In this section, you will find all the commonly used computer-related terms. If you are trying to find the definition of a word, click on a letter below that matches the first letter of your word and it will bring you directly to that letter section. From there, you can stroll down to find the word you are looking for. After you finish searhing for you word, push the back button from the navigation bars on the top to go back to the top.
ASCII- American Standard Code for Information Interchange. Ad code that represents characters as 8-bits codes. Allows the binary computer to work with letters, digits, and special characters.
Backup- Saving data, especially for data recovery. Many systems automatically backup data and software onto disks or tapes.
Binary- A choice of two values, such as yes and no or zero and one.
Bit- Binary digit. The smallest unit of information. A bit can have two values.
Bit depth (color depth)- The number of bits devoted to each pixel.
Bits-per-second (bps)- The transmission speed of a modem.
Booting- Loading the non-ROM part of the operating system into memory.
Browse- Looking through database records to find information.
Bug-An error in programming. Bus-Group of wires on a circuit board. Information travels between components through a bus.
Byte- Grouping of 8 bits.
CD-R- Compact disk-recordable. An optical disk on which you can write information, but you cannot remove it.
CD-ROM- Compact disc-read only memory. An optical disk with read-only memory.
CD-RW- Compact disk-rewritable. An optical disk that allows writing. Erasing, and rewriting.
Central processing unit (CPU)- Part of the computer that processes information, performs arithmetic calculations, and makes basic decisions based on information values.
Circuit board- Houses the CPU, along with other chips and electronic components, in the typical desktop computer.
Clipboard- A special portion of memory for the temporarily holding information for later use.
Cursor- A line or rectangle, sometimes flashing, that indicates your location on the screen or in a document.
Data- Information in a form that the computer can read.
Data compression- Reduces the size of a data file so it can be stored in a smaller space.
Desktop- A visual representation of a desktop in a graphical user interface where the user performs tasks.
Digital- Information made up of discrete units that can be counted.
Digital Camera- Captures images that a regular camera does, but stores bit patterns on disks or other digital storage media instead of using film.
Digital video- Video that is reduced to a series of numbers and can be edited, stored, and played back without any loss of quality.
Diskette (floppy disk)- A small, magnetically sensitive, flexible plastic wafer housed in a plastic case, used as a storage device.
Disk drive- Device used to retrieve information from a magnetic disk, and to transfer data to it.
Dot-matrix printer- An impact printer that uses pinpoint-sized hammers to transfer ink to the page. The printed page is a matrix of tiny dots.
Download- Copying software from a bulletin board or other source.
DVD-ROM- An optical disk with read-only that is the same size of a CD-Rom but hat holds much more information.
Electronic mail (email)- Allows Internet users to send mail messages, data files, and software programs to other Internet users and to users of most commercial networks and on-line services.
Emulation- A process that allows programs to run on a non-compatible operating system.
Extranet- A private TCP/IP network designed for outside use by customers, clients, and business partners of an organization. These networks are typically for electronic commerce.
Facsimile (fax)- A technology that allows images of paper documents to be transmitted through telephone lines to a destination where they can be printed or displayed on a computer screen.
FAQ (frequently asked question)- A list of Frequently Asked Questions is posted for many newsgroups and mailing lists.
Fax Modem- Allows a computer to send on-screen documents to a receiving fax machines by translating the document into signals that can be sent over phone wires and decoded by the receiving fax machine.
File- An organized collection of related information stored in a computer-readable form.
File manager- A database program that allows users to work with one file at a time.
Firewall- Guards against unauthorized access to an internal network; keeps internal networks secure while allowing communication with the rest of the internet.
Firmware- A program, usually for special-purpose computers, stored on a ROM chip so it cannot by altered.
Flash memory- A type of erasable memory chip
Folder- A collection of files.
FTP (file transfer protocol)- Some Internet sites house vast archives of shareware, public domain software, pictures, literary works, and other files, FTP allows users anywhere on the network to browse through these on-line libraries and transfer copies of files back to their home machine.
GB (gigabyte)- Approximately 1000MB.
