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IT glossary

A

Algorithm: A prescribed set of well-defined rules or processes for the solution of a problem in a finite number of steps.

Analog Computer: A computer using mainly analog representation of data

Application Software: Programs designed for specific user applications.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): A computational subsystem that performs the mathematical and logical operations of a digital computer.

Artificial Intelligence (AL): Behavior by a machine that, if exhibited by humans, would be called intelligent.

Assembly Language: A symbolic language which employs abbreviations or mnemonic codes in its instructions.

B

Backup: Alternative procedures, equipment, or systems used to restore service in the event of a system malfunction or loss of data. Also, a duplicate copy of a data file or files saved on some secondary storage medium.

Basic: (Beginner's all-purpose symbolic instruction code). A high-level interactive programming language that is relatively easy to learn and use.

Binary Digit: In binary notation, either of the characters 0 or 1.

Bit: A binary digit/

Bootstrap: Used for starting the computer, this program usually clears memory, sets up I/O devices, and loads the operating system from auxiliary storage or ROM.

Bubble Memory: A memory device in which data is represented by magnetized spots (or bubbles) that reside on a thin film of semiconductor material.

Bus: An electronics pathway used to transfer data and electric signals. In a bus network, computers plug into a single cable that runs from one workstation to another.

Byte: A sequence of adjacent binary digits operated upon as a unit and usually shorter than a computer word.

C

Cache Memory: A module created by software to permit the storage of frequently accessed data in RAM rather than in secondary storage.

Central Processing Unit (CPU): A unit of a computer that includes the circuits controlling the interpretation and execution of instructions. See also mainframe.

Coaxial Cable: Cables used in place of standard electrical wires for high-quality data transmission.

COBOL: (Common Business Oriented Language) A Business data processing language.

Code: A set of unambiguous rules specifying the way in which data may be represented, for example, the set of correspondences in the standard code for information interchange.

Compact Disk: A high-capacity metal disk on which billions of bits can be stored. Sometimes referred to as compact disk read-only memory (CD ROM).

Compile: A program that complies.

Computer-Aided-Design(CAD): Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) A process involving computers in the design and manufacture of products.

Console: That part of a computer used for communication between the operator or maintenance engineer and the computer.

Coprocessor: A special microcomputer chip or circuit designed to perform one or more special tasks.

D

Data: A representation of facts, concepts, or instructions in a formalized manner suitable for communications, interpretation, or processing by humans or automatic means.

Database: A set of logically related files organized in such a way that data access is improved and redundancy or duplication is minimized.

Debug: To detect, locate, and remove mistakes from a computer program; or malfunctions from a computer system Synonymous with troubleshoot.

Demodulation: The process or transforming analog data into digital data.

Desktop Publishing: A computer application that uses a microcomputer and a laser printer to produce printed documents containing both text and graphics of near typeset quality.

Digital Computer: A computer in which discrete representation of data is manly used.

DOS: Disk operating system. Dot Matrix Printer: An impact printer that prints each character by using a series of pins that from dots as they are extended and strike the page.

E

Electronic Mail: A data communication service that permits the transmission of letters, memos, and other documents from one terminal or computer to another Messages may be sent, stored, and retrieved when requested.

EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory): A special PROM that can be erased under high-intensity ultraviolet light and reprogrammed.

F

Fiber Optics: The transmission of digital data in the form of light impulses via hairline transparent fibers.

File: A collection of related records treated as a unit. For exam;oe, one line of an invoice may form an item, a complete invoice may form a record, the complete set of such records may form a file, the collection of inventory control file, the collection of inventory control file may form a library, and the libraries used by an organization are know as its database.

First-Generation Computer: A computer utilizing vacuum tube components.

Floppy Disk: A flexible oxide-coated Mylar disk (diskette) that is stored in a protective envelope, Floppy disks provide low-cost direct access storage for mini and microcomputer systems.

Flowchart: A graphical representation for the definition, analysis, or solution of a problem, in which symbols are used to represent operations, data, flow, equipment, etc. Contrast with block diagram.

FORTRAN: (FORmula TRANsmission system) A language, primarily used to express computer programs, that makes extensive use of arithmetic formulas.

H

Hard Copy: The output produced by a printer.

Hardware: Physical equipment, as opposed to the computer program or method of use, e.g., mechanical, magnetic, electrical, or electronic devices. Contrast with software.

Hybrid Computer: The central or controlling computer in a multiple-computer network or distributed data processing system.

I

Icon: A graphic image used with graphic user inter faces.

J

Job: A specified group of tasks prescribed as a unit of work for a computer. By extension, a job usually includes one or more computer programs, linkages, files, and instructions to the operating system.

Joystick: A small hand-held input device used to control cursor movement.

K

Kernel: Small portion of an operating system that resides in memory at all rimes.

L

Language: A set of representations, conventions and rules used to convey information.

Library: A collection of organized information used for study and reference.

