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Chapter 5 |
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| A to D converter | Device that converts analog electric signals to a series of numbers |
| Active Server Page (.asp) | A page created upon request |
| ActiveX control | Applet used with Internet Explorer |
| ADA | An example of a modularized language that uses information hiding, named in honor of Augusta Ada Byron who is considered by some to be the first programmer. It was chosen for use by the U.S. military. |
| Advanced Research Projects Agency(ARPA) | Government agency that developed the Internet |
| Algorithm | A set of instructions that can only be interpreted one way |
| Alternative (ALT) key | Key on the keyboard intended for use with other keys to provide new functions (see CTRL) |
| American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) | Group that choose which eight bit numbers would represent letters, decimal numbers, and special function characters (see byte) |
| Analog | Electric signal that varies in time in a way that is similar to the event it is portraying |
| Apache | Open source Web server software |
| Applet | A small application program that runs with a Web page |
| Appliances | Computers that are dedicated to particular tasks |
| Application programs | Programs that are written to accomplish a specific task. |
| Applied research | Making a product from a new discovery |
| ARPA | See Advanced Research Projects Agency |
| ARPANET | Network managed by ARPA |
| Artificial intelligence (AI) | Machines that can display similar properties to a human's ability to think |
| Assembler | A 2GL language one step higher than machine language |
| Assembly language | See Assembler |
| Asynchronous | At different times |
| Attributes | Characteristics of an object. See Object Oriented Programming |
| Avatar | An image that represents a person online |
| B to B | See Business to business |
| Backbone | The long distance, high capacity communication links that consist of undersea cables, microwave antenna, satellite relays, and large bundles of traditional telephone lines |
| Backlight | Fluorescent light used with LCD panes |
| Backslash (\) | The symbol that is used to separate one folder name from the next. |
| Bar code | A series of vertical bars and spaces that represent a code that can be read by a computer |
| BASIC | A general purpose language created to help students learn programming. |
| Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) | The program that runs when you turn on your computer. It checks the connections to each of the major components such as the monitor, keyboard, mouse, RAM, CPU, and ports. |
| Basic research | Looking for new knowledge |
| Bcc | Blind courtesy copy, the recipients do not see the address of those who receive a blind copy |
| Beep code | A pattern of beeps that sound to indicate a problem has occurred in the start up process of a computer. |
| Binary | Numbering system that uses zeros and ones |
| Binary numbering system | Numbering system that uses two numerals, 0 and 1, for each digit in the number |
| Biometrics | Statistics applied to biology |
| Bit | Single digit, 0 or 1, in a binary number |
| Blog | See Web log |
| Bookmarks | List of Web pages for convenient return, Netscape |
| Branching | The ability of a program to complete different operations based on certain conditions. |
| Broadband | A high-speed connection |
| Browser | Graphic interface used to view Web pages and link to other Web pages |
| Bugs | Errors found in programs that cause the program to fail to complete its operation successfully |
| Bus | Pathway for data |
| Business to business (BtoB) | Special Web pages for direct communication between businesses that buy and sell with each other |
| Business to consumer | Type of commercial interaction on the Internet, typical of most Web pages |
| Byte | Group of eight bits used to represent characters, decimal numbers, and other special characters (see ASCII) |
| Byte code | A partially compiled program that can be run by a java virtual machine |
| C# | Microsoft's version of Java |
| Calendar | An electronic calendar in a computer application that can track events and meetings |
| Capital gains | Profits from sale of assets such as investment in a company |
| Carbon nanotubes | Arrangement of carbon atoms into tubes |
| Carnivore | Government program used to detect key words or phrases in e-mail messages |
| Carpal tunnel syndrome | Pain or irritation associated with compression of a nerve in the wrist. |
| Cathode ray tube (CRT) | Glass tube that uses an electron beam to create pictures on a the opposite end of the tube which is covered with light-emitting phosphors |
| Cc | Courtesy copy, used to indicate what addresses will receive copies of the message. Also known as carbon copy which refers to the old method of placing a sheet of paper with carbon black between pages while typing to produce a copy |
| CD-R disc | Optical disc to which data may be written |
| CD-ROM disc | Optical disc from which data may be read |
| CD-RW disc | Optical disc from which data may be read and to which data may be recorded and re- written -R1 |
| Center line | An imaginary line that bisects the human body vertically |
