Computer Terms


Do you sometimes confuse the gigabytes of your hard disk with the megabytes of your RAM?  What is a cache anyway? Is a serial port different than a parallel port?  Or is any port safe in a storm?  Check this glossary of computer terms that are easy to understand and easy to use.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z


A
Active-matrix
Flat-screen liquid crystal display (LCD) in which each of the screen's pixels is controlled by its own transistor. This provides sharper contrast than passive LCD displays.
Alpha Testing
In-house testing of a software product.
Anti-virus Program
A program that searches for viruses and removes any virus that it finds.
Application
Software designed for a certain use, such as word processing. Also called a program.
B
Backup
(v) The process of copying important files and information from the PC's hard disk to another medium, such as floppy disks or tape. (n) a disk used to store files
Bandwidth
A measurement of the volume of information that can be transmitted over a network at any given time. The higher the bandwidth, the faster the data can be broadcast.
Bay
Section of the computer case where equipment like floppy disk drives and CD-ROM drives can be installed.
Beta Testing
The testing done by a software developer that includes use and reviews by outside individuals.
Bi-directional Cable
A cable that allows information to flow in both directions. Used with many newer printers.
Big Science
An integration of the various branches of scientific study.
Bios (Basic Input/Output System)
A set of routines stored in the computer's read-only memory that gives the computer instructions for basic operating routines.
Binary System
A numbering system based on two numbers, zero and one.
Bit (Binary Digit)
The smallest piece of information that is recognized by a computer. It represents a 1 or a 0 in the binary numbering system.
Bluetooth
A wireless technology that uses short-range radio frequencies to allow communication between many different devices. Bluetooth technology is superior to Infrared in many ways.
Bookmark
To mark a document or a specific place in a document for future reference.
Boot
Derived from "boot strap." To start or restart a computer. A cold boot means to start the computer by turning the power switch on. A warm boot is resetting a computer that is already on.
Boot Disk
(see Startup disk)
Bps (Bits per second)
The standard measure of data transmission speeds.
Browser
A software program that lets you access and navigate the Internet with a graphical interface.
Bug
A mistake in a computer program or system that causes a malfunction or erroneous result.
Bulletin Board
A computer system that allows users to post messages and correspond with other users.
Bundled Software
Software programs that are included with the purchase of a computer or piece of hardware.
Bus
The channel or path that the computer uses to transfer data. It is the main avenue for all data that moves in and out of the computer.
Byte
Eight bits of binary information is a byte, which can represent one letter in the alphabet.
C
Cable Modem
A modem that allows rapid Internet access over a cable television line. To use a cable modem, Internet service must be available from the cable television company.
Cache
A small amount of computer memory that holds most recently used data.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A form of stress injury that produces numbness or burning in the fingers, hands and/or wrists.
CD-R (Compact Disc-Recordable)
A compact disc that can be written on, but cannot be erased or reused. CD-R drives can play CD-ROMs.
CD-ROM (Compact Disc - Read Only Memory)
A hard plastic disc that holds about 650 megabytes of computer data. This disc cannot be written on.
CD-E (Compact Disc-erasable) (also called CompactDisc-RW)      
A compact disc that can be read, written on, erased and
reused. CD-E drives can play CD-ROMs and CD-Rs as well.
CDT (Cumulative Trauma Disorders)
Physical disorders that are caused by stress on certain areas of the body.
Cell
A single location in a grid in a spreadsheet.
Chat Room
A virtual meeting room where computer users can communicate with each other in real time. People from all over the world can come together in a chat room to discuss topics of mutual interest.
Checkbook Program
A program that helps you to balance your checkbook and organize and budget your finances.
Chip
A thin silicon wafer that contains integrated electronic circuits. Chips perform many computer functions including serving as the computer memory.
Click
Pressing the mouse button. This usually refers to the left mouse button. Double click means to press the left mouse button twice in quick succession. Right-click means to press the right mouse button.
Clip Art
Drawings or other images that have been produced to be used in computer programs.
