My Computer Dictionary

Algorithm- A formula or set of steps for solving a particular problem.
Alphanumeric- Describes the combined set of all letters in the alphabet and the numbers 0 through 9.
ALU- Abbreviation of arithmetic logic unit, the part of a computer that performs all arithmetic computations, such as addition and multiplication, and all comparison operations.
Binary- Pertaining to a number system that has just two unique digits.
Boot- To load the first piece of software that starts a computer.
Browser- Short for Web browser, a software application used to locate and display Web pages.
Buffer- A temporary storage area, usually in RAM.
Bug- An error or defect in software or hardware that causes a program to malfunction.
Byte- Abbreviation for binary term, a unit of storage capable of holding a single character.
Character- In computer software, any symbol that requires one byte of storage.
Chip- A small piece of semiconducting material (usually silicon) on which an integrated circuit is embedded.
Clock- Every computer contains an internal clock that regulates the rate at which instructions are executed and synchronizes all the various computer components.
Command- An instruction to a computer or device to perform a specific task.
Compatible- Indicates that a product can work with or is equivalent to another, better-known product.
CPU- Abbreviation of central processing unit, and pronounced as separate letters. The CPU is the brains of the computer.
Cursor- A special symbol, usually a solid rectangle or a blinking underline character, that signifies where the next character will be displayed on the screen.
Data- Distinct pieces of information, usually formatted in a special way.
Debug- To find and remove errors (bugs) from a program or design.
Directory- A special kind of file used to organize other files into a hierarchical structure.
Disk Drive- A machine that reads data from and writes data onto a disk.
Documentation- Instructions for using a computer device or program.
DOS- Acronym for disk operating system.
Editor- Sometimes called text editor, a program that enables you to create and edit text files.
E-mail- Short for electronic mail, the transmission of messages over communications networks.
Field- A space allocated for a particular item of information.
File- A collection of data or information that has a name, called the filename.
Floppy Disk- A soft magnetic disk.
Flow Chart- In desktop publishing, to insert a body of text into a document such that it wraps (or flows) around any objects on the page.
FTP- Abbreviation of File Transfer Protocol, the protocol used on the Internet for sending files.
Function Key- A function that is built into an application and can be accessed by end-users.
Graphics- Pertains to any computer device or program that makes a computer capable of displaying and manipulating pictures.
Hard Copy- A printout of data stored in a computer.
Hard-disk- A disk on which data can be encoded.
Hardware- Refers to objects that you can actually touch, like disks, disk drives, display screens, keyboards, printers, boards, and chips.
Hexadecimal- Refers to the base-16 number system, which consists of 16 unique symbols: the numbers 0 to 9 and the letters A to F.
HTML- Short for HyperText Markup Language, the authoring language used to create documents on the World Wide Web.
HTTP- Short for HyperText Transfer Protocol, the underlying protocol used by the World Wide Web.
Integrated Circuit- A circut that's integrated.
Internet- A global network connecting millions of computers.
Interface- Something that connects two separate entities.
1 Gig- 2 to the 30th power (1,073,741,824) bytes. One gigabyte is equal to 1,024 megabytes. Gigabyte is often abbreviated as G or GB.
1 K- approximately 256,000 bytes (or characters) in memory at one time.
1 Meg- When used to describe data storage, 1,048,576 (2 to the 20th power) bytes. Megabyte is frequently abbreviated as M or MB.
LAN- A computer network that spans a relatively small area. Most LANs are confined to a single building or group of buildings.
Memory- Internal storage areas in the computer.
Menu- A list of commands or options from which you can choose
Microprocessor- A silicon chip that contains a CPU.
Mnemonic- For mass storage devices, a label is the name of a storage volume.
Modem- a device or program that enables a computer to transmit data over telephone lines.
Monitor- Another term for display screen.
Operating System- The most important program that runs on a computer.
Output- Anything that comes out of a computer.
Port- An interface on a computer to which you can connect a device.
Printer- A device that prints text or illustrations on paper.
Primary Storage- A somewhat dated term for main memory.
Program- An organized list of instructions that, when executed, causes the computer to behave in a predetermined manner.
Prompt- A symbol on a display screen indicating that the computer is waiting for input.
RAM- Pronounced ramm, acronym for random access memory, a type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly; that is, any byte of memory can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes.
ROM- Pronounced rahm, acronym for read-only memory, computer memory on which data has been prerecorded.
Secondary Storage- Refers to various techniques and devices for storing large amounts of data.
Silicon- A material that is neither a good conductor of electricity (like copper) nor a good insulator (like rubber).
Software- Computer instructions or data.
Syntax Error- Refers to the spelling and grammar of a programming language.
Text File- A file that holds text.
URL- Abbreviation of Uniform Resource Locator, the global address of documents and other resources on the World Wide Web.
User Freindly- Refers to anything that makes it easier for novices to use a computer.
Windows- An enclosed, rectangular area on a display screen.
WWW- A system of Internet servers that support specially formatted documents. And that is all I have to say about that.