abacus - One of the earliest known computational tools. This device uses movable counters to keep track of
numbers. The movable counters often look like beads strung on rods inside a frame. It has been in use in Asia
for thousands of years and is still used in everyday transactions throughout the Far East.
Ada Programming language - A programming language that was developed specifically for the U.S. Department
of Defense (it was named for Ada Byron, who many consider to be the first programmer).
AI - (See artificial intelligence.)
algorithm - The sequence of steps that will form a programmed solution to a software-development problem.
The sequence of programming steps is often expressed as a flowchart (an outline of the program using a set of
geometric symbols) or as pseudocode ( a set of statements in English that map out the program plan).
alphanumeric display monitor - Also known as a character-mapped display monitor.) This type of monitor
produces a standard set of characters on the screen by displaying pre-set patterns of dots.
ALU (See arithmetic logic unit.)
American Standard Code for Information Interchange (Also known as ASCII.)
analog - Refers to representations of information in a continuous manner (often in terms of magnitude).
(Contrast with digital.)
analysis graphics - (Also known as business graphics.) Used to transform numerical data into a variety of
charts, graphs, and diagrams that can be easily understood.
analytical engine - An early calculation device proposed by Cambridge University professor of mathematics
Charles Babbage. The device proposed the use of punched cards and many other features that are used in
modern computers.
animation program - Computer programs used to create and store graphics images that are delivered to the
screen in sequences that simulate action. The images created on the computer can then be recorded on
motion picture film or on videotape.
applications - (Also known as applications software.) Computer programs used to automate a user's tasks.
These programs are used to automate tasks that were previously carried out by specially trained employees.
Some of the most popular applications are programs used for word processing, record keeping, numerical
spreadsheet-like analysis. desktop publishing, and graphic design.
arithmetic logic unit (ALU) - The part of the central processing unit (CPU) that performs arithmetic computations
and logical operations.
arrow key - A key on a computer keyboard that moves an on-screen cursor the direction indicated by the arrow
printed on that key.
artificial intelligence - (AI) Computer programs that utilize special programming routines that make decisions
based on available evidence rather than on hard and fast rules. (See also expert systems.)
(American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII)) - One of the most widely used codes used in
computers. In this code, the letters of the alphabet and other aspects of data are represented by a string of
binary (off or on) representations.
assembler - A translation program used to convert the code words used in programs produced with an
assembly language to the ls and 0s of machine language so that the program can be understood by the
computer
assembly language - A type of programming language similar to machine language, except that abbreviations
(use meaningful, English-like code words) are used instead of binary instructions. Code produced with an
assembly language is written for a specific type of processing hardware and must be translated into machine
language with an assembler before it can be understood by the computer.
asynchronous - One of two methods commonly used to transmit characters over a channel. The asynchronous
transmission method is used to send one character at a time. Since the transmission is synchronized by
sending a start bit and a stop bit, data can be sent at any time. (Contrast with the synchronous transmission
method.)
authoring - system - A system that provides a way for those who are not professional programmers to create
their own applications. Many of today's authoring systems are object-oriented; that is, they provide a set of
objects which can be used as part of a screen display and to program responses to user input. (See also
object-oriented authoring systems or OOA).
automatic recalculation - A feature of electronic spreadsheet programs wherein numerical relationships that are
controlled by a formula on the worksheet are calculated as soon as data is entered.
backing up - The process of saving a second copy of data to a backup storage device.
band printer - (See chain printer.)
bar graph - A graphic representation of data that uses vertical bars to portray data relationships.
baseband - Communications networks are often categorized as either baseband or broadband. The difference
lies in the speed of communications between stations on the network. Baseband networks are the slower of the
two, usually using twisted-pair wire connections. (Contrast with broadband.)
batch processing - A data processing method in which sets of instructions are prepared ahead of time and fed
to the computer in a sequenced list which are carried out one at a time. Once the program has been fed to the
processing computer, there is no interaction between the user and the computer. (Contrast with interactive
processing.)
beta testing - A process in which knowledgeable users are given a developmental version of a program so that
they can find any programming errors before the program is released to the general public.
