facsimile machine - (See FAX machine.)
Fair Credit Reporting Act - A law passed in 1970 that requires credit bureaus to allow people to inspect and
challenge any information in their own credit records.
FAX machine - An electronic device which can decipher coded signals sent by another FAX machine via the
phone lines to recreate a copy of a document. The FAX device is used to send a "hard" copy of a document
over the phone lines. Today, their are products which allow your computer to act as a FAX machine.
feasibility study - When studying the need for a new computerized information system, this aspect of the need
analysis explores potential computerized solutions to specific problems.
field - In a database, a field is designated by the user to hold a single fact (or data element) of a specific type. A
field can be one of four types: character field (holds numbers and letters), numeric or integer field (holds only
numbers), date field (holds a date in the usual dd-mm-yy format) and logical field (used to indicate a true/false
or yes/no option). (See date field, character field, numeric field, or logical field.)
fifth-generation programming languages - Refers to a generation of programming languages which uses a
"natural language" approach (more like the way we normally use the English language) which is much easier
and intuitive than the complex syntax requirements of fourth-generation languages. This generation of
programming language utilizes a query-based method in which users can devise individualized ways of
querying a database.
file - A set of data fields in a computerized database together make up a record. A collection of records make
up a file. It is the complete collection of interrelated files that make up a database.
file management system - (Also known as a file processing system or record-management system or a flat-file
system.) This type of data management system provides a way to organize data into separate files. The data
can be accessed one file at a time.
file processing system - (See file management system.)
file server - A computer that is used to monitor and control the activities of a group of networked
microcomputers.
first-generation programming language - The first programming languages which were machine languages that
used binary codes of ones and zeros to control the activities of the computer.
fixed disk - (See hard disk.)
flat bed plotter - Plotters are designed to produce graphics output, in black and white or color, on paper of
varying sizes. Most plotters produce images on paper using colored pens. A flatbed, or x-y plotter, uses
drawing arms to draw the image on paper rolled out onto a flat surface.
flat file system - (See file management system.)
flat screen monitor - A type of thin monitor that does not use cathode ray tube technology. (See also liquid
crystal display.)
floppy disk - (See diskette.)
flowchart - A graphic outline which helps a programmer design a program by using a set of geometric symbols
to represent each aspect of the program.
font - A style of type used both for the display of text on a computer screen and for output to a printer. (See
also typeface .)
footer - A line of text that will be printed at the bottom of each page. Most modern word processing programs
provide a way to enter this line of text and to specify its position at the bottom of each page to be printed.
formula - Used to carry out a mathematical function that is related to data stored using an electronic
spreadsheet program. The mathematical functions often refer to cell identifiers (referring to the location of the
data on the spreadsheet) and include numbers, and arithmetic symbols to indicate the calculations that are to
be carried out.
Fortran - An early, high-level programming language developed in 1954 at the IBM corporation. Named Fortran
(short for formula translation), it was designed for scientific computing.
fourth-generation language (4GL) - A new type of programming language which requires less specificity in
terms of the order in which computer instructions are listed and carried out. They are therefore referred to as
nonprocedural languages. This generation of programming language uses a nonprocedural approach which
allows programmers to tell the computer what to do without having to be so specific about the procedures used
to do it.
Freedom of Information Act - A law, passed in 1970, that requires that government agencies allow citizens to
know what information is filed on them.
full-duplex - Data flow can be managed in one of three modes - simplex, half-duplex, or full-duplex. These three
modes refer to the direction of the data flow. If you are using a communications system in the full-duplex mode,
data can be transmitted in both directions at the same time. Systems with special types of wiring may be able to
transmit data at higher speeds using the full-duplex mode. (See also data flow, simplex, and half-duplex.)
gas plasma displays - A type of flat-screen monitor in which neon gas is trapped in the screen. When a current
is applied across the tiny area that contains the gas, it glows to produce different colors.
gateway - Used to establish communications between local-area networks and host computers. Often such
gateways link microcomputers, minicomputers, and mainframes. In addition to the physical links between these
systems, special software is required to manage the differences in data-transmissions methods. For example,
microcomputers can use special terminal emulation software which can mimic the function of terminals that are
generally used to communicate with mainframe computers. (Contrast with bridge.)