| Central Processing Unit (CPU) | Device for performing calculations in a computer (see microprocessor) |
| Certificate authority (CA) | Group that maintains a database of user names and public keys |
| Chat | A synchronous text communication in a group setting organized by topic |
| Cheating | Falsifying information on evaluation tools |
| Checksum | Sum of numbers within a packet |
| Chip | See Integrated Circuit |
| Circuit breaker | Safety device to disconnect electric power |
| Circuit switching | Method of linking circuits to connect two parties |
| Cite | To indicate the origin of the information in a paper |
| Class | A group of objects with common attributes and methods. See Object Oriented Programming |
| Client | Program which communicates with the server, usually resides on the user's computers |
| Client software | Resides on the user's computer and communicates with server software |
| Clock | Device that sends out pulses used to coordinate computer component activity |
| Clones | Computers made to the same specification as the IBM PC |
| Cluster | Data spanning two or more sectors on a hard disk |
| COBOL | Common Business Oriented Language-an early programming language that was written for use with Business functions like accounting and payroll. |
| Code of ethics | Specific behaviors condoned or prohibited |
| Common Gateway Interface (CGI) | A program on a Web server that handles requests for scripts. |
| Compact Disc (CD) | An optical memory disc |
| Compact disc (CD) | Optical storage medium |
| Compact flash card | Removable electronic memory |
| Compiler | A program that converts higher level programs into machine language |
| Computer Aided Tomography (CAT) scan | an imaging system that uses x-rays and computers |
| Consumer to consumer | Type of commercial interaction on the Internet in which consumers by-pass the usual retail middle-man |
| Control (CTRL) key | Key on the keyboard intended for use with other keys to provide new functions (see ALT) |
| Cookie | Text file stored on the hard drive that is sent by the browser to a Web site to identify the person requesting the Web page. |
| Corel WordPerfect Office | A suite of applications that includes the WordPerfect word processing program |
| Course packs | Collections of copied works |
| Cryptography | Science of encrypting and decrypting messages |
| Cyber ware | Attacking a country's computer infrastructure |
| Cybersmearing | Using the Internet to defame |
| Cybersquatting | Profiting from a trademark as part of a domain name without permission |
| Cyberstalking | Using the internet to harass |
| D to A converter | Device that converts a sequence of numbers into a smoothly varying electric signal |
| DARPA | Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, name changed from ARPA |
| Data | Raw, unprocessed facts and figures |
| Data bus | Connection between parts on a motherboard |
| Data mining | Looking for patterns in large amounts of data |
| Database | Lists of data organized in tables where each column is a type of information and each row is one person, event, or interaction |
| Debugging | The process of removing bugs or errors from a software program. |
| Decimal numbering system | Numbering system that uses ten numerals from 0 to 9 for each digit in the number |
| Deciphering | Act of decrypting an encrypted message |
| Decompress | The action of restoring a compressed file to its original condition so it can be opened and read. |
| Decrypt | Change a message whose meaning is hidden back to plain text |
| Deep computing | IBM program to develop advanced problem solving programs |
| Defragmenting | Rearranging data on a hard disk so files are written on adjacent sectors |
| Demilitarized zone (DMZ) | Buffer position between a firewall and the Internet |
| Desktop computer | Personal computer that is too large to be portable |
| Digital computers | Computers that work with facts and variable that can be represented by numbers |
| Digital signature | Portion of a message encrypted with the user's private key to verify the identity of the sender |
| Digital subscriber line (DSL) | High speed connection technology that uses existing telephone lines over distances of a few miles |
| Digital versatile disc (DVD) | Optical storage that can record in layers on both sides |
| Direct mail advertising | Mail sent through the postal system to which the advertisers pay for delivery |
| Directories | Programs that search the web for pages and then categorize them. |
| Disc | Optical media |
| Disk | Magnetic media |
| Disk cache | Area of the computer where recently visited Web pages are store for quick retrieval |
| Disk-on-key | Brand name for flash memory device that is recognized as a removable hard disk |
| Distributed database | Related records stored on more than one computer |
| Distributed processing | Dividing a task into component parts that can be distributed to other computers |
| Docking station | Device into which a laptop computer connects to provide permanent connections for the portable computer |
| Document sharing | A feature of an online course in which documents are made available to students |
| Domain name server (DNS) | Computer with a database of domain names and IP addresses and the relationships between them |