Clipboard
A special area in the computer memory that temporarily stores data which is to be copied to another location. 
Clone
A computer that functions exactly like another, better-known product. It is not necessarily an exact copy of that product, but should be able to use the same software and file structures. 
Competitive Upgrade
Qualifying to purchase an upgrade version of a software program because you already own a similar software program from a competing company.
Compression
Technology that reduces the size of a file. Using compression allows a file to be transmitted over the Internet more quickly and to be stored using less space. Some common compression standards are Zip files for the PC, Stuffit files for the Mac, and MP3 files for music compression.
Cookie
A cookie is a tiny piece of text that is placed on a hard drive. Cookies allow a web server to store information about the user on his computer, and then retrieve that information for identification in the future. Cookies record bits of information such as shopping purchases and user name and password, to prevent having to reenter this information every time a page is revisited.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The main component of a computer system. The brain of the computer. Processes all instructions and information. 
Cursor (also called the pointer)
A symbol, usually a solid rectangle, blinking underline character or arrow that signifies where on the screen the next entry will occur.
D
Data
Representation of facts, concepts, or instructions.
Database
Collection of information that has been organized in a structured format that can be accessed through a computer system.
Data Bit
(see bit)
Data Compression
A method of storing data in a format that requires less space than usual.
Decimal System:
The most common numbering system based on ten numbers, zero through nine.
Default Settings
The settings that the computer uses at the startup of a program or operating system.
Defragment
The process of taking pieces of files that are scattered or fragmented on the hard disk and unifying them.
Desktop
A metaphor for the on-screen computing environment. A computer desktop includes the screen background, icons, and windows visible on the computer screen.
Desktop Publishing
The use of computer hardware and software for page layout, typesetting and design.
Diagnostic Software
Software that can help you to determine what is wrong with your computer and correct it.
Disk Fragmentation
(see fragmentation)
Docking Station
An add-on for a portable computer that allows it to connect to accessories such as monitors and keyboards when it is used as a desktop computer.
Domain Name
An Internet domain name is an individual's or organization's unique name, which points to a specific Internet address. The domain name is the part of the Internet address that usually follows the www. For example, in the Web address http://www.americanretiredpersons.com, the domain name is americanretiredpersons.com.
DOS (Disk Operaing System)
One of the first operating systems for personal computers.
Dot-Matrix Printer
A type of printer that uses the impact of pins striking against an inked ribbon to produce the appropriate characters or shapes.
Download
To move or copy a document, program or other data from the Internet or other computer to your computer. The opposite of upload.
Dpi (Dots per Inch)
Way of measuring the density of output of printers and scanners. The higher the dpi, the better the resolution.
DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)
The type of RAM used in most personal computers.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
A modem technology that transforms ordinary telephone lines into high-speed digital lines. DSL allows an existing phone line to be used for both voice and data simultaneously and provides very fast Internet access. Depending on location and the state of telephone lines, a DSL hook up may or may not be available.
DSVD (Digital Simultaneous Voice and Data) Modem
A modem that allows for voice and data to be transferred simultaneously.
Driver
Software that the computer needs to understand how to operate a monitor, printer or other attached device.
Dual-scan
A system of doubling the line that can be changed to speed up the display of an LCD screen
Duplex
Refers to the transmission of data. Full-duplex allows for transmission of data in both directions at the same time. Half-duplex allows for transmission in one direction at one time.
DVD (Digital Video Disc)
High density disk that can hold from 4.7 gigabytes to 17 gigabytes of information.
E
Electromagnetic Radiation
A stream of particles or electromagnetic waves emitted from certain electrical equipment. The long-term effect of these emissions on humans is a matter of speculation at this time.
E-Mail (Electronic Mail)
Messages sent through a computer network, such as the Internet.
ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer)
Considered by many to be the first useful computer. Completed in 1946 by John Eckert and John Mauchly.
Enter Key
A key on the computer keyboard that is marked with the word Enter or a large arrow. (There are often more than one enter keys on the keyboard.) Pressing the enter key will move you down a line in a word processing programs. In many programs it completes your selection or your entering of data and sends that data to the computer.