G-byte - (See gigabyte.)
general-purpose application - Another name for software that is used by a wide variety of users to accomplish
basic tasks such as word processing, record keeping, and the creation of graphic.
gigabyte (G-byte) - A billion bytes.
graphic display monitor - Displays that provide a large number of picture element (pixels) which can be
illuminated to produce a wide variety of text characters or pictures. These monitors are designed as bit-mapped
monitors because a representation, or map, of the image on the screen is maintained in the memory of the
computer. (See also bit-mapped and dot-addressable monitor.)
graphical interface - (Also known as a graphical user interface or GUI.) A type of human-computer interface
through which the user interacts with the computer by selecting options presented in the form of icons or
graphic images.
graphics primitives - Basic drawing elements such as points, lines, and circles which are used to construct
larger images when using a graphics program.
graphics scanner (image scanner) - A device used to convert pictures into a form that can be stored by the
computer as digital data.
graphics tablet - A type of input device which allows a user to input images into a computer by drawing on a
digitizing tablet that is attached to the computer.
grouped bar graph (Also known as a stacked bar graph.) - A graphic representation of data using parallel bars.
hackers - A nickname for people who access computers illegally from outside of an organization. Computer
hobbyists who like to explore the lesser-known capabilities of computers are also referred to as hackers. It is
probably more appropriate to refer to those who access data illegally simply as computer criminals.
half-duplex - Data flow can be managed in one of three modes - simplex, half-duplex, or full-duplex. These
three modes refer to the direction of the data flow. If you are using a communications system in the half-duplex
mode, data can be sent in both directions, but not at the same time. The half-duplex mode is commonly used
when transmitting data between two computers. (See also data flow, simplex, and full duplex.)
hand-held computer - A small, battery-powered computer that is designed to be held in the hand while in use.
(See also laptop computer, portable computer, and PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).)
hard copy - A term that refers to information from a computer that has been printed on paper.
hard disk (fixed disk) - A form of storage similar to diskettes except that the storage media (usually one or more
spinning platters coated with a magnetic substance) is fixed in its own case, often housed inside the computer.
hardware - The physical components of a computer system. The computer's machinery, its electronic devices
and its circuits.
header - A line of text that will be printed at the top of each page. Most modern word processing programs
provide a way to enter this line of text and to specify its position at the top of each page to be printed.
help option - An option included in many modern computer programs to provide the program's users with
supplementary information about using the program's features.
hexadecimal number system - A base 16 numbering system used by some computers for data encoding. This
system does not require such a large string of digits to represent each number as the binary system does.
hierarchical data model - A descriptive model of data organization in which data is organized in a tree-like
structure. In this model, each data element may have one or more secondary data elements linked to it. This
type of data structure could 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 many children. Each of the children has only one
parent. (See also network, relational data model, and object-oriented data model.)
high-level language - Referred to as a third-generation language, this type of programming language uses an
English-like approach that is easier to use than machine or assembly languages and they are machine
independent (programs created with these languages can be used on more than one type of computer with
little modification).
highlighted - An on-screen indication that data has been "selected." Whereas most modern computers display
text as black characters on a white background, selected text is display as white characters on a black
background.
high-resolution - Display monitors that use a higher number of on-screen picture elements (pixels) to display
text and graphics. (Contrast with low-resolution.)
horizontal applications - Computer programs that are used by a widely used by a great variety of users.
host computer - A mainframe or minicomputer that is used in a multi-user environment to handle all of the input,
output, and processing needs as input from terminals.
human-computer interface - (Also known as the user interface.) Refers to the way in which a computer system
or a computer program presents information to users. Determines the way the users will interact with the
system. (See also graphical user interface.)
IBM-compatible - (Also known as a clone.) Computers based on the Intel company's microprocessors that are
capable of running the Microsoft company's MS-DOS operating system.
ICANN - The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, which oversees domains names and the
internet's root servers.
icon - A graphic representation of data, a computer program, or a computer function.
I-cycle - (See instruction cycle.)
image processing - A newer type of paint program that provides powerful options for working with photographs
that have been scanned into the computer (digitized). These programs generally require high-resolution
monitors and a considerable amount of primary and secondary storage, but they give the user the capability to
create professional-quality images on a PC-based system.
image scanner - (See graphics scanner.)
impact printer - A type of printer that uses a technology similar to that of a typewriter wherein ink is placed on
paper through the use of a print head that strikes through an inked ribbon.
indexed file organization - A method of organizing stored data that uses special indexes to locate stored data.
