1. Glossary of Computer terms:
1. Accounting application software. Computer
programs and related documentation that are
used to perform the data processing for such
accounting tasks as preparing payroll checks or
maintaining accounts receivable files.
Accounting software is application software that records
and processes accounting transactions within functional
modules such as accounts payable, accounts receivable,
payroll, and trial balance.
2. ADA. A high-level programming language
named after Lady Ada Augusta Byron that was
developed for the Department of Defense and
primarily is used for specialized control systems.
3. Address. A number used to designate a location
in memory.

2. 4. Address register. Locates where instructions and
data are stored in memory.
5. Advanced microcomputer. A state-of-the-art
microcomputer, typically used by business or in
education or research applications, that has such
advanced features as a hard disk, a large
expandable memory, and the ability to accept a
large number of peripheral devices.
6. Analog computer. A device that transforms,
manipulates, or stores data in analog forms -- for
example, electrical voltage in vacuum tubes.
7. Analytical graphics. Traditional line graphs, bar
charts, and pie charts used to illustrate and
analyze data.
8. APL. An acronym for "A Programming
Language." This is a high-level programming
language developed to express complex

3. mathematical expressions in compact formats
and used for scientific purposes
9. Application programs. Computer programs that
perform end-user applications such as
accounting or word processing (as opposed to
operating-system or utility-program chores).
10. Arithmetic-logic unit (ALU). The portion of the
CPU used for arithmetic operations (e.g.,
addition, subtraction, multiplication, and
division) and logic operations (e.g., comparing
numbers to see if they are equal).
11. Arithmetic operations. Mathematical
calculations performed on data by the ALU.
12. Artificial intelligence. The study and use of
computers to replicate or improve upon such
intelligent human thought processes as reasoning
or learning.

4. 13. ASCII. American Standard Code for
Information Interchange. This is a common
binary code in use today. A coding scheme using
7-bit characters to represent data characters.
14. Assembler. A program that translates assembly
language programs into machine language so
that the computer can execute the instructions.
15. Assembly language. A machine-dependent,
second-level programming language. Each
instruction typically consists of a name or label
field, an operation code, an operand, and a
comment field.
16. Attribute. Column of a relation in a relational
database.
17. Audio input. The use of sound to input data to a
computer.

5. 18. Audio response output. Computerized output
that is translated into sounds or spoken
language.
19. Auto-answer. Automatic answering by a modem
of incoming calls from another modem.
20. Automated report generation. A data base
management system's ability to format, adjust,
print, and re-create printed output.
21. Automatic teller machine (ATM). Machines at
banks that process inputs and outputs -- for
example, using magnetic strips affixed to cards.
22. Background mode. The ability of a computer
program to execute certain instructions without
user interaction, thereby freeing the computer
for some more immediate ("foreground") chore.

6. 23. Backup copy. A second copy of a computer
program or file that is used in case the original
copy is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.
24. Backup procedures. Procedures for copying data
and programs onto spare magnetic disks or
magnetic tapes to provide security.
25. Band printer. A line-at-a-time, impact printer.
The characters of this printer are embossed on a
metallic band and output an entire line at one
time.
26. Bar code reader. An input device that interprets
bar codes such as the universal product code
(UPC) found on supermarket items and inputs
the data as digitized information to a computer.
27. Bar graph. A type of graph or picture that uses
bars or heavy lines to depict data relationships.

7. 28. BASIC. A high-level programming language
that is easy to learn, yet possesses great power in
writing formulas expressing input/output
instructions. BASIC stands for Beginner's All-
Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code.
29. Batch processing. Processing data in a group, or
batch, as opposed to processing data singly in
real time. Typically, the data is collected over
time and processed periodically when the use of
a computer is likely to be cost effective.
30. Bi-directional printing. The ability of the print
head of a printer to print in both a forward and
backward direction.
31. Binary code. A code composed of a set number
of bits in which each different combination of
bits is used to represent a different character
(e.g., EBCDIC).

