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 | | Glossary of Computer Terminology |
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Bandwidth: Bandwidth is the amount of information a network can carry in a certain period of time.
When it comes to Internet access, larger bandwidth can mean faster connections, quicker downloads and smoother video playback.
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Bluetooth® : Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows devices to communicate at short range.
A cell phone being used with a hands-free headset is one example. Sending a document between a Bluetooth-enabled laptop and printer is another.
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Broadband: Broadband is another word for high-speed Internet.
Because it transfers information quickly, broadband is ideal for downloading music and watching streaming videos. Also, unlike a dial-up connection, broadband allows access to the Internet without disrupting phone service.
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Cache: A temporary storage area for frequently accessed information.
The cache shortens the time it takes to access this information, relieves the burden from the main memory, and increases the overall speed of applications.
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CD/DVD Drive: CD/DVD drives play music and movies and allow new software to be installed.
Drives with a RW designation can also burn digital files onto discs. CD-RW drives are often used to store MP3s and office documents.
Although more expensive, DVD-RW drives store approximately 7 times more information per disc, making them ideal for backing up large multimedia files.
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Display: The computer's monitor, the viewable area of which is called the screen.
Resolution refers to the number of tiny squares, or pixels, viewable on the screen.
A higher screen resolution equates to sharper visuals and more realistic video rendering.
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Download: To transfer information from one computer to another.
Downloading means to receive, and uploading means to transmit.
Common downloads include MP3 files, software updates and desktop games.
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Firewall: A boundary that helps keep computers on the Internet private.
Firewall software helps prevent users from coming to a secure site, or conversely, keeps users inside the firewall from going out.
Firewalls can also verify websites, helping to ensure they originate from an authorized source.
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Firewire: A computer port, commonly used for external devices that need to transfer a lot of information quickly.
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Graphics Card: A graphics card is an internal card dedicated solely to rendering graphics like photos or movies.
The graphics card determines the number of colors, refresh rate and maximum resolution of the computer's display (which the display must be able to support).
In other words, a better graphics card means better quality when watching DVDs on your computer.
Graphics cards come in two flavors:
Integrated cards are less expensive, and slightly extend battery life as they are less demanding on power. Generally, integrated cards share your computer's memory and processor, your computer's memory and brain.
Dedicated graphics cards are the true performers. Gamers prefer dedicated graphics cards which come with their own memory and processor, so graphics are shown with greater resolution and quality.
When looking to purchase a graphics card, look for cards that have higher memory. Memory is measured in MB.
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Hard Drive: The computer's hard drive is a storage device which stores your computer's important information such as programs and data files.
Early systems had hard drives that could only hold a few movies but today's hard drives are expected to hold entire libraries of movies.
Think of the hard drive as being a large closet where you keep all your stuff. The hard drive is where the computer keeps all your programs, files, photos or movies. So if you plan on storing movies or running many programs then get a bigger hard drive or get an external hard drive.
Most computers allow you to connect to an external hard drive. This is a good solution, as you have a back up for all your movies and photos. It also keeps your computer's hard drive uncluttered so your computer can work efficiently. External hard drives come in all sizes and even a thousand gigabytes hard drive is reasonably priced. External hard drives also add the element of portability, making them an ideal solution for users who travel, or those who simply need more space for storage.
Your computer's hard drive also plays a role in performance, as the amount of time it takes to start up your computer and load programs is related to the hard drive’s speed. So make sure you get the top speed if purchasing a hard drive.
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Hardware: The physical elements of the computer, such as the processor, hard drive, keyboard, and display. Whereas hardware is responsible for a specific task, software can be created, adapted or removed to suit a user's specific needs.
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Hotspot: A wireless Internet connection available for public use.
Beyond mere convenience, hotspots offer broadband Internet access with connection speeds similar to cable and DSL.
While some hotspots charge for access, more and more are opening their networks for free. And the number of hotspots available continues to grow.
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Internet: The Internet essentially links computers to one another, allowing them to speak the same language.
Originally created by the U.S. Department of Defense, the Internet has become a fast fixture in contemporary life.
From email to instant messaging, education to entertainment, the Internet is helping define the way people communicate in the modern world.
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JPEG: A JPEG is a compressed file format that has become a standard for consumer digital photography.
Files that are compressed are easier to view, download and store.
The JPEG format strikes a good balance – compressing the file, yet retaining enough information to help keep the image resolution clear.
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Modem: A device used to connect to the Internet using either cable or phone lines.
Modems can be used to establish a dial-up, high-speed DSL, or Cable Internet connection.
Current modems also compress the information they transfer, making them noticeably faster than older versions.
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Motherboard: The computer's main circuit board. All internal components are attached or connected in some way to the motherboard.
The motherboard holds the processor, the bus, memory sockets, expansion slots, and more.
It acts as a conduit for power, and makes sure the various components can communicate.
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Multimedia: A combination of media that may include still and moving images, illustration, text and sound.
From educational games and business presentations to online encyclopedias, the use of multimedia in storytelling is becoming increasingly common in the digital age.
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Operating System: The underlying software that allows the user and the computer to interact.
The OS is the software platform necessary for the computer to run.
It allows the computer's hardware and software applications to communicate.
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Pixel: A pixel is the smallest unit of information in a digital image, resembling a tiny square.
An image with a higher pixel count will have better resolution, and appear clearer to the naked eye. 72 pixels per inch (72 ppi) is the most common resolution on the Web.
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Port: Ports allow external peripheral devices, such as printers and digital cameras, to connect to the computer.
They also make it possible for computers to network together.
Two of the most common ports, USB and Firewire, are plug-and-play, which means they begin communicating with the computer as soon as they're attached.
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Processor: The processor is the computer's brain, responsible for controlling each program's functionality and speed.
The processor speed is directly related to the PC's overall performance.
Faster processors enhance the user's ability to run creative, entertainment, communication and productivity applications.
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RAM: The computer's short-term memory, RAM stores information as programs are being used.
RAM is one contributor to faster computing, most noticeable when multiple applications are being used at the same time.
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Router: A small device that connects multiple computers together, providing Internet connectivity in a home or office. Broadband routers, such as cable and DSL, connect local networks to the wide area network of the Internet, allowing users to create a wireless hotspot within the home.
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Search Engine: An Internet service that helps users to locate specific websites.
Entering a word, phrase or topic into the search box will garner a host of related options.
Experimenting with different search terms is the best way to achieve more accurate results.
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Software: A program designed for a specific task that tells the computer what to do.
System software is in charge of basic PC functionality, and network software allows any number of computers to communicate.
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Sound Card: The sound card, or audio card, processes audio signals and sends them out from the computer.
Dedicated cards, as opposed to integrated ones, are recommended for video editing, gaming, and music composition. Paired with high-end speakers, a dedicated sound card can support a surround-sound listening environment.
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Storage: The hard drive stores files and programs, and is considered long-term memory. RAM, or short-term memory, stores information for the programs being used. Using external storage, from online services to flash drives, CDs and DVDs, can be a great way to back-up important files, or bring them on the go.
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USB: A USB port allows a device like a mouse, printer, or digital camera to connect to your computer.
To attach a USB device, simply find the matching slot and plug it in. The computer's operating system will detect the device and enable it to run without restarting your computer.
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Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is a wireless Internet connection that can be accessed by laptops, PDAs, and other portable devices.
This wireless connection is called a "hotspot". Wi-Fi hotspots continue to multiply by the minute. Most major cities play host to several hotspots per block, and many are free to use.
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