With this organizational method, each file includes an index to the data stored in it. (See also direct and
sequential file organization.)
information age - Refers to the present period of our society wherein the processing of information has become
a central activity.
informational database - (See management database.)
information center - A center for establishing hardware, software and procedural standards when a
decentralized information system is in use.
ink-jet printer - A type of nonimpact printer that produces characters one dot at a time through the use of tiny
ink jets which place droplets of ink on the paper.
input device - A device used to get information into the computer. This type of device is used to transfer data
from its human-readable form into machine-readable form. The most common input devices are the keyboard,
the mouse and the disk drive. Other input devices include scanners and drawing tablets.
insert mode - An option in a word processing or desktop publishing program in which each new character
entered is inserted at the cursor position pushing existing characters to the right. (See also typeover mode.)
insertion point indicator - (See cursor.)
instruction cycle - or I-cycle (I-time) The period of time it takes the CPU to retrieve an instruction and initiate the
task.
integer field - (See numeric field.)
integrated circuit - Computer circuitry based on silicon chips with thousands, or even millions, of etched circuits.
integrated program - A sophisticated software package that combines several capabilities into one program.
interactive processing - A data processing method in which sets of instructions are processed as they are
entered. With interactive processing, the user is in direct contact with the computer using a keyboard or other
input device. Each query receives an immediate response.
interface - (See human-computer interface.)
interpreter - A special type of program that is used to translate the instructions of a program (one at a time) to
the binary form of 1s and 0s so that they can be understood by the computer.
internal clock - A part of the CPU that synchronizes all of the operations carried out by the CPU. The clock
speed helps to determine the speed at which operations are carried.
internet - A public complex of world-wide interconnected networks. Although the National Science Foundation
provided early funding for NSFNET, the backbone of the original network (the Commercial Internet Exchange
developed another), most internet traffic is now carried by commercial carriers such as MCI. (See also world
wide web and ICANN.)
I-time - (See instruction cycle.)
Fair Credit Reporting Act - A law passed in 1970 that requires credit bureaus to allow people to inspect and
challenge any information in their own credit records.
FAX machine - An electronic device which can decipher coded signals sent by another FAX machine via the
phone lines to recreate a copy of a document. The FAX device is used to send a "hard" copy of a document
over the phone lines. Today, their are products which allow your computer to act as a FAX machine.
feasibility study - When studying the need for a new computerized information system, this aspect of the need
analysis explores potential computerized solutions to specific problems.
field - In a database, a field is designated by the user to hold a single fact (or data element) of a specific type. A
field can be one of four types: character field (holds numbers and letters), numeric or integer field (holds only
numbers), date field (holds a date in the usual dd-mm-yy format) and logical field (used to indicate a true/false
or yes/no option). (See date field, character field, numeric field, or logical field.)
fifth-generation programming languages - Refers to a generation of programming languages which uses a
"natural language" approach (more like the way we normally use the English language) which is much easier
and intuitive than the complex syntax requirements of fourth-generation languages. This generation of
programming language utilizes a query-based method in which users can devise individualized ways of
querying a database.
file - A set of data fields in a computerized database together make up a record. A collection of records make
up a file. It is the complete collection of interrelated files that make up a database.
file management system - (Also known as a file processing system or record-management system or a flat-file
system.) This type of data management system provides a way to organize data into separate files. The data
can be accessed one file at a time.
file processing system - (See file management system.)
file server - A computer that is used to monitor and control the activities of a group of networked
microcomputers.
first-generation programming language - The first programming languages which were machine languages that
used binary codes of ones and zeros to control the activities of the computer.
fixed disk - (See hard disk.)
flat bed plotter - Plotters are designed to produce graphics output, in black and white or color, on paper of
varying sizes. Most plotters produce images on paper using colored pens. A flatbed, or x-y plotter, uses
drawing arms to draw the image on paper rolled out onto a flat surface.
flat file system - (See file management system.)
flat screen monitor - A type of thin monitor that does not use cathode ray tube technology. (See also liquid
crystal display.)
floppy disk - (See diskette.)
flowchart - A graphic outline which helps a programmer design a program by using a set of geometric symbols
to represent each aspect of the program.
font - A style of type used both for the display of text on a computer screen and for output to a printer. (See
also typeface .)
footer - A line of text that will be printed at the bottom of each page. Most modern word processing programs
provide a way to enter this line of text and to specify its position at the bottom of each page to be printed.
formula - Used to carry out a mathematical function that is related to data stored using an electronic
spreadsheet program. The mathematical functions often refer to cell identifiers (referring to the location of the
data on the spreadsheet) and include numbers, and arithmetic symbols to indicate the calculations that are to
be carried out.
