Course Glossary

The following definitions are meant to be short, informal, and relevant to the use of the term within this course. In most cases, links to more elaborate explanations are provided.

A

Access: A database program which is part of Microsoft Office. See also: Microsoft Access homepage.

Acrobat Reader: A program developed by Adobe for viewing nicely formatted documents called PDF files. See also: Acrobat, PDF (PC Webopaedia).

Alias: An icon which serves as a quick pointer to a file, printer, or other object. It saves the user from looking through various directories and sub-directories for a particular item. Known as a shortcut in Windows 95. See also: alias (PC Webopaedia).

Analog: Continuously varying physical (e.g. electrical, magnetic) values. Television signals, an audio cassette, and a old-style watch with hands are examples of analog information. Compare with: digital information. See also: analog (PC Webopaedia).

Apple: A personal computer hardware and software corporation. Founded in the 1970's, it has a reputation for innovation. Apple introduced the Macintosh computer in 1984. See also: Apple Computer (PC Webopaedia), Apple Corporation website.

Application Program: A computer program which aids the user in a particular task, such as word processing (e.g. Microsoft Word) or creating an electronic presentation (e.g. PowerPoint).

Attachment: A document or other computer file that is sent along with an email message. See also: attachment (PC Webopaedia).

B

Backup: To create an additional copy of a file, in case the original is destroyed. See also: backup (PC Webopaedia).

Bit: Stands for "binary digit", which can have a value of 0 or 1; the smallest unit of information in digital computer systems. Abbreviation: b.

Bullet: A small symbol used to begin each item in a list, as in the following example:

Item A
Item B
Item C

Byte: A group of 8 adjacent bits. Usually the amount of space required to store the binary value for one printed character. Abbreviation: B. See also; Byte (PC Webopaedia).

C

CD: "Compact Disc". A 12 cm optical disc used to store digital data, either audio or computer data. CD-ROM stands for "Compact Disc Read-Only Memory". Read only means that you can't write information back to them. The capacity of each disc is over 600 megabytes - equivalent to several hundred floppy disks. See also: Compact Disc (PC Webopaedia).

Clip Art: A collection of digital images which can be inserted into word processing files, electronic presentations, and other documents. See also: clip art (PC Webopaedia).

Chip: A tiny piece of semiconductor material containing electronic elements such as transistors. A typical chip is made of silicon, is less than 0.25 square inches, and can contain millions of microscopic components. Same as "Integrated Circuit". See also: Chip (PC Webopaedia).

Compression: reducing file size to save disk space or reduce download time. See also: File Compression (Online Course Notes), data compression (PC Webopaedia).

Computer: In the current sense of the word, a digital, programmable machine. See also: computer (PC Webopaedia).

CPU: "Central Processing Unit"; the main component in a computer where most calculations take place; the microprocessor. Names of common CPU's are Intel 486, Intel Pentium, PowerPC 603, PowerPC G3. See also: CPU (PC Webopaedia).

Cross-Platform: Software or hardware which functions identically with different computer operating systems. e.g. A Microsoft Word file can be used on both Macintosh and Windows systems. See also: cross-platform (PC Webopaedia).

D

Database: A collection of data organized so that it is quick and easy to access particular items in the set. For example, a library database might contain information about books, authors, patrons (borrowers), due dates of loaned books, fines, etc. A database contains one or more tables (files). Each table is subdivided into records (rows) and fields (columns). A particular record may be looked up quickly by designating important fields as keys. See also: database (PC Webopaedia).

Digital: Characterized by discontinuous (or discrete) units of data. The opposite of analog. e.g. Compare a digital watch with a traditional sweeping-hand watch. To digitize means to convert analog information into a digital form. e.g. Converting sound waves or printed images to computer binary data, i.e. ones and zeroes (bits). See also: digital (PC Webopaedia).

Directory: A catalog which organizes the names of computer files and sub-directories stored on a disk. Same as folder. See also: directory (PC Webopaedia).

Disc: This spelling of the word disk is often used when referring to optical discs such as compact discs.

Disk: A round, flat plastic or metal object, coated with a magnetic material, on which digital information can be recorded. Compare with: disc. See also: floppy disk, hard drive, disk (PC Webopaedia).

DOS: "Disk Operating System". Usually refers to MS-DOS (Microsoft DOS), which was for years the standard
operating system for IBM-compatible personal computers. See also: DOS (PC Webopaedia).

Download: Transfer files over a network from a file server to a local computer. Same as "get" or "receive". See also: download (PC Webopaedia).