binary representation - A representation of data in one of two states, usually presented as one of two digits; for
example, 1 for on, and 0 for off.
bit - A single binary unit which is the smallest unit of data that a computer can deal with.
bit-mapped - A system of mapping the video display in which every picture element (pixel) on the display screen
is identified by a corresponding bit in the computer's memory. In monochrome displays, one pixel corresponds
to one bit in memory. Color displays assign more bits to display the color of each pixel. (See also graphic
display monitor or dot-addressable monitor.)
bits-per-second - (bps) A standard methods of measuring data communications rates (number of bits that can
be transmitted per second).
bps - (See bits-per-second.)
bridge - Used to establish communications between two different networks. To enable such a bridge, a cabling
connection is provided between two networks. When the two networks are of different types, special bridge
software is used to facilitate communications between them. (Contrast with gateway.)
broadband - Networks are often categorized as either baseband or broadband. The difference lies in the speed
of communications between stations on the network. Broadband networks are the faster of the two using
higher-speed, multiple channel cable connections that are capable of carrying a variety of signals including
data, voice, and video. In data communications, the fastest channels are referred to as broadband (or
wideband). They are considered to be high-speed channels and can carry data at rates in the hundreds of
thousands or even millions of bits-per-second. These high-speed channels require the use of special coaxial or
fiber-optic cables. Contrast with baseband. (See also narrowband.)
bug - An error in a computer program.
bulletin board - Special hardware/software systems used to store computer files so that they can be accessed
by users who have their own computers with communications capabilities. Organizations often establish
computer bulletin boards to store files regarding products. Once communications have been established
between two computers, a file can be sent to the bulletin board (uploaded), or retrieved from the bulletin board
(downloaded).
business graphics - (See analysis graphics.)
bus network - A bus network interconnects a group of computers and computing devices using one master
cable. There is no one host computer and these networks do not use a dedicated server. Instead, data is
directed from one device to another when the sending device specifies the address of another device on the
network. Bus networks are often used in organizations that store data in a variety of locations instead of one
central location.
byte - A group of consecutive bits. Although the size of a byte can vary in different types of computer systems,
traditionally a group of eight bits was used to form one alphanumeric character
CAD - (See computer-aided design.)
CAE - ( See computer-aided engineering.)
CAI - (See computer-assisted instruction.)
CAM - (See computer-aided manufacturing.)
camera-ready copy - Documents (often produced using computer document-processing programs) ready to be
photographed in preparation for printing.
CASE - (See computer-assisted systems engineering.)
cathode-ray tube - (CRT) A display monitor technology that is similar to that used in television sets. The CRT's
electron beam creates a visible pattern on the display screen by activating (lighting up) the phosphor dots on
the screen: these dots are known as picture elements or pixels.
CAT scan - (See computer tomography.)
CD-ROM - (compact disk read-only memory) Non-magnetic permanent storage systems that use a disk that
looks just like the well-known music CDs. These disks can hold more than 500 megabytes (millions of bytes) of
data and are therefore useful when there is a need to store a large amount of information - such as a complete
encyclopedia - on a single disk.
cell - The box represented by the intersection of a column and a row in and electronic spreadsheet program.
cell address - The intersection of a column and a row in an electronic spreadsheet program is referred to as a
cell. The cell address is the combination of the letter to indicate the column it is under and a number to indicate
the row it is in.
cell pointer - The cursor or pointer that indicates the currently active cell in an electronic spreadsheet program.
centered justification - One of several word processing or desktop publishing options for aligning text in a
document; in this case, text on each line is centered. (See also right justification and ragged justification.)
centralized information system - Computer systems that are generally based on a centrally located mainframe
where all processing and storage operations take place. This type of system is usually designed to computerize
a variety of operations within the organization. For example, by using a large, central computer, a business can
computerize its order entry, inventory control, billing, and accounting operations. Although storage and
processing take place at the central location on the mainframe, the input and output of data can be performed
using terminals and printers at widely dispersed locations.
central processing unit - (CPU) The computer's main processing device, often referred to as the "brains" of the
computer. Today's CPUs are silicon chips composed of two main parts, the control unit and the arithmetic logic
unit (ALU), both of which contain registers or temporary storage locations for managing instructions and data
as they are being processed. The CPU also has an internal clock that synchronizes all of the operations in the
data cycle and helps to determine the speed at which operations are carried out.