Fortran - An early, high-level programming language developed in 1954 at the IBM corporation. Named Fortran
(short for formula translation), it was designed for scientific computing.
fourth-generation language (4GL) - A new type of programming language which requires less specificity in
terms of the order in which computer instructions are listed and carried out. They are therefore referred to as
nonprocedural languages. This generation of programming language uses a nonprocedural approach which
allows programmers to tell the computer what to do without having to be so specific about the procedures used
to do it.
Freedom of Information Act - A law, passed in 1970, that requires that government agencies allow citizens to
know what information is filed on them.
full-duplex - Data flow can be managed in one of three modes - simplex, half-duplex, or full-duplex. These three
modes refer to the direction of the data flow. If you are using a communications system in the full-duplex mode,
data can be transmitted in both directions at the same time. Systems with special types of wiring may be able to
transmit data at higher speeds using the full-duplex mode. (See also data flow, simplex, and half-duplex.)
gas plasma displays - A type of flat-screen monitor in which neon gas is trapped in the screen. When a current
is applied across the tiny area that contains the gas, it glows to produce different colors.
gateway - Used to establish communications between local-area networks and host computers. Often such
gateways link microcomputers, minicomputers, and mainframes. In addition to the physical links between these
systems, special software is required to manage the differences in data-transmissions methods. For example,
microcomputers can use special terminal emulation software which can mimic the function of terminals that are
generally used to communicate with mainframe computers. (Contrast with bridge.)
G-byte - (See gigabyte.)
general-purpose application - Another name for software that is used by a wide variety of users to accomplish
basic tasks such as word processing, record keeping, and the creation of graphic.
gigabyte (G-byte) - A billion bytes.
graphic display monitor - Displays that provide a large number of picture element (pixels) which can be
illuminated to produce a wide variety of text characters or pictures. These monitors are designed as bit-mapped
monitors because a representation, or map, of the image on the screen is maintained in the memory of the
computer. (See also bit-mapped and dot-addressable monitor.)
graphical interface - (Also known as a graphical user interface or GUI.) A type of human-computer interface
through which the user interacts with the computer by selecting options presented in the form of icons or
graphic images.
graphics primitives - Basic drawing elements such as points, lines, and circles which are used to construct
larger images when using a graphics program.
graphics scanner (image scanner) - A device used to convert pictures into a form that can be stored by the
computer as digital data.
graphics tablet - A type of input device which allows a user to input images into a computer by drawing on a
digitizing tablet that is attached to the computer.
grouped bar graph (Also known as a stacked bar graph.) - A graphic representation of data using parallel bars.
hackers - A nickname for people who access computers illegally from outside of an organization. Computer
hobbyists who like to explore the lesser-known capabilities of computers are also referred to as hackers. It is
probably more appropriate to refer to those who access data illegally simply as computer criminals.
half-duplex - Data flow can be managed in one of three modes - simplex, half-duplex, or full-duplex. These
three modes refer to the direction of the data flow. If you are using a communications system in the half-duplex
mode, data can be sent in both directions, but not at the same time. The half-duplex mode is commonly used
when transmitting data between two computers. (See also data flow, simplex, and full duplex.)
hand-held computer - A small, battery-powered computer that is designed to be held in the hand while in use.