| Domain Names | A name that often resembles the name of the organization and is easier to remember than a number. It often includes www. as a prefix and always has an extension to indicate the category |
| Dot-matrix printer | Type of impact printer |
| Dots per inch (dpi) | Measure of printed image quality |
| Drive | Device that turns magnetic or optical media with a mechanism to read and sometimes write data |
| Drivers | Small programs that are written to provide communication instructions between a peripheral device and the computer's operating system. |
| Dumb terminal | Communication device with a keyboard and monitor that depends on another computer for processing and storage |
| Eavesdropping | Reading an e-mail message without alerting the sender or recipient |
| ECMAScript | The proper name for Netscape's Jscript language |
| Electronic mail | |
| E-mail bomb | Practice of sending large numbers of messages to an e-mail address to overwhelm the mail server |
| E-mail virus | Spreads as an attachment to e-mail and uses e-mail addresses from a user's address book to spread to other computers |
| Emoticons | Icons that express an emotion |
| Encrypt | Changed using a specific method to hide the meaning |
| End user license agreement (EULA) | Contract between the software copyright holder and the user |
| Enhanced 911 (e911) | Emergency response system that can determine the location of cell phones |
| Enterprise resource package (ERP). | Horizontal and vertical software that is combined by service providers in a single software solution. |
| Entrepreneur | Person who organizes a business and assumes the risk |
| Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM) | A type of memory that is usually programmed at the factory and is used to start the computer |
| Ergonomics | The applied science of equipment design to reduce operator fatigue and discomfort |
| Ethical principles | Guides to making decisions about moral behaviors |
| European Computer Manufacturers Association (ECMA) | Group that standardized the Jscript programming language |
| Event | An action by the user such as clicking a button on the screen |
| Event driven | Programs are executed by the user when the user chooses an option |
| Expert system | Provides advice on how to solve a problem |
| Exponential growth | Sequence of numbers that increase by a multiple of the previous value |
| Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code (EBCDIC) | Code for representing characters and control commands using 8 bit binary numbers used by IBM 390 mainframes |
| eXtensible Markup Language (XML) | Method of attaching additional information to text or pictures on a Web page. |
| Fair Use | Policy that allows use of copyrighted works without permission or payment under certain circumstances |
| Favorites | List of Web pages for convenient return a feature of Internet Explorer |
| Fifth generation languages (5GL) | A software language that is most like human language in the way it is structured and states instructions. It uses a knowledge-based system. |
| File allocation table (FAT) | Stores locations of files |
| File compression | The process of reducing the size of files by compressing the data on the file. |
| File name extensions | Three letter codes following a period at the end of a file name |
| File server | Computer that finds files or data and delivers the information to the user and manages updates to the files |
| File Transfer Protocol (FTP) | Method of transferring files on the Internet |
| Finite element analysis | Dividing a model into small elements and calculating how they interact to simulate behavior of a real system |
| Firewall | Software that filters connections to the Internet |
| Firewire | High speed connection used for video data transferred |
| First generation languages (1GL) | A software language written in binary code, or machine language. |
| Flash memory | similar to RAM but does not require constant power |
| Flat bed scanner | Device to transfer documents pictures one sheet at a time |
| Flat panel | Thin display that often uses LCD technology |
| Flat screen | CRT with a less curved screen |
| Floppy disk | Removable magnetic storage medium |
| Formatting | Marking the tracks and sectors on a disk |
| FORTRAN | FORmula TRANslation-an early programming language that was used primarily with complex formulas |
| Fourth Generation Languages (4GL) | Very high level language for use by novices and experts |
| Frames per second | Rate at which blocks of data are created |
| Freeware | Copyrighted work that is available without charge |
| Frequently asked questions (FAQ) | Lists of questions and answers that help a new user take part in a group more rapidly |
| Function (Fn) | Key on the keyboard intended for use with function keys to provide additional functions |
| Fuzzy logic | Methods of dealing with situations that are not completely true or false |
| Gantt | A type of chart which uses horizontal bars to represent tasks, the time they take, and their relationship to the start and end of other tasks |
| Gateway | Connection to the Internet |
| Gateways and Routers | computer devices at the nodes of several communication links that pass the packets along to the next computer in route to the final destination |
