| Computer Glossary |
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- CD: (Compact Disc) A compact disc is used to store music and computer data.
Compact discs are read-only, which means that once the data has been recorded
onto them, they can only be read, or played.
- computer: A programmable machine that processes, stores, and outputs large
amounts of data at high speeds according to programmed instructions. One type
of computer used at home is called a personal computer or PC.
- computer programs: The instructions for a computer. Programs tell the
computer what to do.
- CPU: (central processing unit) The brains of a computer and the part which
controls all the other parts. The CPU is where most of the calculations take place.
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- DVD: (Digital Video Disk and Digital Versatile Disk) Similar to a CD, but able to
hold much more data. Commonly used for movies and other media using sound
and graphics.
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- freeware: Software programs that are provided at no cost.
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- hard disk drive: The mechanical device used to store information on a
computer. Information is stored on spinning discs magnetically. Usually the main
hard drive is known as the "C" drive in Windows Explorer and My Computer.
- hibernate: Similar to standby mode, a computer can be put in a power off mode
to conserve energy. The contents being worked on is in ram (memory), and is
written to the hard disk where it can be restored later. To bring it back to full
power, the mouse can be moved or a key can be pressed on the key board.
- homepage: The opening or first page of a website.
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- internet: Also known as the World Wide Web, the internet is a network of
computers linking together computers all over the world by cable, telephone and
satellite. Users can send and receive e-mail, pictures, music and other information.
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- keyboard: A device with keys or buttons to enter data or letters and numbers
into a computer.
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- memory: (RAM) Memory is a temporary storage area for programs and data
when a computer is on. Anything stored in memory is lost when the computer is
turned off.
- modem: A modem is a communications device that can be either internal or
external to your computer. It allows one computer to connect to another computer
and transfer data over telephone or cable lines. The original dial-up modems are
becoming obsolete because of their slow speeds and are being replaced by the
much faster cable and DSL modems.
- monitor: An electrical component (similar to a television) which displays viewable
images generated by a computer.
- motherboard: Also called systemboard or mainboard, is the primary circuit
board within a personal computer. Many other parts are connected to the
motherboard to make up a computer.
- mouse: A hand held pointing device with one or more buttons that is moved
around on a pad and detects directional motion. It allows a user to move a pointer
or cursor on a computer screen to select text, click on icons and move things
around on the screen.
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- operating system: Software that controls all the main activities of a computer.
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- printer: A device, usually attached to a computer, used to print text or images
onto paper.
- programs: In computer science, programs are a sequence of instructions that a
computer interprets and executes.
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- shareware: Also known as "try before you buy" software, are available for a free
trial period (evaluation) with the understanding that users will voluntarily pay a fee
to the author or publisher for continued use or to receive additional features or a
manual. If no fee is paid, the software may only be available for a short amount of
time, or does not have updates.
- software: In computer science, software is written programs or procedures or
rules and associated documentation pertaining to the operation of a computer
system and that are stored in read/write memory.
- standby: A low power mode for electronic devices such as computers, televisions,
and remote controlled devices. These modes save electrical consumption
compared to leaving them fully on, when a device is idle. When a computer is in
standby mode, it can be powered back up by moving the mouse or pressing a key
on the keyboard.
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- video card: A circuit board that enables a computer to display screen
information on a monitor.
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- web address: The address or location to a website that you enter into the
address bar of a web browser.
- website: A collection of web pages, images, music and videos on the World
Wide Web (internet) that are accessible from a URL (web address) and hosted
on a web server. The different pages of a website can be accessed from the
main URL called the homepage.
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