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NAF Principles of Information TechnologyMaster Vocabulary List

This document provides all the key vocabulary terms presented in this course in one convenient place. The terms are listed alphabetically; the lesson number identifies the first time a term is introduced in the course. To use the words only from a particular lesson, please see the Key Vocabulary resource included in the Teacher Resources document for that lesson.

Term Definition Lesson #

abacus An instrument used to perform calculations by sliding rings or beads along rods inside a frame.

2

algorithm A set of instructions explaining how to solve a problem. An algorithm is often illustrated using a flowchart.

13

animation The illusion of movement created by showing many static images in rapid sequence.

8

antistatic bag A polyethylene or conductive Mylar bag, usually pink or shiny transparent black, used to store computer components such as expansion cards to keep them safe from ESD.

5

application program interface (API)

The building blocks needed to create a software program. An API provides the guidelines that guarantee that all programs that use that API will have similar interfaces across operating systems and hardware platforms.

12

application software Software packages with a specific purpose in mind, such as word processing, email, web browsing, spreadsheets, and so on.

12

assembly language Programming language that has the same structure and set of commands as machine languages but allows programmers to use symbolic representations of numeric machine code.

13

attention span The length of time a person can concentrate on a single activity, idea, or task.

2

bachelor’s degree A degree awarded for completion of the undergraduate program requirements at a college or university. Requires a specialization in a chosen field along with completion of general education courses.

14

backbone The central core of a network, this connection can link many smaller networks to a larger network.

9, 10

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backup The process of copying data from the hard drive to another storage device.

12

bar code reader An optical input device that uses light to read a bar pattern called a universal product code (UPC).

6

basic input/output system (BIOS)

The software built in to the ROM chip that is the first code run by a computer when it is powered on. Its primary functions are to perform a start-up test of the CPU (known as the power-on self-test, or POST); to identify and test the devices attached to the computer that are used to input and output information (such as the keyboard, monitor, hard drives, serial communications); and then to find and run the bootloader program. The bootloader finds and loads the operating system into memory. Some newer computers, such as Apple Macintosh computers, use EFI instead of BIOS.

12

binary number system

A system with two numeric values of 0 and 1, which are also referred to as off or on.

2

bit The smallest unit of data that a computer can use and store, having a value of either 0 or 1. The word is an abbreviation for binary digit.

5

bitmapped graphic An image created by a pattern of dots. 8

bootloader A program that identifies all of the places an operating system might reside (usually the hard disk, but possibly also an optical disc, USB drive, or network), loads the operating system into memory, and starts it up.

12

bot A program that performs some specific task that either has some mobility (that is, can move to other computers) or can communicate with other bots and agents to obtain the information necessary to solve the task at hand.

4

bridge Often called a network switch, this connects many parts of a network and directs traffic as needed.

9

broadband An Internet connection that is made using a modem but is always on (dialing in to establish a connection is not needed).

10

bug Any error in a computer program that keeps it from running as planned or as expected.

13




bus The electronic pathways between hardware components used to transfer data back and forth.

5

bus topology A network layout in which there is one main trunk, or backbone, that all the various computers and network devices are connected to.

9

byte A group of eight bits. 5

cache memory A type of memory used to temporarily store frequently used data or program instructions for quick access; similar to RAM but much faster and more expensive.

5

Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)

A language used in conjunction with HTML to format the text on a web page. Most often, a single CSS file will be used by all HTML pages of a website.

3

cathode-ray tube (CRT)

An older-style type of monitor that uses a vacuum tube. 6

cell The smallest unit of storage in a spreadsheet. A cell can store a datum (a number, string, date, and so on) or a formula.

7

central processing unit (CPU)

The “brain” of the computer that interprets and executes instructions; also called the microprocessor or processor.

5

certification A distinction awarded to someone in the IT field who passes a test within the given field.

14

circuit board A flat piece of insulating material inside a computer, on which electrical components are mounted.

5

client A computer that connects to a server computer. 10

client workstation A computer intended to be used by one person at a time. 9

client/server network

A network architecture in which each computer is either a client or a server. Servers are powerful computers dedicated to managing the clients. Clients are PCs on which users run applications. Clients rely on servers for resources.

