ASDEPENDABLE RELIABLE QUALIFIED EXPERIENCED FRIENDLY AFFORDABLE EASY AZ A-ZTECH COMPUTERS H-OME S-ALES S-ERVICE A-LLTEL A-BOUT F-AQ'S C-ONTACT L-INKS COMPUTER TERMINOLOGY A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z 3 ˝ Floppy A small diskette which will hold information you want to save. Access time The average time lag between a request for information stored on a particular component, such as the hard drive or RAM, and its delivery. Active Chart A Chart that has been selected or double-clicked for editing. Alignment The process of shifting your words, sentences or paragraphs to the Left Right or center of your work area. ADC Analog-to-digital converter takes an analog signal and converts it to digital values a PC can manipulate. Application Software that performs a specific function that is the end result of using the computer. (e.g. web browsers, image-editing programs, database programs). ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange (acronym). AVI Audio/Video Interleave, a file format that combines video and sound. >> return << Bar Chart Data graphed as a series of vertical bars. Binary Consists of two integers 0 and 1. Binary Math is the basis for manipulating all data in computers. Bit Binary Digit, a single 0 or 1 in a binary number. BIOS Basic input/output system, a collection of software codes built into a PC that handle some of the fundamental tasks of sending data from one part of the PC to the other. BPS Bits per second, rate at which characters of data are transmitted in telecommunications. Body The information being presented in a document. Boot The process that takes place when a PC is turned on which performs the routines necessary to get all the components functioning properly and then to load the system. Brochure A tri-fold piece of 8.5 X 11 inch paper which explains the information you need to provide. Bug A flaw in software that causes the program to malfunction or freeze when it encounters specific situations. Bullets symbols to make up lists in a document. Button A dialog box option that indicates an action when clicked. Byte A group of 8 bits. >> return << Cache A block of high-speed memory where data is copied when it is retrieved from RAM. Cache 1 is located on the motherboard, and 2 is part of the processor. CRT Cathode Ray Tube, The picture tube. CDR An optical drive that can record music and data that, once written, can never be changed or erased. CD-Recordable. CDROM Compact Disc Read-Only Memory, an aluminum plastic coated disc, capable of storing up to 600 megabytes of data, which is read by a laser. (a drive in your computer to place CDs, CD-R, CD-RW). CDRW An optical drive that can record music and data that, once written, can be changed and erased. Compact Disc Re-Writable Cell The intersection of a row and a column in a table structure. Chart A graphical representation of data stored in a spreadsheet. Chips A minute slice of a semi-conducting material, such as silicon or germanium, doped and otherwise processed to have specified electrical characteristics, especially before it is developed into an electronic component or integrated circuit. Also called microchip. Also an integrated circuit. Clicking Placing the mouse pointer on an object and quickly pressing and releasing the left mouse button once or twice. Clipart Collection of previously prepared graphics for use in desktop publishing. Close Square button containing an X in the upper right hand corner of a window. Clicking it closes the window. Column The area in a document that is Vertical and identified by a letter. Command To perform specific tasks and actions. Compression A process to remove redundant data so that a file is smaller. Cookie A collection of information, usually including a username and the current date and time, stored on the local computer of a person using the World Wide Web, used chiefly by websites to identify users who have previously registered or visited the site. Copy Takes the selected text or graphic and duplicates it to be placed in the document or elsewhere. CPU (acronym)Central Processing Unit, the microprocessor/processor, the “brains” of the computer. Cursor A blinking verticle line on the screen which indicates where characters entered from the keyboard are placed. CYMK Cyan, Yellow, Magenta, and black(K) – 4 colors used in printing. >> return << Data Information either entered into or produced by the computer. Data Processing Entry, storage, manipulation, and retrieval of information using a computer. Data transfer rate The amount of data that moves from one device to another in a specific amount of time. Debug To remove errors from a computer program. Default An option that is pre-selected. It will be used if no other option is chosen. Desktop The Open area which contains shortcut icons on the monitor of your computer screen, your visual area before an application is opened. Desktop Computer A computer which is not easily taken from place to place. Normally one that is used for home or office only, contains a Monitor, processor, mouse, and speakers. Desktop Publishing Using special software to create professional-looking documents on a computer. Dialog Box An onscreen display that allows a computer user to select among several choices to determine how a program should operate. Digital Information expressed as a series of binary digits. DAC Digital-to-Analog converter, converts a series of digital values into smoothly varying analog electrical current. DOS Disk