GLOSSARY
A acceleration card n a board that increases the speed of the processor
access v to be able to open a file, website, program,database, etc.
accessory n an extra item that is added to sth and is useful or attractive but important
access time n the average time required for the read/write head to move and have access to data; measured in milliseconds. Also known as "seek time"
acoustic coupler n a type of modem which allows an ordinary telephone receiver to be used for connecting a computer to the telephone network
ADA n a programming language developed for the US Department of Defense, named after Lord Byronś daughter Augusta Ada, who worked with Charles Babbage and is not unjustly described as the first programmer
adaptor n a device for connecting pieces of electrical equipment that were not designed to be fitted together
additive colour n a colour model on cathode ray tube displays
address n a code number that identifies the location of stored information
adjust v to change sth slightly
Adobe Systems creators of the PostScript language and the Illustrator application, and suppliers of fonts for use with PostScript printers
affect v to make sth change in a particular way
algorithm n a series of instructions or a step-by-step procedure for the solution of a problem
alias n a nickname that refers to a person or a list of persons on the net
align v to arrange things in a straight line
animation n the process of creating and recording images that change over time
appear v to come into view so that you can see it
applets n small applications written in Java. When you display a Web page with Java links, a Java applet is executed automatically
application generator n a tool that allows applications to be created interactively. Frequently includes a fourth-generation language and a database management system
application program n a program which executes a specific task, such as word processing,database management or financial planning
ARPANet n Advanced Research Projects Agency Network, developed in the early 70s by the US Department of Defense. This network is the precursor to the Internet
arithmetic logic unit n a component of the CPU which performs the actual arithmetic and logical operations asked for by a program
arrow keys n direction or cursor keys that allow the user to move the insertion point around the screen
assembler n a special program that converts a program written in a low- level language into machine code
assembly language n a low-level language in which instructions are the mneumonic equivalent of the code understood by the machine. Used for specialized applications where speed or compactness of code is the most important consideration
AT-compatible adj a computer which can run the same software as the IBM PC-AT, the model introduced by IBM in 1984
attachment n a file that has been included as part of an e.mail message
attributes n characteristics that affect the visual representation of lines and polygons,e.g. line styles, rectangle colour, etc
audio adj connected with the recording of sound
authentication n a security measure used to verify the userś identify on the net. When you configure the PPP program to access the Internet you have to enter a password and the user identification number
avatar n an object which represents a participant in a three-dimensional chat room
B background n the picture or colour on the first screen that appears when you turn on the computer (= desktop)
backing store n a storage device with a larger capacity but slower access time than the main memory. This type of memory is stable. It can be in the form of hard disks, floppy disks, tapes or optical disks
back-up n a copy of data or software, usually kept in case the original disk is damaged
back up v to copy files from one disk to another
band mode n a control or setting on a mobile phone which can be set at "digital" or "dual"
bandwidth n the quantity of data that can be transmitted through a network. It is measured in bits per second (bps)
batch processing n a method of information processing in which transactions are prepared for input to the computer for processing as a single unit. There may be some delay between the occurence of the original events and the processing of data.Compare with real time
baud n a unit for measuring the rate of data transmission. One baud = 1 bit per second. Named after Baudot, a pioneer of telegraphic communication
binary digit n the smallest unit of information in the binary system, 0 or 1. Also called bit
binary system n a notation system in which the base for each digital position is 2. In this system numbers are represented by the two digits 0 and 1. Thus the binary number 10 represents 2 in decimal system, while 100 represents 4
bit-mapped display n a display that stores pixel information in RAM memory cells
blink v to come on and go off again quickly (used about light, text, etc)
bookmark n a saved link that takes users directly to a Web address. Bookmarks are also called hotlist entries or favourites
boot v to start up a computer
bridge n a device used to connect groups of computers
browse v to look for or look at information on the Internet
browser n a program designed to fetch and display Web pages on the Internet
bug n an error in a program
bulletin board n an online service that allows users to access and send information to other users quickly and easily. Any users who want to send or read messages dial up with their PC and modem combination to the central bulletin board system (BBS). Once connected they can share information and files using various facilities
bus n a channel, or highway, which carries signals between units in the CPU
button n a small box that user clicks, using mouse, to tell the computer to do sth
byte n a unit of information which consists of a fixed number of bits (usually 1 byte= 8 bits). A byte can represent any value from 0 to 255. The sequence of bits in a byte represents an instruction, letter, number or any other character. Compare with kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte, terabyte
C Cable modem n a modem designed to operate through a cable TV line. It offers a much greater bandwidth than a telephone line
carbon copy n a copy of a letter, an e-mail, etc. that is sent to sb else as well as the person it is addressed to
categorize v to divide people or things into groups
cell n an intersection of a column and a row in a spreadsheet
central processing unit (CPU) n the "brain" of the computer. Its function is to execute programs stored in the main memory by fetching their instructions, examining them and then executing them one after another. Its basic components are the control unit, the arithmetic logic unit and the registers. The CPU of a microcomputers is built into a single microprocessor chip.
