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Anit-Virus Utility - A computer system program that attempts to prevent a (computer) virus from entering your system and possibly causing damage. Be sure your computer system has an anti-virus utility. New viruses are created every day so it is important that you update the program and scan your system on a regular basis. Many companies have created anit-virus programs, but I use a program created by Trend Micro, called PC-cillin. I like the program because it is easy to update and it is user friendly.
Apply - When clicking this button your changes will be immediately saved and applied.
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Boot - When you "boot" the computer, you start it up. It loads and executes the basic software that is usually housed in the Bios (software that is built into most computers in order to begin the startup process and other basic functions such as the disk drives, keyboard and display ) A user might also "reboot" a computer. This is often done by either pressing a reset button or pressing <ctrl><alt><delete> on the keyboard. The word "boot" originates from "bootstrap" - a strap that helps to pull a boot on.
Bootable Diskette - Most computers come with an emergency start up disk. This disk contains the necessary parts in order for the computer to boot up. It is important that you keep this diskette in a safe place just in case you have problems with your hard drive and cannot boot up your computer.
Byte - A byte is the way in which information is measured for storage on a computer. One character equals one byte. 1Kb (kilobyte) = 1000 bytes. 1Mb (megabyte) =1,000,000 bytes. 1Gb (gigabyte) = 1,000,000,000 bytes. 1Tb (terabyte) = 1,000,000,000,000 bytes.
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Cache - The cache memory is where frequently accessed data is stored. Whenever you try to access information on your computer, it will first look for it the cache.
Case-Sensitive - This is when a program can tell the difference between uppercase and lowercase letters. For Instance, if a program is case-sensitive it will consider Computer and computer or COMPUTER and computer to be two different things.
Clipboard - When you copy or cut images or text it is stored temporarily in the clipboard and it is available for immediate or later use by pasting the data.
CPU - Central Processing Unit - This is where the "brains" of the computer are located.
Crash - This is when a program either stops working or is not responding.
CRT - Cathrode Ray Tube - Used in computer monitors to display images.
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Defragmentation - Commonly called defrag. Most, if not all computers have a utility program called a defragmentation utility. This utility attempts to arrange the files on your disk into segments so that thay are stored adajacent to each other. Defragging your disk will make it run faster,therefore reducing the time it takes for your computer to find a file.
.DLL - Dynamic Link Library- .DLL files are system files that contain sections of code and data that can be used by Windows, different applications, and also other .dll files to perform certain tasks. The same .dll file can be used by several applications, therefore always be careful when deleting any .dll files, otherwise if another program is using that same file it will not function properly, if at all.
.DOC - A text document file extension.
DOS - Disk Operating System - Stands for Disk Operating System and it is the older operating system used for running programs. However, programs designed for DOS can be run on Windows.
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.exe - A file extension that indicates it is a executable file.
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FAQ - FAQ is short for Frequently Asked Questions. These types of files are usually found online and are designed to help a new user save time when looking for a specific answer to a question. The questions chosen are usually those that have been asked most frequently by new users.
File - A collection or block of information that is in a format designed for computer use. A file can be comprised of a variety of different formats such as text, graphics, sound, and motion.
File Extension - Normally a three letter extension that is followed by a period. For example me.exe or letter.doc. The .exe extension indicates that the file is an executable file, whereas the .doc extension indicates the file is a document, such as a letter.
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GIGO - Garbage In Garbage Out- This term refers to when the input of data in a computer or program is not accurate or relevant, and therefore the output is not good or worth much.
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Hard Disk - The most common device used today for secondary storage. Access to data and software is nearly instantaneous with just a click of a mouse.
Hardware - Refers to the computer system's physical parts such as the monitor and printer.
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Image Scanner - A device that takes a printed image and converts it into a digital form in order for the user to manipulate it.
Input Device - A device that allows the user to input data and/or programs into a computer system. Examples of input devices are printers, image scanners, keyboards, and any pointing device such as a mouse.
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Kilobyte - Equivalent to 1,024 bytes but is many times rounded off to 1,000 bytes.
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Laptop Computer - A computer that is portable because of its size and weight. (normally weighs between six and eight pounds) This type of computer uses a LCD screen and contains a rechargeable battery.
LCD - Liquid Crystal Display - A screen that is flat and uses liquid. When this liquid is charged with electricity it becomes opaque. An LCD screen is commonly used on laptop computers, calculators, and digital watches.
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Megabyte - Equivalent to approximately one million bytes (1,024,00 bytes)
Memory - This is where the computer temporarily stores data and programs that are presently running. Because it is temporary, its contents are lost if electrical power is disrupted or the computer system is turned off. Memory is commonly referred to as primary memory, main memory, and internal memory.
Modem - Short for Modulator/Demodulator. It is a device which allows computers to communicate, enabling them to transfer and receive data thru telephone lines.
Multitasking - This is when a user has a few programs running at the same time. Multitasking enables a user to easily switch between programs as needed.
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Network - This is when a group of computers are linked together so that information can be shared such as data, hardware, software, messages, and so on.
Notebook - A computer that is portable and weighs approximately 6 pounds. It has a flat-panel display and the lid and keyboard are contained in its base.
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Operating System - OS - All general-purpose computers must have an operating system and it is considered to be the most important program that is on a computer. This is the software on a computers system that controls and manages resources. Windows 95 and Windows 95 are examples of operating systems.
Optical Character Recognition Software - OCR - A software program that is used with a scanner in order to translate either printed or handwritten text so that it can be edited in a word processing program.
Output Device - A device that processes results in a way in which humans can better understand. Examples of output devices are monitors and printers.
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Personal Computer - An inexpensive, relatively small computer system that is designed to be used by one person at a time.
Pixel - Short for Picture Element. A pixel represents an individual dot on a computer screen. A screen consists of thousands of pixels. The more pixels an image has, the better the resolution will be.
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Query - This is when you search a database for information.
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RAM - Random Access Memory - This is the type of computer memory which is stored temporarily. Because this type of memory is temporary, its contents are lost when there is any interruption in power such as loss of electrical power or when you turn off the power to the system.
Resolution - This refers to the sharpness or clarity of an image.
ROM - Read Only Memory - This type of memory cannot be changed or deleted. ROM, unlike Ram will remain on your system when there is a loss of power or you turn your system off.
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Scan Disk Utility - A program that can normally find and fix errors or damage on your hard drive. It will also find damaged sectors on your hard drive and isolate them.
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Taskbar - This is the bar that appears at the bottom of your screen that lists all programs that are currently running. The start button in Windows 95 and Windows 98 appears on the left hand side of the taskbar.
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Uninstall Utility - This utility helps you remove installed files from your system. In addition, some programs come with their own uninstall feature that will remove all files associated with the particular application.
User Friendly - This term refers to a program that is designed to be easy to learn and also to use.
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Virus - A program or code that is placed on your computer without your knowledge. It can cause havoc on your system by causing damage such as erasing sofware or completely destroying your hard drive. Be sure to have a good anti-virus program and scan your computer frequently.
If you need to look up any terms that I have not provided, please use the search box below to find the meaning of the term.
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