Operating System, An operating system that resides on a disk. Dithering A process in which the frequency and placement of ink are used to create shades of gray and hues of color. Document Also called a file, is a collection of data stored on a disk in a form the computer can read. Dot matrix The grid of horizontal and vertical dots that make up all the possible dots – most often as many as 900,000. Dot pitch The distance between the nearest two pixels of the same color. Double-clicking Placing the mouse pointer on an object and pressing the left mouse button twice in rapid succession. Download To transfer a message or computer file from a bulletin board system or information service to your computer. Dragging Holding down the left mouse button while moving the mouse. Drive Any device for storing computer files. DVD Digital Versatile Disk (aka digital video disk), uses two layers one each side of the disk to store video and other data. >> return << E-Mail Electronic Mail, Telecommunications service which allows a person using a computer and a modem to send a private message to another person’s computer. Envelopes and Labels Used to create and print envelops and labels. Expansion slot A strip of connectors on a PC motherboard into which an adapter card is plugged. Feature A property or behavior that is gratuitous or unnecessary, though perhaps also impressive or cute. For example, one feature of Common LISP's "format" function is the ability to print numbers in two different Roman-numeral formats (see bells, whistles, and gongs). File Also called a document, is a collection of data stored on a disk in a form the computer can read. File extensions These are the extension seen at the end of a file name (e.g. .doc, .wpw, .jpg, .bmp,.psd,.ppt). File Server Also referred to as a server, a computer containing large disk space that provides file access to other computers in that network. Filename A name given to a computer file to distinguish it from other files, often containing an extension that classifies it by type. Find A feature found in certain applications that is synonymous to search, it will find a word, and in certain cases, if told so, replace it. Font/typeface A typeface is a design for the alphabet distinguished by its use of such elements as serifs, boldness, and shape (times Roman, Helvetica, Courier). A Font is a typeface of a particular size and variation such as italic (Courier bold, Courier italic). Formatting Making a diskette ready to receive data, changing the outlook of a document punctuation wise. Formula Mathematical statement used to calculate variables. Functions Used in formulas to perform common calculations and return a single value. >> return << GigabyteGig, GB a measure of storage capacity equal to 1 billion (109) bytes or A unit of computer memory or data storage capacity equal to 1,024 megabytes (230 bytes). >> return << Hacker Person who uses a modem to enter into a computer system without authorization. Handles Used to resize a selected object. Hardware Physical devices which make up the computer and its peripherals. Header/Footer A feature within an application which will name the title and bottom section of each page (e.g. Name in the upper right-hand corner of each page and page number centered at the bottom). Highlighting Pointing your cursor to the beginning of your chosen object or text to select and holding down your left mouse button, dragging it over your chosen selection and letting up on your left mouse button when completely selected. Home Page The first page displayed when connecting to the internet, and sometimes referred as your own website. HTML A markup language used to structure text and multimedia documents and to set up hypertext links between documents, used extensively on the World Wide Web. HTTP A protocol used to request and transmit files, especially webpages and webpage components, over the Internet or other computer network. Hypertext A computer-based text retrieval system that enables a user to access particular locations in webpages or other electronic documents by clicking on links within specific webpages or documents. >> return << Icons A picture on the screen that allows you to perform tasks and run programs. Ink-jet printer A printer that forms graphics and text by ejecting tiny dots of ink onto the paper. Interactive Relating to a program that responds to user activity. Interface The design of a program that determines how a computer user interacts with software. Graphics and Text are two most common interfaces. Internet An interconnected system of networks that connects computers around the world via the TCP/IP protocol. Java A simple, object-oriented, distributed, interpreted, robust, secure, architecture-neutral, portable, multithreaded, dynamic, buzzword-compliant, general-purpose programming language developed by Sun Microsystems in 1995(?). Java supports programming for the Internet in the form of platform-independent Java "applets". K, Kilobyte Measurement of computer memory capacity. 