What does that Computer Term Mean?

Just about every profession has its own special terminology, and computer users are no different. In fact, they generate more confusing jargon than most other fields. Unfortunately, specialized terminology can confuse the non-specialists. Here are several of the most common computer terms that you are likely to come across.

Application/program-- a specially designed piece of software created to do a a specific task or function, like word-processing, spreadsheets, creating graphics, etc., Examples would be programs like Word, Word Perfect, and Excel.

CD-ROM-- is an abbreviation for Compact Disc, read-only-memory. It is another storage device for files, such as a Floppy disk. Currently most CD's will not use this term, but instead will be called CD-R (for readable only), or or CD-RW (for readable/writtable). Readable only means that you can only save information to it once and that unlike a floppy it can't be reused over and over again. Readable/writtable means that you can save information and then delete it and reuse the disk. You must use a software application to "burn" or write/save information to a CD and you must have a CD drive that is also a CD-RW drive sometimes called a "CD Burner". Unlike Floppies, CD's can come in various sizes indicated by the number of MEGs (i.e. 700 megs, 800 megs, etc).

CPU-- Central Processing Unit. This is the brain of the computer. Information will usually be printed, displayed on the screen, or saved either to the hard drive or a disk (Floppy or CD).

Crash--a computer crash or the expression "my computer has crashed" usually means either your screen has frozen or you have reached a blue screen/error message. If a program has frozen, but your mouse/pointer can still move try to go to another open program and close it. Often a computer will freeze if there are too many applications opened at once and it runs out of memory (RAM). *Note: Closing some unused applications may help free up resources and your program may unfreeze.

Another thing you can do if your mouse won't move is close the "crashed" program. In most new Windows system clicking the following key once, Ctrl+Alt+Del will bring up a Windows Close Program dialogue box. Simply highlight the program you want to close and click the End Task button. A second message may pop up saying the program is not responding, do you want to end program, click yes. Unfortunately, this method may mean you will lose all of your unsaved work. Also, make sure you don't hit Ctrl+Alt+Del twice or your computer will reboot/restart. If you have crashed and reach a blue screen you may have to hit Ctrl+Alt+Del twice in order to reboot your machine. It will then restart and go through a scanning process. Let it finish this scan as it may prevent future problems.

If this happens to you on a regular basis, using different programs, you may have to invest in additional memory. Also, see the computer cleaning section to help free up system resources.

Cursor-- is a visual indicator (usually represented as a blinking line in text programs or as an arrow) on the screen that lets you know where your mouse is positioned. On a web page the cursor usually turns into a pointing hand when positioned over a button or link that when clicked on will take you somewhere new. The cursor allows you to insert text where you wish, or to select existing items to be deleted, copied, or modified in some way.

Desktop-- in a Windows environment, the desktop is the view on the monitor that you usually see after starting the computer and after the Windows screen has loaded. It displays your icons and shortcuts. Most desktops will have at least an icon for My Computer (links to all of the drive letters of your computer), a Recycle Bin (garbage can where files are stored when you delete them until you choose to "Empty your Recycle Bin" at which point they are actually gone) and My Briefcase (a place to store files for later retrieval or movement).

Drive-- any part of the computer where disks reside and operate, temporarily or permanently. See floppy drive, CD drive, and hard disk/hard drive. You may also have a tape drive for backing up materials such as a ZIP drive.

File/document-- any single item created with an application, this can be anything that is saved to your computer, such as a paper, a spreadsheet, pictures, sounds, and downloaded programs (although usually documents only refer to items with text).

File server or server-- a large capacity computer which is connected to other computers for the purpose of sharing information and processing ability. For example, a university department might use a file server for documents or projects that are worked on by multiple users on different computers in the same building. Another example would be a web server. This is a server that holds web documents that are accessible through the Internet to other computers. File servers are often part of a network.