channel n an IRC conversation area. There are thousands of channels on the Internet
character n a symbol available on the keyboard (letter, number or blank space)
chat n a real-time interactive conversation on the Internet.See Internet relay chat
chat room n a virtual room on the Internet where people can communicate with each other
chip n a tiny piece of silicon containing complex electronic circuits. Chips are used to make the hardware components of a computer
Chooser n a desk accessory supplied by Apple and used to select the printer you wish to use
click v to press one of the buttons on a mouse to start an action on screen
client program n Software running on your PC used to connect and obtain data from a server
client-server n a system in which various client programs all connect to a central server to obtain information or to communicate
clip art n images shipped with graphics packages
clipboard n a holding place for text or graphics that you have just cut or copied
code n a set of written computer instructions
coding n the process of writing instructions for a computer
colour palette n the collection of colours available in a system. Its size depends on the hardware
command n an order which the computer can obey. Synonymous with "instruction"
communications port n a socket at the back of your computer for a modem
compact disk n this is said to exist between two computers if programs can be run on both without any change; it also refers to those applications that are executed in specific types of computers; these applications are "compatible" with the computer
compiler n a special program that converts a source program (written in a high-level language) into an object program (written in a lower-level language)
compression n the process which makes computer data smaller so the information takes less space and may be transmitted in less time. Compressed files have extensions like .zip, .arj, .sit
configuration n the physical components of a computer system
control unit (CU) n a component of the CPU which coordinates all the other parts of the computer system. This unit is also responsible for fetching instructions from the main memory and determining their type
cookies n small files used by Web servers to know if you have visited their site before
co-processor n a silicon chip which performs precise tasks and mathematical operations very rapidly. Sometimes it is called the "floating-point unit" or FPU
copyright law n a law which gives the legal right to print, copy, etc. a piece of original work
counter n an electronic device or computer program for counting sth
cracker n an "intruder" who breaks into computer systems for fun, to steal information, or to propagate viruses
crash 1 n a serious failure which usually requires operator attention before the computer system can be restarted 2 v when a hard disk system fails, it is said to have "crashed"
cross-platform adj can be used in different operating systems
cursor n the small flashing mark on a computer screen that shows where the next character on the screen will be displayed
cyberspace n a term originated by William Gibson in his novel Neuromancer, now used to refer to the Internet
D data n information to be processed by a computer program. Data processing is the performing of operations on data to obtain information or solutions to a problem
database n a file of structured data
database administrator n a person whose job is to design and manage a database
database program n an applications program used to store, organize and retrieve a large collection of data. Among other facilities, data can be searched, stored and updated
data communication system n a computer system connected by telecommunications links (for data transmission)
data transfer rate n the average speed required to transmit data from a disk system to the main memory. Usually measured in megabits per second
debug v to correct program errors or "bugs"
debugger n a tool which lets the user follow the execution of programs one statement at a time, in order to help find errors in the code
decrease v to make smaller or less
decryption n the process of decoding (deciphering) secret data
default n what usually happens or appears on a computer screen if you do not make any other choice or change
default font n a font used by the system until another font is chosen from the menu
desk accessory n a miniapplication available on the Apple Menu. Examples; Calculator, Clock
desktop n an area of work - the menu bar and other sections of the screen
detachable adj that can be taken off
dial up v to connect to a network over phone lines using a modem and a computer
dialog box n a message box requiring information from the user
digital adj using an electronics system that uses the numbers 1 and 0 to store data
digitize v the process of converting information into number code that can be processed by computers
directory n an alphabetical or chronological list of the contents (files) of a disk. Also known as catalogue
disk n a storage device made of flat circular plates with magnetizable surfaces.See floppy, hard and optical disk
disk drive n the electronic mechanism that actually reads what is on a disk. If we are talking about hard disks, the disk and the drive are built into a single unit (hard disk=hard drive). If we are talking about floppies, the disk drive is the slot into which you insert a floppy disk
display screen n the window where words, pictures, etc. are shown on a mobile phone
dithering n the process of mixing two colours to produce an approximation to another colour. By using this shading technique, the human eye will blend the colours, increasing the apparent number of colours on the screen
domain name n Internet sites are usually identified by a domain name, which consists of two or more parts separated by dots, e.g. http://ibm.com. The part on the left, a subdomain, is the most specific (e.g. ibm, whitehouse). The part on the right, a primary domain, is the most general; this can be a country (e.g. fr for France, es for Spain, it for Italy), or the type of organization (e.g. com for commercial, org for organization,edu for education, net for network). An IP address (e.g. 194.179.73.2) is translated into a domain name (e.g. sendanet.es) by a Domain Name System