CGA - (See color graphics adapter.)
chain printer - (Also known as a band printer.) A type of high-speed line printer that uses a striker to impact
groups of characters that are embossed on a moving band or chain.
character-based interface - (Also known as a command-line interface). A computer operating system with which
the user interacts with the computer by entering characters on a command line. Prompts which tell the user
what is expected, are also presented as text.
character field - A type of data-entry field in a database that holds data in the form of letters and numbers.
character-mapped display monitor - (see alphanumeric display monitor.)
child record - Data structure can be seen as a family tree with both parent and child records. Each "parent"
record (which is sometimes referred to as the root record) can have one or more children. (See also
hierarchical data model, network data model, relational data model, and object-oriented data model.)
clip art - Collections of computer-generated art examples that can be copied and pasted into word processing,
desktop publishing, or graphics programs.
clone - Any of a large variety of computers from many different manufacturers that are based on a set of
hardware standards for computers that use central processing units for personal computers manufactured by
the Intel Corporation (or CPUs compatible with Intel's). Clone computers should be able to run any computer
program that is specifically designed to be used with that standard hardware configuration.
CMI - (See computer-managed instruction.)
COBOL - (COmmon Business Oriented Language) A programming language that was designed to be an
easier-to-use business-oriented language. It includes many English-like statements for automating business
tasks.
code - All of part of the set of instructions that are entered into a computer program by a programmer.
color graphics adapter - (CGA) A type of display monitor that can display four colors at a resolution of 320 by
200 pixels.
color separation - Refers to a graphics or desktop publishing program's capability to separate an image into its
basic color elements (required by a printer when printing four-color images).
communications channel - If data is to be transmitted, a pathway or channel is required. The communications
channel is the link or line through which the data is transmitted. There are three primary types of
communications channels in use today - wire and cable, microwave, and satellite.
compiled - Refers to a program, created with a high-level programming language, that has been translated from
its original form into a binary form of 1s and 0s (machine language) that can be understood by the computer.
compiler - A special program that is used to create a new version of a program so that it can be understood by
the computer. This is done by translating the original program code into a binary form of 1s and 0s.
Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 - The Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 made it a crime to
access computers without authorization in order to obtain classified information and protected financial
information.
computer - A system of devices including input and output devices, memory, and processing hardware used to
process information (data). Computers are frequently divided into three major classifications: mainframe
computers, minicomputers, and microcomputers (personal computers).
computer-aided design - (CAD) A type of graphics program that is used by architects and engineers to design
buildings and other types of objects such as airplanes, automobiles and computer systems.
computer-aided engineering - (CAE) Programs that simulate effects of conditions such as wind, temperature,
weight, and stress on product designs and materials. Examples include the use of computers to test stresses
on bridges or on airplane wings before the products are built.
computer-aided manufacturing - (CAM) Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) involves the use of computers to
control production equipment. CAM software can control such equipment as drilling, lathe, and mailing
machines as well as robots.
computer-assisted systems engineering - (CASE) Computer programs that are used by programmers and
systems analysts to aid the system design process.
computer-assisted instruction - (CAI) Computer programs used to facilitate learning.
computer information system - A computer system that is composed of a group of interrelated parts (or
elements) and procedures that operate together toward some common organizational data-management goal.
Computer information systems may be designed to take care of just one operational area, but today's more
complex systems are more likely to be designed to integrate a variety of operational procedures.
computer-literate - People who are familiar with and can comfortably use one or more computer programs. Most
large companies now require two types of computer-literate employees: nontechnical people who use
computers in the performance of their everyday jobs, and technical specialists who are trained specifically to
work with computers and computer networks.
computer-managed instruction - (CMI) Specialized programs for teachers that are used to create, deliver, and
score tests, to keep track of student grades, and to create student progress reports.
computer program - A set of instructions written by a computer programmer to control a computer's activities.
computer programmers - Professionals who write program code and design the systems software and
applications software that is used to control the computer's activities.
