
Used to retrieve e-mail messages from an e-mail server. |
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IMAP
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Internet Messaging Access Protocol
A protocol similar to POP that is used to retrieve e-mail messages from an e-mail server, but offers additional features, such as choosing which emails to download from the server. |
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Web-based e-mail
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An email system that allows users to access e-mail messages using a browser.
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POP Server
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A computer that receives and stores e-mail data until retrieved by the e-mail account holder.
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e-mail client software
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Software that is installed on a client computer and has access to e-mail servers on a network. This software is used to compose, send, and read e-mail messages.
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SMTP Server
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Simple Mail Transfer Protocol Server. A computer used to send e-mail across a network or the Internet.
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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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Power-on Self Test
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POST
A diagnostic process that runs during startup to check components of the computer, such as the graphics card, RAM, keyboard, and disk drives. |
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Beep Code
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A series of audible beeps used to announce diagnostic test results during the boot process.
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Safe Mode
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A menu option that apepars when Windows is unable to complete the boot sequence. By entering Safe Mode, a user can gracefully shut down the computer, and then try to reboot it.
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Data representation
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The use of electronic signals, marks, or binary digits to represent character, numberic, visual, or audio data.
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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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Analog Device
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A device that operates on continuously varying data, such as a dimmer switch or watch with a sweep second hand.
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Binary digits
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Series of 1's and 0's representing data.
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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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Binary Number System
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A method for representing numbers using only two digits, 0 and 1. Contrast to the decimal number system, which uses ten digits: 0 through 9.
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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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ASCII
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American Standard Code for Information Exchange.
A code that represents characters as a series of 1's and 0's. Most computers use ASCII code to represent text, making it possible to transfer data between computers. |
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Extended ASCII
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Similar to ASCII but with 8-bit character representation instead of 7-bit, allowing for an additional 128 characters.
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EBCDIC
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Extended Binary-Coded Decimal Interchance Code
A method by which digital computers, usually mainframes, represent character data. |
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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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Digitize
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To conver non-digital information or media to a digital format through the use of a scanner, sampler, or other input device.
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File header
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Hidden information inserted at the beginning of a file to identify its properties, such as the software that can open it.
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Kilobyte
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Approximately 1,000 bytes; exact 1,024 bytes.
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Megabit
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1,048,576 bits.
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Kilobit
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1024 bits.
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Megabyte
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Approx. one million bytesl; exactly 1,048,576 bytyes.
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Gigabit
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Approx. one billion bits;
exactly 1,024 megabits. |
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Gigabyte
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Approx one billion bytes;
exactly 1,024 megabytes |
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Integrated Circuit
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A think slice of silicon crystal containing microscopic circuit elements, such as transistors, wires, capacitors, and resistors;
also called chips and microchips |
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Semiconducting materials
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Substances, such as silicon or germanium, that can act either as a conductor or insulator. Used in the manufacture of computer chips.
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System board
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The main circuit board in a computer which houses chips and other electronic components.
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Microprocessor
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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, found in all computers
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ALU
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Arithmetic Logic Unit
The part of the CPU that performs arithmetic and logical operations on the numbers stored in its registers. |
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Registers
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A sort of "scratch pad" area of the ALU and control unit into which data or instructions are moved so that they can be processed.
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Control Unit
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The part of the ALU that directs and coordinates processing.
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Instruction Set
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The collection of instructions that a CPU is designed to process.
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Microprocessor Clock
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A device on the system board of a computer responsible for setting the pace of executing instructions.
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Megahertz
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A measure of frequency equivalent to 1 million cycles per second.
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Gigahertz
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A measure of frequency equivalent to one billion cycles per second.
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Word Size
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The number of bits that 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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Cache
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Special high-speed memory that gives the CPU rapid access to data that would otherwise be accessed from disk. Also called RAM cache, or cache memory.
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Level 1 Cache
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Cache memory built into a microprocessor chip. L1 cache typically can be read in one clock cycle.
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Level 2 Cache
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Cache memory that is located in a chip separate from the microprocessor chip.
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CISC
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A general-purpose microprocessor chip designed to handle a wider array of instructions than a RISC chip. Stands for Complex Instruction Set Computer.
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RISC
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Reduced Instruction Set Computer
Refers to a microprocessor chip designed for rapid and efficient processing of a small set of simple instructions. |
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Serial Processing
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PRocessing of data one instruction at a time, completing one instruction before beginning another.
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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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Parallel processing
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The simultaneous use of more than one processor to execute a program.