Escape Key
The key marked esc. Usually positioned at the upper left of the keyboard. This key often allows you to return to the previous screen.
Ergonomics
The science which studies the safety and comfort of machines and furniture for humans.
Expansion Slots
The slots inside the computer which accept computer boards.
F
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Compilation of the most commonly asked questions about a certain subject or product.
Fax-back (Also called Fax on Demand)
A service which allows you to order the information of your choice and have that information faxed to you.
Fax-Modem
A modem which is designed to send and receive faxes through a computer, as well as act as a regular modem.
Field
A space allocated for a certain type of information.
File
A collection of data.
File Conversion
Changing the formatting of a data file.
File Transfer Protocol
A set of software utilities used to transfer files from one computer to another.
Firewall
A type of Internet security that protect a computer or a computer network from unauthorized access. A firewall can be a piece of software or a combination of hardware and software.
FireWire
A type of bus standard also known as IEEE 1394. This very fast bus supports data transfer rates of up to 400 Mbps. Because of its high speed, FireWire is often used for transferring video files. Found on most Apple computers, the name FireWire was originally developed by Apple.
Flame
To send a E-mail or post a message which is assaulting, offensive and/or very aggressive in nature.
Flash BIOS
The BIOS is recorded on a flash memory chip, which can be easily updated if necessary. (see BIOS)
Flat Database
A simple database which is contained in a single table.
Floppy Disk
A thin case enclosing a magnetic disk that stores computer data.
Folder
An object that can hold multiple documents. Used to organize information. Folders can also be called directories.
Font
A collection of letters and numbers in a particular typeface.
Footer
One or more lines of text that appear at the bottom of every page of a document.
Format
(1) The specific arrangement of data
(2) To prepare a storage medium, usually a disk, for reading and writing. i.e. to format a floppy disk
(3) To specify the properties of an object, i.e. to format the text in a word processing program.
Form Feed
A form feed button or command advances the paper to the beginning of the next page.
Forum
An on-line discussion group where people exchange ideas about a common interest. Also called a newsgroup.
486
An old microprocessor for personal computers. Has been outdated by the introduction of the Pentium chip.
Fragmentation
The condition of a disk in which files are divided into scattered pieces. Fragmentation occurs naturally as you create, modify, and delete files.
Freeware
Copyrighted software given away for free by the author. You can use such software, but cannot sell it in any way.
Frustration
Feelings of discouragement or bewilderment that can be eliminated in the computer world with an understanding of what computers are and how they work.
Function
A type of procedure or routine that is used in programming computers as well as in certain computer programs, such as spreadsheets.
G
Genealogy Program
A program that helps you to trace your family tree and keep track of all historical familial information.
Gigabyte (GB)
A unit of computer storage roughly equaling one billion bytes.
H
Hacker
Someone, usually knowledgeable about computers, who accesses electronic information without permission.
Hard Disk
The storage disk inside of the computer that holds the operating system and programs.
Hard Drive
The hardware mechanism that contains the hard disk.
Hardware
The physical components of a computer system. Refers to objects like disk drives, monitors, keyboards, and printers.
Header
One or more lines of text that appear at the top of every page of a document.
High-capacity Drive
A floppy disk drive that can hold more information than the average floppy. They are slightly larger than conventional floppy disks, and about twice as thick. They are used for backing up hard disks and for transporting large files.
Hologram
A realistic three-dimensional image that is produced by laser beams.
Home Page
The main page of a Web site.
Hot Link
A link between two application or web pages that allows for easy access between the two. (see Hypertext Link)
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)
The language that is used to create graphic documents for publication on the Web. Documents that are produced with HTML are like text documents that have tags embedded in them. The tags contain coding for attaching graphics, formatting and hypertext links.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
The protocol used by the World Wide Web that defines how messages are formatted and transmitted.
Hypertext Link
A word that you click on when on the Web to take you to another Web page or site. These hot links are usually underlined or in a different color.
I
IBM-compatible
A computer is that provides the same functionality as an IBM PC, but is made by another company. It is capable of running any software that an IBM PC can run.