Graphical user interface (GUI)- A user interface based on graphical displays, With a mouse, the user points to icons tha trepresent files, folders, and disks. Documents are displayed in windows. The user selects commands from pull-down menus at the top of the screen.
Gray-scale monitor- Monitors that displays black, white, and shades of gray but no other colors.
Hacker- A software "wizard," or someone who practices unauthorized access to computers systems.
Hand-held (palmtop) computer- A portable computer small enough o be tucked into a jacket pocket.
Hard disk- A rigid, magnetically sensitive disk that spins rapidly and continuously inside the computer chassis or in a separate box attached to the computer housing.
Hardware- Physical parts of the computer system.
Home page- The main entry page to a Web site.
HTML ( Hypertext Makeup Language)- A text file that includes codes that describe the format, layouts, and logical structure of a hypermedia document.
Icon- In a graphical user interface, a picture that represents a file, folder, or disk.
Information superhighway- An information infrastructure intended to connect computers, telephones, televisions and information appliances of all types; it will have strict standards to ensure information security and privacy; it will provide universal service and affordable access; and it will be largely paid for by businesses with government seed money for trial projects
Information systems manager: Responsible for integrating all kinds of computers, for mainframes to PCs, into a single seamless system in an automated office.
Inkjet printer: A nonimpact printer that sprays ink directly onto paper to produce printed text and graphic images
Input: Information taken in by the computer
Input device: Devices for accepting input, such as a keyboard
Integrated circuit: A chip containing hundreds, thousands, or even millions of transistors
Integrated software: Software packages that include several applications designed to work well together
Interactive multimedia: Multimedia that allows the user to take an active part in the experience
Internet (NET): A global interconnected network of thousands of networks linking academic, research, government, and commercial institutions, and other reorganizations and individuals
ISP (internet service provider): A service offering several connection options to the Internet at different prices
Java: A platform-neutral, object-oriented programming language developed by Sun Microsystems for use on multiplatform networks. Java transcends the limitations of HTML.
JavaScript: A simpler variant of Java
Justification: The alignment of text on a line: left justification (smooth left margin and ragged right margin), right justification, full justification ( both margins are smooth), and centered justification.
K (kilobyte): About 1000 bytes of information
Keyboard: Input device, similar to a typewriter keyboard, for entering data and commands into the computer
Key field: A field that contains data that uniquely identifies the record
Kilobyte (K): About 1000 bytes of information
Knowledge base: A database that contains facts and a system of rules for determining and changing the relationship between those facts
Label: In a spreadsheet, a text entry that provides information on what a column or row represents
Laptop Computer: A flat-screen, battery-powered portable computer that you can rest on your lap
Laser printer: a nonimpact printer that uses a laser beam to create patterns of electrical charges on a rotation drum. The charged patterns attract black toner and transfer it to paper as the drum rotates
LCD (liquid crystal display) Monitor: A flat-panel display monitor typically used for portable computers
Line chart: A chart that shows trends or relations over time, or a relative distribution of one variable through another
Line printer: An impact printer used by mainframes to produce massive printouts. They print characters only, not graphics
Machine language: The language that computers use to process instructions.
Machine language uses numeric codes to represent basic computer operations.
Macintosh operation system (Mac OS): The first operating system with a graphical user interface, introduced in 1984 with the Apple Macintosh computer
Macro: Custom-designed procedures that you can add to an existing menu of options
Macro (scripting) language: A user-oriented language that allows users to create programs (macros) that automate repetitive tasks
Magnetic disk: Storage medium with random-access capability, accessed by the computer's disk drive
Magnetic-ink character reader: Reads numbers printed with magnetic ink on checks
Magnetic tape: A storage medium used with a tape drive to store large amounts of information in a small space at relatively low cost
Magneto-optical (MO) disks: A type of removable media that uses a combination of magnetic disk technology and optical disk technology Management information systems
(MIS): System that provide timely, reliable, and useful information to managers in business, industry, and government.MIS specialists apply the theoretical concepts of computer science to real- world, practical business problems
Master pages: In desktop publishing, the pages that control the general layout of the document
Mathematics processing software: Software designed to deal with complex equations and calculation. A mathematics processor allows the user to easily create, manipulate and solve equations.