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Dual core processor
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A single integrated circuit containing circuity for two microprocessors.
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Benchmarks
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A set of tests used to measure computer hardware or software performance.
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Capacitors
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Electronic circuit componenets that store an electrical charge;
in RAM, a charged capacitor represents an "on" bit, and discharged one represents an "off" bit. |
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Volatile
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A term that describes data, which can exist only with a constant supply of power.
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Virtual Memory
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A computer's use of hard disk storage to simulate RAM.
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CMOS
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Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor memory.
A type of battery-powered integrated circuit that holds semi-permanent configuration data. |
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Storage Medium
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The physical material used to store computer data.
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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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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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Read-Write Head
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The mechanism in a disk drive that magnetizes particles on the storage disk surface to write data, or sense the bits that are present to read data.
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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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Pits
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Spots on a CD that are "burned," representing digital data.
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Lands
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Non-pitted surface areas on a CD that represent digital data.
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Solid State Storage
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A technology that records data and stores it in a microscopic grid of cells on a non-volatile, erasable, low-power chip.
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Card Reader
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A device that can be used to read and record data on a solid state storage device.
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Drive Bays
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Areas within a computer system unit that can accommodate additional storage devices.
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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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Random Access
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The ability of a storage device (such as a hard disk drive) to go directly to a specific storage location without having to search sequentially from a beginning location.
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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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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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Floppy Disk
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A removable magnetic storage medium, usually 3.5" in size, with a capacity of 1.44MB.
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Write-protect window
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A small hole and sliding cover on a floppy disk that restricts writing to the disk.
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Disk Density
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The closeness of the particles on a disk surface. As density increases, the particles are packed more tightly together and are usually smaller.
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Hard Disk Platter
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The component of the hard disk drive on which data is stored. It is a flat, rigid disk made of aluminum or glass and coated with a magnetic oxide.
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Head Crash
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A collision between the read-write head and the surface of the hard disk platter, resulting in damage to some of the data on the disk.
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Tape Backup
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A copy of data from a computer's hard disk, stored on magnetic tape, and used to restore lost data.
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CD
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Compact Disc
An optical storage medium used to store digital information. |
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DVD
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Digital Video Disc.
An optical storage medium similar in appearance and technology to a CD-ROM but with higher storage capacity. Can also mean "digital versatile disc" |
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Double Layer DVD
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A DVD that essentially stacks data in two different layers on the disk surface to store 8.5GB, twice the capacity of a standard DVD.
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Recordable technology
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A technique of writing data permanently on CD and DVD disks, the data cannot be changed once it has been recorded.
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Rewritable technology
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A technique of writing data on CD and DVD disks that is rewritable. The data can be changed, or deleted after being recorded.
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USB Flash Drive
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A portable solid state storage device nicknamed "pen drive" or "keychain drive" that plugs directly into a computer's usb port.
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Pointing Device
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An input device such as a mouse, trackball, pointing stick, or trackpad, that allows uers to manipulate an on-screen pointer and other screen-based graphical controls.
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Trackball
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An input device that looks like an upside down mouse. The user rolls the ball to move the on-screen pointer.
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Trackpad
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A touch-sensitive surface on which you slide your fingers to move the on-screen pointer.
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Joystick
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An input device that looks like a small version of a car's stick shift. Popular with gamers, moving the stick moves objects on the screen.
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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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Plasma Screen
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A compact, lightweight, flat panel computer screen that displays the pixels of an image using a technology similar to that of neon lights.
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Viewable image size
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(VIS) A measurement of the maximum image size that can be displayed on a monitor screen.
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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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Pixels
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Short for picture element, a pixe lis the smallest unit in a grpahic image. Computer display devices use a matrix of pixels to display text and graphics.
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Viewing Angle Width
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The angle at which you can still cearly see the screen image from the side.
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Refresh Rate
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The speed at which a computer monitor is rewritten, measured in Hertz. Faster refresh rates reduce flickering.
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Resolution
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The density of the grid used to display or print text and graphics. The greater the horizontal and vertical density, the higher the resolution.
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Graphics card
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A circuit board inserted into a computer to handle the display of text, graphics, animation, and videos. Also called a "Video Card"
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Ink jet Printer
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A non-impact printer that creates characters or graphics by spraying liquid ink onto paper or other media.
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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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Dot Matrix Printer
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A printer that creates characters and graphics by striking an inked ribbon with small wires called "pins" generating a fine pattern of dots.
