Glossary

The following is a list of computer terminology. The PCWebopedia website can also provide computer technology definitions.

Acceptable Use Policy (AUP): A statement regarding proper use of computers and telecommunications that is signed by both parent/guardian and student. A signed AUP acknowledges the student’s responsibility to follow computer usage guidelines outlined in the student handbook.

alignment: the way text is lined up in the center or in relation to the left or right margins; the way objects are arranged in relation to each other or to a selected point on a grid.

application software: computer programs that perform certain tasks (e.g., word processing, database, drawing, etc.)

authoring language: a computer language that allows users who do not know programming language to program in human language.

baud: a unit of measurement, used to express the speed (bits per second) at which a modem sends and receives data.

bookmark: a list of saved Web sites that is part of a menu system.

bug: a mistake in a computer program, a virus.

CD-ROM (CDs): a compact disk that can hold large amounts of information, including moving video images, text and graphics.

character: a letter, number, punctuation mark, or symbol.

click: to tap or press the mouse button.

clipart (clipart library): premade graphics made available to the user as a collection of images on a CD, Web site, floppy disk or within software programs. Clipart may be moved between programs and documents using the clipboard functions.

clipboard: a temporary storage area for text or graphic that has been copied or cut. The last item copied or cut to the clipboard will be the item pasted.

close: to leave a document without quitting the program.

command: an instruction to a computer to perform a special task like “print.”

components: various parts of a computer system such as the keyboard, monitor, disk drive, or printer.

computer: a machine that can store, retrieve and process data. Components include input and output devices.

computer program: a piece of software containing statements and commands that tell the computer to perform a task or function.

copy: to reproduce an item such as a graphic or text and place it in the clipboard; the original remains intact.

copy protection: ways to prevent or limit the illegal copying of software.

CPU (Central Processing Unit): the hardware portion of a computer. The “brain” of a computer that controls all other devices.

crash: a breakdown in a computer program.

cursor: a blinking pointer on the computer screen that shows you where text will be entered, edited or deleted. The I-beam.

cut: to remove graphic or text from a document to the clipboard. The item may then be pasted elsewhere.

data: information put into a computer.

database: a collection of information; software used to collect, organize and sort information.

default: the predetermined settings that the computer/program/printer uses. These settings may be changed by the user.

delete: to erase graphics or text from a document. (see also: cut)

desktop publishing: software used on a personal computer which allows the user to create signs, newsletters in columnar format, blackline masters, etc. User may control fonts, sizes or print, graphics, placement of text, and may “publish” (print) the final product.

digital cameras: cameras that store images, digitally rather than recording them on film, which can be downloaded to a computer system.

disk: a magnetic storage device used to store computer information. Each disk appears flat and square on the outside; inside, the disk is circular and rotates so that information can be stored on its many circular tracks. (See floppy disk, hard disk.)

diskette: see disk.

disk drive: the device that writes and records information onto the disk

documentation: instruction manuals that come with computer software and hardware.

download: to receive information by telephone via a network from a distant computer to your computer.

drag (dragging): to move the pointer across the screen by sliding the mouse; to move a graphic by “clicking, holding and dragging” the mouse.

drawing tools: icons and functions that allow the user to create their own images.

electronic bulletin boards: bulletin boards that display telecommunicated messages to other users.

electronic mentoring: within a telecommunications environment, experts or professionals in a given field act as mentors.

electronic publishing: work that is presented or displayed through a computer, a network or web site.

electronic sources: formats of information using computer technology: CD-ROM, Web sites, telecommunications, software, video conferencing.

e-mail (electronic mail): a system that uses telecommunications to send messages from one computer to another.

esc: the key that may allow the user to exit the current screen or function.

exit: to quit or leave a program.

field: a component of a database record.

file: a collection of computer information stored under a single name.

file server: in local area networks (LANs), a computer dedicated to managing all other computers on the network. This computer also has attached to it a hard drive which serves as a repository for files and programs used by the other computers on the network.

floppy disk: a mass storage device; a round piece of plastic with a magnetic surface, sealed in a square plastic cover.

font: a set of type all of one design (e.g. Times), including a variety of font types, sizes (e.g. 12 point), and styles (e.g. bold) available from a menu.

format: to prepare a blank disc for use (also initialize); also, the settings for the page margins, spacing, etc.

function keys: keys on the computer keyboard that perform routine tasks when pressed.

gigabyte (G): one billion bytes of space in a computer; 1,000 megabytes.

graphic: information that is displayed as pictures or images (clipart, created art, scanned picture, etc.).

hard copy: a paper copy of information that has been generated by a computer.

hard disk: the permanently sealed internal storage of the computer; ROM (read only memory).

hard drive: the internal component of the computer that writes and reads data to the hard disk.

hardware: physical parts of a computer system. Includes CPU, keyboard, monitor, disk drives.

hold: press the mouse button and do not release, as in “click, hold and drag”

home row: the middle row of keys on the keyboard starting with “a” and ending with “ ; “.

icon: a small picture or graphic used to identify computer functions, applications, folders and files.

import: a function that allows the user to bring graphic or text into a document from a location (e.g. file, CD) other than the current location.

input: the information or instructions entered into a computer.