| GIF | Image format |
| Global Positioning System (GPS) | Uses satellites to determine location |
| Graphic User Interface (GUI) | The use of icons, buttons, a mouse, dialog boxes, and menus for communicating between the user and a computer |
| Groupware | Software that enables groups to coordinate calendars and meetings |
| Hard disk | Magnetic media made of metal |
| Hard drive | Device to read and write hard disks (see hard disk) |
| Hardware | Physical components of a computer |
| High Level Languages | Another term used for third generation languages |
| Hoax | False message used to trick someone into taking an action |
| Honor code | Ethical conduct agreed to by the group member |
| Horizontal software | Applications that may be used by a variety of organizations |
| Host | Computer that acts as a source of information |
| Hot-swappable | Can change connected devices without shutting down the computer |
| Hub | Multiple port connector |
| Hyperlinks | A link to another Web page activated by a mouse click |
| Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) | Language used to create Web pages |
| Hypertext Pre-Processor (PHP) | Script language used to create interactive Web pages which may end with .php or a similar extension |
| Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) | A method used to retrieve Web pages from a server |
| Identity theft | Using private facts to impersonate |
| Impact printer | Transfers ink to the paper by striking an ink-impregnated cloth ribbon |
| Information | Data that has been processed so it is organized, meaningful, and useful. |
| Information hiding | Characteristic of modular programming |
| Inherit | Characteristic of Object Oriented Programming |
| Inkjet printer | Creates an image by spraying ink on a page |
| Input | One of the main four functions of the computer—the action of adding instructions and data to a computer. |
| Instant messaging (IM) | Direct communication between users with windows that display text or video |
| Integrated circuit (IC) | Arrays of transistors and other electronic devices that perform a function |
| Intellectual property laws | Protect rights of copyright, trademark, and patent holders |
| Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) | Manages information exchange between routers |
| Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) | Coordinates use of domain names |
| Internet Explorer (IE) | A popular Web browser owned by Microsoft, distributed with Windows |
| Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) | Mail program that allows screening and sorting of incoming e-mail on the server before they are downloaded to the client computer |
| Internet Protocol addresses (IP) | Specific number used as an address on the Internet |
| Internet Service Provider (ISP) | Company or group that provides a connection to the Internet backbone. |
| Internet2 | Next generation of the Internet |
| Intranet | Similar to the Internet using TCP/IP but separate |
| Jack | Any connection for telephones |
| Java | Language that uses byte code and java virtual machine programs to create interactive Web pages |
| Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition (J2EE) | Cross-platform programming language |
| Java virtual machine (JVM) | Compiles Java byte code for execution on a particular platform |
| JavaScript | Subset of Java language used for writing scripts |
| Joystick | Pointing device which is a rod connected to a track ball. |
| Jscript | Script language created by Netscape. See ECMAScript. |
| Junk mail | Unsolicited advertising received through the traditional postal system |
| Key (hardware) | Binary number used to encrypt or decrypt messages |
| Key (software) | Projection that requires the proper orientation of plug and receptacle |
| knowledge-based system | A characteristic of Fifth generation languages which can interpret instructions in a more human-like manner |
| Language | A set if structured communication protocol used to write software programs. |
| Laptop computer | See Notebook computer |
| Laser printer | Uses a light beam to transfer images or text to paper where powdered ink is attracted and melted into the paper |
| Laws | Formalized codes of ethical behavior with the courts and police to enforce them |
| Licensing agreement | An agreement between a software vendor and a user that govern the terms of use of the software. |
| Linear growth | Sequence of numbers that increase by the same amount |
| LINUX | Derivative of UNIX which is free and open source |
| Liquid crystal display (LCD) | Type of display the uses electric fields to change the transparency of liquids cells which are typically much thinner than older style monitors |
| Local Area Network (LAN) | A group of connected computers |
| Lotus SmartSuite | Suite of application programs that includes the Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet program |
| Lumbar support | A curved portion of the back of a chair that provides additional support for the lower part of the back |
| Lumens | Measure of brightness of light sources |
| Lurking | Watching without taking part in a chat |
| Machine code | See Machine Language |