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Thermal Transfer Printer
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An expensive, color-precise print that uses wax containing color to produce numerous dots of color on plain paper.
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Dye Sublimation Printer
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An expensive, color precise printer that heats ribbons containing color to produce consistent, photograph-quality images.
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Duty Cycle
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A measurement of how many pages a printer is able to produce per day or month.
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Printer Control Language
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The unofficial standard language used to send page formatting instructions from a PC to a laser or ink jet printer.
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PostScript
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A printer language, developed by Adobe Systems, which uses a special set of commands to control page layout, fonts, and graphics.
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Data Bus
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An electronic pathway or circuit that connects the electronic components, such as processor and RAM, on a computer's motherboard
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Expansion Bus
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The segment of the data bus that transports data between RAM and peripheral devices.
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Expansion Slot
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A socket or slot on a PC motherboard designed to hold a circuit board called an expansion card.
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ISA
|
Industry Standard Architecture.
A standard for moving data on the expansion bus. Can refer to a type of slot, a bus, or a peripheral device. An older technology, it is rapidly being replaced by PCI architecture. |
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PCI
|
Peripheral Component Interconnect.
A method for transporting data on the expansion bus. Can refer to type of data bus, expansion slot, or transport method used by a peripheral device. |
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AGP
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Accelerated Graphics Support.
A type of interface, or slot, that provides a high-speed pathway for advanced graphics. |
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PCMCIA
|
Personal Computer Memory Card International Association.
An external expansion slot typically found on notebook computers. |
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PC Card
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A credit-card sized circuit board used to connect a modem, memory, network card, or storage device to a notebook computer.
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Expansion Port
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A socket into which the user plugs a cable from a peripheral device, allowing data to pass between the computer and the peripheral device.
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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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Plug and Play (PnP)
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The ability of a computer to automatically recognize and adjust the system configuration for a newly added device.
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Machine Code
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Program instructions written in binary code that the computer can execute directly.
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Op Code
|
Short for operation code.
An op code is an assembly language command word that designated an operation, such as add, compare, or jump (ADD, CMP, JMP, respectively) |
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Operands
|
The part of an instruction that specifies the data, or the address of the data, on which the operation is to be performed.
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Instruction Cycle
|
The steps followed by a computer to process a single instruction; fetch, interpret, execute, then increment the instruction pointer.
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Programming language
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A set of keyword and grammar that allow a programmer to write instructions that a computer can execute.
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Source Code
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Computer Instructions written in high-level language.
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High-level Language
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A programming language that allow a programmer to write instructions using human-like language.
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Machine Language
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A low-level language written in binary code that the computer can execute directly.
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Compiler
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Software that translates a program written in a high-lvel language into low-level instructions before the program is executed.
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Object Code
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The low-level instructions that result from compiling source code.
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Interpreter
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A program that converts high-level instructions in a computer program into machine-language instructions, one instruction at a time.
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Resource
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A componenet, either hardware or software, that is available for use by a computer's processor.
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Multitasking
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The ability of a computer, processor, or operating system to run more than one program, job, or task at the same time.
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Multithreading
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A technology that allows multiple parts of threads from a program to run simultaneously.
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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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Graphical User Interface
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A type of user interface that features on-screen objects, such as menus and icons, manipulated by a mouse. Abbreviated GUI (Pronounced "gooey")
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Command-Line Interface
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A style of user interface which requires users to type commands, rather than use a mouse to manipulate graphics.
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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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Kernel
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The core module of an operating system that typically manages memory, processes, tasks, and disks.
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Single-user operating system
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A type of operating system that is designed for one user at a time with one set of input devices.
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Multiuser Operating System
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An operating system that allows a single computer to deal with simultaneous processing requests from multiple users.
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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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Desktop Operating System
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An operating system specifically designed for use on personal computers, such as Windows Me or Max OSX.
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Microsoft Windows
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An operating system, developed by Microsoft Corportation, that provides a graphical interface.
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Mac OS
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The operating system designed for use on Apple Macintosh and iMac computers.
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UNIX
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A multi-user, multitasking server operating system developed by AT&T Bell Laboratories in 1969.
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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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DOS
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Disk Operating System.
The operating system software shipped with the first IBM PC's, then used on millions of computers until the introduction of Microsoft Windows. |
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Palm OS
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A popular type of operating system produced by PalmSource specifically for handheld computers.
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Windows Mobile OS
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An operating system designed by Microsoft for hand-held computers.
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Symbian OS
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An operating system typically used on mobile phones and open to programming by third-party developers.