1024 bytes. Keyboard Device resembling a typewriter used for inputting data into a computer. >> return << Landscape When positioning a document there are two choices, Landscape and Portrait, for example landscape is 11” wide and 8.5” high whereas Portrait is 11” high and 8.5” wide. (8.5” X 11” is standard letter size) Laptop Computer A personal computer (PC or MAC) which can be taken with you. It can be powered via its battery pack, or plugged into the wall. Left Click The left click on a mouse is the Primary function on the mouse. It is used for all primary functions. Letter 8.5” X 11” is standard letter size. An actual letter is comprised of a title, your address, the address of who you are sending the letter, greeting, the body of the letter, and closing, your signature, and the initials of who typed the letter as well as your initials. LAN Local Area Network Networking nearby microcomputers so that they can share data. >> return << MAC Macintosh Computer, an Apple made product, thought it differs from the PC computer, they basically run the same. Margin The white area outside the page of text. Maximize Button The boxed button containing a square located in the upper right hand corner of a window. Used to expand the window to fill the screen. MB, Megabyte Measurement of computer memory capacity. 1,048,576 bytes. Megahertz (MHz) A measurement, in millions, of the number of times something oscillates or vibrates. Processor speeds are normally measured in MHz. Memory Electronic storage used by a computer. Menu Bar Located below the title bar in a window and contains the names of the pull down menus. (e.g. File, Edit, View, Help). Microprocessor The brains of the computer; the component that contains circuitry which can manipulate data in the form of binary bits. Contained on a single chip. MIDI Musical Instrument Digital Interface, a protocol for recording and playing back music on digital synthesizers supported by most sound cards. Minimize Button Button located in the upper right hand corner of a window containing a dash. Used to reduce an application’s window to the task bar. Modem A device which translates binary data into tones and tones back into binary data so that computer data can be sent over telephone lines. Monitor Television-like device used to display computer output. Mouse Input device that is used to move the mouse pointer and perform a variety of tasks. Mouse Pointer A shape displayed on the screen when the mouse is in use (e.g. arrow, hand, hour glass). MPEG A term derived from the Motion Picture Expert Group, a specific method of decompressing video and sound for real-time playback. Multimedia Relating to an application that can combine text, graphics, full-motion video, and sound into an integrated package. >> return << Network An openwork fabric or structure in which cords, threads, or wires cross at regular intervals. Open Relating to a file that can be accessed. Found in the “File” section of the menu bar. Operating System The software that serves as a bridge between the computer hardware and application software. Optical drive A storage device that uses a laser to read and write data. Page Setup Accessed via the “File” section of your Menu bar, it is a pop-up box which appears to ask you how you would like your document printed. It controls the documents margins, paper source, layout, and size, it can also print in various styles. Paste Accessed via the “Edit” section of your menu bar, as well as using “ctrl+v” and/or “right-clicking” and selecting paste by left-clicking. To paste, you must first select(highlight) what you would like copied, and copy it, then by using the menu bar, keyboard, or right-click function you can then paste it to the selected area. PC Personal Computer, a small computer employing a processor. PDA Personal Digital Assistant, (e.g. Palm Pilot). Peripherals An auxiliary device, such as a printer, modem, or storage system, that works in conjunction with a computer. Pie Chart A circular graph having radii dividing the circle into sectors proportional in angle and area to the relative size of the quantities represented. Also called circle graph. Pirate A person who copies or illegally distributes computer software. Pixel The basic unit of the composition of an image on a television screen, computer monitor, or similar display. Point 1/72 of an inch, a traditional measure of typefaces. Portrait When positioning a document there are two choices, Landscape and Portrait, Portrait is 11” high and 8.5” wide. (8.5” X 11” is standard letter size, Portrait). Print The function in which a document or graphic you have on your computer screen is transmitted to a printer and made as a hard copy on paper, or whatever media you have chosen to print on. Print Preview A preview box of what you are expecting to print, and what the printer will actually print. Printer A machine which connects to your computer and takes the transmitted documents from your computer and makes them hard copies. Program Series of instructions written in a special language directing the computer to perform certain tasks. Protocol A standard procedure for regulating data transmission between computers. >> return << RAM Random Access memory. Memory which the computer can read and write. Replace Searches a document for certain text and substitutes it with other text. Resolution The quality of the text and images on hard copy are dependant largely on the resolution of the printer, which is determined by the number of dots per inch (dpi) (72, 300, 600, and 1200 are the most common) the more dpi, the better! Resume A brief account of one's professional or work experience and qualifications, often submitted with an employment application. Recycle Bin When a file is deleted on a PC is it sent to the recycle bin. Anything inside the recycle bin, which can still be seen as “inside” the recycle bin, can be restored. If you empty the Recycle bin, it cannot be restored. Right Click