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Some Useful Definitions
and Descriptions
Application
Software which helps the user do useful or entertaining things like write
letters, browse the Web, send email, track expenses, play games and so
on. Examples: Word, Excel, Quicken.
AOL
AOL, short for America Online, provides both Internet Access and special
content to its subscribers for a monthly fee. Browser A software application
which displays Websites and simplifies navigating (browsing) among the
many available sites. Examples: Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer.
CD-ROM
These are the silvery plastic disks that look just like music CD's. Application
software (programs) usually come written on these, and special kinds of
CD-ROM's can be used to store large amounts of data.
Email
Email is a way to communicate, almost instantly, with others anywhere
in the world at low or no cost. In addition to text; pictures, sound,
and video can be sent via email.
Excel
A software application designed to aid in processing numerical information
(accounting, technical/engineering, financial planning, etc.).
Floppy
Disk
This is a somewhat floppy coated disk housed inside a not-floppy plastic
case about the size of a square beverage coaster. The floppy, once inserted
into the appropriate slot in the system unit, is used to store files.
Once the files have been written, the floppy can be removed for use on
another computer or for safe keeping as a backup or data archive.
Hard
disk (or Hard Drive)
This is like the computer's file cabinet. In nearly all cases, it is permanently
installed in the system unit and stores both the software the computer
uses and the data files the user creates. In order to take a file to use
on a different computer, the user must copy the file from the hard disk
to a floppy disk or in some cases send it to the other computer across
a network.
Internet
(or "the Net")
The Internet is a global network of computers, connected together 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week. The capability of computers to store vast amounts
of information, coupled with the capability of networks to quickly transmit
that information, makes the Internet an amazing information and communications
resource.
ISP
Short for Internet Service Provider. Internet Service Providers
provide Internet access to those (for a monthly fee) who do not have their
own Internet-connected server computer.
Keyboard
This is organized like a regular typewriter keyboard and has some extra
keys for special functions. Attaches to the system unit with a cord.
Monitor
(or display)
The part of the computer that looks like a small TV and shows you what
is going on. Usually has 2 cords: one for power and the other for connecting
to the system unit.
Mouse
This device is about the size of a pack of cigarettes and allows the computer
user to select from options displayed on the screen. By sliding the mouse
around on a flat surface (usually a thin foam pad) the user moves a pointer
on the screen. When the tip of the pointer is positioned over the desired
item, the user clicks the mouse (a single or double click) to select the
item. A single cord connects the mouse to the system unit.
MSN
Short for Microsoft Network, an ISP and content provider on the Web
On-line
When someone is online, it usually means the person is operating a computer
that is connected to the Internet (either permanently or via a temporary,
telephone line connection). An online resource is a resource that can
be accessed via the Internet.
Program
Software which helps the user do useful or entertaining things like write
letters, browse the Web, send email, track expenses, play games and so
on.
RAM
This is where your computer keeps the information it is using at the moment.
RAM stands for Random Access Memory, and information is kept here only
as long as it is needed by the application (software) running on the computer.
Save
To save your work on the computer means to store it on a disk so that
it is available for retrieval later. System malfunctions can wipe out
text or other work that has been entered but not saved, so it is wise
to save your work every 15 minutes or so. Even though you may not have
finished, saving your work locks in the progress you've made.
Search
Engine
A special type of Website that allows you to search for particular types
of Websites and then access those Websites easily.
Software
Software is what makes it possible for us to effectively use computers.
There are two major functions of software. The first is to orchestrate
the interactions between the various parts (the keyboard, display, system
unit, mouse, etc.). This is handled by Windows, Unix or other PC operating
systems. The second function of software is to help the user do useful
or entertaining things like write letters, browse the Web, send email,
track expenses, play games and so on. Software packages that perform only
the second function are often referred to as programs or applications.
System
Unit (sometimes referred to as CPU)
The part of the computer that is box-like, usually the size of a medium
to large briefcase with slots for disks and connectors on the back. Inside
this box are the microprocessor, disk drives and other elements that work
together to do the actual computing.
The
Web (or World Wide Web)
A collection of linked documents that reside on computers permanently
connected to the Internet. These documents all share a format which allows
them to be linked to each other, and it is this linking which allows users
to quickly see lots and lots of related information and to find information,
pictures, sound and video on almost any subject.
Windows
Windows is like a combination translator, conductor and helper. Windows
is software that allows the various parts of the computer to work together
and it also is the go between that allows the user to start and stop the
computer and its programs easily and correctly.
Word
A software application used for creating documents (letters, stories,
books, etc.)
Yahoo
Yahoo is a specialized Website that allows the visitor to search for Websites
directly or by browsing through a variety of categories.
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