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computing

A-B

ADF
Automatic Document Feeder. An accessory that automatically feeds a stack of paper into a scanner.
AGP
Accelerated Graphics Port. Designed to convey 3-D images quickly without the need to purchase an expensive graphics workstation.
AMD
Advanced Micro Devices. Manufacturer of microprocessors and main competitor to Intel.
Anti-virus software
Software designed to find and eliminate any viruses or spy-ware which manage to make their way onto your computer. Anti-virus software will often require a continuing subscription in order to keep its virus definitions up-to-date with regular downloads.
Apple Macintosh
The main alternative to the common IBM-style of personal computers. Systems like Apple's iMac are usually favoured among designers.
ATX Motherboard
An industry standard motherboard that allows for universal compatibility.
BIOS
Basic Input Output System. An integral part of your computer that sets all the possible configurations for your hardware.
Bit
Binary Digit. The basic unit of information used in a computer (either 1 or 0). In technical abbreviations the word bit is represented with a lowercase b (e.g. Kbps - kilobits per second) as opposed to an uppercase B which will always refer to the word byte (e.g. KB - kilobyte).
Bit Depth
The number of bits used to represent the colour of a single pixel, also know as bits per pixel (bpp). It is often used to demonstrate the number of colours a scanner can capture.
Bit-rate
The speed at which data is transferred over the internet (see Kbps).
Blog
A widely used contraction of the phrase "web-log", a phenomenon of regularly publishing opinions and/or experiences in what is essentially an online journal.
Broadband
Broadband internet access offers connection to the internet with a much higher data transmission rate than dial-up internet access. The availability of the service depends upon the area but, if available, the service is accessed through a connection to a regular telephone socket by way of a DSL splitter. This splitter divides your internet connection from your telephone line meaning both that you can use the phone while online and that you will always be connected.
Browser
A software program that helps you to navigate the internet and visit websites. The general standard is Microsoft's Internet Explorer, as it is bundled with Microsoft's popular Windows operating system. Alternatives such as Mozilla Firefox and Netscape are also available. Browser can also simply refer to a navigation through files on your own computer.
Byte
A unit of data made up of eight bits. In technical abbreviations the word byte is represented with an uppercase B (e.g. KB - kilobyte), as opposed to a lowercase b, which will always refer to the word bit (e.g. Kbps - kilobits per second).

C-D

Cache Memory
Buffer memory that allows a processor to grab chunks of data more quickly than it could do from RAM. It allows quick access to repeatedly performed tasks and is often used when referring to internet pages that need to be refreshed.
CCD
Charge-Coupled Device. An image sensor used in scanners.
CD
Compact disk
CD-R
A CD that can be recorded onto once using a CD-RW drive. The term can also refer to the drive in your PC that you would insert this type of CD into.
CD ROM
Compact Disk - Read Only Memory. These disks can only be read from by your machine, not written to.
CD-ROM Drive
Has a higher capacity, is more reliable and can load software at higher speeds than a conventional floppy disk drive. Particularly useful when playing games.
CD-RW
A CD that can be recorded onto as many times as you wish. The term can also refer to the drive in your PC that you would insert this type of CD into.
Codec
A file or program required to encode or decode certain forms of digital information. In order to play a media file, your system must have the corresponding codec in order to decode the file.
Cookie
A small file created when you visit most websites, cookies allow information about your site usage to be recorded, like your preferences and your shopping cart contents. Cookies are not programs in and of themselves, simply data created and accessed by their respective websites.
CPM
Copies per minute. Measure of speed at which photocopies are produce e.g. from a printer/scanner/copier combination machine. See also PPM.
CPU
Central Processing Unit. The main processor in a computer - often used to describe the base unit of a PC itself.
CRT Monitor
Cathode Ray Tube. A specialised vacuum tube in which images are produced when an electron beam strikes a phosphorescent surface. Being generally quite heavy and bulky they are usually cheaper than the more compact LCD and TFT displays.
Creative Labs
Manufacturers of SoundBlaster sound cards as well as MP3 players and various digital audio equipment.
DDR RAM
Double Data Rate. Memory that gives quicker data transfer within a PC.
Decompress
To return a compressed file to its original size or condition for use.
Desktop
The area on your PC where icons and shortcuts for different programs are displayed.
Dial-up
Connection to the internet made by essentially making a telephone call through your computer to an ISP. Dial-up connection, with a bit-rate of 56Kbps, is fast being replaced by the much faster broadband connection.
Docking Station
A base that will accommodate a laptop and offer different connection ports - power, printer, keyboard, etc. It lets you leave these connections set up at home while you take a laptop away as and when you like.
Download
The transmission of data, usually a specifically requested file, from an outside source onto your computer. (See upload).
DPI
Dots Per Inch. A measurement of print and image resolution e.g. 600x1200 dpi - more dpi means a higher resolution and finer detail.
Driver
Software required to operate different types of hardware and peripheral devices on your computer.
DSL
Digital Subscriber Line. A method of connecting the internet through a regular telephone line in areas where DSL is available. The telephone line is filtered into high and low frequencies with the high frequencies dedicated to the internet service provider (ISP) and the lower frequencies allowing the telephone to used as normal despite the internet connection.
Duplex
A scanner that will image the front and back of a page in a single pass.
DVD
Digital Versatile Disk. A DVD can hold up to 9.4GB of data and is capable of storing up to seven times more information than a conventional CD-ROM.