computer scientist - A person with professional-level skills in the design and management of computers.
computer system - A computer along with its related input and output devices.
computer tomography - (CAT scan) A computerized medical technology used to display the internal images of
humans in three dimensions. (See also magnetic resonance imaging or MRI.)
computer-user interface - (See human-computer interface.)
computer virus - A computer programs that silently replicates itself on storage media without the computer user
realizing it. Such programs are referred to as computer viruses because, in many ways, they act much like a
human virus. These programs may intentionally or unintentionally cause computer problems.
concentrator - Multiplexing can be done by a concentrator. This device, which may be a computer with special
multiplexing capabilities, divides the data channel into separate channels. It allocates channel space as the
need arises by providing internal storage of the transmitted data when traffic on the channel is high and then
forwarding the data later when the channel is available. A concentrator can also have additional
data-management capabilities making it more flexible than other multiplexers. (See also multiplexer).
control module - A special module in a computer program which is used to control the other modules by
specifying the conditions under which they will be called into action.
control unit - The part of the CPU that controls and coordinates the CPU's activities acting on instructions that it
retrieves one-by-one from main memory.
copy protection - To avoid illegal copying of programs, some software manufacturers have devised elaborate
schemes that are designed to keep users from making illegal copies of their products. Some of these copy
protection methods require the user to keep the original diskette in a drive at all times. Others allow the user to
make one copy only.
CPU - (See central processing unit.)
CRT - (See cathode-ray tube.)
cursor - Many programs display an on-screen insertion point indicator known as a cursor. The cursor indicates
the position at which the next character entered will be placed. The cursor may be a horizontal bar that is
displayed beneath text characters or a rectangle that overlays each character. Other modern programs use an
insertion point indicator that is a vertical bar that is narrow enough to be displayed between characters.
cursor key - Keys on the keyboard that are used to move the cursor around on the screen. Each key has an
arrow printed on it to indicate the direction of the cursor movement.
cursor position - The position at which the next character entered will be placed (indicated by the location of the
cursor).
numbers. The movable counters often look like beads strung on rods inside a frame. It has been in use in Asia
for thousands of years and is still used in everyday transactions throughout the Far East.
Ada Programming language - A programming language that was developed specifically for the U.S. Department
of Defense (it was named for Ada Byron, who many consider to be the first programmer).
AI - (See artificial intelligence.)
algorithm - The sequence of steps that will form a programmed solution to a software-development problem.
The sequence of programming steps is often expressed as a flowchart (an outline of the program using a set of
geometric symbols) or as pseudocode ( a set of statements in English that map out the program plan).
alphanumeric display monitor - Also known as a character-mapped display monitor.) This type of monitor
produces a standard set of characters on the screen by displaying pre-set patterns of dots.
ALU (See arithmetic logic unit.)
American Standard Code for Information Interchange (Also known as ASCII.)
analog - Refers to representations of information in a continuous manner (often in terms of magnitude).
(Contrast with digital.)
analysis graphics - (Also known as business graphics.) Used to transform numerical data into a variety of
charts, graphs, and diagrams that can be easily understood.
analytical engine - An early calculation device proposed by Cambridge University professor of mathematics
Charles Babbage. The device proposed the use of punched cards and many other features that are used in
modern computers.
animation program - Computer programs used to create and store graphics images that are delivered to the
screen in sequences that simulate action. The images created on the computer can then be recorded on
motion picture film or on videotape.
applications - (Also known as applications software.) Computer programs used to automate a user's tasks.
These programs are used to automate tasks that were previously carried out by specially trained employees.
Some of the most popular applications are programs used for word processing, record keeping, numerical
spreadsheet-like analysis. desktop publishing, and graphic design.
arithmetic logic unit (ALU) - The part of the central processing unit (CPU) that performs arithmetic computations
and logical operations.
arrow key - A key on a computer keyboard that moves an on-screen cursor the direction indicated by the arrow
printed on that key.
artificial intelligence - (AI) Computer programs that utilize special programming routines that make decisions
based on available evidence rather than on hard and fast rules. (See also expert systems.)
