Here are some Glossary of computer terms according to alphabetical order.
applet
A small Java application that is downloaded by an ActiveX or Java-enabled web browser.Once it has been downloaded,the applet will run on the user's computer.Common applets include financial calculators and web drawing programs.
application
Computer software that performs a task or se of tasks,such as word precessing or drawing.Applications are also referred to as programs.
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange,an encoding system for converting keyboard characters and instructions into the binary number code that the computer understands.
bandwidth
The capacity of a networked connection.Bandwidth determines how much data can be sent along the networked wires.wires. Bandwidth is particularly important for Internet connections,since greater bandwidth also means faster downloads.
binary code
The most basic language a computer understands,it is composed of a series of 0s and 1s. The computer interprets the code to form numbers,letters,punctuation marks,and symbols.
bit
(short for "binary digit").The smalest piece of computer information,either the number 0 or 1.
boot
To start up a computer.
Cold boot-restarting computer after having turned off the power.
Warm boot-restarting computer without having turned off the computer.
browser
Software used to navigate the Internet.google chrome,Microsoft Internet Explorer,Opera web browser are today's most popular browsers for accessing the World Wide Web.
bug
A malfunction due to an error in the program or a defect in the equipment.
byte
Most computers use combinations of eight bits,called bytes,to represent one character of data or instructions.For example,the word"cat" has three characters,and it would be represented by three bytes.
cache
A small data-memory storage area that a computer can use to instantly re-access data instead of re-reading the data from the original source,such as a hard drive.Browsers use a cache t ostore web pages so that the user may view them again without reconnecting to the Web.
CAD-CAM
Computer Aided Drawing-Computer Aided Manufacturing.the instructions stored in a computer that will be translated t overy precise operating instructions t oa robot,such as for assembling cars or laser-cutting signage.
CD-ROM
Compact DiskRead Only Memory.An optically read disc designed to hold information such as musuc,reference materials,or computer software.A signal CD-ROM can hold around 640 megabytes of data,enough for several encyclopedoas.Most software programs are now delivered on CD-ROMs.
CGI
Common Gateway Interface.A programming standard that allows visitors to fill out form fields on a Web page and have that information tnteract with a database,possibly comming back to the user as another Web page.
CGI may also refer to Computer Generated Imaging,the process in which sophisticated computer programs create still and animated graphics,such as special effects for movies.
chat
Typing text into a message box on a screen to engage in dialog with one or more people via the Internet or other network.
chip-
A tiny wafer of silicon containing miniature electric circuits that can store millions of bits of information.
client
A single user of a network application that is operated from a server.A client/server architecture allows many people to use the same data simultaneously.The program's main component(the data)resides on a centralized server,with smaller components(user interface)on each client.
Cookie
A text file sent by a Web server that is stored on the hard drive of a computer and relays back to the Web server things about the user,his or her computer,and/or his or her computer activities.
CPU
Central Processing Unit.The brain of the computer.
cracker
A person who "breaks in"to a comnputer through a network,without authorization and with mischievous or destructive intent(a crime in some states).
crash
A hardware or software problem that causes information to be lost or the computer to malfunction.Sometimes a crash can cause permanent damage to a computer.
cursor
A moving position-indicator displayed on a computer moniter that shows a computer operator where the next action or operation will take place.
cyberspace
Slang for the Internet.
database
A collection of similar information stored in a file,such as a database of addresses.This information may be created and stored in a database management system(DBMS).
debug
Slang.To find nad correct equipment defects or program malfunctions.
default
The pre-defined configuration of a system or an application.In most programs,the defaults can be changed to reflect personal preferences.
desktop
The main directory of the user interface.Desktops usually contain icons that represent links to the hard drive,a network(if there is one),and a trash or recycling can for files to be deleted.It can also display icons of frequently used applications,as requested by the user.
desktop publishing
The production of publication-quality documents using a personal computer in combination with text,graphics,and page layout programs.
directory
A list of files stored in the computer.
disk
Two distinct types.The names refer to the media inside the computer:
A hard disc stores vast amount of data.It is usually inside the computer but can be a separate peripheral on the outside.Hard discs are made up of several rigid coated metal discs.Currently,hard discs can store 15 to 1024 GB(gigabytes)
A floppy disc,3.5"square,usually inserted into the computer and can store about 1.4 megabytes of data.The 3.5" square "floppies" have a very thin,flexible disc inside.There is also an intermediate-sized floppy disc,trademarked Zip discs,which can store 250 megabytes of data.
disk drive
The equipment that operaters a hard or floppy disc.
documentation
The instruction manual for a piece of hardware or software.
domain
Represents an IP(Internet Protocol)address or set of IP addresses that comprise a domain.The domain name appears in URLs to identify web pages or in email addresses.For example,the email address for the First Lady is firs.lady@whitehouse.gov,"whitehouse.gov" being the domain name.Each domain name ends with a suffix that indicates what "top level domain" it belongs to.These are:".com"for commercial,".gov"for government,".org"for organization,".edu"for educational institution,".biz"for business,".info"for information,".tv"for television,".ws"for website.Domain suffixes may also indicate the country in which the domain is registered.No two parties can ever hold the same domain name.
domain name
The name of a network or computer linked to the Internet.Domains are defined by a common IP address or set of similar IP(Internet Protocol)addresses.
download
The process of transferring information from a web site(or other remote location on a network)to the computer.It is possible to "download a file" or "view a download."To transfer information from a web site(or other remote location on a network)to the computer.
DOS
Disk Operating System.An operating system designed for early IBM-compatible PCs
Drop-down menu
A menu window that opens vertically on-screen to display context-related options.Also called pop-up menu or pull-down menu.
DSL
Digital Subscriber Line.A method of connecting to the Internet via a phone line.A DSL connection uses copper telephone lines but is able to relay data at much higner speeds than modems and does not interfere with telephone use.
DVD
Digital Video Disc.Similar to a CD-ROM,it stores and plays both audio and video.
e-book
An electronic(usually hand-held)reading device that allows a person to view digitally stored reading materials.
Electronic mail;messages,including memos or letters,sent electronically between networked computers that may be across the office or around the world.
emoticon
A text-based expression of emoticon created from ASCII characters that mimics a facial expression when viewed with your head tilted to the left.Here are some examples:
- Smiling
- Frowning
- Winking
- Crying
encryption
The process of transmitting scrambled data so that only authorized recipients can unscramble it.For instance,encryption is used to scramble credit card information when purchases are made over the Internet
ethernet
A type of network.
ethernet card
A board inside a computer to which a network cable cable attached
file
A set of data that is stored in the computer.
firewall
A set of security programs that protect a computer from outside interference or access via the Internet.
Firewire
Apple Compuer's hign-speed data transfer.Frequently used to import video to a a computer.
folder
A structre for containing electronic files.In some operating systems,it is called a "directory."
fonts
Sets of typefaces(or characters)that come in different styles and sizes.
freeware
Software created by people who are willing to give it away for the satisfaction of sharing or knowing they helped to simplyfy other peopl's lives.It may be freestanding software,or it may add functionality to existing software.
FTP
File Transfer Protocol.A forma and se of rules for transferring files from a host to a remote computer.