E-F

FDD
Floppy Disk Drive. Now all but obsolete due to the fact that the floppy disk's 1.44MB capacity has been massively overshadowed by the capacity of more compact data storage devices like USB flash drives and SD memory cards which can range from 256MB to 2GB and beyond. The vast majority of computers sold nowadays will have no floppy disk drive.
Firewall
A piece of hardware or software that will protect your system and files from internet 'hackers'. A firewall watches for and prevents attempts to access your computer from an unrecognised source.
Firmware
Read-only memory software on a hardware device as opposed to software that needs to be installed and configured. Firmware is often used to provide updates for hardware devices, such as codecs or bug-fixes.
Flatbed
A scanner in which the document is placed face-down on a glass bed as the imaging assembly moves.
Floppy Disk
A plastic 3.5" disk used for storing computer data; now all but obsolete due to the fact that its 1.44MB capacity has been massively overshadowed by the capacity of more compact data storage devices like USB flash drives and SD memory cards which can range from 256MB to 2GB and beyond. The vast majority of computers sold nowadays will have no floppy disk drive.
Footprint
A term used to define the size or ground space that a piece of equipment takes up.
FST Screen
Flatter Squarer Tube screen, a slightly more compact variation on the CRT monitor.

G-H

Gb
Gigabyte. A unit used to measure a computer's memory or file storage space. Equivalent to one billion bytes or a thousand megabytes.
GHz
Gigahertz. A unit used to measure the speed of a processor.
Hacker
A programmer who unlawfully accesses the hard drive of another computer, via the internet, and/or creates viruses. The creation of viruses, while annoying, can be a purely scientific exercise in programming but, more often than not, it will offer a way to access confidential information on a hacked computer. A hacker can use information stored on the computer to their advantage e.g. credit card fraud or identity theft.
Hard Disk
Or hard drive, the computer's storage area for all of your software, programs and files.
Hardware
The physical components of a PC setup.
Host
The primary computer to which a piece of hardware or peripheral device is connected.

I-J

IBM
International Business Machines Corporation, IBM is one of the largest manufacturers of computer components in the world. Its name is synonymous with the basic personal computer setup.
IMAC
A low-cost computer from Apple Macintosh, designed to win back old Mac users and first time computer buyers.
ICR
Intelligent Character Recognition. A feature which allows a scanner to recognise hand-printed characters. See also Optical Character Recognition.
Intel
Manufacturer of microprocessors for IBM-compatible machines and recently also Apple Macintosh systems.
Internet
The world-wide network of computers and servers linked through various types and speeds of telephony. The internet enables the sharing of information, media and services worldwide from the comfort of your own home.
iPod
An enormously successful portable MP3 player produced and marketed by Apple Macintosh.
ISP
Internet Service Provider.
JPEG
Joint Photographic Experts Group. JPEG is a common image file format.

