technical writer - A professional writer who creates the programmer and end-user documentation (user manuals)
that must accompany every computer program.
technophobia - A fear of technology.
telecommuting - An arrangement in which employees do their work at home, communicating with the office and
accessing information from the company's computer system through the use of a personal computer and a
modem attached to the phone line.
teleconferencing - Conferences that link groups of individuals in different locations using television and/or
computer communications equipment to share sound and images.
temporary memory - (See main memory.)
terminal emulation program - A type of computer program that lets a PC serve both as a stand-alone personal
computer and as a terminal to retrieve data stored on the company mainframe.
text database - A type of database used to store large documents in an electronic form so that they can be
retrieved by computer. Libraries use this type of database to provide access to large, specialized bibliographic
data banks and special documents such as encyclopedias. Many of these databases are now stored on CD-ROM
media
text style - (See typeface.)
thesaurus - A feature of modern word processing programs that provides you with alternatives to a selected word.
third-generation programming language - The languages developed during the third generation of software
development are known as high-level programming languages. As opposed to machine languages and assembly
languages, high-level languages use English words and they can be used to create programs that can be used
on different types of processing hardware with little modification.
third party - A term used to refer to computer components or programming methods that are developed by
someone other than the computer manufacturer.
time-sharing - An environment in which many users are in contact with the same computer at the same time.
token ring network - A type of network designed to speed up data transmissions by providing a special code
(known as a "token") that is constantly sent between devices on the network. When a device on the network
receives the token, it is free to transmit a message. This system is used to notify each device of an opportunity to
transmit data and prevents two devices from transmitting at the same time. (Also see ring network.)
top-down design - A programming method that uses a conceptual hierarchy in the program planning charts in
order to show the relationships between the modules in complex modular programs.
touch pad - A type of input device that uses a template placed on a programmed pad that initiates options based
upon where the user touches the pad.
touch screen - A type of input device that allows the user to select options on the screen by touching the
computer screen itself.
trackball - A type of input device that works much like a mouse, except the user manipulates a ball that moves the
cursor around the screen.
transactional database - (See operational database.)
transistor - Invented in the late 1950s, this device replaced the thousands of vacuum tubes required in earlier
computers. This marked the beginning of the second generation of computers known for its smaller, faster, and
more economical computer systems.
typeface - A style of type used both for the display of text on a computer screen and for output to a printer.
Computer typefaces are sold in "families" with each character in the family sharing certain appearance
characteristics. (Also see font.)
typeover mode - An option in a word processing or desktop publishing program in which each new character you
enter will replace the character at the cursor position. (Also see insert mode.)
UNIVAC - A series of mainframe computers based on the UNIVAC 1 which was the first commercially successful
computer produced by Mauchly and Eckert for the U.S. Census Bureau in 1951.
Universal Product Code - (UPC) A type of bar code that is printed on the packaging of products to store
information about the product. The code is composed of a set of printed lines of varying widths which when
scanned (generally during a sales transaction), sends a signal to a computer which returns information about the
product such as the price.
upload - To transfer data from your local computer to a distant computer. (Contrast with download.)
usenet - A world-wide discussion network that provides short articles with information sorted into "newsgroups" by
topic and delivered via the internet.
user groups - A group of computer users who have organized themselves around an interest in a particular
computer platform or application program.
user interface - (See human-computer interface.)
utility programs - Special programs that are used on personal computers to manage the computer and its
attached input and output devices. Collectively these programs are known as the personal computer's operating
system.
vacuum tube - Switching devices (based on a radio technology that used glass tubes to contain electrical
switching circuits) that were used in the first generation of computers.
value - In electronic spreadsheet programs, a value is a number (positive or negative, with or without a decimal),
which can be entered in any worksheet cell.
vector graphics - A type of computer graphics program used to draw objects which are treated as whole entities
(rather than a series of individual pixels as in bit-mapped or paint graphics programs). The object, once drawn,
can be resized or reshaped as a whole. This is accomplished through the use of a set of mathematical
instructions which describe all of the rectangle's characteristics.
vertical applications - Specialized applications programs which are designed to meet the needs of a more narrowly
defined group of users.
very high-level language - A type of programming language that is similar to a high-level language but is even
easier to use. This approach make it easy for professionals and non-professionals alike to access data and
create reports (often referred to as a fourth-generation language).
very large-scale integration - (VLSI) Refers to the miniaturization of integrated circuit technology where thousands
of transistors can fit on one chip.
