Thursday, January 6, 2011

COMPUTER TERMINOLOGY: (A-G)

*Adware: Software that displays advertising (banners, popups, etc) or redirects URLs Often this software is combined with a application that is provided at no charge (Freeware) as long as the user agrees to accept the advertising software. 

*Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)
Whenever a data transfer is made,a route is created between two points, which facilitates the transaction, this is called the ATM. ATM equipment is created in such a way that large amounts of data can be transmitted over a single connection while taking care that every transmission does not take up too much space while being passed through the network or modem connection.

*Accelerated Graphics Port/Advanced Graphics Port(AGP)
This is a graphics card extension port used to attach a graphics card to a computer's motherboard. AGP ports run at 66 MHz and can transfer data up to 2133 MB/sec. An AGP is used with games and applications to store and retrieve larger and better 3D shapes and textures.

*Asynchronous Java Script(AJAX)
AJAX is used to create web pages that are more interactive and usable. This is done using HTML and Cascading style sheets.

*American Standard Code for Information Interchange(ASCII)
ASCII is a code which represents the alphabets in the English language as numbers which are used for character encoding. Numbers from 0-127 are assigned to each letter of the alphabet. Texts that we find in computers, communication equipment and other similar devices represent ASCII Codes.

*Automated Document Feeder(ADP)
As the name suggest ADP is used to automatically feed pages into the scanners and copiers. This helps in facilitating faster work as each individual page does not need to be fed into the copier or scanner.

*Alert Box
The little box that pops up to inform you that the computer you are working on is about to perform an operation which may have damaging consequences is called the alert box. In a way, the alert box is certainly a help, especially when you might have typed in a command absentmindedly and would not like to go through with it! Most of the time you can make it go away by a click of the buttons available or by using the mouse.

*Advanced Technology Attachment(ATA)
Integrated Drive Electronics(IDE)is another term used to refer to ATA. The drive controller is directly connected to the drive using ATA, which is a type of disk drive. A specific controller is not required to support the drive as the ATA hard drive is enough for the computer provided the motherboard supports an ATA connection. In this case no other separate card will be required.

*Audio Interchange File Format(AIFF)
AIFF is an audio format used for storing high quality sampled audio data. As an AIFF is of a high quality it can be burned on to an audio CD,and despite being created by Apple, the files can be read by the audio programs on the MAC and PC with ease.

*Anti-virus
Computer software that scans files,searches for and gets rid of computer viruses and other harmful software. 

*Bandwidth: The range of frequencies (data) a transmission line can carry and defined in bits (BPS). The larger the bandwidth, the greater the information capacity of a channel. Simple terms - amount a data transferred on a line, such as a modem. 

*Banner: An online advertising graphic. Usually located at the top of a web page. 

*Binary file: Any file that is not plain, ASCII text. For example: executable files, graphic files and compressed (ZIP) files. 

*Bit: (contraction of binary digit) A single unit of information that has two values, 0 or 1. 

*BIOS:An Acronym for Basic Input/Output system. A low level set of interactions that allows your operating system to talk to the computer and its devices, such as your hard drive and keyboard. The BIOS loads devices for the operating system ( DOS, Windows) and then loads the operating system. 

*BPS: Bits per second. Measurement of digital information transmission rates (can also mean bytes per second). 

*Browser: A software program for observing the World Wide Web; synonym for a Web client. 

*Bug: The first computer bug was found on September 9, 1945. It was a moth stuck in a relay in the US Navy's Mark I computer. Today all computer errors are called bugs.

*Byte: Eight bits forming a unit of data. Typically, each byte stores one character. 

*Beginners' All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code(BASIC)
BASIC is a high-level programming language which was developed in the mid 1960's and was easy to understand and simple to use. Numbers were originally used at the beginning of each instruction to tell the computer the order in which to process the instruction."Loops" are now used to provide instructions.

*Bitmap
A map of dots and pixels which are generated by a computer and are used to represent types and images are called bitmaps.

*Blind Carbon Copy(Bcc)
This command appears while an e-mail is being sent. Written after the commands To and Cc, an e-mail address written in the Bcc box will enable the mail to be sent to the recipient without the knowledge of the main recipient.