K-L

KB
Kilobyte. A unit used to measure a computer's memory or file storage space. Equivalent to a thousand bytes.
Kbps
Kilobits per second, the unit by which the transfer of data online is recorded (see bit-rate).
LCD
Liquid Crystal Display. Often seen on calculators and digital watches. As a computer monitor, LCD displays are generally much thinner than CRT technology.

M-N

Mb
Megabyte. A unit used to measure a computer's memory or file storage space. It's equivalent to 1000 kilobytes or 1,000,000 bytes.
Memory
A larger memory means that your computer can run a greater number of programs at one time and more complicated software.
Memory Card
Versions include CompactFlash™, Memory Stick, Secure Digital, MultiMedia Card, XD Picture Card, Memory Stick duo and Mini SD. Allows you to transfer files such as digital photos from your camera to another device, like a printer or a PC, which is equipped with a suitable with a card reader.
MIPS Processor
Million Instructions Per Second.
Modem
Modulator-Demodulator. Allows you to connect to the internet via a phone line.
Motherboard
A circuit board at the heart of a computer, the motherboard carries the most crucial elements of a computer such as the processor and memory as well as connecting physically with other less crucial components such as sound cards etc.
MP3
An audio file format that digitally compresses and stores sound, saving more space than other formats by ignoring the upper and lower extremes of the audio track. Sound files downloaded from the internet are often in this format.
MP3 player
A data storage device, usually portable, which can be used to store and play audio files. The most common example is Apple's iPod
MPEG
Moving Picture Experts Group. A file format most usually employed for digital video and audio files.
MS-DOS
Microsoft Disk Operating System. MS-DOS was a popular operating system through the 1980s and formed the backbone of Microsoft's Windows operating system.

O-P

OCR
Optical Character Recognition. A feature that allows a scanner to recognise machine-printed characters. This means a document can be scanned and used in Microsoft Word or spreadsheet formats. See also Intelligent Character Recognition.
Offline
Anything not connected to, or not requiring connection to the internet. Can also refer to the functional status of the computer or a peripheral system.
Online
Refers to the state of being connected to the internet and all data to be found on the internet as opposed to documents only on your computer which can be accessed offline. Can also refer to the functional status of the computer or a peripheral system.
Operating System
Often abbreviated to OS, the operating system is software on your computer which manages your programs, peripheral connections and provides an interface for you to access files and perform tasks. The common standard for IBM-style computers is a Windows OS. The most recent available is called Vista. Alternative operating systems, such as Linux, are available but tend to be used by more technically minded computer users.
Orientation
The direction of a display or page: either horizontal ('landscape') or vertical ('portrait').
Parallel Port
Unlike a serial port, a parallel port means that several bits of data transmission occur at one time.
PCI
Peripheral Component Interconnect. A port on the motherboard which provides a connection for, and manages peripheral devices and components.
Peer-to-peer
A type of file sharing program which enables a group of internet users to download files from one another.
Peripheral
Any auxiliary device (such as a printer, digital camera or scanner) that works in exterior conjunction with a computer.
Pixel
An abbreviation of 'Picture Element'. This is the tiniest element of an image; a coloured dot. The ultimate image is made up of a large number of these pixels, each displaying a certain colour for a mosaic-like overall effect.
Pixel Depth
See Bit Depth
Plug and Play
Hardware or software that can be immediately used once installed, as opposed to those that require configuration.
Podcast
An audio broadcast made available in MP3 format for download, specifically to download to an MP3 player. Podcasts (the name being a conjunction of the words iPod and broadcast) are usually available by subscription.
PPM
Pages per minute. A measure of a printer's speed. See also CPM
Printer
A peripheral computer device used to print images and documents. The various versions include inkjet, bubblejet and laserjet.
Processor
Controls the speed at which your computer works - a high speed means less waiting time for things to happen. Dual processors combine the power of two processors at once for high performance results.