dot-matrix n a regular pattern of dots; conventionally used to refer to dot-matrix printers which, instead of printing formed characters, print an array of dots. There are two main types of dot-matrix printers; the 9-pin and the 24-pin. The two most important emulations for these printers are Epson and IBM Proprinter
double-click v to press one of the buttons on a mouse twice quickly in order to start an action on screen
download v to transfer a file from one computer to another over the telephone
drive n the part of the computer that reads and stores information on disks
drop-down menu n a list of possible choices that appears on a computer screen when you click on a title at the top
dual adj having or using two parts or aspects
E edit v to make changes and corrections to text and graphics. Well-known editing techniques are: "select", "undo", "copy", "cut" and "paste" a portion of text
electronic mail (e-mail) n a facility which allows users to exchange messages electronically. Here is a typical e-mail address: leo@sendanet.es "leo" is the user name, @ means "at", "sendanet" is the Internet service provider, and "es" means the server is based in Spain
encrypt v to encode data so that unauthorized users can´t read it
encryption n the process of encrypting. Data encryption is important for network security, particularly when sending confidential information such as credit card numbers
EPS format n a file format that stands for "Encapsulated PostScript".It stores a file in a format that can be imported into a different file
erase v to remove all or part of an image in an image editing program
execute v to perform the operations specified by a routine or instruction. Execute a program: run a program in a computer
expansion slots n the connectors that allow the user to install expansion boards to improve the computerś performance
e-zine n an interactive magazine on the Internet
F fault tolerance n a technique to protect data from hardware failures such as disk crashes, bad controllers or the destruction of important information on a file server. Fault-tolerant systems are essential for LAN installations
fax n a facsimile machine that operates by scanning a document so that the image is sent to a receiving machine which produces a copy of the original
feature n something important, interesting or typical of a place or thing
field n a unit of information in a "record". In a database, information is entered via fields
file n 1 a collection of records (in a database).2 a section of information stored on disk e.g a document or an application
file compression n the encoding of a file info into a more compact format so that it occupies less disk space
file extension n a collection of information, such as a Word document or a picture, which shows you the format of the file name, for example. avi for video,.doc for MS Word files, etc.
file server n the combination of a software controller and a mass storage device which allows various users to share common files and applications (in a network)
finger n a programm that helps you find people on other Internet sites
firewall n a software and hardware device that allows limited access to an internal network from the Internet. This prevents intruders from stealing or destroying confidential data
firmware n permanent software instructions contained in the ROM
flame n an angry or insulting comment on a discussion group ( on the Internet)
flowchart n a diagram or symbolic representation which shows the logical steps of a computer program
flush adj a line of type is said to be "flush" when there is no space between it and a reference line. For example, text that is "flush left" is aligned with the left margin of a page
folder n a holder of documents, applications and other folders on the Macintosh desktop. Folders (similar to subdirectories in other systems) allow you to organize information in different levels
font n the shape,style and size of a particular typeface, e.g Times Bold at 10pt
font formats - PostScriptType 1&2, scalable font formats from Adobe Systems - Truetype, scalable font format from Apple and Microsoft
format 1 n the layout of a document, including page numbers, line spaces, margins,paragraph alignment, headers and footer, etc. 2 format a disk v to prepare a disk for use. When a disk is initialized, the operating system marks tracks and sectors on its surface
fragmentation n disk performance can be affected by fragmentation. When the operating system cannot find enough contiguous space to store a complete file, the file is divided into several separated fragments.As disk fragmentation increases, disk efficiency starts decreasing
frames n subdivided areas of the screen. Some Web sites have frames or separate windows within the main window
freeware n software that is available free of charge for public use
function key n a key on a computer keyboard which causes a specific operation to take place, other than the entry of a standard character. What function keys do depends on the program
G gateway n a device used to interconnect different types of networks
generate v to create or produce
gigabyte n 1,024 megabytes
gigahertz n a unit of one thousand megahertz used to measure processor speed
graphics tablet n an input device which allows the user to specify a position on the screen by using a stylus. Tablets are more accurate than other devices
graphical user interface (GUI)n an operating environment based on graphics (windows, icons,pop-up menus),mouse and pointer, e.g. the Macintosh system, Microsoft Windows,IBM OS/2 Warp or OSF Motif
graphics package n software that allows the user to create and run graphics programs
H hacker n someone who invades a networkś privacy
hard disk n a disk made from a solid magnetic material used as a storage device. There are different versions: fixed (internal,external), removable, etc.