*Bandwidth(BW)
Bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be transferred through either a modem connection or network within stipulated time. BW is measured in two ways- In analog devices, Hertz or cycles per second is used whereas in Digital Devices it is represented in Bits per second (bps) or Bytes per second.

*Blog-(Web Log)
A blog is one's own website or space, a personal diary which is updated on a regular basis by the individual who has created it. Blogs contain images, text, links to other blogs or useful sites and a lot of other information related to the blogger.

*Browser- (Web browser)
A program used to go look for and present pages on the web. Graphical browsers like:Netscape navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer display graphics as well as text.

*Binary Digit-(Bit)
Binary digits take the number 0 and 1 and represent the smallest unit of computer data. These units store information used in communication related to digital computing and information theory.

*Binary Term-(Byte)
A single character in the computer's memory is represented by 8 bits,which is termed as a byte. File sizes, hard disk space and computer memory are measured in bytes. Terms such as Kilobytes, megabytes,gigabytes and terabytes are used to measure larger amounts of data.

*Bluetooth
This technology is based on radio waves and is used with a number of devices to transfer data from one to another. As it is based on radio waves communication is made easier. Owing to the Standard 2.4 Ghz frequency, all Bluetooth devices are compatible with each other.

*Bug
A fault in the hardware or software which results in a failure in the program. A bug usually occurs when there are differences in software where one application is running side by side with another.

*Bookmark
If a page seems interesting and is needed for later reference, a good option would be to bookmark it!This option is available in the browser's bookmark menu. This option saves a lot of time and doesn't put stress on the memory as well.

*Boot
Boot is to load the first software which is responsible for starting the computer. In this process the start up instructions are loaded from the computer's ROM and the operating systems is loaded from the current boot disk.

*Central Processing Unit(CPU)
Processor is another word that describes the CPU. Basically the brain of the computer,it is used to interpret computer instructions and help in the processing of data. Simple put highly complex functions are solved by the CPU.

*Configuration
Configuration in computer term which refers to the technical specifications that a computer has,this includes processor speed,amount of RAM,hard disk space and the type of video card in the machine,other specifications can be added to the list too.

*Compact Disc(CD)
Originally developed for storing digital audio, compact discs(CD) now store digital data. Cd's are made of of polycarbonate with one or more metal layers capable of storing digital information. About 80 minutes of audio/700 MB of data can be stored on a compact disc. The data is represented by small notches on the disc which is read by a laser from an optical drive.

*Compact Disc-Read Only Memory(CD-ROM)
The data on a CD-ROM cannot be altered or erased once information has been copied on to it. Large amounts of data, up to 700 MB can be stored on CD-ROM's. CD-ROM's are used for the distribution of software,games and multimedia applications.

*Code- Division Multiple Access(CDMA)
The English allies during World War II developed the wireless transmission technology to avoid having their transmission jammed. CDMA transmits frequency range using a method called multiplexing in which no specific frequency is assigned to each user on the communications network, thus making more bandwidth available for use. CDMA operates in the frequency range of 800 MHz to 1.9 G Hz.

*Cursor
A moving symbol represented by a solid rectangle, a blinking underline character or a straight vertical line which informs the user where the next character will be displayed on the screen is called a cursor. One can also click or double click the mouse button when the cursor is over an object to perform an action on that object.

*C/C++
Pronounced C plus plus, C++ is a high-level programming language developed in the mid-1970's. It is a widely used programming language used to write applications on a variety of platforms. Programming is more efficient and simpler to use because of it is power and flexibility.

*Cathode Ray Tube(CRT)
Used in televisions and computer display screens CRT works by using electrons which are fired from the back of the tube to phosphorous which is placed in the front,near the display. Once this happens they light up and are thus projected on the screen. RGB,that is red,green and blue are the three colors that blend to produce the colors that are viewed on the screen.

*Customer Relationship Management(CRM)
As the name suggests, CRM covers all facets linked to companies and the relationship they share with their customers.