8. 32. Binary coded decimal (BCD) code. A binary
code that uses six bits to represent letters and
numbers.
33. Binary digit (bit). The fundamental unit of
storage in all digital computers. A binary digit
has two settings, conventionally represented by
"0" and "1".
34. Bit. The fundamental unit of storage in all digital
computers. A binary digit has two settings,
conventionally represented by "0" and "1".
35. Bit-mapping. Graphics in which picture
elements (pixels) are controlled by a
corresponding bit in computer memory. Each bit
in memory is turned on or off as needed to make
the associated screen pixel appear light or dark.
36. Blocked records. Two or more logical file
records that have been groups together to form

9. one physical record. When used on magnetic
disk or tape, blocked records are separated form
each other by interrecord gaps.
37. Boilerplate (word processing). Reports, form
letters, and other prewritten documents that can
be coordinated with mailing lists and other
variable information to produce personalized
hard-copy output.
38. Bold declaration. The imbedding of print-control
characters in a word-processing document to
make the text appear darker on a printed page.
39. Bold face. Printing of characters or words in
darker type than the surrounding characters or
words.
40. Boolean operator (in data base programs). An
instruction that enables users to create more

10. complex criteria for file searchers (e.g., OR,
AND, or NOT).
41. Booting. Loading an operating system or
application program into computer memory and
then transferring control to it for execution.
42. Branching. A decision point in a program where
the processing logic much choose among tow or
more paths.
43. Broadband channel. Data communications
channels that are capable of transmitting large
amounts of data. Broadband channels include
coaxial cables, microwaves, communication
satellites, and optical fibers.
44. Bubble memory. A garnet chip inclosing one or
more thin layers of magnetic film. A bubble
represents the presence of a bit and the lack of a
bubble represents the absence of a bit.

11. 45. Buffer memory. Temporary memory that is used
to hold (buffer) input or output. This frees the
CPU for other tasks.
46. Byte. A 8-bit group used to represent a single
letter, number, or special symbol in a computer.
47. C. A sophisticated programming language
invented by Bell Labs in 1974.
48. CAD. Computer-assisted design.
49. CAM. Computer-assisted manufacturing.
50. Cathode ray tube (CRT). The major component
of a visual display terminal and one that closely
resembles the picture tube of a television screen.
51. Cell (in a spreadsheet). A memory location in a
spreadsheet identified by its row and column
coordinates and that is used to store labels,
numbers, formulas, or instructions.

12. 52. Cell referencing. Spreadsheet formulas that use
the addresses of other cells (e.g., B4) as
arguments.
53. Central processing unit (CPU). A device that
performs the actual data processing tasks of a
computer system.
54. Chain address. A data field in an index or record
that contains the disk address of a related record.
A chain address is also commonly called a
pointer address.
55. Chain printer. An impact printer that can
assemble an entire output line at one time.
Multiple sets of character are arranged on a
chain much like a bicycle chain
56. Channel. A data communications path through a
medium that data can take to accomplish a
communications task.

13. 57. Character. A letter, number, or special character
(such as $).
58. Character addressable. Refers to computers that
address data as a series of single characters.
59. Character-at-a-time printers. Printers that only
print one character at a time; often called serial
printers.
60. Clipboard. A temporary holding area where data
is stored when being transferred between
software applications in an integrated software
package.
61. Clone. A personal computer that closely imitates
the operation and architecture of the IBM
Personal Computer
62. Closed architecture. Personal computer design
that limits add-ons to those that can be plugged
into the back of the machine.

14. 63. COBOL. A high-level programming language
that uses instructions resembling English
statements and imposes an overall framework
for a program. COBOL stands for COmmon
Business Oriented Language.
64. Coding. The process of writing instructions for a
computer program in a specific language (e.g.,
BASIC or COBOL).
65. Command-driven system. The opposite of
menu-driven software -- in other words,
application software that requires the user to
memorize commands rather than select options
from a screen menu.
66. Command menu. The menu of commands in an
applications software program such as Lotus 1-
2-3.

15. 67. Command program (in a data base). A program
designed by a user to manipulate computer file
data within a data base management system
using the DBMS's command language.
68. Compacted printing. The ability of a printer to
compress print characters so that more of them
can be printer in the same horizontal space -- for
example, to print 132 characters in the space
normally used for 80 characters.
69. Compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM).
Optical data storage technology using disk
formats identical to audio compact disks.
70. Compiler. A program that translates high-level
programming language instructions into
machine code.
71. Compressed printing. The ability of a printer to
compress print characters so that more of them

16. can be printer in the same horizontal space -- for
example, to print 132 characters in the space
normally used for 80 characters.
72. Computer. An electronic device with the ability
to (1) accept user-supplied data, (2) input, store,
and execute programmed instructions, (3)
perform mathematical and logic operations, and
(4) output results according to user
specifications.
73. Computer-assisted design (CAD). A
computerized application used primarily for
research and design of new products.
74. Computer-assisted manufacturing (CAM). A
computerized application used by industrial
manufacturers to produce products.
75. Computer branch exchange (CBX). Telephone
equipment such as PBX's or PABX's that are