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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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Word Processing Software
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Computer programs that assist the user in producing documents, such as reports, letters, papers, and manuscripts.
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Desktop Publishing Software
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Software used to create high-quality output suitable for commercial printing. DTP software provides precise control over layout.
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Web Authoring Software
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Computer programs for designing and developing customized Web pages that can be published electronically on the Internet.
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Spelling Checker
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A feature of document production software that checks each word in a document against an electronic dictionary of correctly spelled words, then presents a list of alternatives for possible misspellings.
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Spelling dictionary
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A data module that is used by a spelling check as a list of correctly spelled words.
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Thesaurus
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A feature of documentation software that provides synonyms.
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Grammar Checker
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A feature of word processing software that coaches the user on correct sentence structure and word usage.
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Readability Formula
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A feature found in some word processing software that can estimate the reading level of a written document.
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Search and Replace
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A feature of document production software that allows the user to automatically locate all instances of a particular word or phrase and substitute another word or phrase.
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Format
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Specified properties for setting a document's appearance.
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Font
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A typeface or style of lettering, such as Arial, Timew New Roman, and Gothic.
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Point Size
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A unit of measure (1/72 of an inch) used to describe the height of characters.
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Paragraph style
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A specification for the format of a paragraph, which includes the alignment of text within the margins and line spacing.
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Paragraph alignment
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The horizontal position (left, right, centered, justified) of the text in a document.
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Full justified
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The horizontal alignment of text where the text terminates exactly at both margins of the document.
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Line spacing
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The vertical spacing between lines of text
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Style
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A feature in many desktop publishing and word processing programs that allows the user to apply numerous format settings in a single command.
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Header
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Text that is placed in the top margin of each page of a document.
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Footer
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Text that appears in the botoom margin of each page of a document.
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Page Layout
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The physical positions of elements on a document page such as headers, footers, page numbering, and graphics positioning.
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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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Table
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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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Frames
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An outline or boundary, frequently defining a box. For document production software, a pre-defined area into which text or graphics may be placed.
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Mail merge
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A feature of document production software that automates the process of producing customized documents, such as letters and advertising flyers.
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Spreadsheet
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A numerical model or representation of a real situation, presented in the form of a table.
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Spreadsheet software
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Software for creating electronic worksheets that hold data in cells and perform calculations based on data.
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What-If Analysis
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The process of setting up a model in a spreadsheet and experimenting to see what happens when different values are entered.
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Worksheet
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A computerized, or electronic, spreadsheet
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Cell
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In spreadsheet terminology, the intersection of a column and a row. In cellular communications, a limited geographical area surrounding a cellular phone tower.
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Label
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In the context of spreadsheets, any text used to describe data.
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Formula
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In spreadsheet terminology, a combination of numbers and symbols that tells the computer how to uyse the contents of cells in calculations.
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Cell References
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The column letter and row number that designate the location of a worksheet cell.
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Mathematical Operators
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Symbols such as +-/* that specify mathematical functions in a formula.
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Automatic Recalculation
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A feature found in spreadsheet software that automatically recalculates every formula after a user makes a change to any cell.
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Relative Reference
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In a worksheet, cell references that can change if cells change position as a result of a move or copy operations
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Absolute Reference
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In a worksheet formula, cell references (usually proceeded by $) that cannot change as a result of a move or copy operation.
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Statistical Software
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Software for analyzing large sets of data to discover patterns and relationships within them.
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Mathematical Modeling Software
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Software for visualizing and solving a wide range of math, science, and engineering problems.
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Money Management Software
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Software used to track monetary transactions and investments
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Personal Finance Software
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Software geared toward individual finances that helps track bank account balances, credit card payments, investments and bits.`
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Tax Preparation Software
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Personal finacne software that is specifically designed to assistn with fax preparation.
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Database
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A collection of information that might be stored in more than one file or in more than one record type.
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Database Software
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Software designed for entering, organizing, updating, and reporting information stored in a database.
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Query Language
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A set of command words that can be used to direct the computer to create databases, locate information, soft records, and change the data in those records.
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Natural Language Query
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A query using language spoken by human beings, as opposed to an artificially contructed language such as machine language.
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Query by Example
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QBE -
A type of database interface in which the user fills in a field with an example of the type of information that she is seeking. |
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Graphics
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Any picture, photograph, or image that can be manipulated or viewed on a computer.
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Graphics Software
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Computer programs for creating, editing, and manipulating images.