(American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII)) - One of the most widely used codes used in
computers. In this code, the letters of the alphabet and other aspects of data are represented by a string of
binary (off or on) representations.
assembler - A translation program used to convert the code words used in programs produced with an
assembly language to the ls and 0s of machine language so that the program can be understood by the
computer
assembly language - A type of programming language similar to machine language, except that abbreviations
(use meaningful, English-like code words) are used instead of binary instructions. Code produced with an
assembly language is written for a specific type of processing hardware and must be translated into machine
language with an assembler before it can be understood by the computer.
asynchronous - One of two methods commonly used to transmit characters over a channel. The asynchronous
transmission method is used to send one character at a time. Since the transmission is synchronized by
sending a start bit and a stop bit, data can be sent at any time. (Contrast with the synchronous transmission
method.)
authoring - system - A system that provides a way for those who are not professional programmers to create
their own applications. Many of today's authoring systems are object-oriented; that is, they provide a set of
objects which can be used as part of a screen display and to program responses to user input. (See also
object-oriented authoring systems or OOA).
automatic recalculation - A feature of electronic spreadsheet programs wherein numerical relationships that are
controlled by a formula on the worksheet are calculated as soon as data is entered.
backing up - The process of saving a second copy of data to a backup storage device.
band printer - (See chain printer.)
bar graph - A graphic representation of data that uses vertical bars to portray data relationships.
baseband - Communications networks are often categorized as either baseband or broadband. The difference
lies in the speed of communications between stations on the network. Baseband networks are the slower of the
two, usually using twisted-pair wire connections. (Contrast with broadband.)
batch processing - A data processing method in which sets of instructions are prepared ahead of time and fed
to the computer in a sequenced list which are carried out one at a time. Once the program has been fed to the
processing computer, there is no interaction between the user and the computer. (Contrast with interactive
processing.)
beta testing - A process in which knowledgeable users are given a developmental version of a program so that
they can find any programming errors before the program is released to the general public.
binary representation - A representation of data in one of two states, usually presented as one of two digits; for
example, 1 for on, and 0 for off.
bit - A single binary unit which is the smallest unit of data that a computer can deal with.
bit-mapped - A system of mapping the video display in which every picture element (pixel) on the display screen
is identified by a corresponding bit in the computer's memory. In monochrome displays, one pixel corresponds
to one bit in memory. Color displays assign more bits to display the color of each pixel. (See also graphic
display monitor or dot-addressable monitor.)
bits-per-second - (bps) A standard methods of measuring data communications rates (number of bits that can
be transmitted per second).
bps - (See bits-per-second.)
bridge - Used to establish communications between two different networks. To enable such a bridge, a cabling
connection is provided between two networks. When the two networks are of different types, special bridge
software is used to facilitate communications between them. (Contrast with gateway.)
broadband - Networks are often categorized as either baseband or broadband. The difference lies in the speed
of communications between stations on the network. Broadband networks are the faster of the two using
higher-speed, multiple channel cable connections that are capable of carrying a variety of signals including
data, voice, and video. In data communications, the fastest channels are referred to as broadband (or
wideband). They are considered to be high-speed channels and can carry data at rates in the hundreds of
thousands or even millions of bits-per-second. These high-speed channels require the use of special coaxial or
fiber-optic cables. Contrast with baseband. (See also narrowband.)
bug - An error in a computer program.
bulletin board - Special hardware/software systems used to store computer files so that they can be accessed
by users who have their own computers with communications capabilities. Organizations often establish
computer bulletin boards to store files regarding products. Once communications have been established
between two computers, a file can be sent to the bulletin board (uploaded), or retrieved from the bulletin board
(downloaded).
business graphics - (See analysis graphics.)
bus network - A bus network interconnects a group of computers and computing devices using one master
cable. There is no one host computer and these networks do not use a dedicated server. Instead, data is
directed from one device to another when the sending device specifies the address of another device on the
network. Bus networks are often used in organizations that store data in a variety of locations instead of one
central location.
byte - A group of consecutive bits. Although the size of a byte can vary in different types of computer systems,
traditionally a group of eight bits was used to form one alphanumeric character
CAD - (See computer-aided design.)
CAE - ( See computer-aided engineering.)