hardware n the physical units which make up a computer system. See software
hexademical system n the notation of numbers to the base of 16.The ten decimal digits 0 to 9 are used, and in addition six more digits . A,B,C,D,E and F - to represent 10 to 15
high-level language n a language in which each statement represents several machine code instructions, e.g. FORTRAN,COBOL,LISP,etc.
home page n 1 the first page of a Web site that contains links to other pages 2 the default start-up page on which a Web browser starts
host n the computer which you contact to access the Internet
hyperlink n text, image or button that connects to other destinations on the Web. It is like an embedded Web address that you can click
hypermedia n a combination of hypertext and multimedia. A hypermedia document intergrates different formats (text, graphics, sound, and video) and contains links that take you to other sources
hypertext n text that contains links to other documents. The codes used to create hypertext documents are called HTML. See also Web
hyphentation n the division of words into syllables by a short dash"-" or hyphen. To produce lines of equal length, word processors hyphenate words instead of stretching word spaces too much
I icon n a small picture representing an object, process or function
image n a copy or picture of sth seen on a computer
image map n a clickable image that sends you to different Web pages depending on the area you work
image setter n a professional printer that generates high-resolution output on paper or microfilm
inch n the equivalent of 2.54 cm, or 72.27 points
increase v to make bigger or greater
indentation n this moves the edge of the text away from the margins towards the centre of the page
INITs n system utilities activated when the computer is turned on
ink-jet printer n a printer that generates an image by spraying tiny droplets of ink at the paper. By heating the ink within the print head, individual drops are expelled to make a matrix of dots on the paper
input 1 n the process of transferring information into the memory from some peripheral unit 2 v to transfer data, or program instructions, into the computer
input devices n units of hardware which allow the user to enter information into the computer, e.g. the keyboard, mouse, trackball, lightpen, graphics tablet, voice recognition devices
insert v to put sth into sth or between two things
integrated package n software which includes a family applications - typically spreadsheet, word processor, database and graphics and communications modules. The modules are linked by a common user interface
interact v to communicate directly with each other
interactive adj involving direct communication between a computer and the person using it
interface n channels and control circuits which provide a connection between the CPU and the peripherals. See also user interface
internal memory n see main memory
Internet n a global network of computer networks which facilitates data communication services such as e-mail, file transfer, information retrieval and newsgroup
Internet relay chart n a system that allows many people to have live conversations (usually typed) simultaneuously on the Internet
Internet telephone n a system that allows people to make phone calls via the Internet
Internet TV n a TV set used as an Internet device
interpreter n a programming environment that executes statements directly, avoiding the need for compilation
intranet n an internal company network which uses public Internet software but makes the Web site only accessible to employees and authorized users
IP address n a number which identifies a computer on the Internet. Every machine on the Internet has a unique IP address, e.g. 194.179.73.2
J Java n the cross-platform programming language from Sun Microsystems for building Internet applications
joystick n an input device with a vertical lever used in computer games to move the cursor around the screen
junk mail n advertisements, etc. sent by post to people who have not asked for them
justification n the process by which the space between the words and letters in a line of type is evenly divided to produce a line that is flush with both left and right margin
K kerning n the process of adjusting the spaces between letters to achieve even, consistent letter spacing
key pals n pen pals (pen friends) that exchange e-mail messages
keyboard n an input device with typewriter keys for letters, numbers and line controllers. It may also have function keys for special purposes
keypad n a very small keyboard or set of buttons used for operating a small electronic device such as a mobile phone
keyword n a word or phrase that you type in when using a search engine to look for information on the Internet
kilobit n one thousand bits; unit used to measure the bandwidth of transmission, e.g. 56 kilobits per second
kilobyte n a unit for measuring the memory or disk space in thousands of bytes. Also called k=024 bytes
L laptop n a small type of portable computer
laser printer n a printer that uses a laser beam to fix the ink (toner) to the paper
lightpen n a highly sensitive photo-electronic device which uses the CRT screen as the positioning reference. The user can pass the pen over the surface of the screen to detect, draw or modify images displayed on the screen
link n see the hyperlink
list server n see mailing list