17. used to create a computer network with data-
over-voice modems connected to standard
telephone jacks.
76. Computer hardware. Computer equipment such
as a CPU, disk drives, CRT, or printer.
77. Computer program. A set of instructions that a
computer can execute to accomplish a data
processing task
78. Computer software. Programs that instruct a
computer how to process data and
documentation that explains how these programs
should be used.
79. Control unit. The component of the central
processing unit responsible for fetching,
interpreting, and supervising the execution of the
instructions of computer programs.

18. 80. Copy command (in spreadsheet). A spreadsheet
option that allows users to copy existing
formulas into other, unoccupied cells.
81. Copy protection. A software or hardware block
that make it difficult or impossible to make
unauthorized copies of software.
82. Correspondence quality printing. The print
quality of dot-matrix printers that occurs when a
second printing pass is completed to fill in the
spaces between the dots made by the first pass.
83. CP/M. An abbreviation for "Control
Program/Microcomputers." This is an operating
system developed by Digital Research
Corporation to run on 8-bit microcomputers
84. CPU. Central processing unit.
85. CRT. Cathode ray tube.

19. 86. Cursor. A tiny rectangle, dash, or line on a
display screen that indicates where the user will
input data.
87. Cursor-control keys (keyboard). Keys on
terminal or microcomputer keyboards, usually
designated with arrows, that position the screen
cursor up, down, right or left.
88. Cut and paste. A word-processing term meaning
to move text from one place to another within a
document.
89. Daisywheel printer. A serial, impact printer that
uses a plastic or metal typing element to create
characters on paper in a way similar to certain
typewriters.
90. Data. A single fact, figure, or statistic that, out of
context, often lacks meaning. Data is not
analogous with information (data which has

20. been processed and placed in a proper
conceptual framework is referred to as
information).
91. Data base. A set of one or more computer files
that is used by one or more application programs
and that minimizes data redundancy.
92. Data base management system (DBMS). Special
computer programs that enable users and
application programs to create, maintain,
manipulate, and retrieve file data and create
useful reports.
93. Data field. The set of characters comprising a
data item in a filed record (e.g., employee name,
employee address, or employee social security
number).

21. 94. Data input screen. A template or model that is
used to enter data for a programming
application.
95. Data redundancy. Duplicate information that
typically gets created on the files of related
computer applications.
96. Data transcription. The process of converting
source documents into machine-readable format
for computer processing.
97. Data transmission. The process of sending data
from one location to another location within a
computer or between computers and/or
equipment.
98. DBMS. Data base management system.
99. Dedicated computer. A computer specially
configured to perform a single, data-processing

22. function such as performing security tasks at a
computer center.
100. Dedicated word processing system. A
microcomputer or minicomputer that is
developed, marketed, and used primarily for
word processing applications.
101. Desktop publishing. The use of specialized
hardware and software to crate professional-
looking, high-quality text and graphics -- for
example, an in-house weekly newspaper
containing feature stories and maps of the local
region.
102. Digital computer. A device whose fundamental
unit of storage is the binary digit or bit.
103. Digitizer. A device that converts analog input
into digital data.

23. 104. Digitizing tablet. A graphics input device that
allows the user to create images. It has a special
stylus that can be used to draw or trace images,
which are then converted to digital data that can
be processed by the computer.
105. Direct access storage device (DASD). A device
such as a magnetic disk that is able to assign a
unique address to each data record.
106. Direct file organization. Organization of records
so each is individually accessible.
107. Direct file processing. Processing that allows the
user to access the record wanted directly by
using a record key.
108. Directory (disk). A disk's table of contents,
which stores the name of files stored on the disk
and the sector locations where the starting record
for each file can be found.