CAI - (See computer-assisted instruction.)
CAM - (See computer-aided manufacturing.)
camera-ready copy - Documents (often produced using computer document-processing programs) ready to be
photographed in preparation for printing.
CASE - (See computer-assisted systems engineering.)
cathode-ray tube - (CRT) A display monitor technology that is similar to that used in television sets. The CRT's
electron beam creates a visible pattern on the display screen by activating (lighting up) the phosphor dots on
the screen: these dots are known as picture elements or pixels.
CAT scan - (See computer tomography.)
CD-ROM - (compact disk read-only memory) Non-magnetic permanent storage systems that use a disk that
looks just like the well-known music CDs. These disks can hold more than 500 megabytes (millions of bytes) of
data and are therefore useful when there is a need to store a large amount of information - such as a complete
encyclopedia - on a single disk.
cell - The box represented by the intersection of a column and a row in and electronic spreadsheet program.
cell address - The intersection of a column and a row in an electronic spreadsheet program is referred to as a
cell. The cell address is the combination of the letter to indicate the column it is under and a number to indicate
the row it is in.
cell pointer - The cursor or pointer that indicates the currently active cell in an electronic spreadsheet program.
centered justification - One of several word processing or desktop publishing options for aligning text in a
document; in this case, text on each line is centered. (See also right justification and ragged justification.)
centralized information system - Computer systems that are generally based on a centrally located mainframe
where all processing and storage operations take place. This type of system is usually designed to computerize
a variety of operations within the organization. For example, by using a large, central computer, a business can
computerize its order entry, inventory control, billing, and accounting operations. Although storage and
processing take place at the central location on the mainframe, the input and output of data can be performed
using terminals and printers at widely dispersed locations.
central processing unit - (CPU) The computer's main processing device, often referred to as the "brains" of the
computer. Today's CPUs are silicon chips composed of two main parts, the control unit and the arithmetic logic
unit (ALU), both of which contain registers or temporary storage locations for managing instructions and data
as they are being processed. The CPU also has an internal clock that synchronizes all of the operations in the
data cycle and helps to determine the speed at which operations are carried out.
CGA - (See color graphics adapter.)
chain printer - (Also known as a band printer.) A type of high-speed line printer that uses a striker to impact
groups of characters that are embossed on a moving band or chain.
character-based interface - (Also known as a command-line interface). A computer operating system with which
the user interacts with the computer by entering characters on a command line. Prompts which tell the user
what is expected, are also presented as text.
character field - A type of data-entry field in a database that holds data in the form of letters and numbers.
character-mapped display monitor - (see alphanumeric display monitor.)
child record - Data structure can be seen as a family tree with both parent and child records. Each "parent"
record (which is sometimes referred to as the root record) can have one or more children. (See also
hierarchical data model, network data model, relational data model, and object-oriented data model.)
clip art - Collections of computer-generated art examples that can be copied and pasted into word processing,
desktop publishing, or graphics programs.
clone - Any of a large variety of computers from many different manufacturers that are based on a set of
hardware standards for computers that use central processing units for personal computers manufactured by
the Intel Corporation (or CPUs compatible with Intel's). Clone computers should be able to run any computer
program that is specifically designed to be used with that standard hardware configuration.
CMI - (See computer-managed instruction.)
COBOL - (COmmon Business Oriented Language) A programming language that was designed to be an
easier-to-use business-oriented language. It includes many English-like statements for automating business
tasks.
code - All of part of the set of instructions that are entered into a computer program by a programmer.
color graphics adapter - (CGA) A type of display monitor that can display four colors at a resolution of 320 by
200 pixels.
color separation - Refers to a graphics or desktop publishing program's capability to separate an image into its
basic color elements (required by a printer when printing four-color images).
communications channel - If data is to be transmitted, a pathway or channel is required. The communications
channel is the link or line through which the data is transmitted. There are three primary types of
communications channels in use today - wire and cable, microwave, and satellite.
compiled - Refers to a program, created with a high-level programming language, that has been translated from
its original form into a binary form of 1s and 0s (machine language) that can be understood by the computer.
compiler - A special program that is used to create a new version of a program so that it can be understood by
the computer. This is done by translating the original program code into a binary form of 1s and 0s.
Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 - The Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 made it a crime to
access computers without authorization in order to obtain classified information and protected financial
information.
computer - A system of devices including input and output devices, memory, and processing hardware used to
process information (data). Computers are frequently divided into three major classifications: mainframe
computers, minicomputers, and microcomputers (personal computers).
computer-aided design - (CAD) A type of graphics program that is used by architects and engineers to design
buildings and other types of objects such as airplanes, automobiles and computer systems.
computer-aided engineering - (CAE) Programs that simulate effects of conditions such as wind, temperature,
weight, and stress on product designs and materials. Examples include the use of computers to test stresses
on bridges or on airplane wings before the products are built.
computer-aided manufacturing - (CAM) Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) involves the use of computers to
control production equipment. CAM software can control such equipment as drilling, lathe, and mailing
machines as well as robots.
computer-assisted systems engineering - (CASE) Computer programs that are used by programmers and
systems analysts to aid the system design process.
computer-assisted instruction - (CAI) Computer programs used to facilitate learning.
computer information system - A computer system that is composed of a group of interrelated parts (or
elements) and procedures that operate together toward some common organizational data-management goal.
Computer information systems may be designed to take care of just one operational area, but today's more
complex systems are more likely to be designed to integrate a variety of operational procedures.
computer-literate - People who are familiar with and can comfortably use one or more computer programs. Most
large companies now require two types of computer-literate employees: nontechnical people who use
computers in the performance of their everyday jobs, and technical specialists who are trained specifically to
work with computers and computer networks.
computer-managed instruction - (CMI) Specialized programs for teachers that are used to create, deliver, and
score tests, to keep track of student grades, and to create student progress reports.
computer program - A set of instructions written by a computer programmer to control a computer's activities.
computer programmers - Professionals who write program code and design the systems software and
applications software that is used to control the computer's activities.
computer scientist - A person with professional-level skills in the design and management of computers.
computer system - A computer along with its related input and output devices.
computer tomography - (CAT scan) A computerized medical technology used to display the internal images of
humans in three dimensions. (See also magnetic resonance imaging or MRI.)
computer-user interface - (See human-computer interface.)
computer virus - A computer programs that silently replicates itself on storage media without the computer user
realizing it. Such programs are referred to as computer viruses because, in many ways, they act much like a
human virus. These programs may intentionally or unintentionally cause computer problems.
concentrator - Multiplexing can be done by a concentrator. This device, which may be a computer with special
multiplexing capabilities, divides the data channel into separate channels. It allocates channel space as the
need arises by providing internal storage of the transmitted data when traffic on the channel is high and then
forwarding the data later when the channel is available. A concentrator can also have additional
data-management capabilities making it more flexible than other multiplexers. (See also multiplexer).
control module - A special module in a computer program which is used to control the other modules by
specifying the conditions under which they will be called into action.
control unit - The part of the CPU that controls and coordinates the CPU's activities acting on instructions that it
retrieves one-by-one from main memory.
copy protection - To avoid illegal copying of programs, some software manufacturers have devised elaborate
schemes that are designed to keep users from making illegal copies of their products. Some of these copy
protection methods require the user to keep the original diskette in a drive at all times. Others allow the user to
make one copy only.
CPU - (See central processing unit.)
CRT - (See cathode-ray tube.)
cursor - Many programs display an on-screen insertion point indicator known as a cursor. The cursor indicates
the position at which the next character entered will be placed. The cursor may be a horizontal bar that is
displayed beneath text characters or a rectangle that overlays each character. Other modern programs use an
insertion point indicator that is a vertical bar that is narrow enough to be displayed between characters.
cursor key - Keys on the keyboard that are used to move the cursor around on the screen. Each key has an
arrow printed on it to indicate the direction of the cursor movement.
cursor position - The position at which the next character entered will be placed (indicated by the location of the
cursor).
| Home I Mind I Body I Life I Tools I New I Music Instrument I Links I Contact Us I |
| Copyright ©2003, part of The YKTA Corporation, and its licensor's. All rights reserved. |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Y K T A |
|