MB (megabyte): Approximately 1000k, or 1 million bytes
Megabyte (MB): Approximately 1000k, or 1 million bytes
Memory: Stores programs and the data they need to be instantly accessible to the CPU
Menu: An on-screen list of command choices
Menu bar: Part of the user interface. A bar across the top of the screen that contains menus of choices
Menu-driven interface: User interface that allows user to choose commands from on-screen lists called menus
Microcomputer: Small computer made possible by the microprocessor. Now known as a personal computer
Microcomputer revolution: Period that began in the mid-1970s when several companies introduced small microcomputers that were as powerful as their larger predecessors
Microprocessor: Critical component of a complete computer, housed on a silicon chip
Microsoft Windows: An operating system with a graphical user interface
Microtechnology: Technology that allows the development of micromachines, machines on the scale of a millionth of a meter
MIDI: Musical Instrument Digital Interface. A standard interface that allows electronic instrument and computers to communicate with each other and work together
MIPS (Millions of instructions per second): A measurement of computer speed
Modem: Modulator/demodulator. A hardware device that connects a computer's serial port to a telephone line
Monitor: Output device that displays text and graphics and receives messages from the computer
Monochrome monitor: Monitor that displays two colors, usually black and white
Mouse: A hand-held input device that, when moved around on a desktop or table, moves a pointer around the computer screen
Moving Text: Transporting a block of text from one part of a document to another, or from one document to another MS-DOS:
Microsoft Disk Operating System. The most widely used general-purpose operating system. MS-DOS has a character-based user interface
Multimedia: Using some combination of text, graphics, animation, video, music, voice and sound effects to communicate
Multitasking: Concurrent processing for personal computers. The user can issue a command that initiates a process and continue working with other applications whiel the computer follows through on the command
Nanotechnology: The manufacture of machines on a scale of a few billionths of a meter
Natural language: Languages that people speak and write everyday
Navigating: Moving to different parts of a document
Net (internet): A global interconnected network of thousands of networks linking academic, research, government, and commercial institutions, and other organizations
Netiquette: Rules of etiquette that apply to Internet communication
Network: A computer system that links two or more computers
Network computer (NC): Stripped-down computer designed to function mainly as a network terminal. Cost less than a PC and is easier to maintain .
Network interface card (NIC): Card that adds an additional serial port to a computer. The port is especially designed for a direct network connection
Network license: License for multiple copies or removing restrictions on software copying and use at a network site
News reader: A client program that allows you to read newsgroups. Both text-based and graphical news readers are available
Nonimpact printer: A printer that produces characters without physically striking the page
Nonvolatile memory: Memory for permanent storage of information NOS (Network operating system): Communication software for a local are network
Notebook computer: Another term for laptop computer
OCR (optical character recognition): Using a wand readers to recognize words and numbers at a POS terminal
Office suite (application suite): Software bundle containing several application programs that are also sold as separate programs
On line: Connected to the computer system and ready to communicate
OOP (object-oriented programming): In OOP, a program is not a collection of step-by step instruction s or procedures; it's a collection of objects. Objects contain both data and instructions and can send and receive messages
Opening a file: Loading a file into the application
Open standards: Standards not owned by any company
Operating system (OS): A system of programs that perform a variety of technical operations, providing an additional layer of insulation between the user and the bits- and bytes world of computer hardware
Optical character recognition (OCR): Using a wand reader to recognize words and numbers at a POS terminal; locating and identifying printed characters embedded in images
Optical computer: A computer that transmits information in light waves rather than elecreical pulses
Optical disk: A high-capacity, highly reliable storage medium
Optical disk drive: Uses laser beams to read and write bits of information on the surface of an optical disk Optical-mark reader: A reading device that uses reflected light to determine the location of pencil marks on standardized test answer sheets and similar forms
OS (operating system): A system of programs that perform a variety of technical operations, providing an additional layer of insulation between the user and the bits- and bytes world of computer hardware
Outlining: Arranging information into hierarchies or levels of ideas.
