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Technology
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Technology Terms
or "63 Computer Things You Always Wanted
to Know About But Were Afraid to Ask"
Definitions
- application
- a software program that lets you complete a task, such as writing a paper,
creating a poster, designing an image, or viewing a Web page
- bibliographic format
- a particular style used when preparing a bibliography, an alphabetized list
providing information about resources used or consulted while preparing a
paper or project; three of the most common formats are:
· Modern Language Association (MLA) style,
primarily used for citing sources in scholarly manuscripts and student research
papers
· American Psychological Association (APA)
style, primarily used for citing sources in scientific papers and projects
· Columbia style, which includes both a humanities
and a Scientific Style
- Bookmarks/Favorites
- a feature in nearly all web browsers that lets you save the address (URL)
of a web page so that you can easily revisit the page at a later time
- boolean search
- a method of searching for information in databases that combines search
terms with the operators AND, OR, NOT, and parentheses
- browse search
- a method of locating and displaying Web pages using a browser (e.g., Yahoo!,
Internet Explorer)
- browser
- a software program that lets you explore the World Wide Web to find text,
graphics, sound, movies, games, chats and more; helps you link to pages on
websites around the world
- CD-ROM
- (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) a round, shiny, portable disk that stores
large amounts of software and information; years ago you could only read information
from most CD-ROMs; now you can also write (save) information on them CD-ROM
drive a device that can read information from a CD-ROM; these drives can either
be internal (installed in CPU) or external (generally connected to CPU through
a port)
- CD-writer/CD-RW
- (CD-ReWritable) a type of CD disk that enables you to write onto it in multiple
sessions using a special CD-writer drive; CD-R disks can only have files added,
not edited or deleted; CD-RW disks can be used like a floppy disk, writing
data on it multiple times
- copyright
- legal protection against making unauthorized copies of computer software;
just as many books and other printed material cannot be legally copied, many
software programs and Internet sites are protected by the same copyright laws;
a copyrighted software program can only be used by the purchaser; it is illegal
to make (a) copies of software programs for another person and (b) to copy
some graphics and information from copyrighted Web sites on the Internet (copyright
status indicated at the bottom of the Web page)
- CPU
- (Central Processing Unit) the brains of the computer; also known as the
processor, the CPU processes data and instructions, performs calculations,
and does what the software programs tell it to do; this is the most important
part of a computer
- crop(ping)
- process where parts of a graphic are removed or cut out; cropping is used
most often when you want a larger graphic to fit into a smaller space by cutting
a portion of the graphic to make it fit
- data
- text that is read, manipulated, and displayed by the computer; also known
as information, it is the facts, figures, etc. entered into the computer
- database
- an organized collection of information that you can search, sort, and analyze
rapidly with a database program (which lets you add, delete, and change data
in the database to create reports, lists, labels, etc.)
- database builder
- a collection of information organized by fields (single pieces of information),
records (complete sets of fields), and files (a collection of records) so
that a computer program can quickly select desired pieces of data
- digital camera
- a camera that stores images digitally rather than recording them on film;
once a picture is taken, it can be downloaded to a CPU then manipulated with
a graphics program and printed
- DVD
- (Digital Versatile Disc or Digital Video Disc) a new type of CD-ROM that
holds a minimum of 4.7GB (gigabytes), enough for a full-length movie
- DVD drive
- a device that can read information from a DVD; one of the best features
of DVD drives is that they are "backward-compatible" with CD-ROMs-they
can not only play DVDs but old CD-ROM, CD-I, and video CD disks
- fax machine
- abbreviation of facsimile machine, a device that can send or receive pictures
and text over a telephone line
- floppy disk
- a round, floppy piece of plastic that you put into a computer floppy disk
drive to store information; it is made of thin, Mylar plastic covered in a
hard square for protection; because it has a magnetic coating, keep magnets
away from the disk
- floppy disk drive
- the mechanism that holds, spins, reads, and writes data (information) on
a disk at high speeds; the floppy drive is also referred to as the A: drive
- GIF
- (Graphics Interchange Format) an efficient method of storing graphics by
taking up a small amount of disk space, which can be transmitted quickly over
phone lines; developed for CompuServe in the early 1980s, GIFs can be viewed
on any computer platform and are best for illustrations, cartoons, logos,
