| Computer Glossary |
C++- An extension of the C programming language.
Cache:- A memory location used to store data for speedy access.
CAD (Computer Aided Design):- A computer software program used in design.
Capture On/Off:- A feature found in communication software programs which enables the user to "capture" the screen(s) in view and
save them to a file for later off-line review.
Card:- A hardware expansion unit which is installed inside the case of a computer, into an expansion slot on the motherboard.
Cascade:- A way of arranging open windows on the desktop so that they overlap each other, with the title bar of each window remaining
visible.
Case Sensitive:- When a computer program responds differently to upper and lower case letters. It reads ABCD different from AbCd.
CD-ROM:- A peripheral system that reads CD-ROM laser disks. A single CD disk can hold a vast amount of information.
Cell:- A single box in a spreadsheet used for data entry. It formed by the intersection of a column and a row.
Centroids Interface:- An interface cable between a computer and a printer in which the computer sends multiple bits of information to
the printer simultaneously.
CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team):- A group of Internet users brought together to provide rapid response to important
security problems on the Internet.
CGI:- Common Gateway Interface. The specification for how an HTTP server should communicate with server gateway applications.
Character:- Letter, number or 8 bit item of computer data.
Character Set:- A group of letters, numbers, and symbols that have some relationship in common. For example, the ASCII character set
contains characters that make up the ASCII coding scheme.
Chart:- A graphical representation of numeric data. Same as a graph.
Chat:- A conversation between more than two people during an on-line session.
Check Box:- A small square box that appears in a dialog box and that can be selected or cleared. When the check box is selected, an X
appears in the box (alternately, it can be darkened, or identified as selected in another way). A check box represents an option that you
can turn on and off.
Chip:- A tiny wafer of silicon containing miniature electric circuits which can store millions of bits of information.
CISC (Complex Instruction-Set Computing):- A microprocessor architecture that favors robustness of the instruction set over the speed
with which individual instructions are executed.
Click:- To point to an object with the mouse pointer and then press quickly and release the left mouse button.
Client (Work Station):- A computer that uses the resources of another computer (server).
Clip Art:- A collection of graphic images on disk that can be used in a program that supports graphics.
Clipboard:- A temporary storage area in memory where text and graphics are stored as you copy or move them.
Clock/Calendar:- A computer circuit which keeps the correct time and date. Software programs access the clock/calendar device to
date and time stamp your files.
Clock Speed:- The speed of a computer's internal clock that sets the pace at which operations occur in the CPU. It is measured in
megahertz (Mhz).
Clone:- A fully functional copy of a hardware device (i.e., IBM Compatible).
Cluster:- A basic unit of storage on a disk which is made up of one or more sectors.
CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor):- The battery powered module that retains information about your computer's
hardware for booting purposes.
Co-processor:- An integrated circuit which assists the CPU with math intensive operations and can speed up some software programs.
Coaxial Cable:- A type of cable that is used in LANs due to its insensitivity to noise interference.
COBOL:- Common Business-Oriented Language. A programming language that is used for business programs.
Cold Boot:- To reload your operating system by turning your computer off, waiting for it to completely power down, and turning it back on.
Com Port:- PC computer serial ports usually used for data communications (referred to by the designators COM1, COM2, etc.).
Command:- A direction that is typed or chosen from a menu that results in an action.
Command Driven:- A system operated by keywords or terms that the user must remember and manually enter to get the computer to
do something. DOS is an example of a command driven system.
Command Key:- A key found on keyboards which often modifies the action performed when pressing another key in combination with it.
Command Line:- The string of characters used in an application window or the DOS prompt to start an application.
Command Line Interface (CLI):- A way of accessing a computer, based on typing commands rather than selecting icons and menu
items.
Command Prompt- Usually refers to the MS-DOS prompt. The character or characters that appear at the beginning of the command line,
indicating that the computer is ready to receive input.
Command.Com- The DOS command interpreter that displays the system prompt and responds to the commands you type.
Communication Program:- A computer program that uses your modem to transmit or receive computer data over the telephone lines.
Comparison Operator:- An operator used to compare two values or expressions, for example, "<" means less than and ">" means
greater than.
Compatible:- The ability of a peripheral, a program, or an adapter to function with a standard make and model of computer.
Compiler:- A program that translates a particular high-level language (i.e., Fortran or C+) into a low-level language that can be
processed by the CPU.
Compressed:- Files compacted in order to save disk space and reduce transfer times.
Computer Conferencing:- Refers to the exchange of information on a designated topic or subject matter between two or more users on
an on-line service, BBS, or the Internet.
Computer Modeling:- Software representation of an object or process, such as a model of a weather system.
Condition:- Part of the criteria that a field or function must meet during searches or filtering.
Config.Sys:- This is a text file that contains special commands that configure your computer's hardware components so that MS-DOS
and other applications can use them.
Configuration:- The settings in a computer system or program.
Connect Time:- The time actually spent connected to an on-line service, the Internet, or a local BBS.
Control:- A graphical object, such as a text box, a check box, or a command button that displays data or performs an action.
Context Menu:- A menu which includes the commands that are commonly associated with an object on the screen. Also known as a
shortcut menu. To activate an item's context menu, point to it with the mouse pointer, then press and release the right mouse button.
Control Characters:- ASCII characters which do not print but give instructions to the computer- usually found in word processors or
telecommunications programs.
Conventional (Base) Memory:- The base memory from 0 to 640 kilobytes used to temporarily store running programs and data.
Cookies:- The collective name for the files written to your hard drive by the Internet sites you visit. The stored information tracks your
browsing habits such as which sites you have visited. Cookies are very controversial since many view cookies as an invasion of privacy.
Coprocessor:- An additional processor chip which increases the computer's speed by handling specialized chores such as math or
graphics.
CPU:- Central Processing Unit. The part of a computer where all the incoming information is controlled and executed by its electronic
circuitry. The computer's brain.
Crash:- An abnormal termination of a computer program.
Crippled Software:- Software that is not fully functional (demo version or locked) until the registration fee is received. The author then
sends the fully functional program or a key to unlock the program.
Cross Linked:- An allocation unit or cluster that appears to belong to two files.
CRT:- Cathode Ray Tube. A visual device similar to your television screen that lets the computer user see what he/she is doing.
Current Directory:- The first directory the operating system will search when it attempts to carry out a command. Files in the current
directory can be referenced without specifying their directory location.
Current Drive:- The first drive that the operating system will search when it attempts to carry out a command. Files in the current drive
can be referenced without specifying their drive location.
Cursor:- A moving indicator displayed on the computer monitor that shows the computer operator where he/she is working.
Cyberspace:- The collection of computer networks and bulletin board systems in which on-line communication takes place. The
networks are accessed by modem and communication software.
Cylinder- A set of disk tracks at a specific location of a hard disk platter or set of platters which can be read or written simultaneously by
the read/write heads.
CYMB:- Cyan, Yellow, Magenta, and Black. A color model used for specifying the color of printed matter.