Icon
A small picture that represents a program, file or command in your computer system. It is activated by moving the cursor onto the icon and pressing a button or key.
IEEE 1394
See FireWire
Incremental Backup
A backup procedure that backs up only those files that have been changed or modified since the previous backup.
Indent
To set in from the margin. Usually used in the first line of a paragraph.
Industry Standard
When most companies start producing products of a certain type or design, that type or design of the product is said to be the industry standard.
Infrared Port (IrDA, Infrared Data Association)
A port that allows the transfer of data from one device to another without any cables via infrared light waves. Both devices must have infrared ports.
Ink Jet Printer
A printer which produces text and images by spraying ink onto the paper. It produces a print out which is close to laser quality at less cost.
Input
(n) Information or data that goes into the computer. This includes information that is typed on the keyboard, as well as information that is gathered from other devices, such as mice or scanners. (v) The act of entering data into a computer.
Installation Disk
A floppy disk(s) or CD-ROM disk which contains the information needed to install a program to the hard disk.
Integrated
Refers to two or more components merged together to work as a single system or as several components that work together seamlessly.
Integrated Pointing Device
A device found in the middle of the keyboard. Used to control the movement of the cursor on the screen. Used instead of a mouse.
Interface
Something that connects two separate entities. It can be either hardware or software. Generally used to refer to the user interface or the part of a software program that connects the computer with a human operator (user).
Interlaced
A type of monitor that produces a certain amount of flickering compared to non-interlaced which reduces that flicker.
Internet
A global web of computers that allows individuals to communicate with each other.
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)
A type of online connection that speed up data transmission by sending data in digital form. Requires a special telephone line.
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
A company that lets you dial into their computers in order to connect to the Internet for a fee.
J
Jaz Drive
A high-capacity disk drive by Iomega Corporation. Holds about 1 GB of data on one removable disk.
Joystick
A lever device similar to a mouse. Basically used to play games on the computer.
K
Kbps
Kilobits per second (thousands of bits per second). A unit of measurement for modems that indicates the speed at which data is transferred. One kilobit is equal to 1,000 bits.
Keyboard
An input device used to type programs, instructions and data into the computer. Similar to the keys on a typewriter.
Keyboard Shortcut
A keystroke or combination of keystrokes that is used as a substitute for a longer series of keystrokes or mouse clicks.
L
Laptop Computer
A small, portable computer that can sit on your lap. Laptop computers are often also referred to as notebook computers.
Laser Printer
Printers that produce high quality printouts. They operate like a copy machine, using lasers and toner to produce an image.
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
The display screens used for most portable computers.
Leading
(pronounced like ledding) In word processing and desktop publishing, vertical spacing of lines of text in a paragraph.
Linux
A version of the UNIX operating system that was developed mainly by Linus Torvalds in 1990. The free program has been widely distributed with open source code, which means that other programmers and developers can easily change and augment the power of the software. It is able to run on many different processor chips and platforms including PCs, Macintoshes, and Amigas. Linux is one of the few successful competitors to the widely used Windows operating system.
Lite Version
A version of the software that does not have all the components that are found in the full version.
Local Bus
A data bus that connects directly, or almost directly, to the microprocessor.
Log On
Before using the Internet or other on-line service you are required to log on. This usually entails entering your user name and password.
M
Macintosh Computer
A type of computer made by Apple Computer. Macintosh computers are not interchangeable with IBM-compatible computers. They have different microprocessors and file formats. There are many different Macintosh models, with varying degrees of speed and power.
Mail Merge
A system which allows the user to easily generate form letters by automatically inserting each different name and address into the same letter or document.
Marquee
In many programs you can select items by drawing a marquee or box around them. This is usually done by dragging the mouse over the items to be selected.
Megabyte (MB)
A unit of computer storage roughly equaling one million bytes.
Megahertz (MHz)
Unit of measure used to determine the speed of microprocessors. One MHz represents one million cycles per second. This determines how many instructions per second the microprocessor can execute. For example, a chip that runs at 166MHz executes 166 million cycles per second.