Output: Information given out by the computer
Output device: Device for sending information from the computer, such as a monitor or printer
Packet switching: The standard techniques used to send information over the Internet. A message is broken into packets that travel independently from network to network toward their common destination, where they are reunited
Page-description language: A language used by many drawing programs that describes text fonts, illustrations, and other elements of the printed page
Page-layout software: In desktop publishing, used to combine various source documents into coherent, visually appealing publication
Painting software: Allows you to paint pixels on the screen with a pointing device
Palette: A collection of colors that are available in drawing software
Palmtop (hand-held) computer: A portable computer small enough to be tucked into a jacket pocket
Paperless office: An office of the future in which magnetic and optical archives will replace reference books and files cabinets, electronic communication will replace letters and memos, and digital publications provided through the Internet and online services will replace newspapers and other periodicals
Paradigm shift: A change in thinking that results in a new way of seeing the world
Parallel processing: Using multiple processors to divide jobs into pieces and work simultaneously on the piece
Parsing program (parser): In translation, a program that analyzes sentences structure and identifies each word according to its part of speech. Another program looks up each word in a translation dictionary and substitutes the appropriate word
Password: A string of letters and numbers known only by you and the computer so that the computer can verify your identity
PC (personal computer) a small, powerful, relatively low cost microcomputer
PC card: A credit-card-sized card that can be inserted into a slot to expand memory or add a peripheral to a computer commonly used in portable computers.
PDA (Personal digital assistant): A portable computer designed for communication instead of computing; combining a cellular phone, a fax modem, and other communication equipment in a small, wireless box
Pen-based computer: A keyboard less machine that accepts input from a stylus applied directly to a flat panel screen
Peripheral: Input, output, and secondary storage devices
Personal computer (PC): A small, powerful, relatively low cost microcomputer
Personal digital assistant (PDA): A portable computer designed for communication instead of computing, combining a cellular phone, a fax modem, and other communication equipment in a small, wireless box
Personal information manages (PIM): A specialized database program that automates an address/phone book, an appointment calendar, a to-do list, and miscellaneous notes
Pixel: A picture element (dot) on a computer screen or printout. Groups of pixel compose the images on the monitor and the output of a printout
Platform: The combination of hardware and operating system software upon which application software is built
Plotter: An automated drawing tool that produces finely scaled drawings by moving pen and/or paper in response to computer commands
Point size: Measurement of characters, with one point equal to 1/72 inches
Port: Socket that allows information to pass in and out
Portable computer: Small computer such as laptops and notebooks that are intended to be used anywhere
PortScript: A standard page-description language
Presentation graphics software: Automates the creation of visual aids for lectures, training sessions, and other presentations. Can include everything from spreadsheet charting programs to animation editing software, but most commonly used for creating and displaying a series of on screen slides to serve as visual aids for presentations
Printer: Output devices that produces a paper copy of any information that can be displayed on the screen
Processor: Part of the computer that processes information, performs arithmetic calculations, and makes basic decisions based on information values
Program: Instructions that tell the hardware what to do to transform input into output
Programming: A specialized form of problem solving. The process includes defining the problem; devising, refining, and testing the algorithm; writing the program; and testing and debugging the program
Program verification: Techniques that prove the correctness of programs
Project management software: Coordinates, schedules, and tracks complex work projects
Prompt: Part of the user interface, characters (such as C:\>) that promt the user to enter information
Proportionally spaced font: Fonts that allow more room for wide characters like W than for narrow characters like I
Protocol: A set of rules for the exchange of data between a terminal and a computer or between two computers
Prototype: A limited working system of subsystem which is created to give an idea of how the complete system will work
Pseudocode: A cross between a computer language and plain English used for writing algorithms
Public domain software: Free software that is not copyrighted, offered through World Wide Web sites, electronic bulletin boards, user groups, and other resources
Pull-down menu: In a graphical user interface, a menu located at the top of the screen and accessed with a moust or with keyboard shortcuts
Pull technology: Browsers on client computers pull information from server machines. The browser needs to initiate a request before any information is delivered.
Push technology: Information delivered automatically to a desktop computer. You subscribe to a service and specific the kinds of information you want to receive. Information is pushed to the subscriber through channels. Contrast with pull technology.