9

coaxial cable A type of electrical cable often used to transmit cable TV. 9




code All of the characters used to write a computer program. 13

color depth The number of colors that a computer monitor can display at one time.

6

command An instruction that a programmer gives to a computer via code, causing the computer to perform a specific action.

13

compiler A computer application that translates a high-level source program into machine instructions readable by a processor and saves it to disk. The program executes when run.

13

compression A means of reducing file sizes. In lossy compression, content is discarded and cannot be recovered (it is lost). Examples include JPEG images and streaming audio and video. In lossless compression (which is usually applied to text files), content is not lost, but the file might need to be expanded before it can be used.

8

computer An instrument or machine that gathers, processes, and stores information.

1, 2

computer cluster A group of computers working together to share resources. 2

computer system A four-part system consisting of hardware, software, data, and people that performs four basic actions: input, output, processing, and storage.

5

conditional statement

A part of a program that most often has an if...then or if...then...else statement; for example, “If it is raining, then I’ll bring an umbrella.” In this example, the presence of rain is the condition that can change to affect the next action. If an else is included, it gives the computer two actions to perform: one if the condition is true and one if the condition is false.

13

consulting When an industry expert is called in to provide assessment and give advice.

14

copyright The exclusive right of a work’s creator to use, modify, sell, and copy that work as he or she chooses. No one else may use another’s work without permission.

4




cracker A criminal hacker who uses his or her computer skills to gain access to computer systems without permission and/or tampers with programs and data, often causing damage or destruction.

4

crop To trim the edges from a graphic for the purpose of making it fit into a particular space or to remove an unwanted part of the image.

8

cross-platform compatibility

The ability to share files or functionality across different operating systems.

12

cybercrime The use of the Internet or private networks to break state or federal laws.

4

cyberstalker Someone who uses electronic communications such as email to harm, threaten, or harass a person, group, or organization.

4

daisy-chaining The process used to link one peripheral to another, forming a chain.

6

data The raw information, including text, numbers, sounds, and images, that a computer reads and stores in the form of numbers.

5

database (DB) A collection of information that is organized by field, record, and relation (table) so that a computer can quickly select desired pieces of the data. A field is one piece of data, a record is one complete set of fields, and a table is a group of records with the same fields of information.

7

database management system (DBMS)

A group of software programs that allow you to enter, organize, and select information in a database.

7

decimal number system

A system with 10 numeric values, 0 through 9. 2

desktop An on-screen graphical work area provided by an operating system and designed to make a computer easier to use.

12

desktop publishing software

Application software with specialized design features used to combine text and graphics for producing high-quality documents.

8




developed countries

Also known as first-world countries, places with ready access to technology, plumbing, electricity, clean water, and so on, and usually governed by a democracy (e.g., the United States, England, Canada, and so on).

11

developing countries

Also known as third-world countries, places without ready access to technology, plumbing, electricity, clean water, and so on, and not usually governed by a democracy (e.g., parts of South America and most of Africa and Southeast Asia).

11

digit A single character in a number system. 2

digital Describes something that relies on an electronic signal (electrical pulse) used to transmit information in the form of binary digits.

2

digital divide The gap between people who have ready access to technology and the Internet and those who don’t have such access.

11

digital subscriber line (DSL)

A type of Internet connection that uses phone lines but transmits signals digitally across an always-open connection.

10

distribution A commercially or community-developed version of Linux. There are currently more than 300 distributions of Linux worldwide, including Red Hat, SUSE, and Ubuntu.

12

domain name A name that identifies a computer network on the Internet. 10

dot pitch The amount of space between pixels, which affects the display quality of images shown on a monitor.

6

dot-matrix printer A type of impact printer that uses small pins to strike an inked ribbon to produce tiny dots on the paper.

6

drag handle One of the small rectangles or circles that appear on a graphic’s corners and edges; used to resize the image.

8

dye-sublimation printer

A type of nonimpact printer that prints high-quality images by using heat to transfer colored ink to specially coated paper.

6

electronic mail (email)

An electronic message that can be sent with or without file attachments such as word processing documents, spreadsheets, and pictures.

