 | Term | Definition |
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Protocol |
Set of rules for communication of data on Internet. |
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Modem |
Converts data into sound and back again. |
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Binary |
Means 2, information represented as combinations of zero or one. |
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Byte |
character in computer language, represented by eight bits. Example, 10011101 |
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Bit |
a zero or a one in binary language. |
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CPU |
Central Processing Unit, the micro processor or Pentium chip |
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Decode |
When a microprocessor determines what to do with an individual instruction. |
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Execute |
Microprocessor function which causes processor to perform calculation on data. |
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Fab |
a clean lab where microprocessors are made |
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Fetch |
Microprocessor function which gets the next instruction and give to decode. |
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Hardware |
Physical parts of computer including disk that software may reside on. |
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Input |
Any method for inserting information into a computer i.e. scanner, microphone, keyboard etc.. |
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Memory |
Any method of storing information, RAM, ROM, hard disk, floppy disk, CD-ROM etc.. |
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Microprocessor |
Wafer of semiconductor material with millions of transistors on it. |
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Mother Board |
Main Circuit Board that all other computer components connect to. |
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Network |
Wiring and computers (also a server see below) that are linked together and share resources. |
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Output |
Any method for displaying processed information to the user. Example: printer, monitor, etc. |
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Pixel |
1 dot in an image on a computer monitor. |
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Process |
Manipulation of data into information. |
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RAM |
Random access memory, where programs and data are temporarily stored. |
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ROM |
Read only memory, where programs and data are permanently stored |
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Semiconductor |
– The material that transistors in microprocessors are made from. Form of silicon. |
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Server |
The central computer that controls some major function in a network, and stores all data. |
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Software |
data and commands for the computer. |
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Transistor |
An electronic device with no moving parts that acts as a switch indicated a zero more 1 in binary. |
| |
What does the CPU actually process? |
Math: addition, subtracting, division, and multiplication |
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CD-ROM |
Compact Disk Read Only Memory. Information stored digitally on an aluminum disk with pits in it. |
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CPU |
Central Processing Unit, the micro processor or Pentium chip. Also used to refer to the box portion of the computer which contains the parts. |
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Expansion Slots |
Used to add new functions to a PC. I.e. scanner or modem. |
| |
Floppy Drive |
removable storage device with 3.5 inch disk. |
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Hard Drive |
Permanently installed storage drive in PC, programs and data reside on it. (Re-writable). |
| |
Interface card |
component that plugs into an expansion slot and increases the capabilities of the computer. Sound cards, modem, monitor interface card, and other special interfaces can be added. |
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Microprocessor |
Wafer of semiconductor material with an integrated circuit on it. |
| |
Ribbon Cable |
A gray flat cable that connects devices to the motherboard. |
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Power Supply |
110 Volt AC (wall outlet) to DC power the computer can use |
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USB |
Short for Universal Serial Bus, A single USB port can is expected to completely replace serial and parallel ports. |
| |
Parallel Port |
An interface for connecting an external device such as a printer. |
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Serial Port |
A serial port is a general-purpose interface that can be used for almost any type of device, including modems, and mice |
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SVGA |
Short for super video graphics adapter. The monitor hooks to this port. |
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Ethernet |
Also called the NIC or network interface card, which connects the computer the a network |
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Mouse PS2 |
The PS/2 port supports a mini DIN plug containing just 6 pins. |
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Midi Port |
Pronounced middy, a standard adopted for controlling devices, such as synthesizers and sound cards, that emit music. |
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Speaker Port |
A round 1/8” port on the sound card which music comes out of. |
| |
Microphone Port |
A round 1/8” port on the sound card that the microphone plugs into. |
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Line in |
A round 1/8” port on the sound card that other music devices can connect to so the computer can record the music. |
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LAN |
Local Area Network. When computers are connected to each other and/or a server. |
| |
WAN |
Wide Area Network. When your network is connected to other networks. Routers - connects LANs using IP #s. |
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IP# |
is Internet Protocol. A 32 bit # or 4 bytes (one for each of the #s) and example would be 255.255.255.255 Every computer on the internet has its own IP #. |
| |
Packet |
A packet is a piece of data that could be music, pictures, web pages, or email. |
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Hub |
connects two or more computers that have Ethernet adapter cards |
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MAC Address |
Media Access Control. A number in ROM on the NIC card. |
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Switch |
filters incoming information on the LAN based on the Mac address of the computers communicating with each other. |
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Abacus |
Adding tool with beads to keep spaces. Still used today. |
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Analog |
continuous and inaccurate. Digital is exact and accurate. |
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Browser |
Software that lets you view web pages. I.e. Netscape or Explorer. |
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Copyright |
Ownership of information and names. Includes writing, pictures, etc. |
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Desktop |
The base or home screen on Windows 95. Icons and programs appear on top of it. |
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Dialogue box |
A window which opens over a document and demands information or input. |
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DOS |
Disk operating system, the programs that control the computers basically functions. |
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ENIAC |
early digital computer that used vacuum tubes for switches. |
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Ergonomics |
Human Factors Engineering, designing technology to meet the needs of the human body. |
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Ethics |
What is bad, good, or your moral Duty. Judgment of appropriate activities. |
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Execute |
Microprocessor function which causes processor to perform calculation on data. |
| |
Extension |
Extension of three digits after file name. Example . .txt |
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First Amendment |
The right to express your opinion. |
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FTP |
file transfer protocol, software that downloads programs to your computer. |
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HTML |
Hyper text markup language, programming language used to make web pages. |
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HTTP |
Hyper text transfer protocol, software used to send web pages to your computer periods |
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Hypertext |
a word or sentence which is a different color or underlined when you click on it you will be transferred to another web page. |
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Icon |
Picture that represents a function or program. Windows 95 calls it a shortcut. |
| |
Interface card |
component that plugs into an expansion slot and increases the capabilities of the computer. |
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Internet |
Network of networks creating global link of many computer networks. |
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ISP |
Internet service provider, Company who you pay for access to the Internet and web page space. |
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Megabyte |
1024 kilobytes. A measurement of storage volume. |
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Packet Switching |
the method used by the Internet for transmitting information as small packages. |
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Path |
Trail through directories to a particular document or location on a hard drive or disk. |
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RSI |
Repetitive strain injury, damage from repeatedly stressing or injuring a body part. |
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Scanner |
Digitizing images for input into a computer. |
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Select |
To choose a piece of information or an icon to perform an operation on. |
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Semiconductor |
The material that transistors in microprocessors are made from. Form of silicon. |
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T1 |
A dedicated phone line which has permanent uninterrupted access to the Internet. |
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URL |
Universal resource located, the address to a web page . The districts web page URL is as follows: http://www.capital.net/~qmstech/home/index.htm |
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Virus |
A small program that damages data or computers. |
| |
Web Page |
A hyper text document that is available on the Internet. |
| Add or remove terms from this set |