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Paint software
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The software required to create and manipulate bitmap graphics.
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Photo editing software
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The software used to edit, enhance, retouch, and manipulate digital photographs.
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Drawing software
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Programs that are used to create images with lines, shapes, and colors, such as logos or diagrams.
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3-D Graphics software
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The software used to create three-dimensional wireframe objects, then render them into images.
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CAD Software
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Computer Aided Design software.
A program designed to draw 3-D graphics for artchitecture and engineering tasks. |
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Presentation Software
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Software that provides tools to combine text, graphics, graphs, animation, and sound into a series of electronic slides that can be output on a projector, or as overhead transparancies, paper copies, or 35mm slides.
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Audio Editing Software
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A program that enbables users to create and edit digital voice and music recordings.
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CD Ripper software
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Software that converts the music on an Audio CD to a WAV file.
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Audio encoding software
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A computer program designed to convert sound files into a digital sound format, such as MP3 or AAC.
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Ear Training Software
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Software used by musicians to develop tuning skills, recognize keys, and develop musical skills.
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Notation Software
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Software used to help musicians compose, edit, and print their compositions.
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Computer-Aided Music software
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Software used to generate unique music compositions with a simplified set of tools, such as tempo, key, and style.
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MIDI Sequencing Software
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Software that uses a standardized way of trasmitting encoded music or sounds for controlling musical devices, such as a keyboard or sound card.
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Video Editing Software
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Software that provides tools for capturing and editing vid3eo from a camcorder.
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DVD Authoring Software
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Computer programs that offer tools for creating DVD menus and transferring digital video onto DVD's that can be played in a computer or standalone DVD player.
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Software Suite
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A collection of individual applications sold as one package.
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Educational Software
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Software used to develop and practice skills.
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Reference Software
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Software that contains a large database of information with tools for sorting, viewing, and accessing specific topics.
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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 for use in hospitals.
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Horizontal Market Software
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Any computer program that can be used by many different kinds of businesses.
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Accounting Software
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A category of software that includes accounting, money management, and tax preparation software.
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Project Management Software
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Software specifically designed as a tools for planning, scheduling, and tracking projects and their costs.
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Groupware
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Software that enables multiple users to collaborate on a project, usually through a pool of data that can be shared by members of the workgroup.
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Distribution Media
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One or more floppy disks or CD's that contain programs and data, which can be installed to a hard disk drive.
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System Requirements
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1) Specifications for the operating system and hardware configuration necessary for a software product to work correctly
2) The criteria that must be met for a new computer system or software product to be a success. |
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Install
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The process by which programs and data are copied to the hard disk of a computer system and otherwise prepared for access and use.
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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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Zipped
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Refers to one or more files that have been compressed
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Unzipped
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Refers to files that have been uncompressed.
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Self-Installing Executable File
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A program that automatically unzips and then initiates and runs its setup program.
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Self-Executing Zip File
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A type of file that can be run to unzip the file or files contained within it.
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Non-Executing Zip File
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A type of file that has to be unzipped manually to extract the file or files contained within it.
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Software Patch
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A section of software code designed to modify an existing program to fix a specific error or add a feature.
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Validation Code
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A series of letters and numbers usually shipped on disk media or delivered by e-mail. Used to very that downloads and upgrades go to legitimate users.
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Uninstall Routine
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A program that removes software files, references, and registry entries from a computer's hard disk.
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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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Software License
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A legal contract that defines the ways in which a user may use a computer program.
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Single-user license
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Legal permission for one person to use a particular software package.
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Site License
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Legal permission for software to be used on any and all computers at a specific location, ie. building or campus.
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Multiple-user license
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Legal permission for more than one person to use a particular software package.
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Concurrent-use license
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Legal permission for an organization to use a certain number of copies of a software program at the same time.
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Shrink-Wrap License
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A legal agreement printed on computer software packaging, which becomes binding once the package is opened.
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EULA
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End-User License Agreement.
A version of the license agreement that appears on the computer screen when software is being installed and prompts the user to accept or decline |
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Commercial Software
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Copyrighted computer applications sold to consumers for profit.
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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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Freeware
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Copyrighted software that is given away by the author or owner.
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Open Source Software
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Software that includes it source code, allowing programmers to modify and improve it.
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Public Domain Software
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Software that is available for public use without restriction except that it cannot be copyrighted.
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Windows Registry
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A crucial set of data files maintained by the operating system that contains the settings needed by a computer to correctly use any hardware and software that has been installed.
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