| COMPUTER SCIENCE TERM | CLASS DEFINITION | ALTERNATE DEFINITION | IMAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Software | A program which allows us to apply ourselves to a particular task, such as editing an image, accessing Internet resources, or playing games. | A program or group of programs designed for users. Application software(also called end-user programs) includes database programs, word processors, spreadsheets, and many more The application software is unable to run without the operating system and system utilities QuinStreet Inc.(2010a). | |
| ASCII (American Standard Code) | It is used for Information Interchange; an international standard for encoding characters into 7-bit codes. ASCII is the basics of the more modern and inclusive Unicode (16-bit) syandard. | ASCII(American Standard Code for Information Interchange) is the most common format for text files in computers and on the Internet. For ASCII, each alphabetical, numeric or special character is put into a 7-bit binary number (a string of seven 0's or 1's). There are 128 possible characters TechTarget, Inc.(2000a). | |
| Binary Code | A scheme for encoding data using only the digits 0 and 1. Binary code can be used to encode text, images, sounds, and programs, amongst other data. | A code using a string of 8 binary digits (0 and 1) to represent characters Farlex, Inc.(2004a). | |
| Bit | Contraction of the term BInary digIT, hence, 0 or 1. | The smallest unit of information on a machine. A single bit can hold only one of two values, 0 or 1 QuinStreet Inc.(2010b). | |
| Booting | The process by which a computer loads its' operating system in primary storage from secondary storage using the instructions found in ROM. | Booting a computer means to start it up, and get it running. Once the computer's power is turned on, the "boot process" takes place. This process involves loading the startup instructions from the computer's ROM, followed by loading the operating system from the current boot disk. Once the operating system software is loaded, the boot process is complete and the computer is ready to be used TechTerms.com (2005a). | |
| Bus | An electrical connection through which data are transmitted. | A bus is a set of physical connections (cables, printed circuits, etc.) which can be shared by multiple hardware components in order to communicate with one another. The purpose of buses is to reduce the number of "pathways" needed for communication between the components, by carrying out all communications over a single data channel Jean-François Pillou (2009). | |
| Byte | Contraction of the term Binary TErm; the smallest unit of information which can be accessed directly by a computer. Most modern computers use 8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit, or 64-bit bytes. | In most computer systems, a byte is a unit of data that is eight binary digits ( 0 and 1) long. A byte is the unit most computers use to represent a character such as a letter, number, or special symbol (for example, "g", "5", or "?"). A byte can also hold a string of bits TechTarget, Inc. (2000b). | |
| Character | A single letter or digit, or a special sybol like punctuation marks, the dollar sign, and a blank space. | A symbol, such as a letter, number, or punctuation mark, that occupies one byte of memory Farlex, Inc.(2004b). | |
| Computer | A programmable electronic device for the processing of information. | An electronic device designed to accept data, perform prescribed mathematical and logical operations at high speed, and display the results of these operations. It is also programmable Dictionary.com Unabridged (2011a). | |
| CPU (Central Processing Unit) | A miniaturized electronic component which controls the execution of a computer and which performs basic arithmetic and logical operations. Colloquially called the computer's "brain". | The CPU is the brain of the computer. Sometimes referred to simply as the central processor, but more commonly called processor, the CPU is where most calculations take place. In terms of computing power, the CPU is the most important element of a computer system QuinStreet Inc.(2010c). | |
| Directory | A logical collection of files stored under a single name. | In computer file systems, a directory is a named group of related files that are separated by the naming convention from other groups of files TechTarget, Inc. (2000c). | |
| File | A logical collection of data stored under a single name. | A collection of data or information that has a name, called the filename. Almost all information stored in a computer must be in a file. There are many different types of files: data files, text files , program files, directory files, and so on QuinStreet Inc. (2010d). | |
| FireWire | Apple's name for the IEEE 1394 High Speed Serial Bus, also called the iLink by Sony, and Lynx by Texas. | Created by Apple Computer in the mid-1990's, Firewire can be used to connect devices such as digital video cameras, hard drives, audio interfaces, and MP3 players, such as the Apple iPod, to your computer. This high-speed interface has become a hot new standard for connecting peripherals TechTerms.com (2005b). | |
| Gigabyte | 230 bytes (approximately 1 billion bytes). | A gigabyte (GB) equals 1024 MB or 230 bytes About.com, Inc.(2010a). | |
| Hardware | The physical components of a computer; any part of the computer which can be seen and touched. | Hardware is the physical aspect of computers, telecommunications, and other devices TechTarget, Inc. (2000d). | |
| Information | Words, pictures, and sounds which have meaning to us. | A signal or character (as in a communication system or computer) representing data which means something to us. Includes a message, experimental data, or a picture Merriam-Webster, Inc.(2011). | |
| Input Devices | Devices used to put information into a computer. Common examples of input devices are keyboards, mouses, scanners, microphones, cameras, memory cards, USB Drive and modem. | An input device is any device that provides input to a computer. There are dozens of possible input devices, but the two most common ones are a keyboard and mouse. Every key you press on the keyboard and every movement or click you make with the mouse sends a specific input signal to the computer. These commands allow you to open programs, type messages, drag objects, and perform many other functions on your computer Sharpened.net (2011). | |
| Kilobyte | 210 bytes (approximately 1 thousand bytes). | When used to decribe data storage, KB usually represents 1,024 bytes or 210 bytes QuinStreet Inc. (2010e). | |
| Megabyte | 2 to the power of 20 bytes (approximately 1 million bytes). | A megabyte is 2 to the 20th power, or 1,048,576 bytes. A megabyte is also 1,024 kilobytes TechTerms.com (2005c). | |