load v to read program instructions into the main memory
local area network (LAN) n a network contained in a relatively small area
logical operator n a word (such as and, or, not) that is used in programming languages using search engines, etc. to give a computer more exact instructions about what it should look for or do
login n the act of identifying yourself when entering a network. You usually type your user name and password
log on v to connect to a network, FTP site or Telnet remote system
log off v to disconnect from a network or online system
low-level language n a language in which each instruction has a corresponding machine code equivalent
M machine code n binary code numbers, the only language that computers can understand directly
machine language n a low-level computer language that is only made up of 1s and 0s. It is the only language that a computer understands
macro n 1 an abbrevation for "macro-instrucion". 2 a stored set of commands, control sequences or definitions that is substituted for the macro name when that name is invoked
mail server n a computer and/or software that runs an e-mail system
mailing list n a system that allows people to send e-mail to one address. The messages are then distributed usually discussion groups which connect people with common interests
mail merging n the process of combining a database file with a word processor to personalize a standard letter
mainframe n the largest and most powerful type of computers. Mainframes process enormous amounts of data and are used in large installations
main memory n the section which holds the instructions and data currently being processed: also referred to as the "immediate access store", "primary memory" or "internal memory:"Microcomputers make use of two types of internal memory:RAM and ROM
megabit n a million binary digits; used to refer to storage devices
megabyte n 1,024 kilobytes
megahertz n a unit of a million cycles per second used to measure processor speed
menu bar n the area at the top of the screen which allows access to the various menus
microchip n see chip
microprocessor n a chip, or integrated circuit, that processes the instructions provided by a software
minimize v to make a window on a computer into an icon
mnemonic n a label or abbrevation used to make words easier to remember
modem n a device attached to a computer and the telephone line allowing access to wide networks. Standard telephone lines carry analogue signals, so the digital signals used by computers must be converted into the correct form by means of a modem
monitor n a CRT device which displays the computer output. Monochrome monitors display one colour at a time, in contrast to colour monitors which can display many different colours at the same time
mouse n a small input device with a ball underneath that is rolled by the user to specify the position of the cursor or to make choices from the menu
multimedia n this refers to the integration of existing technologies of audio, video, animation and telecommunications with computing. Multimedia applications are also known as hypermedia
multitasking n the execution of several tasks at the same time
N narrow v to make smaller or less wide
navigate v to use a map, etc. to move around a place or find your way somewhere
navigation n the ability to find your way easily around somewhere/something
navigation bar n the list of words or images at the top, bottom or side of a home page that shows you where to find everything on a website
netiquette n rules of etiquette ("good manners") when sending messages to a mailing list or newsgroup
network n a system of computer devices (e.g. CPUs,printers) or "nodes" interconnected so that information and resources can be shared by a large number of users
newsgroup n the public discussion areas which make up Usernet
newsreader n a program that reads and sends articles to newsgroups
node n a point on a junction of communication lines in a network. In a communication network, various computer devices (nodes) are interconnected to permit information to be interchanged between those devices
notebook n (also laptop) a small personal computer that you can carry
O object language n a language or set of instructions into which a source language is translated by a compiler
object-oriented programming n a programming technique that allows the creation of "objects" which can be reused, or used as the foundation of others. Used to develop complex programs, especially GUI programs
octal system n the notation of numbers using 8 as a base or radix
offline adj not connected to the net
online adj connected to the net
online community n a group of people who all have sth in common and who meet and communicate regularly on the Internet
operating system n the programs and routines which allow a computer to operate: it usually consists of a group of programs which coordinate the software and hardware of a computer system
optical character recognition n technology that allows computers to recognize text input into a system with a scanner. After a page has been scanned, an OCR program identifies fonts, styles and graphic areas
optical disk n a storage device in which data is recorded as microscopic "pits" by a laser beam. The data is read by photoelectric sensors which do not make active contact with the storage medium