VGA (See video graphics array.)
videodisc - A type of storage device that is used to store and deliver high-quality video images to a television set
(often under the control of a computer). Because the video images are stored on the videodisc a single image at
a time, one image can be displayed or a sequence of images can be displayed to create the effect of standard
video.
video display terminal - (VDT) (See display monitor.)
video graphics array - (VGA) A type of display monitor that produces images in up to 256 color shades
simultaneously at a resolution of 720 by 400 pixels.
virus - A type of computer program that is designed to replicate itself when stored by a computer system without
the user being aware of it. Some virus programs are designed specifically to damage data and others can
interfere with the operation of other programs as they replicate.
virus detection program - A type of computer program that is designed to detect computer viruses and repair any
damage caused by them.
virtual memory - A storage method that uses secondary storage to store program processing information when
programs have extensive memory requirements.
virtual reality - A type of computer program that allows users to interact with highly realistic, three-dimensional
graphic displays in a way that gives them the feeling that they are fully immersed in the computer image. This is
often done through the use of special computer-display goggles or other display devices that limit the user's view
to computer-generated information. Some virtual reality programs provide sensory data to the user through use of
a special glove or a body suit that outputs natural human movements that can be interpreted and acted upon by
the computer.
VLSI - (See very large-scale integration.)
voice-grade - (Also known as voiceband.) Since the rate at which information is transmitted over a channel varies,
communicating computer devices must be capable of transmitting and receiving data at differing rates. Each type
of channel has a maximum rate at which data can be transmitted, based on the type of media used in the channel
and its design. Generally, channels with data rates less than 300 bps (bits-per-second) are referred to as
narrowband. Rates of 300 to 9,600 bps are known as voiceband or voice-grade. The fastest channels are
referred to as broadband (wideband) .
voice input - A type of technology which allows the user to interact with the computer using their voice.
volatile - A type of temporary storage in the computer's main memory system that is lost when the computer is
turned off.
wide-area network - (WAN) Networks used to connect computers and computing devices that are separated by
distance. (See also local-area network.)
wideband - (See broadband.)
windows - A concept of graphical user interface design wherein different sets of information that appear on the
display screen can be contained in separate, resizable boxes or windows.
Windows - A popular graphical user interface software environment developed by Microsoft Corporation.
word - (See wordsize.)
word processing program - A type of computer program that can be used to create, edit, format, save, and print
documents.
wordsize - or word length Refers to the size of a group of binary digits that can be stored in each of the
computer's memory locations: the wordsize or word length is, therefore, the number of bits of data that can be
manipulated by the CPU in one block.
word wrap - A feature of some modern computer programs that include text management options which
automatically moves the cursor down to the next line when the position determined by the right margin setting is
detected.
worksheet - A file created using an electronic spreadsheet program. Based on the large paper worksheets
traditionally used by accountants and financial analysts, the worksheet provides rows and columns that can be
used to organize numeric data and to carry out mathematical analyses of it.
workstation - Powerful microcomputers, often attached to a mainframe or minicomputer, which are capable of
handling multiprocessing tasks, that is they can carry out more than one type of data processing task at the same
time.
world wide web - The world-wide system of interconnected network servers that deliver web pages based on
markup systems that can be recognized by today's web browser software. (See also internet and ICANN.)
WORM - disk A type of optical disk system that can be written to only once but can be read many times.
write head - The component of the disk-based storage device that is used to write data to the disk.
WYSIWYG - (what-you-see-is-what-you-get) A feature of desktop publishing and modern word processing
programs which allow you to see on-screen what your printed pages will look like. The term is pronounced
"wizzy-wig."