Q-R

(SD)RAM
(Synchronous Dynamic) Random Access Memory. The higher the RAM, the better the performance of your machine.
Refresh
In terms of internet usage, the Refresh function allows you to resend a request for information on the website you are looking at in order to display any changes that have occurred since you first loaded it up.
Resolution
The amount of pixels a monitor can display, measured horizontally and vertically. More pixels means a higher resolution and, as a result, a sharper image.
RGB
Red, Green, Blue. In electronic image display each pixel is made up of red, green and blue of varying intensities depending upon the colour required.
ROM
Read Only Memory. A type of memory in a PC drive that will read but not record - used with CD-ROMs, DVD ROMs, etc.

S-T

Scanner
A peripheral computer imaging device which converts analogue images (e.g. physical photographs and paper documents) to digital images like JPEGs.
SCSI
Small Computer Systems Interface is a fast, flexible way of connecting peripherals to your PC. The 'daisy chain' feature means that you can have several peripherals attached to each other and then to the computer.
SD memory card
Secure Digital memory card. A small, slim and popular memory card compatible with most digital appliances; cameras, camcorders etc. which can be used to transfer media or files onto a compatible computer.
Serial port
A connection that conducts one bit of data transmission at a time.
Simplex
A scanner that will read only one side of a page in a single pass, as opposed to a duplex.
Skype
A popular provider of VoIP services and software. Skype allows free calls between two systems using the technology.
SoundBlaster
Trademark for Creative Labs range of sound cards.
Sound Card
Allows a PC to record and play audio from different sound files. High quality sound cards will also guarantee a higher sound quality and in some cases enable features such as surround sound (audio hardware permitting).
TAM Interface
Telephone Answering Machine. An interface which allows connection of a TAM to a modem.
TFT Monitor
Thin Film Transistor. A very thin monitor that takes up very little space and has a small footprint.
TV Card
Allows television images to be viewed on a PC monitor.
TWAIN Interface
Allows you to scan an image directly into an application. Without this you would have to scan an image onto your PC and then copy it over to another application to manipulate the file. Many believe the acronym stands for Technology Without An Interesting Name while the company themselves insist the name derives from a Rudyard Kipling poem "The Ballad of East and West" suggesting the difficulties in connecting imaging hardware to a computer, which the interface was designed to overcome; "...never the twain shall meet."

U-V

Upload
The transmission of data from your computer to an outside source e.g. uploading one of your images onto a website or when using a peer-to-peer file sharing program, your files will be uploaded by others as you download from them.
USB
Universal Serial Bus. An interface between a computer and its peripherals. It allows you to connect equipment to your PC without needing to shut down or restart your computer. Much faster than parallel or serial ports, it exists in two versions: USB 1.1 (original version) and USB 2.0 (newer, faster and compatible with the original 1.1).
USB Flash Drive
A portable data storage device roughly comparable in physical size to a cigarette lighter. The USB flash drive (or UFD) has a male USB connection to connect to any computer quickly and easily.
VGA/SVGA
(Super) Video Graphics Array. Describes how red, green and blue data streams are passed between the computer and the display.
Video Conferencing
A real-time discussion, with images and sound, between two parties in different locations.
Virus
A self-replicating and usually malicious computer program. Similar types of programs often also referred to as viruses include Spyware; a program which monitors and can directly interfere with a user's interaction with their PC and Trojans; files which are downloaded under the guise of useful data or software and remain harmless until the file is activated. These types of files are one of the major risks to be considered in accessing the internet. See also Hacker
Vista
The latest operating system in the Windows line from Microsoft.
VoIP
Voice over Internet Protocol. A method by which telephone calls can be made through a computer using your internet connection. A popular provider is Skype.

W-X

Webcam
A camera linked to a computer, designed to take still or moving digital images and transmit them over the internet.
Website
Pages of interactive information published on the internet.
Wi-Fi
A play on the term Hi-Fi, Wi-Fi indicates a system with wireless connectivity, i.e. one that can connect to the internet without a physical connection to a phone line but by receiving a signal broadcast from a wireless internet point.
Windows
A series of operating systems produced by Microsoft, they are widely credited with making computing more accessible. Windows 95, 98, 2000, ME (Millennium Edition), XP and most recently, Vista.
WMA
Windows Media Audio, a windows-proprietary audio file format to compete with the MP3 format.
XP
Microsoft Windows XP. A recent operating system from Microsoft and the precursor to the latest; Windows Vista.

Y-Z