11




electrostatic discharge (ESD)

The rapid flow of electric current between two objects of different electrical potential. Because it can carry a large charge, ESD can cause serious damage to electronic equipment.

5

email client Software or hardware used to manage email. Popular software email clients such as Microsoft Outlook and Eudora are also known as mail user agents (MUAs).

11

email blast Bulk email to a large number of recipients and that may include customized content. This is a type of form letter.

7

encryption Converting data into a form that cannot be interpreted without decrypting it.

4

entry-level A starting position at a business, one that requires a minimum amount of experience.

14

Ethernet The primary networking technology currently in use. Ethernet defines standards for addressing packets and data and a method for avoiding data conflicts on the network.

9

execution The “performance” or “running” of a computer command. 13

expansion board/card

A small circuit board used to add extra functions or resources to a computer. Examples include a video card for a higher end monitor, a sound card for improved sound through stereo speakers, or a network or modem card for telecommunications.

5

expansion slot A socket on a computer’s motherboard used to hold an expansion board and connect it to the bus (data pathway).

5

extensible firmware interface (EFI)

A software interface between an operating system and platform firmware that is much larger and more complex than the older BIOS firmware interface. The EFI specification was originally developed by Intel and is now managed by the Unified EFI Forum.

12

extranet What an organization’s intranet becomes when the organization allows outsiders to access its intranet.

9

fair use A law that allows some use of copyrighted material, so long as it is without profit and for educational or other approved uses.

4




female connector A plug on the end of a cable with one or more sockets designed to accept the pins on a male connector.

6

fiber-optic cable Cable that uses light guided through thin glass tubes, instead of electrical signals, to transmit data. It is very fast but also expensive.

9

file A collection of related information that’s been given a unique name.

12

file compression A process that reduces a file’s size for storage or transmission purposes.

12

file extension A set of characters added to a file name to identify the category or type of file it is.

12

file fragmentation The breaking apart of files into separate segments as they are stored by an operating system on the hard drive. Each segment is referred to as a block.

12

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

One particular protocol that allows files to be transferred through a network.

10

firewall A piece of hardware or software on a network designed to limit access to certain machines to authorized users only.

9

flame To send an abusive or personally insulting message, or to attack a person based on previous comments.

11

floppy drive A magnetic storage device that reads data from and writes data to a floppy disk, which is a metal or (more commonly) plastic disk (usually 3½ in.) inside a rigid plastic case. These are found mostly on older machines—few if any new computers have floppy drives. The term floppy comes from the fact that the disk, outside of its casing, was floppy rather than rigid.

5

flowchart A diagram that uses graphical symbols to illustrate the flow of steps in a process.

In software development, a flowchart is a graphical description of the logic of a computer program using standard flowcharting symbols like rectangles and diamonds.

13




folder (directory) A storage space that files can be placed into and that gives structure to your computer’s files based on your choices of what should go where.

12

form factor The size and shape of a computer or device. 2

formula An equation used within a spreadsheet to compute a value based on other cell values. The spreadsheet displays the computed value in the cell, while the formula appears in the spreadsheet’s entry bar.

7

frame In desktop publishing terms, a space containing and defining the proportions of text, a graphic, or both.

8

game controller A peripheral device (such as a joystick) or a handheld button device that helps a game player navigate through screens, investigate objects, or perform desired gaming actions.

6

gigabyte (GB) One billion bytes is the decimal definition used in telecommunications and by most computer storage manufacturers for devices describing main memory capacities.

A gigabyte is 1,073,741,824 bytes, equal to 1,0243 or 230.

5

gigahertz (GHz) A billion cycles per second; a measurement used to express a computer system’s clock speed or clock rate.

5

graphical user interface (GUI)

A visual display on a computer’s screen that allows you to interact with your computer more easily by clicking graphical elements.

12

hacker Someone who enjoys examining computer programs to see how they work, often seeking undocumented features or weaknesses in security.

4

hard drive The primary, magnetic storage device in a computer. It is made of a group of thin, rigid platters that spin on a central spindle. The disk itself might be made of metal, aluminum, glass, or a form of ceramic.

5

hardware The mechanical or physical devices of a computer system. 1, 5

have nots In the context of the digital divide, this term refers to those who do not have access to technology.

