| 1 |
application |
n. a program dedicated to a specific task [eg: word processing, graphics etc] |
| 2 |
bit |
n. binary digit, the basic binary unit for storing data, either 0 or 1 - see byte |
| 3 |
buffer |
n. an area in memory used for temporary storage [eg: rapid input from keyboard] |
| 4 |
byte |
n. 8 bits - kilobyte (approx. 1,000 bytes), megabyte (1 million), gigabyte (1 billion) |
| 5 |
Email |
n. electronic mail; system of sending messages through the internet; e-mail |
| 6 |
floppy disk |
n. small, removable magnetic disc for (permanent) storing of data; diskette |
| 7 |
hard disk |
n. fixed, magnetic disc inside a PC for (permanent) storing of data |
| 8 |
hardware |
n. the mechanical and electronic parts of a computer, not the software |
| 9 |
input |
n. data entered into a computer (by keyboard, floppy disk etc) - also v. |
| 10 |
keyboard |
n. the alphanumeric keys or buttons used to input data [QWERTY = 1st 6 keys] |
| 11 |
memory |
n. part of a computer for (temporary) storing of data - see ram |
| 12 |
modem |
n. device that converts data to a form that can be transmitted by telephone etc |
| 13 |
operating system |
n. software that communicates with hardware, enabling applications to run |
| 14 |
output |
n. data delivered by a computer (by printer, screen etc) - also v. |
| 15 |
peripheral |
n. equipment linked to a computer [eg: printer, scanner, modem, mouse etc] |
| 16 |
program |
n. software that contains coded instructions to control a computer - also v. |
| 17 |
RAM |
abbr. random access memory [it goes away when one switches off] |
| 18 |
screen |
n. the surface area of the visual display unit on which the image is formed |
| 19 |
software |
n. the programs, routines etc for a computer, not the hardware |
| 20 |
WYSIWYG |
abbr. What You See Is What You Get [data prints out exactly as on the screen] |