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface)
The protocol for transforming music into data and vise versa. This allows electronic instruments to communicate with a computer.
MMX
A set of multimedia instructions built into the microprocessor enabling it to handle many multimedia functions that are normally handled by separate sound and/or video cards.
Modem (Modulator/DEModulator)
A device that allows computers to communicate over telephone lines. Modems change the computer's digital signal to an analog signal that can be sent over the telephone lines. Both computers must be equipped with modems in order to communicate.
Monitor
A television-like screen that shows you what your computer is doing.
Motherboard
The main circuit board of the computer.
Mouse
An input device that lets you control the computer by controlling the location and action of the cursor on the computer screen.
MP3
The file extension for MPEG, audio layer 3. This is an excellent compression standard for music. MP3 files are small so they can easily be transferred across the Internet, and although the files are highly compressed, there is very little loss of quality.
MPEG (Motion Pictures Expert Group)
One of the standards for compressing full-motion digital video. Requires hardware for decompression.
N
Netiquette
Rules for maintaining etiquette while using the Internet.
Newsgroup
An on-line discussion group generally geared to a specific topic or group of people.
Notebook Computer
A lightweight portable computer.
NFR (Near-Field Recording)
A type of mass storage that uses technology similar to a hard disk but which also employs a magneto-optical technology to greatly increase storage capacity.
O
OCR (Optical Character Recognition)
The process of reading text from paper and translating it into a format that the computer can understand and manipulate.
Off-line
Not connected and therefore unable to communicate.
On-line
Connected and able to communicate.
On-line Banking
Performing normal banking transactions, such as making deposits and, paying bills electronically.
On-line Service
A dial-up service, such as CompuServe or America Online, which provides access to the Internet and other electronic services on a subscription basis.
Operating System
A computer program which acts as the link between the computer and the user.
Optical Resolution
 
Orientation
In printing, the direction of the paper. Portrait means that the paper is higher than it is wide. Landscape means that the paper is wider than it is high.
OS2
An operating system developed by IBM. Although it is a very good operating system, it never gained enough popularity to become a major operating system.
Output
Anything that comes out of a computer including screen images, printed pages and sounds.
P
Parallel Port
An interface for connecting external devices, such as printers and scanners.
Parity
The quality of being either odd or even.
Passive-matrix
Flat-screen liquid crystal display (LCD) which consists of energized, rod-shaped crystals that move and bend light. Each pixel either lets light through or blocks it. The direction of the crystals creates the picture. The picture produced is not as clear as an active-matrix display.
Patch
A correction or fix created by a software developer to correct an error in the original program.
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)
A local bus standard developed by Intel Corporation.
PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association)
A standard that was adapted to enable credit card size devices to be used with computers, especially portable computers. PCMCIA cards are used for modems, hard disks and additional memory.
PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)
A handheld device that acts as a mini-computer. It usually combines phone and fax capabilities with a personal organizer and other computer applications.
Pentium
The fifth generation of computer microprocessor chip from Intel Corp. Previous processors were given numbers, such as 286, 386, 486. Because Intel discovered that it couldn't trademark its CPU numbers, it shifted to a naming scheme, starting with the Pentium processor.
Pentium Pro
The sixth generation of microprocessor chips from Intel Corp. Each generation of chips is faster and more powerful.
Peripheral
External device that connects to a computer, such as printer, mouse, scanner and keyboard.
PIM (Personal Information Manager)
A type of software that is used to organize information, especially, addresses, to-do lists and appointments.
Pixel (Picture element)
A cluster of colored dots that combine to form images on the computer screen.
Plotters
A output device like a printer, which draws lines with pens. Often used in architectural or engineering applications.
Plug-in
A smaller piece of software that adds features to a larger piece of software. Internet browsers often use plug-ins to increase the functionality of the basic program.
Presentation Software
Software that is used to create a series of documents, slides, transparencies or video images and sounds used to exhibit a product or image.