XGA - A type of display monitor that produces images in up to 256 color shades simultaneously at a resolution of
1024 by 768 pixels.
that must accompany every computer program.
technophobia - A fear of technology.
telecommuting - An arrangement in which employees do their work at home, communicating with the office and
accessing information from the company's computer system through the use of a personal computer and a
modem attached to the phone line.
teleconferencing - Conferences that link groups of individuals in different locations using television and/or
computer communications equipment to share sound and images.
temporary memory - (See main memory.)
terminal emulation program - A type of computer program that lets a PC serve both as a stand-alone personal
computer and as a terminal to retrieve data stored on the company mainframe.
text database - A type of database used to store large documents in an electronic form so that they can be
retrieved by computer. Libraries use this type of database to provide access to large, specialized bibliographic
data banks and special documents such as encyclopedias. Many of these databases are now stored on CD-ROM
media
text style - (See typeface.)
thesaurus - A feature of modern word processing programs that provides you with alternatives to a selected word.
third-generation programming language - The languages developed during the third generation of software
development are known as high-level programming languages. As opposed to machine languages and assembly
languages, high-level languages use English words and they can be used to create programs that can be used
on different types of processing hardware with little modification.
third party - A term used to refer to computer components or programming methods that are developed by
someone other than the computer manufacturer.
time-sharing - An environment in which many users are in contact with the same computer at the same time.
token ring network - A type of network designed to speed up data transmissions by providing a special code
(known as a "token") that is constantly sent between devices on the network. When a device on the network
receives the token, it is free to transmit a message. This system is used to notify each device of an opportunity to
transmit data and prevents two devices from transmitting at the same time. (Also see ring network.)
top-down design - A programming method that uses a conceptual hierarchy in the program planning charts in
order to show the relationships between the modules in complex modular programs.
touch pad - A type of input device that uses a template placed on a programmed pad that initiates options based
upon where the user touches the pad.
touch screen - A type of input device that allows the user to select options on the screen by touching the
computer screen itself.
trackball - A type of input device that works much like a mouse, except the user manipulates a ball that moves the
cursor around the screen.
transactional database - (See operational database.)
transistor - Invented in the late 1950s, this device replaced the thousands of vacuum tubes required in earlier
computers. This marked the beginning of the second generation of computers known for its smaller, faster, and
more economical computer systems.
typeface - A style of type used both for the display of text on a computer screen and for output to a printer.
Computer typefaces are sold in "families" with each character in the family sharing certain appearance
characteristics. (Also see font.)
typeover mode - An option in a word processing or desktop publishing program in which each new character you
enter will replace the character at the cursor position. (Also see insert mode.)
UNIVAC - A series of mainframe computers based on the UNIVAC 1 which was the first commercially successful
computer produced by Mauchly and Eckert for the U.S. Census Bureau in 1951.
Universal Product Code - (UPC) A type of bar code that is printed on the packaging of products to store
information about the product. The code is composed of a set of printed lines of varying widths which when
scanned (generally during a sales transaction), sends a signal to a computer which returns information about the
product such as the price.
upload - To transfer data from your local computer to a distant computer. (Contrast with download.)
usenet - A world-wide discussion network that provides short articles with information sorted into "newsgroups" by
topic and delivered via the internet.
user groups - A group of computer users who have organized themselves around an interest in a particular
computer platform or application program.
user interface - (See human-computer interface.)
utility programs - Special programs that are used on personal computers to manage the computer and its
attached input and output devices. Collectively these programs are known as the personal computer's operating
system.
vacuum tube - Switching devices (based on a radio technology that used glass tubes to contain electrical
switching circuits) that were used in the first generation of computers.
value - In electronic spreadsheet programs, a value is a number (positive or negative, with or without a decimal),
which can be entered in any worksheet cell.
vector graphics - A type of computer graphics program used to draw objects which are treated as whole entities
(rather than a series of individual pixels as in bit-mapped or paint graphics programs). The object, once drawn,
can be resized or reshaped as a whole. This is accomplished through the use of a set of mathematical
instructions which describe all of the rectangle's characteristics.
vertical applications - Specialized applications programs which are designed to meet the needs of a more narrowly
defined group of users.
very high-level language - A type of programming language that is similar to a high-level language but is even
easier to use. This approach make it easy for professionals and non-professionals alike to access data and
create reports (often referred to as a fourth-generation language).
very large-scale integration - (VLSI) Refers to the miniaturization of integrated circuit technology where thousands
of transistors can fit on one chip.