Query: An information request
Query language: A special language for performing queries, more precise than the English language
RAM (random access memory): Memory that stores program instructions and data temporarily
Random access: Storage method that allows information retrieval without regard to the order in which it was recorded
Random access memory (RAM): Memory that stores program instructions and data temporarily
Range: A tectangular block of cells
Raster (bit-mapped) graphics: Painting programs create raster graphics that are, to the computer, simple maps showing how the pixels on the screen should be represented
Read-only memory (ROM): Memory that includes permanent information only. The computer can only read information from it; it can never write any new information on it Real time: When a computer performs tasks immediately
Record: In a database, the information relating to one person, product, or event
Record matching: Compiling profiles by combining information from different database files by looking for a shared unique field
Reduced instruction set computer (RISC): Processor designed to omit instructions that are seldom used, for the purpose of increasing speed
Regional work center: Allows workers to commute to smaller offices closer to their homes
Relational databse: A program that allows files to be related to each other so that changes in one file are reflected in other files automatically
Remote login: Allows users on one system to access other host systems across the network
Removable media: High-capacity transportable storage devices
Repetitive-stress injuries: Injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, caused by repeating the same movements over long periods of time
Replication: Automatic replication of values, labels and formulas is a feature of spreadsheet software
Report: A database print out that is an ordered list of selected records and fields in a easy-to-read form
Resolution: Density of pixels, measure by the number of dots per inch
Right to privacy: Freedom from interference into the private sphere of a person's affairs
RISC (reduced instruction set computer): Processor designed to omit instructions that are seldom used, for the purpose of increasing speed
Robot: A computer-controlled machine designed to perform specific manual tasks
ROM (read-only memory): Memory that includes permanent information only. The computer can only read information from it; it can never write any new information on it
ROM cartridge: A removable permanent storage device often used by home video game machines
Rows: Along with a columns, makes up the grid of a spread sheet
Sans-serif font: Fonts without fine lines at the ends of the main strokes of each character
Saving a document: Making a disk file of your work for later retrieval
Scanner: An input device that makes a digital representation of any printed image
Scatter chart: Discovers a relationship between two variables
Scientific visualization software: Use shape, location in space, color, brightness, and motion to help us understand relationships that are invisible to use, providing graphical representation of numerical data
Scripting (macro) language: A user-oriented language that allow users to create programs (macros) that automate repetitive tasks
Scrolling: The movement of lines on and off the screen as you move through a document
Search: Looking for a specific record
Search and replace: Finding selected words or phrases throughout a document and replacing them with different word or phrase Search tool: Directories and search engines that help you ding specific information on the Web
Select (records): Looking for all records that match a set of criteria
Selecting text: Highlighting text, usually by dragging the cursor across it
Self-maintaining system: A system that can diagnose and correct common problems ithout human intervention
Semantics: The underlying meaning of words and phrases
Sensing device: Monitors temperature, humidity, pressure, and other physical quantities to provide data used in robotics, environmental climate control, and other applications
Sensor: Allows digital devices to monitor the analog world
Sequencing software: Software that allows a computer to be used as a toold for musical compositions, recording, and editing
Sequential access: Storage method that requires the user to retrieve information by zipping through it in the order in which it was recorded
Serif font: Fonts embellished with fine lines at the ends of the main strokes of each character
Server: A computer especially designed to provide software and other resources to other computers over a network
Set-top box: A special-purpose computer designed to provide Internet access and other services using a standard television set and (usually) a cable TX connection
Shareware: Software that is free for the trying, with a send-payment-if-you-keep-it fonor system
Shell: A program that puts a graphical face on MS-DOS
Silicon chip: Hundreds of transistors packed into an integrated circuit on a piece of silicon
Simulation: Creating a computer model of a real-life situation
Site license: License for multiple copies or removing restrictions on software copying and use at a network site
Slot: Area in the computer's housing for inserting special purpose circuit boards
Smart card: Looks like a standard credit card but uses an embedded microprocessor and memory instead of a magnetic strip
Smart weapon: Missiles that use computerized guidance systems to locate their targets
Software: Instructions that tell the hardware what to do to transform input into output
Software engineering: Attempts to apply engineering principles and techniques to the world of computer software
Software license: An agreement allowing the use of a software program on a single machine
Software piracy: The illegal duplication of copyrighted software
Sort: Arranging records in alphabetic or numeric order based on values in one or more fields
Source document: In desktop publishing, the articles, chapters, drawings, maps, charts, and photographs that are to appears in the publication. Usually produced with standard word processors and graphics programs
Spam: Internet junk mail