Floppy disk/diskette-- is a flat, portable, disk made of plastic that can store files written magnetically on it's surface. Information stored on Floppy disk can be read, copied, or deleted. The disk is protected by a shell or cover of some kind. "Floppy" is now a misnomer, it was originally referred to an obsolete type of disk 5.25" disks were actually flexible or floppy, while new ones, 3.5" disks, are not. To open or read a Floppy a computer or laptop must have a Floppy Drive. Many new computers and laptops do not include Floppy drives since they are now considered obsolete now that most new systems include CD burners. Laptops may have swappable drives, where a user must remove and replace a modular CD drive with a floppy drive. *Note: some speakers and paperclip holders have magnets, don't store floppy disks next to them or they can be damaged or erased/demagnetized.

Gig-- refers to the amount of memory or space, when used to describe data storage. One Gig or gigabyte is equal to 1,024 megabytes. Gigabyte is often abbreviated as G or GB. (1 MB is equal to 1,048,576 bytes. Megabyte is frequently abbreviated as M or MB.)

Graphic user interface-- also called a GUI, this is a system where things are shown graphically. This means that instead of entering commands on a text only screen with a keyboard, the user manipulates icons and windows, often with a mouse.

Hard disk/hard drive-- this is a permanent storage unit containing a disk or disks, that are made from metal. Most computers have built-in hard drives. Hard drives contain the long term memory of your computer. Some users may also have external hard drives for storage of large numbers of files or as a method of back-up. This is a hard drive that plugs into the computer, usually through a USB connection.

Hardware-- the physical components of a computer, including cables, the keyboard, the CPU, monitor, etc.

Icons-- pictures that are shortcuts to programs or files. By clicking on an icon, you start the program or open the file. Usually these are

Initialize/format-- these terms are synonymous, occasionally it may also be referred to as reformatting if you are doing it for a second time, such as reformatting a floppy to reuse it or reformatting a computer to delete all information from the hard drive. After formatting a disk, whether it is a floppy or hard disk, it is necessary to put some files back on before the disk can be used again. You never want to format a computer unless you know what you are doing. You may want to format floppy disks in order to reuse them.

Meg-- refers to the amount of memory or space, when used to describe data storage. 1 MB is equal to 1,048,576 bytes. Megabyte is frequently abbreviated as M or MB. (One Gig or gigabyte is equal to 1,024 megabytes. Gigabyte is often abbreviated as G or GB.)

Modem-- is a device that plugs into a standard telephone jack and allows a computer to transmit and receive information over commercial telephone lines. There are also different kinds of modems that use other delivery systems instead of a phone line, like cable modems. Another type of device is a NIC or Network Interface Card, which is used for networks like LANs and WANs.

Monitor-- the screen on which you see your work, whether in color, grayscale, or black-and-white. Color monitors can show from 16 to over a million different colors. The other important setting in monitors is the resolution. The resolution of a monitor indicates how densely packed the pixels (colored dots that make up an image) are. In general, the more pixels, the sharper the image will be. Most modern monitors can display 1024 by 768 pixels. Some high-end models can display 1280 by 1024, or even 1600 by 1200. Color and resolution can be changed on a computer. Changing factory settings may seriously impact how small icons and other things look on your desktop. Make sure you know what you are doing before you change these settings.

Mouse-- a small tool that duplicates the movements of your hand on the computer's screen, allowing you to rearrange items, perform actions, select things, etc.

MP3-- this stands for "MPEG-1 Audio Layer-3" and is a digital, compressed music file (these files always end with a .mp3). MP3 files are often downloaded or exchanged between people online. To hear these files you must use a player. Most newer Windows operating systems come with an MP3 player pre-installed, otherwise there are free players available online for download. There was some controversy in the music industry over downloading copyrighted music and companies such as Napster who once provided free downloads, now often require a fee to download music, unless otherwise expressed.

Network-- a group of computers spread out over a large area that are connected with each other, whether by telephone lines, fiber-optic cables or some other linkage. Once connected, computers on a network can share files, send large amounts of information very quickly, and enable multiple users to communicate at the same time. These are usually further defined as a LAN or a WAN. LAN stands for a Local Area Network (LAN) and WAN for a Wide Area Network (WAN). WANs are usually created for large geographical areas and typically consist of two or more LANs.