VGA (See video graphics array.)
videodisc - A type of storage device that is used to store and deliver high-quality video images to a television set
(often under the control of a computer). Because the video images are stored on the videodisc a single image at
a time, one image can be displayed or a sequence of images can be displayed to create the effect of standard
video.
video display terminal - (VDT) (See display monitor.)
video graphics array - (VGA) A type of display monitor that produces images in up to 256 color shades
simultaneously at a resolution of 720 by 400 pixels.
virus - A type of computer program that is designed to replicate itself when stored by a computer system without
the user being aware of it. Some virus programs are designed specifically to damage data and others can
interfere with the operation of other programs as they replicate.
virus detection program - A type of computer program that is designed to detect computer viruses and repair any
damage caused by them.
virtual memory - A storage method that uses secondary storage to store program processing information when
programs have extensive memory requirements.
virtual reality - A type of computer program that allows users to interact with highly realistic, three-dimensional
graphic displays in a way that gives them the feeling that they are fully immersed in the computer image. This is
often done through the use of special computer-display goggles or other display devices that limit the user's view
to computer-generated information. Some virtual reality programs provide sensory data to the user through use of
a special glove or a body suit that outputs natural human movements that can be interpreted and acted upon by
the computer.
VLSI - (See very large-scale integration.)
voice-grade - (Also known as voiceband.) Since the rate at which information is transmitted over a channel varies,
communicating computer devices must be capable of transmitting and receiving data at differing rates. Each type
of channel has a maximum rate at which data can be transmitted, based on the type of media used in the channel
and its design. Generally, channels with data rates less than 300 bps (bits-per-second) are referred to as
narrowband. Rates of 300 to 9,600 bps are known as voiceband or voice-grade. The fastest channels are
referred to as broadband (wideband) .
voice input - A type of technology which allows the user to interact with the computer using their voice.
volatile - A type of temporary storage in the computer's main memory system that is lost when the computer is
turned off.
wide-area network - (WAN) Networks used to connect computers and computing devices that are separated by
distance. (See also local-area network.)
wideband - (See broadband.)
windows - A concept of graphical user interface design wherein different sets of information that appear on the
display screen can be contained in separate, resizable boxes or windows.
Windows - A popular graphical user interface software environment developed by Microsoft Corporation.
word - (See wordsize.)
word processing program - A type of computer program that can be used to create, edit, format, save, and print
documents.
wordsize - or word length Refers to the size of a group of binary digits that can be stored in each of the
computer's memory locations: the wordsize or word length is, therefore, the number of bits of data that can be
manipulated by the CPU in one block.
word wrap - A feature of some modern computer programs that include text management options which
automatically moves the cursor down to the next line when the position determined by the right margin setting is
detected.
worksheet - A file created using an electronic spreadsheet program. Based on the large paper worksheets
traditionally used by accountants and financial analysts, the worksheet provides rows and columns that can be
used to organize numeric data and to carry out mathematical analyses of it.
workstation - Powerful microcomputers, often attached to a mainframe or minicomputer, which are capable of
handling multiprocessing tasks, that is they can carry out more than one type of data processing task at the same
time.
world wide web - The world-wide system of interconnected network servers that deliver web pages based on
markup systems that can be recognized by today's web browser software. (See also internet and ICANN.)
WORM - disk A type of optical disk system that can be written to only once but can be read many times.
write head - The component of the disk-based storage device that is used to write data to the disk.
WYSIWYG - (what-you-see-is-what-you-get) A feature of desktop publishing and modern word processing
programs which allow you to see on-screen what your printed pages will look like. The term is pronounced
"wizzy-wig."
XGA - A type of display monitor that produces images in up to 256 color shades simultaneously at a resolution of
1024 by 768 pixels.
| 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 |
|