Special-purpose (dedicated) computer: A computer that performs a specific task, such as controlling temperature and humidity in an office building
Speech Synthesis: Software that produces synthetic speech
Spelling checker: A built-in component of word processors that compares words in a document with words inn a disk-based dictionary and flags words not found in the dictionary
Spoofing: A process used to steal passwords. A spoofed launches a program that mimics a mainframe computer's login screen on an unattended terminal in public lab. When an unsuspecting person types an ID and password, the program responds with an error message and remembers the secret codes
Spreadsheet software: Allows the user to control numbers, manipulating them in warious ways. The software can manage budgeting, investment management, business projections, grade books, scientific simulations, checkbooks, financial planning and speculation, and other tasks involving numbers
SQL: A query language available for many different database management systems. More than a query language, SQL also accesses databases from a wide variety of vendors Stack chart: Stacks bars to show how proportions of a whole change over time
Statistical analysis software: Specialized software that tests the strength of data relationships, produces graphs showing how two or more variables relate to each other, uncovers trends and performs other statistical analyses
Step wire refinement: Breaking programming problems into smaller problems, and breaking each smaller problem into a sub problem that can be subdivided in the same way
Storage device: Long-term repositories for data. Disks and tape drives are examples
Structured programming: A technique to make programming easier and more productive, Structured programs are built from smaller programs, called modules or subprograms, that are in turn made of even small modules
Style sheet: Custom styles for each of the common elements in a document
Subnotebook computer: A portable computer, smaller than a notebook or laptop, about the size of a hardbound book
Subprogram (module): In structured programming, a program is built from smaller programs called subprograms
Supercomputer: Super-fast and super-powerful, the fastest and most powerful computers made
Syntax: a set of rules for constructing sentences from words. Every language has a syntax Syntax error: Violation of the "grammar rules" of a programming language
Synthesized sound: Synthetically generated computer sounds Synthetic speech: Speech generated by computers by converting text into phonetic sounds
System life cycle: A sequence of steps or phases that an information system passes through between the time the system is conceived and the time it is phased out
Systems analyst: The computer professional primarily responsible for developing and managing an information system
System software: Software that handles the details of computing. Includes the operating system and utility programs
Tape drive: Storage device that uses magnetic tape to store information
Tax preparation software: Provides a prefabricated worksheet where the user enters numbers into tax forms. Calculations are performed automatically, and the completed forms can be sent electronically to the IRS.
TB (terabyte): Approximately 1 million megabytes.
TCP/IP: Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. Protocols developed as an experiment in internetworking, now the "language" of the Internet, allowing cross-network communication for almost every type of computer and network
Technophobia: The fear of technology Telecommunication: Long-distance electronic communication in a variety of forms
Telecommuting: Home information workers, especially those who "commute" by modem Teleconference: An on-line meeting between two or more people
Telephony: Allows personal computers to serve as speakerphones, answering machines, and complete voice mail systems
Telnet: The protocol that makes remote login possible
Template: In desktop publishing, professionally designed empty documents that can be adapted to specific user needs
Terabyte (TB): Approximately 1 million megabytes
Terminal: Combination keyboard and screen that transfers information to and from a mainframe computer
Terminal program: Allows a personal computer to function as a character-based terminal, allowing the computer to work with a modem
Testing: Testing an algorithm to check its logic
Text editing: Refining text and correcting errors Text formatting: Controlling the format and style of a document
Thesaurus: A synonym finder included with a word processor
3-D modeling software: Allows the user to create three-dimensional objects. The objects can be rotated, stretched, and combined with other model objects to create complete 3-D scenes
Timesharing: Technique by which mainframe computers communicate with several user simultaneously Top-down design: A process that starts at the top, with main ideas, and works down to the details
Touch pad: A small flat-panel pointing device that is sensitive to light pressure. The user moves the pointer by dragging a finger across the pad
Touch screen: Pointing device that responds when the user points to or touches different screen regions
Track ball: Pointing device that remains stationary while the user moves a protruding ball to control the pointer on the screen
Track point: A small handle that sits in the center of the keyboard, responding to finger pressure by moving the mouse in the direction it's pushed
Trojan horse: A program that performs a useful task while at the same time carrying out some secret destructive act. A form of software sabotage
Turing test: A way to test machine intelligence
Tutorial software: Provides direct instruction in a clearly specified skill or subject
Typeface: A style of characters used for printing
Undo command: Taking back the last operation performed
Unicode: A 65,000-character set for making letters, digits, and special characters fit into the computer's binary circuitry
UNIX: An operating system that allows a time-sharing computer to communicate with several other computers or terminals at once. UNIX is the most widely available multi-user operating system in use. UNIX is widely used on Internet hosts
Upgrade: A new and improved version of a soft program.