E

Electronic Mail (Email): Messages transferred from one computer to another over a network. See also: e-mail (PC Webopaedia).

ERIC: Educational Resources Information Center, a great source of information for teachers. At the U of A, you can access the ERIC database via the web at: U of A ERIC website.

Eudora: One of the most widely used Internet email application programs. Eudora Light is free for academic use, while Eudora Pro (which has more advanced features) must be purchased. You can download a free copy from Qualcomm - Eudora Light or University of Alberta Computing & Network Services: Internet Software Homepage.

Excel: A spreadsheet program which is part of Microsoft Office. See also: Microsoft Excel homepage.

F

File: A collection of digital information that is given a name and stored permanently. An application program, a set of data referenced by a program, or a user-created document are all examples of files.

File Format: The definition of the order and type of data within a particular file type. See also: file format (PC Webopaedia).

Floppy Disk : A flexible plastic disk coated with magnetic material. The current common variety is a 3.5 inch disk encased in hard plastic. The older 5.25 inch variety used to "flop" a lot more because it was encased in a softer plastic jacket. See also:Floppy Disk (PC Webopaedia).

Folder: A catalog which organizes the names of computer files and sub-folders stored on a disk. Same as directory. See also: folder (PC Webopaedia).

Font: A design for displaying or printing characters. See also: font (PC Webopaedia).

Frames: 2 or more separate sections in a single web browser window. See also: frames (PC Webopaedia).

Frame Animation: A series of still images which provide the illusion of movement when displayed on the screen in sequence.

FTP: "File Transfer Protocol", a standard which enables computers to exchange files with each other across the Internet. See also: FTP (PC Webopaedia).

G

GIF: "Graphic Interchange Format", a common image file format on the Internet. GIF is limited to 256 colors and is appropriate for simpler digital drawings or paintings. More complex photo-type images often use JPEG instead. See also: GIF (PC Webopaedia).

Gigabyte: A billion bytes. Abbreviation: GB. See also: Gigabyte (PC Webopaedia).

GUI: "Graphical User Interface". A method of communicating between computer and user based on pointing to visual objects or commands. Common GUI's such as Microsoft Windows or Macintosh use a mouse to move a pointer on the computer screen. The pointer can select icons or menu items which represent commands or files. Older, less-intuitive interfaces (such as DOS) required the user to type in commands (which they memorized or looked up in a manual) to perform tasks on the computer. See also: Graphical User Interface (GUI) (PC Webopaedia).

H

Hard Drive: A digital storage device which contains one or more inflexible magnetic platters on which data can be recorded. It is sealed in a case; it is not removable. Compare with: removable disk.

Hardware: The physical components of a computer system or network. See also: hardware (PC Webopaedia).

Home Page: A World Wide Web display created by an individual or organization. Often refers specifically to the initial or main page displayed, which may provide links to other sub-pages.

HTML: "HyperText Markup Language"; the coding used to create hypertext documents for display on the World Wide Web. See also: HTML (PC Webopaedia).

HTTP: "HyperText Transfer Protocol"; a standard for transmitting hypertext documents over the Internet. See also: HTTP (PC Webopaedia).

Hyperlink: An item in a hypertext display which, when clicked on, leads to another hypertext display.

Hypermedia: The combination of multimedia and hypertext. See also: hypermedia (PC Webopaedia).

Hypertext: A method for displaying text in which certain highlighted items lead to further displays, when clicked on. See also: hypertext (PC Webopaedia).

I

IBM-Compatible: Functioning similarly to the IBM PC, for years the standard that many personal computers were based on.. See also: IBM PC (PC Webopaedia).

Icon: A small picture which represents a file or other object on the computer screen. See also: Icon (PC Webopaedia).

IE: Internet Explorer, a web browser developed by Microsoft. See also: Microsoft Internet Explorer homepage.

Internet: The vast network of computers connected globally via phone lines, fiber-optic cables, coaxial cables, microwave devices, satellites, or other methods of telecommunications. See also: Internet (PC Webopaedia).

J

JavaScript: A computer programming language which adds greater interactive capabilities to HTML documents. See also: JavaScript (PC Webopaedia).

JPEG: Stands for "Joint Photographic Experts Group"; a type of image file used mainly for detailed photographs with a lot of different colours. It uses compression to reduce file size and is very common on the Internet. Compare with: GIF. See also: JPEG (PC Webopaedia).

K

Kilobyte: A thousand bytes. Abbreviation: KB. See also: Kilobyte (PC Webopaedia).