or similar non-photographic graphics
- hard drive
- the permanently installed mechanism inside the computer that stores all
data that is put into the computer, even after the computer is turned off;
all data (information) is stored on the hard drive is permanent until it is
deleted; the hard drive is usually the C: drive on the computer
- history list
- a button or icon on your Web browser that allows you to quickly return to
any Web page you have recently visited
- home row
- the middle row of keys on the keyboard (ASDFGHJKL;') where fingers rest
while typing
- HTML
- (HyperText Markup Language) known as "the language of the Web,"
HTML is the set of coded instructions that tell a browser how and where to
place information, graphics, and links on a Web page
- import
- to move text or images from one program into another (e.g., from a word
processing program into a desktop publishing or graphics program); information
can be imported from and into several different types of computer programs
- infringement
- a breach or infraction, as of a law, right, or obligation
- Jaz disk
- a special disk only used in Jaz drives; ideal for working with very large
files, doing backups, making archives, or even editing large graphics, video,
or sound files
- Jaz drive
- a high-capacity, very fast disk drive by Iomega Corporation; holds about
1 GB of data on one removable disk
- JPG or JPEG
- an efficient method for storing graphic files for transmission across phone
lines; unlike GIF files, JPG files lose a little data when the image is converted,
and their files are often much larger than GIFs; however, JPGs are your best
choice for photographic images
- keyboard
- the primary input device used to enter information and instructions into
the computer; the keyboard contains the alphabet, numbers, and other symbols
on separate keys (e.g., "Enter" key, function keys, cursor (arrow)
keys)
- keyword
- a word or words that are used to find related documents or information on
an Internet research tool
- laserdisc
- an optical disc used for full-motion video and interactive training that
stems back to the late 1970s but which became obsolete in the 1990s
- LCD projection devices
- (Liquid Crystal Display) a data projector that accepts computer output and
displays it on a see-through liquid crystal screen that is placed on top of
an overhead projector
- links
- a reference to another document or site that takes you directly to that
site when you click on it
- maximize window
- to enlarge a window; the button for maximizing windows is located in the
top right corner of the window
- microphone
- an instrument capable of transforming sound waves into changes in electric
currents or voltage, used in recording or transmitting sounds
- minimize window
- to convert a window into the size of an icon on the bottom of the screen;
the button for minimizing windows is located in the top right corner of the
window
- modem
- a device that links a computer to other computers through a telephone line,
sending and receiving binary data by changing the bits into sound waves
- mouse
- a hand-held input device used as a pointing and/or drawing instrument, allowing
you to move the cursor around the screen; the three types of movements of
a mouse are "point", "click", and "drag"
- network
- a number of computers connected together to share information and hardware;
Local Area Network (LAN) is small, perhaps a few computers sharing a printer;
Wide Area Network (WAN) is large, with many computers linked between towns
or countries; the Internet is a network of networks that circles the globe
- operating system
- the basic software that a computer needs to interpret input from input devices,
run programs, and read from or write to hard drives and disks; it is the first
program that is loaded when the computer is turned on and all programs used
on the computer must "talk to" or communicate with the operating
system
- printer
- an output device that produces a paper copy of information from a computer;
they are available in different sizes, styles, speeds, and price; types of
printers include dot matrix (pins hit a ribbon to form characters), ink jet
(a fine jet of electricity charged ink hits the paper to form characters),
and laser (a laser beam of heat makes toner stick to paper to form characters).
- programming
- a vocabulary and set of grammatical rules for instructing a computer to
perform specific tasks
- query
- a stored question about information in a database; when you create a query,
you ask a computer to quickly find information that answers a question that
you specify
- refresh
- on Web browsers, a refresh (or reload) button updates the current Web page
displayed with new data
- scanner
- a device that "takes a picture" of something and turns it into
a computerized image; when scanning a picture, the picture is digitized (turned
into numbers in binary code) so the computer can show it on the monitor or
print it out
- search engine
- a tool that finds Web pages in online databases based on terms and criteria
specified by the user; when using a search engine, words or phrases are matched
with the text in the search engine's database; examples of search engines
are Yahoo!, Alta Vista, and Yahooligans!