Upload: Posting software on a BBS or other area so that it's available for others
Up-skilling: Increasing the skills required for a job when it is automated
URL (Uniform Resources Locator) The address of a Web site
User interface: The look and feel of the computing experience from a human point of view
Utility program: Tools for doing system maintenance and some repairs that aren't automatically handled by the operating system
Vaccine (disinfectant) program: A program designed to search for viruses, notify users when they're found, and remove them from infected disks or files
Values: The numbers that are the raw material used by spreadsheet software to perform calculations
VDT (video display terminal): Output device that displays test and graphics and receives message from the computer
Vector (object-oriented) graphics: The storage of pictures as collections of line, shapes, and other objects
Vertical-market application: A computer application designed specifically for a particular business or industry
Video digitizer: Converts analog video signals into difital data
Video display terminal(VDT): Output device that displays text and graphics and receives messages from the computer
Video teleconference: Allows people to communicate face to face over long distance by combining video and computer technology
Virtual reality: Creates the illusion that the user is immersed in a world that exists only inside the computer, an environment that contains both scenes and the controls to change those scenes
Virus: Virus software spreads from program to program, or from disk to disk, and uses each infected program of disk to make more copies of itself. A form, software sabotage
Visual programming: Allows programmers to create large portions of their programs by drawing pictures and point to on-screen objects, eliminating much of the coding of traditional programming
Voice mail: A messaging system with many of the features of an electronic mail system
Volatile memory: Memory that stores information temporarily
WAN (wide are network): A network that extends over a long distance. Each network site is a node on the network
Wand reader: A reading device that uses light to read alphabetic and numeric characters written in a specially designed typeface found on sales tags and credit card slips
Web page: A single document on the World Wide Web (WWW). Made up of text and images and interlinked with other documents
Web site: A collection of related Web pages stored on the same server
What if?" question: A feature of spreadsheet software that allows speculation by providing instant answers to hypothetical questions
Window: In a graphical user interface, a framed area that can be opened, closed, and rearranged with the mouse. Documents are displayed in windows Wireless network: Network in which a node has a tiny radio or infrared transmitter connected to its network port so it can send and receive data through the air rather than through cables
Word wrap: Automatically moving words that won't fit on the current line to the next line
Worksheet: A spreadsheet document that appears on the screen as a grid of numbered rows and columns
Workstation: A high-end desktop computer with massive computing power and which is less expensive than minicomputers. These are the most powerful of the desktop computers
Worm: Programs that use computer hosts to reproduce themselves. Worm programs travel independently over computer networks, seeking out uninfected workstations to occupy. A form of software sabotage
WYSIWYG: What you see is what you get. With a word processor, the arrangement of the words on the screen represents a close approximation to the arrangement of words on the printed page.
XML:Extended Markup Language. A language that will allow Web developers to control and display data the way they now control text and graphics. Forms, database queries, and other data-intensive operations that can't be completely constructed with standard HTML will be much easier with XML
Year 2000 problem (y2k): The problem of software programmed with two-digit date fields that cannot handle the year 2000. Such programs must be repaired or replaced
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