NIC-- an abbreviation for Network Interface Card, this is a card inserted into your computer or laptop that allows it to communicate with a network, usually a LAN or a WAN. A type of NIC that is specifically made for LAN's is called an Ethernet card and it comes in several different connection speeds. A NIC is connected to a special network outlet with a cord that looks like a little bit like a fat phone cord. (This cord is called a CAT5 or category 5 cable).

Operating System or Platform-- these terms refer to the software that your computer uses to operate (otherwise known as your OS) and not to a manufacturer or company. Windows 2000, Windows XP, and OSX (Mac) are common platforms.

Peripherals-- are devices connected to a computer which aren't a part of the main machine. Examples are a mouse, speakers, keyboards, printers, scanners, etc.

RAM-- Random Access Memory, the computer's "short term" memory used whenever an action is performed by a program. It is also called the "active memory". RAM is what the computer uses to run all applications. The amount of RAM in your computer is fixed, but it can be increased. It is one of the two kinds of memory that dealers will use to describe a computer's capabilities. Programs will often specify that a certain amount of RAM is required in order for the application to run correctly. RAM is usually specified in Megs or MB. (The other kind of memory dealers refer to is "storage" memory or hard drive size. It usually is specified in Gigs or GB.)

ROM-- Read-Only Memory, in which information is saved once and can never be altered. For example, CD-ROM drives read information saved on compact disks (CD's). A CD-ROM drive can read that information, but cannot make changes to it, for that you need a CD-RW drive. Some ROM is built into your computer to help it get started when you turn it on.

Software- also called an application, this is any information a computer uses to perform a task; also, any information saved on a disk.

System- specific pieces of software that your computer needs to run. For example, it is the system which converts your typed keystrokes into letters displayed on a monitor screen.

Teleconferencing- is to hold a conference using a telephone or network connection. Computers have given new meaning to the term because they allow groups to do much more than just talk. Now a teleconference can include sharing an application, files, and a bulletin board like space where a user can display slides, comments, or files. There are many teleconferencing applications that work over private networks, one of the earliest was Microsoft's NetMeeting. See also videoconferencing.

USB- stands for Universal Serial Bus (the plug is very flat and has no pins or prongs). This is a style of port connection that is used by many peripheral devices such as Palm Pilots, phones, scanners, printers etc. This type of connection is much faster than more traditional kind of connections such as serial and parallel ports (often used by older printers these ports have plugs with little screws attached).

Videoconferencing- is related to teleconferencing, but more involved. Usually it means two or more participants at different sites are connected by using computer networks to transmit audio and video data. For example, a point-to-point (two-person) video conferencing system. Each participant has a webcam/video camera, microphone, and speakers connected to his or her computer. As the two participants speak to one another, their voices are carried over the network and delivered to the other's speakers, and whatever images appear in front of the video camera appear in a window on the other participant's monitor.

Webcast- "Webcasting" is a term that describes the ability to use the Web to deliver live or delayed versions of sound or video broadcasts.

Windows- this term can be confusing. The same term refers to several different things. One is a a graphic way of displaying information on a screen, in windows, that allow you to view the contents of each window as if they are loose pages on a desk that can be shuffled around. Windows are very useful because they can be opened, closed, stacked, sorted, resized, and moved, so you can move very quickly from one application or file to another.

A second thing that Windows refers to is a series of operating systems sold by the Microsoft Corporation called "Windows ___" (i.e. Windows ME, Windows XP, etc.). These are operating systems that show information in a graphic interface format, complete with icons, mouse cursor, etc. Finally, applications are sold that call themselves windows-based. This means they work within a windows environment or operating system. A Mac user must use mac-based programs.

Other Chapters Things To Know Before You Get Started What Is A PC? How Do I Get Help? What Does That Computer Term Mean? What Should I Do If My Mouse Doesn't Seem To Work Properly? What Should I Do If My Computer Is Slow And Freezes Up On Me? Back To Tutorials Home Page