11




haves In the context of the digital divide, this term refers to people who have access to technology.

11

high-level programming language

A programming language that hides the details of how the computer hardware solves a problem and is therefore easier for a programmer to use. Most high-level languages use English words (such as if and for) and mathematical symbols.

13

home page The “starting” page for a website. Usually this is the “top” level of the domain (such as www.cnn.com) as opposed to a lower-level page on the site (such as www.cnn.com/world, which would take users to a world news page).

3

hover text Words or phrases that display in a small box on the screen when the mouse cursor is positioned over certain icons, images, or text. Hover text that appears when the cursor is held over a button or other user interface element is typically called a tooltip. Positioning the mouse to display hover text is called a mouseover.

3

hub A central point on a network where computers can connect. The central point is often a switch rather than a hub.

9

hyperlink Text on a web page that has been embedded with information that, when clicked, will take a user to a different location, either within the same page or elsewhere on the Internet.

3

hypertext Text that has been embedded with instructions to take a web page viewer to additional information.

3

Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)

The language used to create hypertext for web pages. 3

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)

The networking protocol used by the World Wide Web. It defines how messages are formatted and transmitted, and the actions web servers must take in response to requests received from clients.

3, 10

Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS)

A variation of HTTP in which messages are encrypted before they are transmitted. This assures a user that any information entered into a web form, such as a credit card number, cannot be intercepted or understood by a third party. HTTPS is needed because HTTP is not secure.

10


http://www.cnn.com/world

http://www.cnn.com/



icon A small on-screen picture or symbol used to represent an object, a file, or a program.

12

identity theft Crime in which someone obtains personal information—such as a Social Security or driver’s license number—about another person and uses that information to buy goods and services or commit other crimes.

4

image editor A program that allows the user to modify the appearance of bitmapped images.

8

impact printer An output device that creates printed images by striking an inked ribbon against paper. This printer is mostly obsolete.

6

information Words, numbers, symbols, images, sounds, and anything else that can be communicated and understood.

1

information technology

Devices and systems used to store, process, transmit, and receive information.

1

inkjet printer A type of nonimpact printer that sprays tiny droplets of ink on paper.

6

input The data entered into a computer; also, the action of entering data.

5

instant messaging A form of Internet chat that is conducted one-on-one through private online chat areas. A user creates a list of other users with whom he or she wants to communicate.

11

integrated circuit A group of tiny transistors and electric wires built on a silicon wafer, or chip.

2

integrated services digital network (ISDN)

An older type of Internet connection that uses standard circuit-switched phone lines to send digital data.

10

interactive multimedia

A multimedia program that exchanges output and input with the user, allowing the user to choose what is displayed or to direct the flow of the content.

8

Internet A huge network that links together millions of computers and networks around the world.

1, 3




Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP)

A protocol used to retrieve email messages. IMAP is similar to POP3, but with some advanced features. The main difference between the two is that IMAP generally leaves the email on the mail server.

11

Internet Protocol (IP) address

A unique set of numbers assigned to a specific computer that is connected to the Internet. This is similar to a house’s street address.

10

Internet Relay Chat (IRC)

A service that allows many people in different places to “chat” by typing messages in real time, usually in a chat room.

11

Internet service provider (ISP)

A company that sells and manages consumer access to the Internet.

10

interpreter A computer program that allows programmers to enter one command at a time. After a command is entered, it is converted into machine language and executed. Interpreted programming languages differ from compiled languages in that the interpreted program does not need to be complete to run parts of it.

13

intranet A private network that looks and functions a lot like the Internet but is typically available only to the employees of an organization.

9

IPv4 An older form of addressing that limited the number of unique IP addresses available.

10

IPv6 A newer form of addressing that has a nearly unlimited number of unique IP addresses. IPv6 also provides a form of encryption technology not available in IPv4.

10

isolation The separation of a person from the rest of a group or society. 2

IT fields The collection of careers that revolve around information technology, including but not limited to software engineering and computer science, system and network administration, computer forensics, web development, and technical support.

14

iterate To repeat a process. 13

JavaScript One of the most commonly used scripting language for use in web pages.