| Monitor | A visual display device, on which a computer displays information about its internal state, allowing people to monitor the activities of the computer. | A display screen used to provide visual output from a computer, cable box, video camera, VCR or other video generating device. Computer monitors use CRT and LCD technology, while TV monitors use CRT, LCD and plasma technologies Ziff Davis, Inc. (2011a). | |
| Operating System | A set of programs which tells a computer how to perform its most basic tasks, such as "reading" information from input devices, "writing" information to output devices, and executing the instructions of launched software. | An operating system is a computer program that manages the resources of a computer. It accepts keyboard or mouse inputs from users and displays the results of the actions and allows the user to run applications, or communicate with other computers via networked connections About.com, Inc.(2010b). | |
| Output Devices | Devices used by a computer to put out information. Common output devices are monitors, printers, speakers, data modems, USB key, and earphones. | Any device that outputs information from a computer is called, an output device. Since most information from a computer is output in either a visual or auditory format, the most common output devices are the monitor and speakers. These two devices provide instant feedback to the user's input, such as displaying characters as they are typed or playing a song selected from a playlist. TechTerms.com (2005d) | |
| Peripheral | Any hardware element which is peripheral to a computer's system unit. Common examples are input devices and output devices. Even output devices which are often found within the system unit, like disc drives and modems are considered peripherals, because they are peripheral to the core elements of the computer: CPU, RAM, ROM. | A computer device, such as a CD-ROM drive or printer, that is not part of the essential computer, i.e., the memory and microprocessor. Peripheral devices can be external -- such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, monitor, external Zip drive or scanner -- or internal, such as a CD-ROM drive, CD-R drive or internal modem. Internal peripheral devices are often referred to as integrated peripherals. QuinStreet Inc. (2010f). | |
| Primary Storage | A miniaturized electronic component which provides temporary storage of information. Primary storage is volatile and relatively expensive, but it's used because it's fast and (with few exceptions) is the only starage which the CPU can access directly. | Primary storage, also known as main storage or memory, is the main area in a computer in which data is stored for quick access by the computer's processor TechTarget, Inc. (2000e). | |
| Programmable | Capable of performing varied and different tasks limited only by the sophistication of the programs provided. | Capable of being programmed for automatic operation or computer processing Farlex, Inc.(2004c). | |
| Program | A set of instructions which tells the computer what to do and when to do it; the instructions must be written in a language which the computer understands. | A computer program is a set of instructions for a computer to perform a specific task. Programs generally fall into these categories applications, utilities or services. Programs are written in a programming language then translated into machine code by a compiler and linker so that the computer can execute it directly or run it line by line (interpreted) by an interpreter program About.com, Inc.(2010c). | |
| RAM (Random Access Memory) | The CPU can access the information in a random order. | a type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly; that is, any byte of memory can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes. RAM is the most common type of memory found in computers and other devices, such as printers QuinStreet Inc. (2010g). | |
| ROM (Read Only Memory) | A miniaturized electronic component which provides permanent storage of information. In most cases, the information on ROM is "written" only once, at the factory. Thereafter, ROM can be used only to read from, and not to write to. | Is computer memory that can permanently store data and applications within it. Unlike RAM, when a computer is powered down, the contents of the ROM are not lost About.com, Inc.(2010d). | |
| Root | Short for "root directory"; the main directory in a hierarchial directory structure which (logically) contains all other directories; in DOS- and Windows- based systems, the root directory is represented by a backslash (\); in Mas OS, Unix, and Linux systems, the root directory is represented by a slash. | In the computer world, "root" refers to the top-level directory of a file system. The root is at the top and directories and subdirectories span downwards TechTerms.com (2005e). | |
| Secondary Storage | Any storage medium which provides (relatively) permanent storage of information. Secondary storage is non-volatile and relatively inexpensive, but it is slow. With a few exceptions, secondary storage cannot be accessed directly by the CPU. The most common examples of secondary storage are magnetic and optical discs, magnetic tape, and flash memory. | Secondary storage technology refers to storage devices and storage media that are not always directly accessible by a computer. Secondary storage devices may or may not require their own power supply TechTerms.com (2005f). | |
| Software | A synonym of program. | Software is a general term for the various kinds of programs used to operate computers and related devices. Software can be thought of as the variable part of a computer. Software is often divided into application software (programs that do work users are directly interested in) and system software (which includes operating systems and any program that supports application software) TechTarget, Inc. (2000f). | |
| String | A collection of like units, treated as a whole. Examples: character string, but string. | In programming, a string is a contiguous sequence of symbols or values, such as a character string (a sequence of characters) or a binary digit string (a sequence of binary values) TechTarget, Inc. (2000g). | |
| System Unit | A plastic or metal box which contains the principal parts of a computer: the CPU, RAM, ROM, various connecting cables and an AC/DC converter. In modern microcomputers, it is common to find peripheral devices installed inside the system unit. Examples: modem, card readers, disc drives. | The main body of a computer, consisting of a plastic or metal enclosure, the motherboard, and (typically)internal disk drives, a power supply, cooling fans, and whatever circuit boards plugged into the mother board, such as a video card die.net (2003). | |
| USB (Universal Serial Bus) | A standard for connecting peripherals to a computer over inexpensive cables. | The most widely used hardware interface for attaching peripherals to a computer. It is used for connecting keyboards, mice, printers and hard drives, eventually replacing the PC's serial and parallel ports. Ziff Davis, Inc. (2011b). | |