Line Printer: A device that prints all characters of a line as a unit. Contrast with character printer.

Local Area Network (LAN): A network that shares data and resources among several computers in fairly close proximity.

Loop: A sequence of instructions that is executed repeatedly until a terminal condition prevails.

M

Machine Language: A language that is used directly by a machine.

Magnetic Disk: A flat circular plate with a magnetic surface on which data can be stored by selective magnetization of portions of the flat surface.

Magnetic Ink: An ink that contains particles of a magnetic substance whose presence can be detected by magnetic sensors.

Mainframe: A large-scale computer system typically supported by large metal frames. Generally faster, larger and more powerful than a minicomputer. The largest mainframe computers are sometimes called supercomputers.

Matrix: A mathematical term for an array or table.

Microcomputer: A small but complete computer system, consisting of hardware and software, whose main processing part is a microprocessor.

Microprocessor(MPU): A simple computer on a chip.

Minicomputer: A digital computer that is characterized by higher performance, more versatility, and a wide selection of available programming languages, operation systems, and applications software than a microcomputer.

MODEM:(MOdulator DEModulator) A device that modulates ( converts data to a form that can be transmitted over communications lines) and demodulates (converts modulated data to a computer acceptable form).

Motherboard: A circuit board in a microcomputer that contains the microprocessor, ROM, RAM, and other associated circuitry.

Mouse: A hand-held device used to control the movement of a cursor.

N

Network: A system of interconnected computers and terminals that communicates with each other.

Nonvolatile Storage Memory: That dose not lose its contents when the power is turned off.

O

Operating system (OS): Software which controls the execution of computer programs and which may provide scheduling debugging, input/output control, accounting, compilation storage assignment, data management, and related services.

Optical Disk: Also known as videodisk; a large-capacity storage medium used mostly for visual information.

Optical Fibers: Hairlike transparent fibers used to transmit digital data in the form of light impulses.

Output Channel: A channel for conveying data from a device or logic element.

P

Postscript: A page description language that is an example of a control program to create outline fonts.

Primary Storage: The main storage or RAM.

Processor: In hardware, the CPL or MPU.

Program: A series of actions proposed in order to achieve a certain result.

PROM: (Programmable Read Only Memory) A memory that is programmed by a special electronic programming device. Once programmed, it functions as ROM.

Punched Card: A card punched with a pattern of holes to represent data.

Q

Queue: A waiting line formed by items in a system waiting for service; for example, programs arranged sequentially to be processed or messages to be transmitted in a message switching system.

R

RAM: (Random Access Memory): Data can be written into and read out of RAM and can be changed at any time by a new write operation. RAM is the main memory of a microcomputer.

RGB: A monitor that uses separate red, blue, and green electron guns to produce colors.

S

Secondary storage: A storage device in addition to the main storage of a computer' e. g, magnetic tape, disk, or drum. Secondary storage usually holds much larger amounts of data, but has slower access times than primary storage.

Simulate: To represent certain features of the behavior of a physical or abstract system by the behavior of another system.

Software: A set of programs, procedures, rules, and possibly associated documentation concerned with the operation of a data processing system. For example compilers, library routines, manuals circuit diagrams and computer programs.

Speech Recognition: A process that converts spoken commands or data to a computer-acceptable form.

Storage Device: A device into which data can be inserted in which they can be retained, and from which they can be retrieved.

Supercomputer: The largest, fastest, and most powerful of the mainframe computer systems.

System: An assembly of methods, procedures, or techniques united by regulated instruction for forming an organized whole.

T

Tape Unit: A device containing a tape drive, together with reading and writing heads and associated controls. Synonymous with tape deck , tape station.

Teleconference: A conference that uses data communication permitting a group at one location to hear another group.

Third-Generation Computer: A computer utilizing LSI components.

Throughput: A measure of system efficiency; the rate at which work can be handled by a system.

Toner: Dry ink particles used with laser Printers.

U

Undo: A feature of software that is designed to undo a previous action.

UNIVAC I: (UNIVersal Automatic Computer) The first commercially available computer.

Update: To modify a master file with current information according to a specified procedure.

User-Friendly: A term used to describe a computer program or system that is relatively easy to learn and use.

V

Value-Added Network: A communications service that offers something extra to its users.

Video conference: A conference that uses data communications, permitting a group of people at one location to see and hear another group on a video screen.

Virtual Storage: A storage technique used to extend memory by using secondary storage devices to extend memory by using secondary storage devices to store portions of programs not in use.

Virus: A program designed to destroy programs and data stored in a computer.

VLSI: (Very Large-Scale Integrated Circuit) Can be an entire microcomputer on a single chip.

Volatile Storage: Storage that loses its contents as soon as the power is turned off.

W

Word: A character string or a bit string considered as an entity.

Worksheet: A high-end microcomputer.

Workstation: A terminal in a computer network.

Write Once Read Many: (WORM) An optical system designed to write data once and read it many times.