Print Driver
A piece of software that acts as the interface between the computer and the printer. (see Driver)
Printer Self-test
A routine that a printer goes through to show that it is working properly. It usually involves printing a sample sheet without the need to be attached to the computer.
Protocol
A set of standards that allows two products to work together by standardizing communications between the two products.
Public Domain Software
Software that is not copyrighted. It is free and can be used without any restrictions.
Q R
RAM (Random Access Memory)
The temporary memory of the computer where programs and information are kept. The contents of this memory are lost when the computer is turned off.
Record
In a database, one set of information.
Relational Database
A somewhat complex database which uses several tables that relate to each other in some way.
Reset Button
A button, usually located on the front of the computer, which resets or restarts the computer software without turning the computer completely off.
Resolution
The term used to describe sharpness and clarity of an image. The higher the resolution, the better the image.
ROM (Read Only Memory)
Computer memory or disk on which data has been prerecorded. Once data has been written onto a ROM chip or disk, it can only be read and cannot be changed or re-written.
RSI (Repetitive Stress Injuries)
An injury that occurs because of a motion that is repeated over and over, causing stress on certain parts of the body.
S
Scan Disk
A software program, often part of an operating system, which searches the hard disk for errors and corrects them.
Scanner
A device that takes a picture of a printed page or image and puts it into the computer memory.
Screen Saver
A software program that runs some sort of animation on the computer screen when it is turned on, but not in use.
SCSI (Small Computer System Interface)
A high-speed interface that is used for hard drives, scanners and other devices.
Search and Replace
Part of a software program which allows you to search for certain words, phrases or characters and replace them with other words, phrases or characters.
Self-test
(see Printer Self-test)
Serial Port
A port or interface used for serial communication. It can only transfer one bit at a time. Used for modems, mice and occasionally, printers.
Server
A computer or device that manages network resources. A file server is a computer and storage device that is used for storing files. A print server is a computer that manages one or more printers.
Service Release
A compilation of software patches that are released by the software manufacturer as a group.
Shareware
Software that is sold by a company or individual for a nominal fee. It can be copied freely for a trial basis. If you decide to use the shareware program you are expected to pay for it.
Skew
To turn or place an object at an angle. Often use in drawing programs to manipulate pictures or drawings.
Software
The program or instructions that tell the computer what to do.
Software Licenses
Nearly all software applications are licensed rather than sold. There are many different types of software licenses. Most personal computer software licenses allow you to run the program on one machine and to make copies of the software only for backup purposes. Some licenses also allow you to run the program on different computers as long as you don't use the copies simultaneously, or with other restrictions.
Software Piracy
Unauthorized copying of software.
Sound Card
An internal card in the computer which when attached to the PC speaker or external speakers allows the computer produce audio sounds.
Spam
To send unwanted E-mail or messages to several recipients. The electronic equivalent of junk mail.
SRAM (Static Random Access Memory)
A type of memory that is faster and more reliable than the more common DRAM.
Start Bit
In asynchronous communications, a bit that indicates that a byte has just been transmitted. Each byte of data is preceded by a start bit and followed by a stop bit.
Startup Disk
A floppy disk that contains the information that is necessary to start the computer when the hard drive is not functioning properly.
Stop Bits
(see start bit)
Stylus
A pencil-shaped instrument that is used as an input device.
Sub-notebook Computer
A portable computer that is smaller than a notebook computer.
Subwoofer
A speaker which can reproduce sound at the lowest end of the sound spectrum.
Suite
A group of programs that are sold together as one unit for a price less than the cost of the individual components.
Surge Protector
A device that protects electronic equipment from power surges or spikes.
SVGA (Super Video Graphics Array)
A set of graphics standards that have better resolution than VGA. Included resolutions range from 800 by 600 pixels to 1600 by 1200 pixels.
T
Tab
A mechanism for setting automatic stops or margins in order to line up text or items in columns.
Table
A collection of related data in a database.
Tape Drive
An internal or external computer drive which uses tape as the medium for reading and writing data. Since a tape must be accessed sequentially, tape drives are much slower than most other data-access methods.