24. 109. Disk drive. A device used to read data from, and
write data to, a magnetic disk.
110. Documentation. Written or displayed
information that explains how computer
programs should be used.
111. Dot command. An instruction or command
beginning with a period or dot.
112. Dot-matrix printer. A serial, impact printer that
creates characters out of a "grid" or matrix of
tiny dots.
113. Double-density diskette. A floppy disk that can
store twice as many characters (about 360k) as a
single-density disk.
114. Double-sided diskette. A floppy disk that can
store data on both of its sides.
115. Downloading data. Transferring files, programs,
or other data from a larger mainframe or

25. minicomputer to a smaller minicomputer or
microcomputer.
116. Draft quality printing. The relatively poor print
quality created by the first pass of a dot-matrix
printer.
117. Drum plotter. A hard-copy-producing device
that creates plotted or graphic output and that
uses a single arm to move a pen across its
cylindrical, or drum, writing surface. The drum
moves the paper forward and backward to
enable the pen to draw in any vertical direction.
This type of plotter is normally very expensive
and used in conjunction with large scale
computing operations.
118. Dumb terminal. A computer terminal that cannot
be programmed to perform the "intelligent"
tasks of a smart terminal.

26. 119. Dvorak keyboard. A keyboard designed to be
more efficient than the QWERTY keyboard, but
one that has not gained popular use.
120. Dynamic partitioning. The ability of a computer
operating system to divide the memory of the
CPU into portions of varying sizes as needed to
efficiently store several programs.
121. EBCDIC. Extended Binary Coded Decimal
Interchange Code is a common binary code in
use today. Established by IBM and used in IBM
mainframe computers.
122. Eight-bit microcomputer. A microcomputer
whose microprocessor can process only eight
bits, or one byte, of data at a time.
123. Electron gun. The electronic component in a
cathode ray tube (CRT), such as a television or
monitor, that aims a stream of electrons against

27. the screen's phosphor elements, thereby creating
a screen image.
124. Electronically altered PROM (EAPROM). A
programmable read-only chip that can be
electronically erased and reprogrammed.
125. Electronically erased PROM (EEPROM). A
programmable read-only chip that can be
electronically erased and reprogrammed.
126. Electronic bulletin board. A file that is
accessible to the users of a local area network
and typically contains notices of current interest
such as advertisements, messages, and
announcements.
127. Electronic mail. The use of a computer for
personal or business communications, in which
users leave short, written message in each other's
computer "mail boxes".

28. 128. Electronic spreadsheet (ESS). A software
program that creates a large number of cells,
each of which can be referenced by its row and
column coordinates. Because cells can store
alphabetic or numeric data, formulas, or macro
instructions, spreadsheet users can create many
different types of worksheets electronically
129. Emulation. The use of special control programs
to make a new computer system "act" like an
older one, thus enabling a business to execute its
older programs while software conversion takes
place.
130. Encryption. The process of scrambling
computerized data using a predefined formula or
algorithm in order to protect it during
transmission or storage.

29. 131. End user. Usually nontechnical individuals who
use computer resources to accomplish daily
tasks.
132. Erasable programmable read only memory
(EPROM). A programmable read only memory
that can be erased and programmed with special
devices.
133. Erasable read only memory (EROM). A type of
read only memory that can be erased by
exposure to ultraviolet light.
134. Execution time (E-time). The portion of one
machine cycle needed by a CPU's supervisory-
control unit to execute an instruction.
135. Expansion card. Electronic components that
have been wired onto a flat board and that slip
into an expansion slot of a microcomputer.

30. 136. Field. A set of character spaces reserved for a
specified data item (such as an employee's last
name) in a computer record. A set of related
characters
137. FIFO. First-in, first-out. First-in, first-out
(FIFO). A method of prioritizing job requests in
which the first user to request service gets it.
138. File. A set of computer records that have been
stored together on tape or disk for some
common data processing purpose. A collection
of related records.
139. File management program. A program that
allows the user to enter data on forms and make
requests for particular types of data items.
140. Firmware. Computer software that has been
permanently installed into a computer, and that

31. performs tasks normally associated with
computer hardware.
141. First-generation programming language. A
machine language written in binary code and
stored in primary memory.
142. Fixed disk. A disk drive whose disk pack has
been permanently mounted.
143. Fixed-length record. A computer record that
uses the same amount of space as every other
record on the file.
144. Flat panel display screen. A liquid crystal
display (LCD) screen that contains a grid of
luminescent substances which glow when
excited by electricity.
145. Floppy disk. A flexible mylar disk often used
as secondary storage and commonly called a
diskette.