| Machine Language | Language that is in written in binary code that a computer processor can directly interpret |
| Macro | Group of commands activated by an action. Used in Microsoft Office. |
| Macro virus | Group of commands in an MS Office program that replicate and distribute themselves without authorization. See virus and macro. |
| Magic Lantern | Government program using a virus to set spyware on a suspect's computer |
| Magnetic Media | materials like plastic or metal (hard) disks coated with a material usually containing iron that will remain magnetized to store data |
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) | An imaging system that uses magnetic fields and computers |
| Mainframe | Powerful computers typically used to manage databases |
| Many-to-many relationship | Describes the relationship between domain names and IP addresses where there can be more than one of each related to one of the other |
| Megabyte | Approximately a million bytes. The actual number is 1,048,576 which is 2 to the 20th power |
| Megahertz | One million cycles per second |
| Memory | Integrated circuits designed to store data before and after it is processed by the CPU |
| Message | Instruction in Object Oriented Programming |
| Metasearch Sites | Report the results of several other search engines |
| Metatag | Hidden text at the beginning of the HTML code for a Web page that identifies key words and other information used by spiders to index the page |
| Metcalfe's law | The value of a network is proportional to the square of the number of elements connected to it |
| Methods | Sets of instructions on how to accomplish a task in OOP |
| Microcomputer | Smallest class of computers |
| Microprocessor | Integrated circuit that performs mathematical or logical functions on data |
| Microsoft Disk Operation System (MS-DOS) | An early non-graphical operating system that was introduced by Microsoft when personal computers first became popular. |
| Microsoft Office | Suite of application software from Microsoft that includes Word and Excel |
| Microsoft Works | Suite of application software from Microsoft for home use |
| Microsoft.NET | Cross-platform programming environment from Microsoft |
| Mid-range computer | Similar to mainframe computers but less powerful |
| Milestones | A particular date that marks a goal such as the date a phase of the project is finished |
| Minicomputer | Relative size between microcomputer and mid-range computer |
| Misrepresentation | Claiming to be a legitimate Web site and diverting communication to the false site |
| Mobile communication devices | Devices that use radio waves to transfer voice or messages |
| Modeling | Using formulas to simulate the behavior of real systems |
| Modem | A device that converts computer data into a format compatible for transmission by another device such as telephone, digital subscriber line, or cable television |
| Modular programming | Blocks of code may be reused and exchanged. Standard input and output |
| Monitor | Display device used with computers |
| Moore's Law | Prediction that integrated circuits would increase in capability exponentially by a factor of two every two years |
| Moral behavior | Making judgments about conforming to standards of right and wrong behavior |
| Moral dilemma | Two conflicting moral behaviors |
| Mosaic | Early graphic Web browser |
| Motherboard | Connects integrated circuits and other devices |
| Mouse | Pointing device that moves on the desktop and controls a screen pointer |
| Mouse pad | Pad to give traction to the rubber ball in a mouse |
| Mozilla | Nickname for Netscape |
| MP3 | Compression technique used with music files |
| MP4 | Compression technique for video |
| Multi-User Dungeon (MUD) | A gaming environment for simulating interactions between participants often using avatars |
| MVS | IBM mainframe language |
| Nanometers | Billionths of a meter |
| Nanoseconds | billionths of a second |
| Nanotechnology | Devices whose size is measured in nanometers |
| Netscape | A popular Web browser owned by AOL |
| Network interface card (NIC) | Device used to connect the computer to other computers |
| Network Server | Computer that coordinates communication on a local area network |
| Neural network | Connections of processors that mimic the function of neurons |
| Non-procedural | Characteristic of fourth generation languages. See Object Oriented Programming |
| Notebook computer | Portable computer also known as a laptop computer |
| NSFNET | Network operated by the National Science Foundation for academic research |
| Numlock | Key on the keyboard that toggles the function of the numeric keyboard keys from navigation to numeric functions |
| Object possession | Requires the user to present a card or device to aid identification |
| Object-oriented programming (OOP) | Non-procedural method that uses attributes, methods, classes, and messages |
| Objects | Programming entity with attributes and methods that belongs to a class |
| Octets | Groups of 8 binary numbers represented with decimal numbers |
| One-way hash | Number produced from text (see digital signature) |
| Online courses | College classes taught using the Internet |
| Open architecture | Not secret or owned by anyone |