Technical Support
Support that is given to the computer hardware or software user from the manufacturer of the equipment or developer of the software. This includes help in installing and using the products.
Technophobia
A fear of technology.
Telematic
In general, a combination of telecommunications and information processing. Specific to the automotive industry, telematics are embedded, in-vehicle electronic systems used for improving safely. Telematic devices can provide navigational information, links to roadside assistance, protection against theft, and connection to the Internet.
Template
A pattern that is used to create other like items. Often used to create documents that are similar, but have small differences.
Thermal Dye Transfer Printer
A printer that transforms the ink into a gas which hardens on the page to produce high quality color images that look like photos. Also called dye sublimation printer.
Thermal Wax Printer
A Printer that uses colored wax, heated and melted onto the paper to produce colors.
Toolbar
A strip of icons in a software program that usually are located at the top of the screen.
Toner
The type of ink used in laser printers and copy machines. It is a dry powder.
Touchpad
An input device that consists of a small touch-sensitive pad. The user moves his or her finger across the pad to move the cursor on the screen.
Track Ball
An input device used in place of a mouse which has a ball that is moved with the fingers to direct the movement of the cursor on the computer screen.
Tracking
In word processing or desktop publishing, to adjust the space between the characters of type.
Troubleshoot
To systematically investigate a problem and find a solution.
Typeface
A collection of letters, numbers and symbols that have the same distinctive appearance.
U
Undo Button
The icon or button in a software application that allows you to reverse, or undo your last action.
Upgrade
To improve your computer system by installing new components. Also to install a new version of the software that you are already using to gain new features and improvements.
Upload
To move or copy a document, program or other data from your computer to the Internet or another computer. The opposite of download.
USB (Universal Serial Bus)
A hardware bus standard that allows users to plug a peripheral into a USB port and have it automatically configured and ready to use.
Usenet
A worldwide bulletin board system that can be accessed through the Internet or through many on-line services. It contains thousands of newsgroups that cover many varied topics.
Uninstaller
A software program which removes or uninstalls other programs.
UNIX
An operating system that runs many of the large computer systems.
UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply)
A power supply that includes a battery to maintain power in case of a power outage or gap.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
A system for addressing Internet sites.
Utility Programs
A program that helps you perform necessary maintenance or correct problems with your computer system. Disk backup and anti-virus programs are utility programs.
V
Version
A new version of a software or hardware product is designed to replace an older version of the same product adding new and/or updated features.
VGA (Video Graphics Array)
The minimum standard for monitor resolution
640 by 480 pixels.
Virus
A unwanted file or set of instructions that replicates and attaches itself to files in your computer system, usually causing harm to your computer.
Virtual Reality
An artificial environment created by computer hardware and software which appears and feels like a real environment.
Voice Modem
A modem which is capable of processing voice as well as computer data. In data mode, the modem acts like a regular modem. In voice mode, the modem acts like a regular telephone.
Voice Recognition
Software which allows the computer to recognizes the spoken word in much the same way that a secretary would take dictation. With voice recognition, the computer can also perform certain functions in response to the spoken word.
VRAM (Video Random-Access Memory)
Memory used by video adapters. It can be accessed by two different devices simultaneously enabling faster screen redraws and faster access of graphic material than regular RAM. This type of memory helps the computer RAM process video images.
W
Wave Table
Uses recordings of actual instruments to produce sound that is more accurate and of better quality than an ordinary sound board.
Web Browser
A program that provides an interface that allows you to connect to the World Wide Web.
Web Page
One area of the World Wide Web. Comparable to a page in a book.
Wizard
An assistant or helper created by a software program to help the user perform tasks.
Word Processor
A piece of software used to create documents which are text oriented.
World Wide Web
One area of the World Wide Web. Comparable to a page in a book.
X Y Z
Zip Disks
A removable disk that holds more information than a floppy. A 100MG zip disk holds about 70 times the amount of information on a high-density 3½" floppy disk.
Zip Drive
A device for storing information on a type of floppy disk which is much higher density than a floppy.

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