*Computer Aided Design(CAD)
A software which is considered a blessing to all designers. It is used to create three dimensional designs with a number of features. Designs created on CAD can be rotated,moved and sizes can be changed in a short time.

*Cybermediary
This term refers to an individual or an organization who holds back a fee for discussions and transactions over the Internet. The concerned organization or individual does not take possession or own the services and goods. Real estate brokers and online insurance are examples.

*Common Business Oriented Language(COBOL)
COBOL is a third- generation programming language which though considered one of the oldest languages is still used today. COBOL is used in the areas of business,finance and administrative systems by the government and companies. 

*Cache: A temporary storage bin in memory and on your hard drive. Cache can also be found in the CPU, and on chips on the mother board. 

*CMOS: Stands for Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor and refers to the physical makeup of the memory chips used to contain the CMOS memory settings. The CMOS memory settings are used to semi-permanently store information about your hardware: memory amount, number and type of hard drives and floppy drives, number and type of I/O ports (serial, parallel, SCSI, USB, etc.), system bus types (ISA, PCI, EISA, etc.) and some settings related to this hardware. With Plug-and-Play components, Windows 9x/2000 can update some of this information. CMOS memory is not the same as the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) memory which is stored in ROM (Read Only Memory) or PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory). In some systems the BIOS is stored in Flash EPROM (Flash-programmable Erasable/Programmable Read Only Memory) which is re-programmable without removing the chips from the system using special software. 

*CPU:Central Processing Unit. The heart of your computer. The CPU is the module that processes the data. 

*DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol - the method for a device to dynamically assign IP addresses from a central server to each connected computer or device that uses TCP/IP protocol. 
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*Directory: A directory is a Folder. Microsoft tried to make it easier for the user to understand what a directory is so it named them Folders.

*DMA: (Direct Memory Access) addressing used by some hardware. Your system should have 6 available addresses 00 to 05. No two pieces of hardware can share a DMA channel. Most new hardware no longer uses a DMA.
Microsoft Press's: A channel for direct memory access that does not involve the microprocessor, providing data transfer directly between memory and the disk drive. 

*Database(DB)
A DB can be compared to a filing system, the only difference being that this one would be electronic and not manually managed. In a DB,information or data is stored in a structured sequence like files,folders and folders in the computer. Whenever information is required the computer program can consult it and retrieve the required data.

*Download

This term refers to receiving or copying data from a main source to another device. This is often practiced while copying movies,games and software from the Internet.

*Delete

Removing or erasing in computer terminology is know as deleting. While working on a computer, a word, a file, a character or even a folder is removed when the delete key is pressed on the keyboard. Large chunks of text can be selected and then deleted too. Deleted files are not completely erased once they have been removed, this only happens when they are written over.

*Data

Information that has been processed and then stored in the computer is known as data. Such information is available in the form of text documents, images,audio clips,software programs and a range of other types of data. The information is then is processed by the computer's Central Processing Unit(CPU) and later stored in files and folder's in the hard disc of the computer.

*Drag

This term is used to refer to moving an object from the display screen. Dragging not only involves moving icons and objects,it can also be used for a number of other functions like repositioning a window and dragging the scroll bar,to name a few. Dragging can be done by putting the cursor over the object,then clicking and holding the left side of the mouse till you reach the place the object needs to be placed. This done,the mouse button can be released.

*Dynamic Hyper-Text Markup Language(DHTML)

Interactive and animated websites are created with DHTML,which is a collection of technologies used together. A combinations of HTML , JavaScript,Cascading Style Sheets(CSS) and the Document Object Model are used.

*Digital Versatile Disc(DVD)

A high-capacity optical disc that resembles a CD but can store more information in comparison. It is mainly used for movies,software and data backup purposes. While a CD can store up to 700 MB of data,a single- layer,single -sided DVD can store up to 4.7GB of data. A prerequisite for using a DVD on a computer is to have a DVD-ROM drive.

*Dots Per Inch(DPI)

It is a measure of the resolution of an image,whether on screen or in print. DPI as the name itself implies, measures how many dots fit into a linear inch(2.4 cm) space. An image that has more dots per linear inch will produce more details in an image.