13




keyword A word or phrase used to begin an Internet search. Typically these are nouns.

3

killer app A software application that is so useful and popular that it fuels sales of the hardware type or operating system for which it was written.

7

kilobyte (KB) 1,024 bytes. 5

kiosk A freestanding input/output device that uses a touch screen for the input of information requests and then displays feedback on the same screen.

6

laser printer A type of nonimpact printer that uses heat to transfer and attach toner from a drum to paper.

6

last-mile technology A term that refers to the last few miles of cable connecting the lines from the subdivision to individual households that still use outdated cable with low bandwidth. The cost of replacing this last-mile technology has cost our society over $250 billion.

11

layout The overall plan or design of a document that indicates the arrangement on page of text, graphics, backgrounds, images, and other design elements.

8

life-long learner A person who is willing to and embraces the challenge of continuing to learn beyond school to keep up with changes in the field.

14

liquid crystal display (LCD)

A flat-panel monitor that creates an image when liquid crystals become electronically charged.

6

local area network (LAN)

A type of network where computers are close together, typically in the same building or office.

9

loop Also known as an iterator, a type of program instruction that causes a block of code to be executed many times. The for-loop executes code a set number of times while other loops execute code as long as a given condition evaluates to true.

13

low-level programming language

A programming language that allows direct control of the computer hardware.

13




machine language Binary code made up of 0s and 1s; usually the result of translating a high-level language program by a compiler. Often used as a synonym for low-level programming language. A machine language program is often referred to as executable code.

13

mainframe computer

A large, multi-user computer commonly used in large businesses and government agencies; more powerful than a minicomputer.

2

male connector A plug on the end of a cable with one or more exposed pins. 6

malware Destructive or malicious software programs such as computer viruses, worms, and Trojan horses; software tools used to commit cybercrimes.

4, 12

master’s degree A degree awarded for the completion of graduate school. In some IT careers, obtaining a master’s degree is useful in advancing your career.

14

median One type of average, found by arranging the values in order and then selecting the one in the middle.

14

megabyte (MB) 1,048,576 bytes, or 1,024 kilobytes of 1,024 bytes each. 5

megahertz (MHz) A million cycles per second. This is an older measurement used to express a computer system’s clock speed or clock rate; most processors (even those on mobile devices) are in the gigahertz range today.

5

memory A “work area” used by the CPU to read and write data and programs quickly while they are being used; primary types are ROM and RAM.

5

metasearch engine A search engine that searches other search engines. 3

microcomputer A single-user computer that comes in many forms, such as a desktop model, a portable laptop/notebook, or a handheld computer; also called a personal computer.

2

microprocessor The “brain” of the computer that interprets and executes instructions; also called the central processing unit (CPU).

5




minicomputer A midsize, multi-user computer; more powerful than a workstation or personal computer but less powerful than a mainframe computer.

2

modem An input/output device that sends and receives messages through telephone lines.

6

motherboard The main circuit board in a computer that unifies all of a computer’s electrical pathways and devices; also called the system board.

5

multicore processor A single chip with more than one processing core; it acts like multiple processors but requires only one socket on the motherboard. Dual- and quad-core processors are readily available on many desktops and laptops.

5

multidevice port A port such as small computer system interface (SCSI) or universal serial bus (USB), which can connect multiple peripherals through a single port.

6

multimedia A program or presentation that combines different types of media, such as text, graphics, video, sound, and animation.

8

Multi-Purpose Internet Mail Exchange (MIME)

A protocol that lets email messages include attachments of different kinds of data, including audio files, image files, video files, application software data files, and application programs. Without MIME, email would be limited primarily to text only.

11

multitasking Running more than one computer program or application at a time.

12

navigate To move around inside a web page or from one page or website to another; also known as surfing.

3

netiquette A group of commonly understood rules of politeness and respect used when communicating online.

11

network Two or more devices connected together, along with the equipment used to connect them.

9




network administrator

A person who manages a computer network; he or she designed its topology and adjusts the network as needed to suit the organization’s needs. The network administrator may also be responsible for securing the network against attack.

9

network architecture

The design of a computer network, which specifies how devices communicate with one another. The most common network architecture types are client/server and peer-to-peer.