| Open source | Source codes is available to the public |
| Open standard | Source code is available |
| OpenOffice | Suite of productivity applications available for free download that works with Linux |
| Operating Systems | A special class of software that provides standard tools for communicating with particular processors. |
| Operations | Synonym for methods. See Object-oriented programming |
| Optical character recognition (OCR) | Converts images of text into editable text |
| Optical Media | materials like reflective discs that can store data and retrieve it using light, usually in the form of a reflected laser beam. |
| Optical mouse | Mouse that detects motion using a the reflection of a beam of light |
| OS | Operating system-the software program that provides common functions and controls communication between various components attached to your computer. |
| OS/390 | IBM mainframe operating system which is an update of an operating system that dates back to the IBM 360 mainframe used in the 1960s |
| Output | One of the four functions of the computer—the process of displaying, printing, sharing, or otherwise communicating information that has been processed by the computer. |
| Packet switching | Managing packets in a network as opposed to circuit switching |
| Palm OS | The operating system used by the popular Palm Pilot personal digital assistant. |
| Palm Pilot | Popular personal digital assistant |
| Partition | Logical division of a large hard disk |
| Password | Secret group of letters and numbers used for identification with a user name |
| Pattern recognition | Ability to perceive identity of objects from their image |
| Payload | Program carried by a virus that may be destructive |
| Peer-to-peer network | Method of connecting computers which doesn't require a designated computer to handle traffic |
| Peripheral | Devices attached to the system unit or case |
| Perl | Script language for use with Unix and Linux operating systems |
| Personal computer | Alternative term for microcomputer (see microcomputer) |
| Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) | Appliance that tracks calendars, tasks, and contact information that may be expanded to include other functions like e-mail |
| Personal video recorder (PVR) | Device that records television programs and may share them over the Internet |
| Pert | A type of chart which uses boxes connected by lines to represent work flow and relationships between tasks |
| Philosophy | Critical analysis of fundamental assumptions and beliefs |
| Phone | Port on a modem into which a traditional telephone handset may be plugged |
| Physical memory | High speed integrated circuits that work directly with the CPU to temporarily store data |
| Piracy | Using copyrighted works without permission |
| Pixel | Picture element |
| Plagiarism | Representing the work of others as one's own |
| Platform | The combination of a particular operating system and the processor that it controls. |
| Plug strip | Device with several power outlets |
| Point of Sale terminal (POS) | Type of dumb terminal used for recording transactions |
| Pointing stick | Pointing device that senses directional pressure |
| Polymorphism | Characteristic of object-oriented program where objects can accomplish a stated message independently |
| Pop-under | Window that displays automatically behind other windows |
| Pop-up | Window that displays automatically in front of other windows |
| Port | Connection device on the computer |
| Portal | A Web page that seeks to provide for all your needs without leaving the page |
| Post Office Protocol 3 (POP3) | Program to handle mail being received by the user |
| Power supply | Converts household electricity for use inside the computer |
| Presence technology | Determines location |
| Primary Storage | A type of storage that is used while the computer is processing data and instructions, also known as memory. |
| Privacy policy | Statement of methods used to deal with personal information |
| Procedural Language | Third generation language in which the programmer gives a specific set of instructions on how to handle the data and processing. |
| Processing | One of the main four functions of a computer—manipulating data according to a set of instructions to create information which can be stored. |
| Productivity applications | Programs intended to assist with common processes like word processing |
| Profiling | Developing a database of user activities to predict behavior |
| Programmers | People who write software instructions. |
| Programming | The process of writing software. |
| Proxy server | Intermediary between the user's computer and the Web page server |
| PS/2 | Round connector used for mice and keyboards |
| Public domain | Creative work that is not copyrighted |
| Public-key encryption | Two different keys used for encryption and decryption |
| Query | A request for information from a database |
| Random access memory (RAM) | Integrated circuits that work with the CPU (see physical memory) |
| Register | A holding place in a computer |
| Registered Jack | Term used by AT&T phone company for standard connectors |
| Relational Database | A database with two or more tables that are related to each other by a common field |