L

LAN: "Local Area Network"; a collection of personal computers, usually within one building, which are interconnected with special cabling. These computers can share files, access other devices on the network such as printers, hard drives, or CD's, or obtain centralized Internet services. See also: local-area network (PC Webopaedia). Compare with: wide-area network (PC Webopaedia).

Laptop: a portable personal computer. e.g. Macintosh PowerBook or IBM ThinkPad. Same as notebook. See also: laptop computer (PC Webopaedia).

M

Macintosh: A line of personal computers first developed in 1984 by Apple Computer Corporation. They are known for their graphical user interface, and their ease of use. For many years they dominated the educational computer market.

Megabyte: A million bytes. Abbreviation: MB. See also: megabyte (PC Webopaedia).

Memory: Electronic circuitry where a computer operating system can temporarily store programs and data that it is processing. See also: memory (PC Webopaedia).

Menu: A list of options or commands, usually in the form of a rectangular box which drops down when the menu name is selected with the mouse. Moving the mouse to a menu item, and then clicking on it, executes a command. See also: menu (PC Webopaedia).

MHz: Abbreviation for "megahertz"; one million cycles per second. Used to measure the speed of computer components such as the microprocessor (CPU). e.g. 300 MHz Pentium processor. See also: MHz (PC Webopaedia).

Microsoft: Currently the world's largest vendor of personal computer software, including the Windows operating system, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), and the web browser Internet Explorer. See also: Microsoft (PC Webopaedia), Microsoft Corporation home page.

Microsoft Office: A suite (set) of application programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. See also: Microsoft Office homepage.

Modem: Acronym for modulator-demodulator; a device that allows a computer to transmit information over telephone lines by converting between digital and analog forms of data. See also: modem (PC Webopaedia).

Mouse: A device which allows a computer user to move the screen cursor or pointer. A mouse usually has one or more buttons on top, a ball on the bottom and a cable connecting the mouse to the computer. Movement of the mouse causes a relative change in cursor location. Clicking the button causes a screen item or command to be selected. See also: mouse (PC Webopaedia).

Multimedia: The integration of media such as text, graphics, animation, sound, and video. See also: multimedia (PC Webopaedia).

N

Netscape: A WWW browser program developed by Netscape Communications Corporation. See also: Netscape (PC Webopaedia).

Network: A system of interconnected computers. See also: network (PC Webopaedia).

Notebook: a portable personal computer. e.g. Macintosh PowerBook or IBM ThinkPad. Same as laptop. See also: notebook computer (PC Webopaedia).

O

OCR: "Optical Character Recognition"; using a scanner to digitize a printed document, converting it to an editable word processing file. See also: optical character recognition (PC Webopaedia).

Operating System: Software, such as MacOS or Microsoft Windows, which controls basic functioning of a computer system. Compare with: application software. See also: operating system (PC Webopaedia).

Optical Disc: A disk, such as a CD, which uses a laser beam to read or record information. Compare with: regular disks, which employ magnetism. See also: optical disk (PC Webopaedia).

P

PC: Acronym for personal computer, but usually refers specifically to machines which have evolved from IBM's first desktop computer developed in the 1980's: the IBM PC, as opposed to other platforms, such as the Macintosh. See also: IBM PC (PC Webopaedia).

PDF: Short for "Portable Document Format", a file format developed by Adobe for storing nicely formatted documents which will appear the same on any computer monitor or printer. See also: Acrobat, PDF (PC Webopaedia).

Personal Computer: A small computer designed for use by one person. All of the main components of the computer (CPU, memory, disk drives, keyboard, display screen, etc.) are usually located together. In larger computer systems, the CPU, memory, and disk drives are housed in a central location, and are connected via cabling to monitor/keyboards in various locations throughout a building, to support many simultaneous users. Note that this is different from a LAN. See also: personal computer (PC Webopaedia). Compare with: minicomputer, mainframe (PC Webopaedia).

Pixel: "Picture Element"; a single dot in a digital image. See also: pixel (PC Webopaedia).

PowerPoint: A electronic presentation (slide show) software package which is part of Microsoft Office. See also: Microsoft PowerPoint homepage.

Program: A set of instructions to be executed by a computer. Same as software.

Q

QuickTime: A multi-platform digital video and animation system developed by Apple. See also: QuickTime (PC Webopaedia).

R

RAM : "Random Access Memory"; computer memory which allows any item in it to be accessed directly without reading through other items. RAM is commonly used to mean "main memory", the memory available to programs. A computer with 32MB (megabytes) of RAM has about 32 million bytes of memory that programs can use. See also: RAM (PC Webopaedia).