optical fibre cable n a type of cable that guides light impulses at high frequencies along the glass fibre
optional adj that you can choose to do or not to do
output 1 n the results produced by a computer. 2 v to transfer information from a CPU to an output device
output devices n the units of hardware which display the results produced by the computer (e.g. plotters, printers, monitors)
P page description language n a computer language that describes how to print the text and images on each page of the document
palmtop n a hand-held computer which is used as PC companion
parallel port n an interface port on a printer used to communicate with the computer. It transmits and receives 8 bits of data side by side
Pascal n a high-level language, named after Blaise Pascal
password n a secret word which must be entered before access is given to a computer system
paste v to copy or move text or graphics into a document from somewhere else
patterns n a menu or palette from which the user can pick the required pattern to fill shapes and draw borders
peer-to-peer adj from one individual computer user to another, without using a central server
performance n how well or badly a computer, machine, etc. works or does sth
peripherals n the units connected to the CPU: input devices, output devices and storage devices
phosphor n the material or substance of the CRT screen that lights up when struck by an electron beam
pica n a unit of 4,23 mm used in typography
piracy n the illegal copying of programs
pixel n the smallest element of a display surface. In monochrome monitors, one pixel is the visual representation of a bit in the refresh buffer (the memory used for storing the picture for screen refresh). The pixel is white if the bit is 0, and black if the bit is 1. In colour monitors, each pixel can represent various bits
platform n a type of computer system, e.g.IBM PCs and compatibles, Macintosh computers
plot v to draw lines connecting the points on a graph
plotter n a very common graphics output device which is used to make various types of engineering drawings
plug-ins n special programs which extend the capabilities of a browser so that it can handle audio, video, 3-D and animation
point n a unit used to measure font types and the distance between baselines. A point is a subdivision of a pica; there are 12 points in a pica and 72.27 points in a inch
pointer n 1 a small picture that follows the mouse movements. 2 the cursor which locates the insertion point on the screen, i.e. indicates where the next character will be displayed
pop-up ad n an advertisement that suddenly appears when you are surfing the Internet
port n a socket or channel in the rear panel of the computer into which you can plug a wide range of peripherals: modems, fax machines, hard drives, etc.
PostScript n a page description or graphics language developed by Adobe Systems Inc. A Post-Script font is any font - such as Times or Helvetica - that is defined in the PostScript language
primary colours n these are red, green and blue in computers. Compare with the colours considered basic in inks (magneta, yellow and cyan)
primitives n the basic shapes used to construct graphical objects: lines, polygons, etc
printer n an output device which converts data into printed form. The output from a printer is referred to as print-out. There are various types of printers: laser, dot-matrix, etc
printer driver n a program installed to control a particular type of printer
process v to read data and use it to perform a series of tasks
program n a set of instructions for solving a specific problem by computer
programming n the process by which a set of instructions is produced for a computer to make it perform a specified task. The task can be anything from the solution to a mathematical problem to the production of a graphics package
protocol n a set of rules which determine the formats by which information may be exchanged between different systems
proxy n a special server which controls the traffic between the Internet and a private network. Thanks to this server all the computers of an internal network can access the Internet simultaneously. A proxy also contains security mechanisms. See also firewall
R random access memory(RAM) n the part of the main memory which stores information temporarily while you are working. RAM requires a continuous power supply to retain information.Compare with ROM
RAM cashe n certain amount of RAM memory which can be designated to store information that an application uses repeatedly
random adj done,chosen, etc.without sb thinking or deciding in advance what is going to happen
read only memory (ROM)n chips of memory containing information which is present and permanent
real time adj involving the processing of data input to a system at almost the same time as the event which generates the data. Compare with batch processing
reboot v to restart the computer
recipient n a person who receives sth
record n a unit of a file consisting of a number of interrelated data elements (fields)
recording heads n the read/write heads of disk drives
Recycle Bin n the folder in Microsoft Windows where files or programs that have been deleted or removed are stored
refresh rate n the number of times per second the display screen is scanned, creating the pixels. Also known as the " scan rate." (A refresh rate of 70 Hz or more is needed if flicker is to be avoided.)