| Resources | People or equipment that may be assigned to tasks |
| Rexx | Script language from IBM |
| RJ-11 | Standard telephone connector |
| RJ-45 | Standard Ethernet connector |
| Router | Connects and routes signals between computers |
| Scanner | Device to transfer documents and pictures into a digital computer file |
| Scanning | Act of transferring a document or picture to a digital file one line at a time |
| Scripts | Short programs which reside on the Web server that are used with Web pages |
| Search engine | A program that finds Web pages based on key words and other information provided by the user |
| Second generation language (2 GL) | A computer language that allows use of limited command words and decimal numbers |
| Secondary Storage | A type of storage that is used to record information for later retrieval, and does not require constant power to retain to the information that is stored. |
| Sectors | Segments of tracks on a disk |
| Secure server | Uses public key encryption to transfer data |
| Sensor | A device that reacts to changes in the environment and produces an electrical signal that corresponds to the change |
| Serial | Sequentially |
| Server | Computer that stores and provides Web pages and other services |
| Server software | Provides files or Web pages to client software |
| Shift | Key on the keyboard intended that may be used to produce capitalized letters or it may be used in combination with other keys to provide new functions (see ALT and CTRL) |
| Silicon-base life | See artificial intelligence |
| Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) | Program to handle mail being sent from the user |
| Simple Network Management Protocol (SNPM) | Collects information from remote computers |
| Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) | Microsoft's method of incorporating programming from other sources to offer services |
| Site license | Agreement to allow installation of software to all the computers at one location |
| Sleep | See standby |
| Small computer system interface (SCSI) | Type of bus connection for high speed data transfer between devices and the computer nicknamed scuzzy |
| Smalltalk | First object-oriented programming language |
| Smart weapons | Weapons that can steer themselves onto a target |
| Software | Written instructions that directs a computer's processor on how to complete tasks, also called programs. |
| Source code | Instructions written by the programmer |
| Spaghetti code | Code that uses Go To statements and is particularly complex and difficult to follow. |
| Spam | Unsolicited e-mail |
| Spam blocker | Program to prevent unsolicited e-mail from downloading to the user's computer |
| Spammers | People who send unsolicited e-mail advertising |
| Spider | A program that searches the Web for Web pages and indexes them for use by a search engine |
| Spoofing | Providing a false name as the sender of an e-mail |
| Spreadsheets | An arrangement of cells in rows and columns that can be used to display and calculate financial information, some of which is dependent on the results of calculations in other cells. |
| Spyware | Program that tracks behavior and contents of a computers hard drive without permission |
| Standby | Partially powered state |
| StarOffice | Commercial version of OpenOffice |
| Storage | One of the main four functions of the computer—the action of recording instructions and data for processing by the computer, or for retaining processed data for later retrieval. |
| Streaming audio | Sound delivered over the Internet |
| Structured programming | Uses structured commands to handle branching |
| Structured query language (SQL) | A fourth generation language that is used for extracting specific sets of data from a database. |
| Stuffit | A program used to compress files that works on Macintosh and Linux systems |
| Sub-woofer | Audio speaker designed for low range sounds and music |
| Suite | Group of applications |
| Super computer | The most powerful computers |
| Surge suppressor | Protects the computer from pulses of higher than normal electric voltage |
| Symmetric-key encryption | Same code to encrypt and decrypt a message |
| Synchronous | At the same time |
| Syntax | Rules for a software language that must be used when writing code. |
| System unit | Another name for the case which houses the processing and storage functions of a computer |
| T1 | A high speed connection to the Internet from a company or ISP |
| Tampering | Changing the content of a message |
| Targeted advertising | Matching ads to consumers who are most likely to buy the product |
| Tasks | Items of work to be done that may be associated with a calendar program or with a project management program |
| TCL | Script language from Sun Laboratories |
| Telnet | Method of running programs on a remote computer |
| Terabyte | Million megabytes |
| Terminator | Required device at the end of some types of busses such as SCSI connections |
| The last mile | A phrase that refers to the millions of miles of connections between the company's high speed system and consumer's homes |
| Third generation languages (3GL) | High-level programming that uses compilers to create machine code for specific processors |