9

network interface card (NIC)

A card that enables one computer to send and receive data to and from another computer.

9

network operating system (NOS)

A set of programs used to manage and secure a network. 9

network protocols The rules of initiating, interrupting, and continuing communication on a computer network.

9

news cycle The length of time between the end of one news broadcast or delivery and the beginning of the next.

2

newsgroup A public forum that consists of articles and follow-up comments on one or more specified subjects.

11

node Any sending and receiving point in a computer network. 9

nonimpact printer An output device that prints images without striking the paper in any way, such as by spraying ink or transferring toner with heat.

6

notebook/laptop computer

A small, lightweight, portable microcomputer with an attached flat screen.

2

object An instance of a class or type of data. 13

object-oriented programming (OOP)

A programming paradigm (method) that uses objects and their interactions to design applications and computer programs.

13

open source software

Software whose source code is made available to the public, enabling anyone to copy, modify, and redistribute the source code without paying royalties or fees.

12




operating system Software that controls a computer, managing hardware, software, utilities, and the user interface, and that helps to repair and restore computer functionality as needed.

12

optical drive An optical storage device that reads data on optical discs; variations include CD-ROM drives (read-only), CD-R drives (record once, read many times), CD-RW drives (rewritable), and similar forms for DVD and Blu-ray. CDs have a smaller storage capacity than digital video discs (DVDs), which have a smaller storage capacity than Blu-ray.

5

output The data produced by a computer after processing; also, the action of producing data.

5

packet The small unit into which information is broken down before being sent across a network.

9

parallel port A port that moves data bits in groups simultaneously. These ports are largely obsolete now, replaced by high-speed USB ports.

6

password A common means of authentication in which a person must enter an account name and private word or phrase. Passwords should be hard to guess or crack and should include nonstandard characters like digits or punctuation marks.

4

peer-to-peer (P2P) network

A network architecture where all computers have equal responsibilities and all computers can share files with each other.

9

peripheral A hardware device that is separate from the computer case but can be connected to it.

6

personal computer A computer designed to be used by one person at a time; the acronym PC is sometimes used to refer to IBM PCs and “compatibles” to distinguish them from Apple computers.

2

pharming Illegally redirecting a website’s traffic to a bogus website. Once at the illegal site, site visitors often become victims of identity theft.

4

phishing Using the Internet to trick people into giving personal or sensitive data.

4

photo printer A type of nonimpact printer that produces small, high-quality color photographs captured with a digital camera or an image scanner.

6




pixel One tiny spot in a grid of thousands of spots used to form an image on a computer screen or on paper.

6

plagiarism The use of someone else’s words, ideas, or images without their permission and without source citation.

4

plotter An output device that uses robotic arms to produce large images such as blueprints or engineering drawings.

6

plug and play A technology that allows new devices to be added to the computer through ports, where the device is then recognized by the operating system. Prior to this technology, a computer would require rebooting after a device was added.

6

pointing device Any of a number of input devices that allows the user to control the cursor on the screen. Examples include the mouse, touchpad, TrackPoint, and joystick.

6

port A place, often on the back of a desktop or the side of a laptop, where a connection is made between two devices so that they can work together and exchange information.

6

Post Office Protocol (POP)

A protocol used to retrieve email from a mail server. POP3 is a later iteration of the POP protocol and can be used with or without SMTP.

11

POTS (plain old telephone service)

Traditional analog phone service and switching protocols. 11

presentation software

Application programs used to create and display information in a visual way.

8

proactive Anticipating future changes or problems and taking action now to be ready for them.

14

procedure-oriented programming

A programming paradigm that instructs the computer how to do a task using a series of subroutines, each of which accomplishes some subtask of the overall program. Each subroutine is described using step-by-step instructions.

13

processing The action(s) a computer takes while following instructions from a software program.

5




productivity software

Applications designed to help individual computer users complete tasks more efficiently. Examples are word processors, spreadsheet programs, and database applications.

7

program A set of computer instructions that, when put together, help to accomplish a task or function, such as creating a web page or a word processing document, or performing mathematical computations.

13

programmer A person who writes the code (creates the programs) to instruct a computer on what to do. Computer programmers are also called software engineers.