Record: A collection of fields, describing a particular entity, which are stored in a table of similar records in a database. For example, a record in the book table of a library database might consist of several items of data (fields) about a particular book: title, ISBN, author, publisher, year published, etc. See also: record (PC Webopaedia).

Removable Disk: A disk that can be removed from a disk drive. Floppy, ZIP, and JAZ are examples of removable disks. Contrast with a traditional hard disk which is completely enclosed and is not removable. See also: removable hard disk (PC Webopaedia).

ROM: "Read Only Memory"; an area of a computer's memory which can be read from, but not altered. See also: CD, ROM (PC Webopaedia).

S

Scanner: A device which digitizes printed text or images so that they can be processed by a computer. See also: optical scanner (PC Webopaedia).

SCSI: "Small Computer System Interface"; a standard for attaching hard drives and other devices to computers. See also: SCSI (PC Webopaedia).

Server: A computer which provides a service to other computers on a network, such as managing a central storage area for files. See also: server (PC Webopaedia).

Shortcut: An icon which serves as a quick pointer to a file, printer, or other object. It saves the user from looking through various directories and sub-directories for a particular item. Known as an alias in MacOS. See also: shortcut (PC Webopaedia).

Software: A set of instructions to be executed by a computer. Same as program. Two main classifications of software are system software (e.g. operating systems such as MacOS or Microsoft Windows), which controls basic functioning of the computer, and application software (e.g. word processing or electronic mail programs) which people use directly to perform tasks. See also: software (PC Webopaedia).

Spreadsheet: A set of data arranged in rows and columns. Some cells contain raw data such as numbers or words, others represent calculations, such as the total of a column of numbers. See also: spreadsheet (PC Webopaedia).

T

Table: A set of similar records in a database. For example, a library database might contain a book table (containing one record describing each book in the library), a patron table (containing one record describing each person allowed to borrow books), etc. See also: table (PC Webopaedia).

TCP/IP: "Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol"; the standard for transmitting data over the Internet. See also: TCP/IP and IP Addresses (Online Course Notes), TCP/IP (PC Webopaedia).

Transition: A visual effect used when changing the screen from one display to another. e.g. when moving from one slide to another in a PowerPoint presentation, from one card to the next in a HyperStudio stack, or between different clips combined into a single video file.

U

UNIX: A multi-user operating system that is very common on Internet servers. The university's GPU is a text-based UNIX server. See also: UNIX (PC Webopaedia).

Upload: Transfer files over a network from a local computer to a file server. Same as "put" or "send". See also: upload (PC Webopaedia).

URL: "Uniform Resource Locator", the address of a resource which can be accessed over the Internet, such as a WWW page. See also: URL (PC Webopaedia).

V

Virtual Memory: Use of hard drive space to serve as additional memory. When a computer has limited RAM, this can be used, but it is much slower than real RAM, since access to a disk is much slower than access to memory chips. See also: virtual memory (PC Webopaedia).

VRAM: "Video RAM"; special memory chips which store the screen display. See also: VRAM (PC Webopaedia).

W

Web Browser: An application program which enables the user to search for and view World Wide Web sites. e.g. Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer. See also: browser (PC Webopaedia).

Window: A rectangular portion of the screen which contains a particular document or program display. In current graphical-based computer systems, several windows can be available simultaneously. The user is free to move, resize, hide, or show any window. See also: window (PC Webopaedia).

Windows: A family of personal computer operating systems developed by Microsoft Corporation. Windows 95 is currently the world's most prevalent system. An older version was known as Windows 3.1. Windows NT is a more robust system intended for more demanding users. See also: Microsoft Windows, Windows 95, Windows NT (PC Webopaedia).

Winsock: Stands for "Windows Socket"; software which enables Microsoft Windows application programs to do telecommunications using the TCP/IP protocol. See also: Winsock (PC Webopaedia).

Word: A word processing program which is part of Microsoft Office. See also: Microsoft Word homepage.

Word Processing: Computerized creation and revision of printable documents. See also: word processing (PC Webopaedia).

WWW: Stands for "World Wide Web"; the large global collection of Internet servers which support hypertext documents coded in HTML, and transferred via HTTP. See also: World Wide Web (PC Webopaedia).

X

Y

Yahoo!: Acronym for "Yet Another Hierarchical Officious Oracle"; a WWW directory which categorizes web pages, it is one of the Internet's leading search tools. See also: Yahoo (PC Webopaedia), Yahoo home page.

Z

ZIP Disk: A 3.5-inch removable disk capable of storing 100 megabytes of data. Requires a special disk drive, the ZIP Drive, developed by the Iomega corporation. See also: Zip drive (PC Webopaedia).