*Debug

As the name suggests this term is used to get rid of bugs which stand for errors in programs. These errors may have minor of serious consequences. To counteract this,programmers debug the programs,thus getting rid of as many errors as possible before releasing the software into the market. In situations where there is tight coupling of various subsystems,changes in one may cause bugs to appear in another prolonging the debugging process.

*Data Transfer Rate

Transfer rate or Data Transfer Rate measures the speed at which data is carried from one device or location to another. Data Transfer Rates are measured in bits per second(bps)

*Digital Subscriber Line(DSL)

Data transfer over regular lines is done using the DSL. A DSL circuit is faster than a regular phone connection despite the copper wires used. DSL can be divided into an Asymmetric DSL and a Symmetric DSL. An ADSL connection has download speeds of 1.5 megabits per second and uploads speeds of 128 kilobits per second. The SDCL has data transfer speeds of 384 kilobits per second in bothy directions.

*Electronic mail(E-mail)

When a message is transferred over a communication network, it is termed as an E-mail. E-mail messages are typically sent by Simple Mail Transfer Protocol(SMTP) and received by Post Office Protocol 3(POP3) or Internet Message Access Protocol(IMAP).

*Electronic Data Interchange(EDI)

A standard method used for transferring data from one computer network or system to another, is termed EDI. It is used for tracking equipment, sending orders to warehouses,creating invoices and other E-commerce purposes.

*Emoticon

A small piece of specialized American Standard Code For Information Interchange(ASCII) art used in text messages as informal markup to indicate emotions and attitudes that would be conveyed through ones' body language in ordinary situations can be termed Emoticon's. Keys on the keyboard can be used to create them.

*Excel

Excel is an application created by Microsoft that stores data in grids, rows and columns. It is compatible with Microsoft Windows and Macintosh computers. Calculation and graphics can be done on Excel.

*Electronic-Commerce(E-commerce)

Buying and selling products and services over electronic systems such as the Internet and other computer networks, is termed as eCommerce or e-commerce. This way of selling and purchasing has seen a drastic growth with a lot of websites venturing into it. E-commerce is of two types-Business 2-Consumer(B2C) and Business-2-Business(B2B)

*E-learning

Formerly known as Internet based learning and then Web based learning,computer -enhanced learning today is generally referred to by E-learning. In E-learning electronic applications and process are used in the learning process, these include Web-based learning, computer-based learning,virtual classrooms and even digital collaboration.

*Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory(EPROM)

A type of memory that retains content until exposed to ultraviolet light. When exposed the light clears its content, this enables reprogramming of the memory to take place. A special device called PROM Programmer or PROM Burner will be required to write and erase an EPROM.

*Encryption

An effective way to keep important data a secret! This is done by coding and scrambling in such a way that it can only be deciphered by someone who has the appropriate decoding key. Secure websites as well as other mediums of data transfer use the Encryption method, so that no one can tap the information.

*Edutainment

A combination of Education and Entertainment is what results in Edutainment. This term is used for entertainment that is designed to educate as well as amuse the user. Edutainment uses familiar forms like television programs, computer and video games, films and music to instruct and socialize.

*Export / Import:
A means of taking information out of the Registry and saving it as a text file in a format that can be put back in the Registry. Input this information is called Importing. This procedure is done by opening RegEdit clicking on the key you want to Export, then the Menu Bar Item "Registry" and then "Export", saving it to a file name without an extension. You should always save it within the Windows Directory so that you can Import it back in if need be. To save the entire Registry you need to click on "Computer" and then Export. 

*FAT: (File Allocation Table) This table information is stored in the Data section of a bootable disk (floppy or hard). It normally consists of the first 63 sectors. Information about each file, size, location, and number of sectors used to store the file are keep here. If the table (Table 1) becomes corrupted there is a backup table (Table 2). Windows uses Table 1 to read files, Scandisk for Windows can also read Table 2 if needed. Fdisk can read Table 2 also, if you use the MBR switch (fdisk /mbr) to repair the boot sector. If the Table becomes corrupted this is known as losing the FAT.
Microsoft Press's: A file system based on a file allocation table, maintained by the operating system, to keep track of the status of various segments of disk space used for file storage. The 32-bit implementation in Windows 9x is called the Virtual File Allocation Table (VFAT).