The right click function is a secondary function and only used for shortcut purposes. ROM Read Only Memory. Memory from which the computer can only read. Row The horizontal line identified by numbers. Ruler The area below the menu bar and the tool bar showing the placement of the tab stops. >> return << Save Transfers a document from the computer’s memory to the computer’s hard drive or your diskette (3 ˝ floppy, zip disk). Scanner A machine which moves a finely focused beam of light or electrons in a systematic pattern over (a surface) in order to reproduce or sense and subsequently transmit an image or text. Screen Savers A moving design that appears on a computer screen when there has been no input for a specified period of time; "screen savers prevent the damage that occurs when the same areas of light and dark are displayed too long" Scroll Bar Used to bring the unseen parts of the work area into view, located on the right hand side of the screen as a long thin Vertical bar. Search Engine A remotely accessible program that lets you do keyword searches for information on the Internet. Select All Accessed via the “Edit” section of the Menu Bar, it is used to highlight the entire document, located in the edit menu. Selecting The process of clicking on an item to highlight it. Shortcut Microsoft Corporation's term for a symbolic link, stored as a file with extension ".lnk". Shortcuts first appeared in 1996 in the Windows 95 operating system. Windows shortcuts can link to any file or directory ("folder"), including those on remote computers, using UNC paths. Each shortcut can also have its own icon. A shortcut that links to an executable file can pass arguments and specify the directory in which the command should run. Shut Down This shut the computer down the proper way. Click on Start, shut down (turn off computer). Should be used to properly shut down. Simulation Where a computer produces information similar to that produced by a real world situation. (e.g. Flight simulation). Software Computer programs. Spell Check This is located in the Tools menu bar and will tell you if your word or document is error free. Spreadsheet Rows and columns of data on which calculations can be performed. Start Button Used to display a menu and groups of items from which you can run programs. Status Bar Located at the bottom of a window, used to display information about the program or document. Surfing Accessing different Internet locations to see what information is there. System files Small disk files containing software code that are files that the computer reads to start, boot, and open software. (e.g. IO.SYS, MSDOS.SYS COMMAND.COM AUTOEXEC.BAT CONFIG.SYS USER.DAT SYSTEM.DAT). >> return << Tables An orderly arrangement of data, especially one in which the data are arranged in columns and rows in an essentially rectangular form. Tabs Characters used to position text within a line. Used to indent the first line of a paragraph. Tag A sequence of characters in a markup language used to provide information, such as formatting specifications, about a document. TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, a standardized method of communication that allows computers to transmit to one another. Telecommunications Sending and receiving computer data via telephone lines. Template An existing file for which you can modify to create a similar file. Text Any character or group of characters in a document. Themes A subject of artistic representation which takes graphics and sounds which are similar and change the appearance of your desktop, may include desktop picture, icons on desktop, and your cursor. Thesaurus This is located in the Tools menu bar, and once you have highlighted a word will give you a pop-up box and a list of other words to replace it with. Title Bar Located at the top of the window and displays the application name, file name, and file extension of your document. >> return << Undo Reverses the effects of a command or action. Upload To transfer a message or computer file from your computer to a bulletin board system of information service. URL Uniform Resource Locator. The address required to connect to a website. User Friendly Software that is easily used. Values Numeric data that can be stored In cells and used in calculations. Virtual reality The simulation of a real or imagined environment that can be experienced visually in the three dimensions of width, height, and depth and may include other sensory experiences including sound, touch, and feedback from “touched” objects or other forces. Virus Program which hides within another program for the purpose of destroying or altering data. >> return << Web Browser A program that understands HTTP to display the graphics and text of Web Pages. Web Page Information at a website that can include graphics, fancy text, and easy access to other web sites or pages. Web Server A web site. Window The area of the screen where an open program or document is displayed. Work Area Where information is displayed or entered into a window. WWW World Wide Web, a graphical user interface to surf the Internet. Zip Disk A disk slightly bigger than the 3 ˝ Floppy disk which can hold 100MB, 250MB, and now 750MB of space for backing up data. Zip Drive A disk drive from Iomega Corporation, which takes removable 100 megabyte hard disks. Both internal and external drives are manufactured, making the drive suitable for backup, mass storage or for moving files between computers >> return <<