register n the component in the processor or other chip which holds the instruction from the memory while it is being executed
removable disk n a disk that stores data and that cab be taken out of the computer and carried about
resolution n the maximum number of pixels in the horizontal and vertical directions of the screen; also refers to the number of pixels per inch
restore v to put sth back into the position or condition it was in before
retrieve v to find information that has been stored
rotate v to make sth turn in a circle around a central point
router n a device used to connect various LANs
routine n a piece of code which performs a specific function or task in the operation of a program or system
ruler icons n small graphics representing different format options - tab stops, paragraph alignment,line spacing, etc. - which are displayed in rows at the top of a Window screen
run v to use a computer program
S save v to copy information from the RAM to a disk
save as type n the instruction or command that tells a computer how(=in what file format) you want it to store a particular file
save in n the instruction or command that tells a computer where (=on which drive,in which folder, etc.) you want it to store or keep a file
scale v 1 to magnify or shrink a particular font in order to use it at a range of point sizes
2 to make an object larger or smaller in any direction
scanner n an input device that scans (reads) the image as a series of dots and introduces the information into the computerś memory. Flatbed scanners have a flat surface. Slide scanners work with 35 mm slides
Scrapbook n a desk accessory in which you can keep images and text. You can copy,cut and paste frequently used pictures
screen saver n a program that darkens the screen after you have not worked for several minutes.Designed to protect an unchanging image from burning into the screen, but used more often as a status symbol
scroll v to move a document in its window by using scroll bars so that text in another part of the document is visible
scroll bar n a tool on a computer screen that you use to move text up and down or left and right
search engine n a program that allows users to search a large database of Web addresses and Internet resources. Examples of search engines are Yahoo, Altavista, Lycos
secondary memory n see backing store
sector n a part of a track or band of a magnetic disk
serial port n an interface port on a modem, mouse or printer used to communicate with the computer.It transmits and receives bits of data one after the other. Compare with parallel port
server n a central computer that lets people access information on a network and that stores data and programs centrally. There are many types of servers, such as POP3 servers,network servers and Web servers
setting n one of the positions of the controls of a computer that control the way sth looks or works and that can be changed by the user
shareware n programs that are distributed free, via an electronic bulletin board or on a disk from user groups. The programmer usually requests that you send £5 or £ 10 to him or her, but only if you like the software
shortcut n an icon that opens a program. A shortcut key is a keyboard operation that starts a command.Shortcuts vary between computers and programs
silicon chip n a device made up of a non-metallic semiconducting material (silicon), which contains a set of integrated circuits, with high-speed performance
simulation n the creating of certain conditions that exist in real life using computers, etc. usually for study or training purposes
single in-line memory modules (SIMMs) n boards containing RAM chips, connected to the mainboard of the computer
smileys n faces made from punctuation characters to express emotions in e-mail messages
snail mail n conventional mail delivered very slowly, in contrast with e-mail
software n programs or instructions executed by computer. See hardware
source program n a program written in a source language, i.e. a programming language which cannot be directly processed by the hardware but requires "compilation" into an "object program"
spam n advertising material, etc. that is sent by e-mail to people who have not asked for it
special effects n effects that can be created by computer graphics
spell checker n a utility to correct typing mistakes. Some programs are able to correct grammar and style
spooler n a utility which makes it possible to send one document to the printer (by creating a temporary file for it) so that the user can work on another
spreadsheet n an application program for financial planning which allows the user to analyse information presented in tabular form, by manipulating rows and columns
store v to keep information or data in a computerś memory
streaming v technique for transmitting sound and video such that it can be processed as a continuous stream. The files are played while they are downloading
style n a distinguishing visual characteristic of a typeface, e.g. plain text, italic, bold, etc.
