Technology Glossary

Glossary

acronym. A group of capital letters formed using the first initial of a set of words.

Backspace. A key on the keyboard used to delete characters to the left of the cursor.

bar graph. A type of graph that uses vertical or horizontal bars to represent data.

cable. Wire used to carry electricity.

Caps Lock. A key on the keyboard that capitalizes all letters when pressed.

case speaker. This is usually located behind the front panel and is used only for computer warning beeps or an occasional generic sound from a program.

CD-ROM drive (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory). The component that reads information from the CD-ROM.

chat room. A virtual room used to communicate in real time with other people.

compact disc (CD). A digitally encoded disc used to store information. This disc can be read using a CD-ROM drive.

computer. A machine that stores and reads information.

computer case. It protects all of the electronic components inside and must provide adequate ventilation to prevent overheating.

computer virus. A destructive code that spreads from computer to computer, capable of damaging software.

CPU (central processing unit). The microprocessor. The “brains” of the computer.

Delete. A key on the keyboard used to delete characters to the right of the cursor.

e-mail (electronic mail). The exchange of messages using computer networks.

emoticon. Symbol used to show emotion in electronic messages.

Enter. A key on the keyboard used to complete a command or move down to the next line.

fan. The primary source of cooling for your computer.

fax machine. A device used to send and receive data using telephone lines.

floppy disk 3.5”. A magnetic disk on which data such as music, text, or graphics are magnetically encoded.

floppy drive. The component that reads and writes to floppy disks.

forum. An online place to discuss particular topics.

graph. A diagram used to represent data.

hard drive. The component that reads and writes data to a hard disk. It stores information.

HTML (hypertext markup language). A programming language used to create documents to be viewed on the Internet.

IDE cable (integrated device electronics). The cable that connects the drives to the motherboard.

instant messaging. Messages are electronically exchanged with another person using usernames.

Internet. A worldwide network connecting millions of computers.

ISA slot/bus (Industry Standard Architecture). A slot on the motherboard used to add ISA expansion cards.

keyboard. A hardware device consisting of buttons (keys) that the user presses to type characters into a computer.

laptop. A portable computer small enough to use on one’s lap.

line graph. The type of graph in which lines are used to connect points.

medium. Used to transmit information from the sender to the receiver such as telephone wire, air, or fiber optics.

modem. This device transforms a computer’s digital data into analog data for transmission over phone lines, then reconverts the data to digital.

monitor. A video display that takes signals from a computer and displays information onto a screen.

motherboard. The computer’s main circuit board. This connects together and enables the operation of all the components of the computer.

mouse. A hand-operated data input device that moves the cursor on a computer screen.

mouse pad. A flat pad, coated with foam rubber, designed to provide an optimum surface on which to use a mouse.

multimedia. The integration of text, graphics, sound, and animation on a computer.

netiquette. The term for appropriate behavior on the Internet.

network. Two or more computers connected with wires that have the ability to communicate.

network card. A circuit board used to connect the computer to a local area network (LAN).

PCI slot/bus (Peripheral Component Interconnect). A slot on the motherboard used to add PCI expansion cards.

phone. A device that converts and sends sound over distances then converts these signals back to sound.

pictograph. A small picture used to represent data on a bar graph.

pie chart. A chart in which a circle is divided into sections, and each segment represents certain data.

plagiarism. To copy a piece of writing and use it as your own.

port. Transmits information to and receives information from an external device.

power supply. The component that supplies power to your computer.

printer. A device that prints text or graphics on paper.

radio. A device used to receive signals and play sounds.

RAM (random access memory). Memory that can be deleted or created at any time. It is volatile.

receiver. Changes the signal into something that is understandable by the end user.

research. To study a specific subject in detail.

ROM (read only memory). Memory that cannot be deleted. It is nonvolatile.

scatter diagram. A depiction of data plotted on an x-y grid using points.

search engine. A Web site designed to search the Internet for a particular topic.

sender. Sends an electronic message using a transmitter.

Shift. Press and hold this key, then press another key to make a capital letter.

software. A program designed for use on computers. Examples include Microsoft Word and Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing.

sound card. Printed circuit board that, coupled with a set of speakers, enables a computer to reproduce music and sound effects.

spam. An unwanted message that is considered junk mail.

speaker. A piece of electronic equipment used to play sound.

Tab. A key on the keyboard that indents a line of text when pressed.

telecommunications. Sending and receiving information electronically.

tower. A style of computer system in which components are arranged in a tall, narrow cabinet.

URL (uniform resource locator). A Web site address on the World Wide Web.

video card. A board that plugs into a personal computer to give it display capabilities.

videoconference. Two or more users communicating over a computer network using video and audio.

Web site. A site on the World Wide Web including a home page and various links containing information maintained by a group, company, or individual.

World Wide Web. A network of documents on the Internet using HTML.

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