Glossary of Terms
Application - A program in which you send requests.
Bit - The smallest piece of information that can be stored on a computer.
Binary Code - The language that the computer reads (made up of ones and zeros) (up to a 12-digit number)
Backup -A copy of a file(s) used for future use.
Boot - To turn on the computer.
Byte - A piece of information that is stored on the computer (up to 8 bits)
CD-ROM - The acronym for Compact Disc - Read Only Memory.
CPU - The acronym for Central Processing Unit.
Daisy Chaining - To put string devices together.
Data - Information processed by a computer.
Desktop - The starting screen of the computer where many icons are placed.
Disk Drive - the machinery that writes the data from a disk and/or writes data to a disk.
Document - a file you create, as opposed to the application which created it.
DOS - The acronym for Disk Operating System (Used in Windows/IBM PCs.)
File - A piece of data that takes up a specific amount of space.
Folder - An electronic folder which contains file(s).
Gig - The acronym for gigabyte (Equals 1024 megabytes).
Hard Drive - A storage device that contains a large amount of capacity to store files.
K - The acronym for kilobyte.
Launch - To start an application.
MB - The acronym for megabyte.
Memory - The area where temporary data is stored.
Operating System - The system software that controls the whole computer.
Partition - A sub-division in a hard drive which is considered to be and is used as a separate drive.
PC - The acronym for personal computer; a computer which is capable of being customized to the user's liking.
Peripheral - an add-on module that connects to your computer.
Port - a connection socket (or jack on the Mac).
RAM - The acronym for Random Access Memory; memory that is stored temporarily in the computer (until the computer is restarted/shut down).
ROM - The acronym for Read Only Memory; memory that can only be read from and not written to.
Root Directory - The directory at the highest level of a hierarchy.
Save As - To save a file in a specific location and name.
Serial Port - a port that allows data to be transmitted in a series (one after the other)
Server - A computer/computer program that allows/disallows access to a centralized service in a network.
Shut Down - A command that closes all the programs on the computer and then turns off the computer safely.
Software - The programs and operating information used by a computer.
System File - An important file that the system has generated to ensure safe operations.
Upload - Transfer (data) to a network.
Virus - An error/software in the computer that causes your operating system to behave in an unexpected/dangerous way.
WYSIWYG - The acronym for What You See Is What You Get; used for Windows as it means that you can click on what you see and that application/software will launch.
Bit - The smallest piece of information that can be stored on a computer.
Binary Code - The language that the computer reads (made up of ones and zeros) (up to a 12-digit number)
Backup -A copy of a file(s) used for future use.
Boot - To turn on the computer.
Byte - A piece of information that is stored on the computer (up to 8 bits)
CD-ROM - The acronym for Compact Disc - Read Only Memory.
CPU - The acronym for Central Processing Unit.
Daisy Chaining - To put string devices together.
Data - Information processed by a computer.
Desktop - The starting screen of the computer where many icons are placed.
Disk Drive - the machinery that writes the data from a disk and/or writes data to a disk.
Document - a file you create, as opposed to the application which created it.
DOS - The acronym for Disk Operating System (Used in Windows/IBM PCs.)
File - A piece of data that takes up a specific amount of space.
Folder - An electronic folder which contains file(s).
Gig - The acronym for gigabyte (Equals 1024 megabytes).
Hard Drive - A storage device that contains a large amount of capacity to store files.
K - The acronym for kilobyte.
Launch - To start an application.
MB - The acronym for megabyte.
Memory - The area where temporary data is stored.
Operating System - The system software that controls the whole computer.
Partition - A sub-division in a hard drive which is considered to be and is used as a separate drive.
PC - The acronym for personal computer; a computer which is capable of being customized to the user's liking.
Peripheral - an add-on module that connects to your computer.
Port - a connection socket (or jack on the Mac).
RAM - The acronym for Random Access Memory; memory that is stored temporarily in the computer (until the computer is restarted/shut down).
ROM - The acronym for Read Only Memory; memory that can only be read from and not written to.
Root Directory - The directory at the highest level of a hierarchy.
Save As - To save a file in a specific location and name.
Serial Port - a port that allows data to be transmitted in a series (one after the other)
Server - A computer/computer program that allows/disallows access to a centralized service in a network.
Shut Down - A command that closes all the programs on the computer and then turns off the computer safely.
Software - The programs and operating information used by a computer.
System File - An important file that the system has generated to ensure safe operations.
Upload - Transfer (data) to a network.
Virus - An error/software in the computer that causes your operating system to behave in an unexpected/dangerous way.
WYSIWYG - The acronym for What You See Is What You Get; used for Windows as it means that you can click on what you see and that application/software will launch.