*FAT32: File Allocation Table, available on OSR2 and higher. Correct name is HPFS (High Performance File System). Also see FAT.

*Font
A combination of typeface and other qualities such as size, pitch and spacing comprise a font. Most word processing programs constitute a Font Menu with the help of which the selection of font can be made.

*Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

Common questions that are asked about a certain software program or a Website that a new user is going through is stored in a text file. Going through this,the user is provided with answers to his queries.

*File

Accumulated data stored in one unit, under a filename is called a File. This data may include a picture,an audio or video file,a library or an application. Text files include Word documents, Rich Text Format(RTF)and layered image files. Under the audio file category one would find-MP3's and AIF's.

*Freeware

Computer software that is copyrighted and made available for use free of charge is referred to as freeware. Since freeware is copyrighted,no one can market the software as their own. Common freeware are-program updates and small games.

*First In, First Out (FIFO)

This term refers to a method of how data can be processed and retrieved. In this system, the items that are entered first are also the first ones to be removed. In simpler words, it would be right to say that the items are removed in the same order that they entered by.

*Firewall

Hardware or software devices that have been created in such a way as to allow, stop or proxy data through a network in which the level of trust is different for each is called a firewall. Using firewall a network server or client machine can be stopped from being damaged by users who are not authorized to use it.

*Flaming

A term coined to refer to the act of posting or sending unpleasant messages over the Internet. These kinds of messages can be sent using e-mails, instant messaging programs and can be posted within online discussion forums also referred to as bulletin boards and newsgroups.

*File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

FTP is a protocol used to exchange files over networks that support TCP/IP protocol. Two computers are required in a FTP transfer-the server and the client.

*Graphics Interchange Format(GIF)

A compressed image format is know as GIF. The images in GIF use a compression formula,developed by CompuServe. They are based on a palette of almost 256 colors, these colors are indexed colors. 

*Garbage In, Garbage Out(GIGO)
This term is a computer maxim which means that if data that is invalid is entered into the computer, the output will also be invalid.

*Graphics Processing Unit(GPU)

A single-chip processor mainly used for computing 3-D functions. 3-D functions include lighting effects,object transformations and 3-D motion. The tasks referred to above are all mathematically-intensive,which if done on the CPU would put a strain on it. The GPU comes into the picture here as it can help the computer to run more efficiently.

*Graphical User Interface(GUI)

The graphical Interface of a computer is something which allows users to click and drag objects with the help of a mouse in place of text at a command line. Windows and MAC OS are two operating systems which are popular.

*Gateway

A Hardware or Software which acts like an entrance from one network to another. This is done to facilitate data transfer between a number of computers. A task like sending an E-mail or logging into a website involves a gateway which helps the connection take place.

*Gopher

Invented by the University of Minnesota,the gopher system helps users search for and collect information using a text interface. Based on the client-server structure where a gopher client program looks up the gopher servers, where documents,articles,programs are stored.

*Gigahertz

This term is used to measure computer processing speeds. Previously, Megahertz was the term used to measure computer CPU speeds,but,after the 1,000 Mhz mark was crossed around the year 2000 Gigahertz gained prominence. 1,000 megahertz(MHz) or 1,000,000,000 Hertz(Hz) is equal to one Gigahertz.

*Gnutella

Gnutella is derived from two words, The first is GNU,General Public License and the second part from comes from Nutella, a chocolate hazelnut spread. Gnutella is a Peer to peer network(P2P).In other words it is a network which allows its users to share files. To do this each user needs to be connected to an "ultrapeer,"which is a server in which files are shared by the users who are connected.

*GPF:
General Page Fault - When the OS cannot process a command generated by a program it falters and cannot continue without dropping the command from memory. GPFs are displayed as the Blue Screen of Death of by a System Error message.

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