subroutine n a set of instructions which performs a specific function of the program
surf v to look for or look at information on the Internet
T tags n codes used in an HTML document to mark the start, end or exact location of a formatting feature or a link on a Web page
techno-nerd n a person who spends all his/her time on the Internet or working with new technology
teletext n a method of communicating information by using TV signals. An extra signal is broadcast with the TV picture and translated into text on the screen by a decoder
telex n an automatic exchange service which uses telegraphic equipment (e.g. teleprinters)
Telnet n a network program which is used to log directly into remote computer systems. This enables you to run programs kept on them and edit files directly
template n a plan of sth that is used as a model for producing other similar examples
terabyte n 1,024 gigabytes
terminal n a visual display unit where data may be input to or output from a data communications system
text box n a box that appears on a computer screen where a user can type in text or information
text editor n a program, such as Notepad, that allows you to write and edit text files
text message n a written message that is sent from one mobile phone to another
text wrap n the act or process of arranging words around a picture or inside a shape in DTP programs
thesaurus n a utility for searching synonyms and antonyms. Word finder
three-dimensional (3-D)adj 3-D drawings have depth
token n a special unit of data which acts as akey on a Token Ring network; only the adapter in possession of the token can transmit on the network
toolbar n a row of symbols (icons), usually below the menu bar, that represent the different commands or tools that a user needs to use a program
tower n a metal box that contains the CPU, hard disk drive and power supply for a PC
track n an area marked on the surface of a disk. When a disk is initialized, the operating system divides the surface of the disk into circular tracks, each one containing several sectors. A floppy disk usually contains 80 tracks. Tracks and sectors are used to organize the information stored on disk
trackball n a stationary device that works like a mouse turned upside down. The ball spins freely to control the movement of the cursor on the screen
transceiver n a transmitter and receiver; a hardware component that sends and receives network signals
transfer v to move sth from one place to another
transformation n the manipulation of an object by moving, rotating or scaling it
transmission n the action of sending sth out from one person, machine or thing to another
two-dimensional (2-D) adj 2-D drawings have no depth (they look flat)
typeface n a set of visually related shapes for the characters of a script. A bit-mapped typeface is where the characters are stored as images made up of dots. A bit-mapped typeface cannot be altered in size. A scalable typeface is one where the outline of the characters is stored with formulae which adjust the outline as the font is enlarged or shrunk
typeset v to set text as type
U UNIX n a popular operating system designed by Bell Laboratories in the USA and widely adopted by many manufacturers
untitled adj having no title or name. A graphics program will usually store a file as "untitled" if no other name is given
update v to correct, add or delete information in a file and thus ensure that the file reflects the latest situation
upgrade v to add or replace hardware or software in order to expand the computerś power
upload v to send a file from one computer to another via modem
Usenet n a large collection of discussion areas (called "newsgroups") on the Internet
user-friendly adj an expression used to describe computers which are designed to be easy to use, by means of self-explanatory interaction between users and computer
user interface n the standard procedures for interaction with specific computers
utility n a small program designed to improve the performance of the system. The term "system utility" refers to a diverse field covering anything from software designed to help you back up your hard disk or locate files, to anti-virus programs or routines used by the system
V videoconferencing n a system that allows people in different parts of the world to have a eeting by watching and listening to each other using video screens
virtual adj made to appear to exist
virtual interface n a type of interface based on virtual reality techniques. The user puts on a headmounted display, and uses data gloves and other devices which make you feel as if you are in a 3-D world
virtual reality n a computer-generated space in which the user interacts with artificial objects and environments through three-dimensional computer simulation. This is done by using sensory peripherals such as data gloves and head-mounted displays to give the feeling of being immersed into an illusionary, yet sensate, world
virus n a piece of software which attaches itself to an application, the virus quickly spreads to the system files and other software. Some viruses can delete files or destroy the contents of hard disks
voicemail n an electronic system which can store telephone messages, so that you can listen to them later
voxel n a volume element, analogous to pixels. In spatial-partitioning representations, a solid can be decomposed into cubic cells (voxels)
W Web n hypertext-based system by which you can navigate through the Internet. By using a special program known as a "browser" you can find news, pictures, virtual museums, electronic magazines - any topic you can imagine. You travel through the Web pages by clicking on keywords that take you to other pages or other Web sites. It is also known as the World Wide Web or WWW
Web-authoring n the process of creating web pages by writing HTML code (=an authoring language)
Web-based adj connected to, or made available via, the Internet and the World Wide Web
Web camera n a video camera connected to a computer that is connected to a computer that is connected to the Internet, so that its images can be seen by Internet users
Web design n the job or activity of drawing or planning web pages
website n a location on the Internet where a company puts web pages with information
Wi-Fi n Wireless Fidelity; a wireless technology for computers
wide area network (WAN) n a network that extends outside a building or small area. For long-distance communications, LANs are usually connected into a WAN
widow n a single line ending a paragraph and appearing at the top of a printed page column
window n a rectangle on the desktop that displays information
window-based adj this refers to an application or program whose interface is based around windows
wire cable n a type of cable used to connect computers
word processor n an application that manipulates text and produces documents suitable for printing
word wrap n an editing facility which automatically moves a word to the next line if there is not enough space for the complete word on the current line
World Wide Web n a worldwide collection of electronic documents formatted in HTML
workstation n a computer system which usually includes a defined collection of input and output devices