| Threaded discussion | A series of asynchronous text messages connected together to show relationship of posting and response |
| Thumb drive | Brand of removable memory (see flash memory) |
| Toner | Powdered ink used with laser printers |
| Touch pad | Pointing device that senses motion of a finger |
| Trackball | Pointing device where the user moves a ball in a cradle |
| Tracks | Concentric paths on a disk for recording data |
| Trademark | Symbol or logo used to identify a product |
| Transistors | Electronic devices that can switch on or off in response to an external signal |
| Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) | Method of transmitting packets on the Internet |
| Transponders | Reply to radio transmission to provide identification |
| Trojan horse | Program that claims to be something else |
| Type A USB plug | Connector on the upstream or computer side of the cable |
| Type B USB plug | Connector on the downstream or device end of the cable |
| Unicode | Code that uses sixty four bit numbers to represent characters from numerous languages including the older ASCII codes |
| Uniform Resource Locator (URL) | Identifies the method of interaction with the server, a domain name or IP address, the local folder, and file name |
| Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) | Plug strip with a battery that provides electricity for a short period |
| Universal serial bus (USB) | Connection method that replaces many other types of connectors |
| Unix | Popular operating system on mainframe computers |
| Unzipping | The processing of restoring a compressed file to its original condition so it can be opened and read. |
| USB 1.1 | First version (see Universal serial bus) of USB |
| USB 2.0 | Second version (see Universal serial bus) |
| USB drive | Removable storage (see flash memory) |
| User datagram protocol (UDP) | Manages streaming audio and video |
| User name | Identifying term that usually has part of a person's name (see password) |
| VBScript | Simplified version of Visual Basic used for writing scripts |
| Veiling reflection | A reflection of a bright light source on a surface that partially obscures the object behind the surface |
| Venture capital | Money loaned without collateral in exchange for part ownership of a new company |
| Vertical software | Applications written for specific market segments such as medical offices, restaurants, supermarkets, manufacturing, or tax return preparation, |
| Vetting | Checking background for indications of character |
| Video graphics adapter (VGA) | Standard method of attaching monitors to computers |
| Virtual memory | Space on a hard disk used to supplement physical memory (see physical memory) |
| Virtual private network (VPN) | Encrypts packets within packets that are sent to an intranet via the Internet |
| Virtual reality (VR) | Simulations that can appear to be real |
| Virus | Program that replicates itself using unauthorized computer resources and then spreads copies to other computers by copying itself to disks or by attaching itself to e-mail messages. |
| VisiCalc | First electronic spreadsheet |
| Visual Basic (VB) | An event driven language that is uses a graphical interface that includes buttons, dialog boxes, scrollbars and menus. |
| Voice over IP (VoIP) | Method of sending telephone conversations using TCP/IP packets |
| Voice recognition | Ability to convert speech into digital files or commands |
| VP.Net | Programming language that uses object-oriented programming. See Visual Basic |
| Wall | Port on a modem used to connect to the telephone company |
| Web based training | Skill and product familiarization using the Internet |
| Web bug | Graphic element in a Web page that actually calls an advertising Web page which sets a cookie |
| Web camera | Video device intended for use over the Internet |
| Web crawling | The process of searching the Web |
| Web log (Blog) | A series of dated journal entries available online |
| Web page | A page written in HTML for display by a browser |
| Web servers | Computers that run software which provides Web pages and runs scripts |
| Web-cam | A video camera that is connected to the Internet |
| Whistleblowing | Reporting illegal activity |
| Windows | Microsoft's GUI interface |
| Windows 2000 Datacenter | Operating system by Microsoft for use on mainframe computers |
| Windows CE | The operating system program written by Microsoft for use with PDAs |
| Wintel | Common platform of Windows operating system and Intel microprocessor |
| WinZip | A program used to compress files that works on Windows systems |
| Wireless | Uses radio to connect devices |
| Word Processing | The process of using a computer to write, store, retrieve, and edit documents. |
| Work for hire | Creative product for which the copyright is owned by the company that paid for the author's services |
| Workstations | Personal computers at a company that may have additional power or attachments |
| Worm | Program that searches the Internet for vulnerable computers and installs programs on them that allow someone else to take control |
| Z/OS | New IBM operating system for mainframe computers |
| Zip (tm) disk | Brand of high capacity floppy disk |
| Zipping | The process of compressing files |