(See also laptop computer, portable computer, and PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).)
hard copy - A term that refers to information from a computer that has been printed on paper.
hard disk (fixed disk) - A form of storage similar to diskettes except that the storage media (usually one or more
spinning platters coated with a magnetic substance) is fixed in its own case, often housed inside the computer.
hardware - The physical components of a computer system. The computer's machinery, its electronic devices
and its circuits.
header - A line of text that will be printed at the top of each page. Most modern word processing programs
provide a way to enter this line of text and to specify its position at the top of each page to be printed.
help option - An option included in many modern computer programs to provide the program's users with
supplementary information about using the program's features.
hexadecimal number system - A base 16 numbering system used by some computers for data encoding. This
system does not require such a large string of digits to represent each number as the binary system does.
hierarchical data model - A descriptive model of data organization in which data is organized in a tree-like
structure. In this model, each data element may have one or more secondary data elements linked to it. This
type of data structure could 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 many children. Each of the children has only one
parent. (See also network, relational data model, and object-oriented data model.)
high-level language - Referred to as a third-generation language, this type of programming language uses an
English-like approach that is easier to use than machine or assembly languages and they are machine
independent (programs created with these languages can be used on more than one type of computer with
little modification).
highlighted - An on-screen indication that data has been "selected." Whereas most modern computers display
text as black characters on a white background, selected text is display as white characters on a black
background.
high-resolution - Display monitors that use a higher number of on-screen picture elements (pixels) to display
text and graphics. (Contrast with low-resolution.)
horizontal applications - Computer programs that are used by a widely used by a great variety of users.
host computer - A mainframe or minicomputer that is used in a multi-user environment to handle all of the input,
output, and processing needs as input from terminals.
human-computer interface - (Also known as the user interface.) Refers to the way in which a computer system
or a computer program presents information to users. Determines the way the users will interact with the
system. (See also graphical user interface.)
IBM-compatible - (Also known as a clone.) Computers based on the Intel company's microprocessors that are
capable of running the Microsoft company's MS-DOS operating system.
ICANN - The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, which oversees domains names and the
internet's root servers.
icon - A graphic representation of data, a computer program, or a computer function.
I-cycle - (See instruction cycle.)
image processing - A newer type of paint program that provides powerful options for working with photographs
that have been scanned into the computer (digitized). These programs generally require high-resolution
monitors and a considerable amount of primary and secondary storage, but they give the user the capability to
create professional-quality images on a PC-based system.
image scanner - (See graphics scanner.)
impact printer - A type of printer that uses a technology similar to that of a typewriter wherein ink is placed on
paper through the use of a print head that strikes through an inked ribbon.
indexed file organization - A method of organizing stored data that uses special indexes to locate stored data.
With this organizational method, each file includes an index to the data stored in it. (See also direct and
sequential file organization.)
information age - Refers to the present period of our society wherein the processing of information has become
a central activity.
informational database - (See management database.)
information center - A center for establishing hardware, software and procedural standards when a
decentralized information system is in use.
ink-jet printer - A type of nonimpact printer that produces characters one dot at a time through the use of tiny
ink jets which place droplets of ink on the paper.
input device - A device used to get information into the computer. This type of device is used to transfer data
from its human-readable form into machine-readable form. The most common input devices are the keyboard,
the mouse and the disk drive. Other input devices include scanners and drawing tablets.
insert mode - An option in a word processing or desktop publishing program in which each new character
entered is inserted at the cursor position pushing existing characters to the right. (See also typeover mode.)
insertion point indicator - (See cursor.)
instruction cycle - or I-cycle (I-time) The period of time it takes the CPU to retrieve an instruction and initiate the
task.
integer field - (See numeric field.)
integrated circuit - Computer circuitry based on silicon chips with thousands, or even millions, of etched circuits.
integrated program - A sophisticated software package that combines several capabilities into one program.
interactive processing - A data processing method in which sets of instructions are processed as they are
entered. With interactive processing, the user is in direct contact with the computer using a keyboard or other
input device. Each query receives an immediate response.
interface - (See human-computer interface.)
interpreter - A special type of program that is used to translate the instructions of a program (one at a time) to
the binary form of 1s and 0s so that they can be understood by the computer.
internal clock - A part of the CPU that synchronizes all of the operations carried out by the CPU. The clock
speed helps to determine the speed at which operations are carried.
internet - A public complex of world-wide interconnected networks. Although the National Science Foundation
provided early funding for NSFNET, the backbone of the original network (the Commercial Internet Exchange
developed another), most internet traffic is now carried by commercial carriers such as MCI. (See also world
wide web and ICANN.)
I-time - (See instruction cycle.)
| Copyright ©2003, part of The YKTA Corporation, and its licensor's. All rights reserved. |
| Home I Mind I Body I Life I Tools I New I Music Instrument I Links I Contact Us I |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Y K T A |
|