Antivirus Software
A program that finds and cleans destructive hidden programs on a computer. Within the software is a library of the destructive programs that can be updated over the internet.
Bandwidth
The amount of data that may be transferred in a fixed period of time. A channel of communication that can transfer a lot of data quickly has high bandwidth. Bandwidth is generally measured in bits per second (bps). Related Terms: Kbps: kilobits per second. Mbps: megabits per second. KBps: kilobytes per second MBps: megabytes per second
Basic Input Output System
(BIOS)A built-in program on a computer that tracks and stores information about various computer components so that the operating system can function properly.
Byte
A unit of storage that holds a single character (an individual letter, number or symbol). 1 byte = 8 bits. 1024 bytes = 1 kilobyte(KB); 1,048,576 bytes = 1 megabyte(MB); 1,073,741,824 bytes = 1 gigabyte(GB)
Cable Modem
A modem that uses standard cable television lines to transmit data. The usual bandwidth is 500-1000 Kbps for downloads, 128-500 Kbps for uploads.
Central Processing Unit
(CPU), ProcessorThe area where most of a computer's internal operations take place. It is generally referred to as the brain of a computer. The CPU is directly related to a computer's performance.
Device
Any component that may be used with a computer.
Device Driver
A program the computer uses to control a specific device, i.e., a printer.
Digital Subscriber Line
(DSL)A high-speed method of data transfer over existing copper (telephone) lines, present in most residences and homes. DSL service is faster than standard modem connections. DSL speed varies considerably depending on the service bought; downloads can be as fast as 32 Mbps and uploads as fast as 1 Mbps.
Email
A method of transmitting messages over a network. Usually refers to transmitting messages over the Internet.
Extranet
An intranet accessible to outside users.
Finder
A program that is part of older versions of the MacOS (usage stopped with OSX). It manages a Macintosh's desktop and file system, which is the basic way one interacts with a Macintosh computer.
Floppy Disk
A portable data storage device. They are slow and hold little data compared to hard drives, but make up for this in their low cost and widely portable nature. The most common formats are 3.5", 5.25", and ZIP disks.
Freeware
Free software.
Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ) A compilation of answers to common questions.
Hard Disk
An internal data storage device. Hard disks are faster and hold significantly more data than floppy disks. They are generally permanent fixtures inside of a computer.
Hub
A device used to connect various other devices in a network. Hubs are generally used to connect sections of aLAN to one another, such as connecting computers to a server.
Integrated Services Digital Network
(ISDN) A method of data transfer over digital or regular telephone lines similar to, but faster than, standard modems. Usual transfer rates are either 64 Kbps/sec or 128 Kbps/sec.
Internet
A worldwide network connecting many computers. It is decentralized, which means there is no main host or server. Each Internet computer operates independently.
Intranet
A network of computers that is internal to a company and uses Internet technologies to share information.
Local-Area Network
(LAN) According to OneNorthwest, a LAN is a group of computers connected for the purpose of sharing resources. Computers on a LAN can exchange files with each other, and share common hardware, such as printers and modems. The computers on a local area network are typically joined by a single transmission cable and are located within a small area such as a single building or section of a building. LANs can in turn be connected to other LANs, forming a WAN, or connected to the Internet.
Memory
An area of storage on the computer. Usually refers to RAM (random-access memory), which dictates how much information the computer may handle at a given moment. RAM is a critical part of any modern computer's performance.
Modem
A computer device that transmits data over standard telephone lines. Modems may transfer data anywhere from 300 bps to 57.6 Kbps. Most modern modems are 14.4 Kbps, 28.8 Kbps, 44.4 Kbps, or 57.6 Kbps.
Motherboard
The main circuit board of a computer. It contains the most integral parts of a computer such as the CPU, BIOS, RAM and additional boards. It allows various parts of a computer to communicate.
Multitasking
The ability to execute more than one task at the same time. Most modern operating systems do this by rapidly switching between various tasks.
Open-Source
Open-Source software allows the end user to modify or distribute a program without permission of the author or company who created it. This means that software can be customized to meet special needs in-house.
Operating System
The program that controls how parts of a computer work together. It includes the basic user interface (how one interacts with the computer). It is required in order to run specific software for a particular computer. Example operating systems include MS-DOS, Windows, UNIX, Linux, and variants of the MacOS.
Plotter
A device that uses a certain type of pen for drawing images, much like a standard printer. It is generally used for printouts that are large, or require greater precision than a standard printer offers.
Peer to Peer Network
(PTP)A network in which each computer communicates directly with one another, rather than depending on a server. This method is usually best suited to networks with a light demand.
Program
A list of instructions which, when executed, cause a computer to perform a specific task.Software is an executable version of a program; source code is the actual list of instructions.
Search Engine
A web site that scans the Internet and catalogues every page. The user can then search the database by keyword(s).
Server
A computer that controls the network it is part of and various resources on it. A server may manage file storage, printing, and network traffic across a network.
Shareware
A downloadable trial software program. At the end of the trial period, the user can then purchase the full program over the Internet for a discounted price.
Software License
Describes how an individual or group may use a particular piece of software.
T1 Carrier / T3 Carrier
A dedicated network connection that can transfer data at speeds up to 1.544 Mbps. Business and Internet Service Providers often lease T1 lines from a telephone company to connect to the Internet. T3s are higher speed versions of T1s; they support data transfer rates up to 43 Mbps. The backbone of the Internet is comprised of T3s.
Technology Assessment
An evaluation of electronic resources in an organization. The purpose of which is to help improve an organization's understanding and use of technology to achieve their mission.
Uninterruptible Power Supply
(UPS)A power supply containing a battery that can sustain power during power failures. A computer can usually be kept running from 5 to 15 minutes with a UPS, allowing one to save files and shut down the computer properly.
Virus
A program that may be installed and run on a computer without the user's knowledge. It may stand alone or attach itself to another program. Many computer viruses cause damage to the data stored on a computer. Safe sharing of software and use of anti-virus programs offer some protection against computer viruses.
Wide-Area Network
(WAN)A computer network distributed over a large geographical distance. It usually includes two or more LANs. The largest WAN is the Internet.
World Wide Web
(WWW)Refers to the collective of Internet servers that support HTML, a type of document formatting. These documents let you link to other such documents as well as graphics, audio, and video. A web browser (such as Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer) transfers the documents from the server to the user's computer and displays them.
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