13

proprietary software Software that comes from a company for a licensing fee and may include customer support.

12

punch cards Wooden or cardboard pieces with punched holes in predefined positions; used to store and process information in early calculating and computer devices.

2

Python Python is an easy-to-learn, general-purpose, high-level language that has sophisticated capabilities and can operate as both a procedural and object-oriented language.

13

query A specific set of instructions used to extract particular information from a database.

7

random-access memory (RAM)

A type of memory that contains data that can be read or written to but is lost when the computer is turned off.

5

read To transfer data from a storage or input device into memory, or from memory into the central processing unit.

5

read-only memory (ROM)

A type of memory that contains data that is retrievable but cannot be changed. ROM does not lose its contents when the computer is turned off.

5

resolution The degree of image sharpness displayed on a computer monitor, measured by the number of pixels on the screen.

6

resume A written summary of work experience, education, and skills sent to prospective employers.

14




RGB An abbreviation for red-green-blue, a common way to express how colors are displayed. An RGB monitor offers much greater color definition than a non-RGB monitor.

6

ring topology A network layout in which two adjacent computers are connected together so that all computers in the network form a ring. Any message is sent from computer to computer until it reaches its destination.

9

router A device that links two computer networks or that links a local area network to the Internet. A router reads packet addresses and routes packets.

9, 10

salary Yearly earnings. 14

search engine A service that allows a user to enter keywords or phrases related to a topic to retrieve a list of websites that match those keywords.

3

security certificate A document sent from a secure website to your web browser to inform you that you can trust the website.

3

self-starter A person who is capable and willing to learn on his or her own. 14

semantic error The situation in which a program executes but does not produce the results that were intended.

13

semantics Refers to the meaning of an informal language sentence or the logic of a formal language statement (for example, a computer program).

Semantics reveals the meaning of syntactically valid strings in a programming language.

13

serial port A port that moves data one bit at a time. 6

server A computer that provides information or services to other computers.

9, 10

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)

An Internet-standard protocol for sending email messages between servers on IP networks. Because SMTP is generally used to send messages from a mail client to a mail server, you should specify both the POP or IMAP server and the SMTP server when configuring an email application.

11




site map A map of a website showing how all the pages are related (linked) to one another.

3

slide transition A technique in a presentation whereby there is some form of animation or visual effect in moving from one slide to the next.

8

smartphone A device that integrates a cell phone with the features of a PC, such as the ability to store information, receive email, and install programs.

2

soft skills Knowledge and abilities that are not specifically job-related but do aid in the ability to perform the job well; these include politeness, professionalism, ability to communicate, writing ability, good grooming, and so on.

14

software A computer program or group of programs used to process information.

1, 5

software suite A group of application software programs that are designed to work well together and are sold together as a package (for example, Microsoft Office, WordPerfect Office, Apache OpenOffice, and Lotus SmartSuite).

7

sound card A type of computer expansion board that allows the playback and recording of sound.

8

source code A collection of high-level language program statements in a text file.

13

spam Unwanted email that’s usually trying to sell something or promote a stock or that’s sent as part of a phishing scheme.

4

spreadsheet A software application that organizes data values using cells, with the relationships between cells defined by formulas; commonly used for budgeting and financial forecasting.

7

spyware Software installed on a user’s computer without that person’s knowledge; it can be used to monitor computer activity, direct users to websites they do not mean to visit, and even install other software.

4, 12

star bus topology A LAN topology wherein two star networks are linked using a bus. 9




star topology A topology with one central node that has each computer or network device attached to the central node. All data first goes into the central node and then is sent out to its destination. (Think of it like a bicycle wheel with spokes.)

9

storage The media and devices used to record and hold data and programs permanently.

5

storage devices The hardware components that read and write data to and from storage media.

5

storage media The physical materials on which data is stored, such as hard disks, optical discs, floppy disks, and magnetic tape. (Note that magnetic tape is typically used for backup applications.) Each of these is removable from the storage device, except for the hard disk.

5

supercomputer The largest, most powerful type of computer; generally used in scientific, engineering, and military fields, including space programs and weather forecasting.