Internet: a network of networks; a community of people communicating via telecommunications; a virtual library of world wide resources.

interactive: a computer system/program in which the operator and computer exchange information.

interface: the hardware and software that are used to link one computer or computer device to another.

keyboard: an input device used to enter information into a computer by striking keys that are labeled much like those on a typewriter.

keyword search: a search strategy used in searching database or text information. A keyword search will find the search word anywhere in the document.

kilobyte (K): a measure of computer memory approximately 1000 bytes (characters).

laser printer: a high-resolution printer that prints by laser. The more dots per inch (DPI) a laser printer has, the higher the quality of the printout.

load: to copy a program or file from a disk or tape into the computer’s memory.

local area network (LAN): a number of nearby microcomputers linked together by computer cable.

logon: the process of accessing a network.

logout: the process of exiting a network.

LOGO: a programming language that combines pictures and words to teach mathematical and problem solving skills to children.

megabyte (MB): one million bytes, a measure of computer memory; 1024 kilobytes.

memory: that part of the computer system that temporarily stores information for instructions when the computer is operating; the amount of data, measured in kilobytes, that a computer can hold at one time. RAM (random access memory).

menu (menu bar): a list of options presented to a person using a piece of software. It allows the user to choose what they would like to do with the program being used.

modem: (modulator demodulator) a device that allows computers to communicate over telephone lines. A modem may be a peripheral or built into the computer.

monitor: a TV- like screen on which the computer displays data.

mouse: a desktop input device that controls cursor/pointer movements allowing the user to bypass the keyboard..

multimedia: a method of presentation combining text, graphics, slides, video, voice, music, and/or animation. Also refers to hardware/software that is capable of such presentations.

naming conventions: the accepted to give a document a name in order to save it.

netiquette: proper and responsible behavior while using the Internet.

network: a series of computers (or other devices) connected together.

new: a File Menu choice that allows the user to start a new document as opposed to working on an existing document. (See Open.)

on-line: direct communication between computers.

open: a File Menu choice that allows the user to work on an existing document as opposed to starting a new document. (See New.)

output: information that a computer sends out to a drive, monitor, printer, or modem.

paint: a program/tool that allows the user to create images, usually more flexible and comprehensive than a draw program.

paste: to place a graphic or text onto a document from the clipboard.

peripherals: devices connected to a computer such as: mouse, scanner, disk drives, printer, cameras, modems, microphones, headphones, projection devices.

printer: a peripheral used to reproduce information from a computer onto paper.

printout: a paper copy of information that has been generated by the computer.

program: see application and software.

prompt: a message for a program user. It tells what kind of information to enter.

quit: to exit or leave a program.

RAM: See memory.

record (database): a single collection of fields in a database.

ROM: See hard disk.

save: a command to “write” information on a disk. “Saved” documents should be saved using proper naming conventions.

save as: allows the user to save a document using a different name or save it to a different location.

scanner: a peripheral device used to “read” (scan) a graphic or text and send it to a computer.

select/highlight: a function of the mouse or keyboard that is necessary to change or move text and graphics.

simulation: a computer program that allows the user to experience how things work under specified conditions; an imitation of an actual experience.

slide show: a type of multimedia presentation displaying a sequence of pages/images.

software: programs that tell a computer how to perform a certain task.

special keys: keys used in software programs, often in conjunction with other keys, to perform certain tasks, including: Shift, Tab, ESC, Enter/Return, function keys (F5, F1, etc.), Alt, Option, Ctrl, Caps Lock

spreadsheet: a program or type of document used to organize data in columns and rows. May use formulas to calculate data.

storage device: a main memory device or external device where information or programs can be stored.

system: the collection of hardware and software that work together to form a working computer.

telecollaborative: working with other users via telecommunications.

telecommunications: The sending and receiving of information from one computer to another over phone lines, satellites, etc.

template: a pattern used to specify how to enter data into a program such as a spreadsheet, data base manager, or word processor.

text: the printed word in a document.

tools (toolbar, toolbox): icons used to represent functions within a program.

tutorial: software that teaches the user how to use a program/computer.

undo: a function used to reverse only the last text or graphic action taken. “Undo” may be a graphic tool icon or text menu item.

upload: to send information from your local computer to be stored on a central computer, electronic bulletin board or other “remote” computer.

user friendly: software or hardware that is easy to use and to understand

video conferencing: live/real-time communication between two different computer sites using video and sound.

window: the area of the monitor screen that frames information on the desktop.

word processing: a computerized system that helps the user to write, edit, store, copy, and/or print a written document.

word processor: a device or program for word processing.

word wrap: a word processing function that instructs the computer to start a new line and to bring an entire word down to the start of the next line.

World Wide Web (WWW): part of the Internet; millions of interconnected hypertext documents around the world that include text, pictures, video, sound and 3-D images.

zoom: a function of a window that allows the users to resize the window.