- software piracy
- unauthorized copying of software
- speakers
- an electroacoustic device that is connected as a component in a computer
system, its function being to make speech or music audible
- spreadsheet
- a document that helps you organize data in rows and columns of cells; each
cell can contain words, a number, or a formula that does calculations with
the numbers in other cells; charts and graphs can be made automatically
- TIFF
- (Tagged Image File Format) one of the most widely supported file formats
for storing bit-mapped images on personal computers; TIFF graphics can be
any resolution, black and white, gray-scaled, or color; these files often
end with a .tif extension
- URL
- (Uniform Resource Locator) the address of a website on the World Wide Web;
to visit a website, you type the URL into a browser address line
- virus scan software
- software programs that periodically check your computer system for the best-known
types of viruses, which are programs or pieces of code loaded onto your computer
without your knowledge and running against your wishes; even a simple virus
can be dangerous because it will quickly use all available memory and bring
the system to a halt
- word processor
- software that allows the creation of letters, papers, and other documents;
word processors have many writing tools and advanced features included in
their programs that allow you to change or edit your work, run a "mail-merge",
and do spelling and grammar checks
- workstation
- a single-user computer connected to a local-area network that includes a
CPU, monitor, keyboard, and mouse; some workstations may be connected to a
set of speakers, a scanner, or a printer
- zip disk
- a removable disk that holds more information than a floppy; a 100MG zip
disk holds about 70 times the amount of information on a high-density 3½"
floppy disk
- zip drive
- a device for storing information on a type of floppy disk that is much higher
density than a floppy
Other Stuff You Asked About…
What are some strategies to keep in mind to perform an effective
search?
- Determine what your topic is, what the key concepts are (list them), and
what other ways there are to express these key concepts.
- Type a word or phrase (but don't use too many words) in the "Search"
box on your browser; try to include Boolean operators. This may find some
introductory pages to help you build or it may even find exactly the material
you are looking for.
- Note any alternative terms that seem useful for further searching, such
as synonyms, different spellings, and variations in names.
- Results of your search list the most relevant pages first; also, there
is often some information to help you decide which pages to look at in detail.
- Too much info? Refine your search to reduce the amount of material you
get back.
How do I evaluate reliability of a Web site?
Anyone with access to a server can put material on the web; there are no controls
on what people chose to write. As a result, Web pages should be viewed with
even more caution than most print material. In particular, you should look for:
- Who is responsible for the site - is there a name and contact address?
- What is the rationale for the site - is it endorsing a particular viewpoint
to the exclusion of other views?
- Is there a date when the site was last updated - how long ago did this happen?
- Does this site seem to be permanent or part of a permanent organization?
What are some ways to care for my computer workstation?
- Always have clean hands when using a computer and keep food and drink at
a very safe distance…like the next room!
- Keep area around your computer clear and DO NOT pile things on top of the
monitor, CPU, or printer. Heat can cripple your machine.
- Dust the keyboard, mouse, screen and cases of monitors, printers, and CPUs
at least once a week. A 2-inch wide paint brush is perfect for dusting. If
things are exceptionally dirty, wipe with a cloth that is dampened with regular
tap water. Special cleaners are really not necessary.
- Keep all disks, whether floppy or CD-ROM, in cases to protect them from
harm and insert and remove them gently.
- AND MOST IMPORTANT before you call for help…REBOOT!
What are some of the ethical implications of copyright
and "electronic plagiarism"?
According to the Education World website, "Copyright laws are based on
the belief that anyone who creates an original, tangible work deserves to be
compensated for that work, that compensation encourages more creative works,
and that society as a whole benefits from the creative efforts of its members.
Copyright laws, therefore, are designed to protect a creator's right to be compensated
and to control how his or her work is used…Most Web pages -- including
the information on them and the code used to create them -- are protected by
copyright law." This means that when students use information from a Web
site, online encyclopedia, electronic book, etc., they must cite and give credit
to them. For more information on copyright use and how to cite electronic references,
log onto one of Education World's Web sites below:
http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr280.shtml
http://www.education-world.com/a_curr/curr247.shtml
Information, Definitions, and Whatnot in This List Provided
by:
Computers Simplified, 4th Edition, IDG Books Worldwide, 1998
Education World Curriculum Series on Copyright and Fair Use
http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr280.shtml
Educator's Internet Companion 6th Edition, Classroom Connect, Inc., 1999
Random House Dictionary of the English Language, 2nd Edition, Unabridged,
1987
TechWeb, The Business Technology Network
http://www.techweb.com
Virtual Librarian, Monash University Library
http://www.lib.monash.edu.au/vl
Webopedia
http://www.webopedia.com