2

switch A type of hub that uses a table to keep track of destinations so that data can be sent directly to its destination, rather than to every computer on the network before the destination machine receives it.

9

syntax Refers to the structure and the rules of an informal language sentence (for example, in English or Spanish) or a formal language statement.

Syntax deals with the form and structure of statements in a programming language (a formal language).

13

syntax error An error in the syntax of an informal or a formal language (for example, when a statement in a computer program cannot be parsed by the compiler or interpreter).

A program containing a syntax error fails execution.

13

system board Another name for the motherboard. 5

system clock An electronic source that generates a steady stream of electronic pulses used to time sequences of actions within the processor.

5




tablet A mobile general-purpose computer contained in a single panel. Its distinguishing characteristic is the use of a touch screen as the input device. Modern tablets are operated by fingers, and a stylus is an option. Tablets usually come with a web browser and Wi-Fi networking.

tally system A system that uses marks or sticks for counting. 2

tape drive A magnetic storage device used to read data from and write data to a magnetic tape housed within a plastic cartridge case. Magnetic tape is typically used for backup applications.

5

taskbar A bar in the Windows operating system interface that displays by default at the bottom of the screen. Each application launched appears as a button on this bar. This is similar to the Dock found in the Mac OS.

12

taxonomy A categorized list of words that are related to a particular topic. 1

team skills Skills that enable the individual to work in a team and positively contribute under any type of circumstance. A type of soft skill.

14

terabyte (TB) Approximately one trillion bytes, this quantity is 1,0244 bytes or 240. Hard disk drive storage capacity is typically in this range (half a TB to several TB).

5

terminal A device or computer connected to a multi-user computer such as a minicomputer or mainframe computer.

2

token ring topology A network layout in which each individual node is connected to two others, with the first and last coming back to connect to each other, thus completing the ring shape.

9

toner (or ink) cartridge

Replacement cartridges for inkjet and laser printers. 6

topology The study of how items are related to one another in space; a configuration.

9

touch screen A display screen that is sensitive to the touch of a finger or stylus. Used in myriad applications, including laptops, tablet computers, smartphones, ATM machines, retail point-of-sale terminals, and car navigation.

6




touchpad A type of mouse input device (most commonly found on laptop computers) with a small, pressure-sensitive pad. You use it by moving your finger around the pad. Also called a trackpad.

6

trackball A type of mouse input device with a ball on top. You use it by rolling the ball with your finger.

6

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

The set of networking rules that control how data is sent from one specific machine (as defined by its IP address) to another.

10

twisted-pair cable The most commonly used kind of networking cable today. 9

Ubuntu A community-developed Linux-based operating system with a GUI similar to that of Windows.

12

uniform resource locator (URL)

The address for a resource, which is often a web page. Web pages typically begin with http:// (or https:// for secure pages), which can usually be omitted when typing the URL into the address bar.

3

upgrade To install a newer (and presumably better) and/or safer version of software, or to add new or additional components to a computer system.

12

USB (universal serial bus)

A standard input and output connection for many modern peripherals.

6

variable A name that represents a value. 13

vector graphic An image created from mathematical descriptions that give the position, length, and direction in which lines are drawn.

8

video capture board A computer expansion board that converts video signals to digital form and stores them on the computer’s hard disk or other storage device.

8

video editor A program used to modify the contents of a video file. 8

web browser A software application designed to help users read and navigate through websites and pages on the World Wide Web.

3




web page A document that is written in HTML and displayed on the web. 3

website A collection of related web pages. 3

wide area network (WAN)

A type of network where the computers are far apart—in different buildings, different cities, or even different countries.

9

wireless communication

Data transmission that uses radio frequencies instead of cabling. Wi-Fi is a version of this

9

wizard An interactive utility program within a software application that guides a user step by step through a particular task.

7

word processor A software application used for creating and manipulating text-based documents.

7

workstation A single-user computer more powerful than a microcomputer; commonly used by engineers, scientists, and graphic artists.

2

World Wide Web (WWW)

A reference to the way information is stored and distributed on the Internet. The web gets its name from the complex web of connections it creates between computers worldwide.

3

write To send data from CPU to memory or to a storage or an output device.

5


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