32. 146. Flowchart. The pictorial representation of an
orderly step-by-step solution to a problem.
147. Font. The typestyle used in printing a
document -- e.g., Roman, gothic, pica, or elite.
148. Footers. The lines of text that appear at the
bottom of every page of a word-processing
document.
149. Foreground mode. Computer processing that is
immediately controllable by the user. The
opposite of foreground mode is background
mode.
150. Formula (in spreadsheets). A calculation to be
performed and stored in certain cells, typically
using data from other cells.
151. Formula Display (in spreadsheets). A
spreadsheet's ability to display the actual
formula programmed in a particular cell
instead of the value the formula computes.
152. FORTRAN (FORmula TRANslator). The first

33. high level language, introduced in 1954 by
IBM; it is scientifically oriented.
153. Full-screen display. The ability to use 80
columns and 25 lines on a video display
screen.
154. Function keys. Special keys programmed to
execute commonly-used commands which are
usually labeled "F1", "F2", etc.
155. Gantt chart. A bar chart commonly used to
depict schedule deadlines and milestones.
156. General-purpose register. A register used for
several functions, such as arithmetic and
addressing purposes.
157. Gigabyte (GB). One billion bytes.
158. GIGO. Garbage in, garbage out: The quality of
the output is directly dependent on the quality
of the input.
159. Graphics printer. A printer such as a dot-
matrix printer that is capable of preparing

34. graphics (such as charts or drawings) as well
as text output.
160. Graphics system. A set of computer hardware
and software for creating, storing,
manipulating, changing, and outputting
graphics images.
161. Graphics terminal. A terminal with the ability
to produce pictures, line drawings, graphs,
charts, and other pictorial displays in
numerous eye-pleasing formats, often in color.
162. Grid chart. A row-and-column chart
commonly used in the systems analysis phase
of a computer project to document input and
output specifications.
163. Hard-copy output. Computer output that is
permanent -- for example, output that is
printed or graphed on paper.
164. Hard disks. 5 inch or 3 1/2 - inch Winchester
disks in sealed modules.

35. 165. Hardware. The computer and its associated
equipment.
166. Head crash. An accident caused by a
read/write head touching (crashing) the disk,
and which destroys the heads, disks, and data
stored on the disk.
167. Headers. The lines of text that appear at the
top of every page of word processing
documents.
168. Help facility. A computer program's ability to
provide users with on-screen explanations of
system commands, formatting conventions, or
usage techniques. A help facility is typically
accessed by typing a function key -- for
example, the F1 key.
169. Help key. A function key that enables a user to
obtain additional explanatory information on
the input requirements or acceptable codes of

36. an application program.
170. Hexadecimal number system. A number
system that uses 16 symbols to represent data.
171. Hierarchical model. A database model in
which records in a file are associated in a one-
to-many, or parent-child, relationship.
172. High-level languages. English-like
programming languages developed after the
development of symbolic languages.
173. IBM 360. The first third-generation computer.
It was characterized by use of integrated
circuits, was a general-purpose family of
computers, and supported user migration
through consistent instruction sets.
174. Icon. A small figure on the computer screen
that represents a computer activity.
175. Impact printer. A printer that forms characters
by physically striking the paper.
176. Indexed file organization. Combination of

37. sequential and direct file organization.
177. Indexed sequential access method (ISAM). A
method of file organization in which records
are stored sequentially but the location of these
records is stored in one or more indexes.
178. Ink Jet printer. A serial, non-impact printer that
forms characters by spraying a very fine jet of
magnetically charged ink through a nozzle.
179. Interpreter. A program that translates and
executes high-level languages on instruction at a
time.
180. Interrupt. Condition that causes normal program
processing to be suspended temporarily.
181. Joy stick. A graphics input device that allows
fingertip control on a CRT screen.
182. Key. Unique identifier for a record.
183. Keyboard. A common input device similar to
the keyboard of a typewriter.
184. Kilobyte (KB). 1024 bytes or 8192 bits.
185. Labels (in spreadsheets). Headings, row titles,

38. and other alphabetic text in a spreadsheet.
186. LAN. Local area network.
187. Laser memory. A type of secondary storage that
uses a pit etched in a plastic medium by a laser.
Also called videodisks.
188. Laser printer. A printer that uses a light beam to
transfer images to paper.
189. Letter-quality printer. A printer, such as a daisy
wheel, ink jet or laser printers, that produces
high-quality output.
190. Light pen. A graphics input device that allows
the user to interact directly with the computer
screen.
191. Line printer. A printer that assembles all
characters on a line at one time and prints them
out practically simultaneously.
192. Liquid crystal display (LCD). The flat display
screen found on laptop computers.
193. Local area network (LAN). A network designed
to share data and resources among several

39. computers.
194. Logical operations. Comparing operations. The
ALU is able to compare numbers, letters, or
special characters and take alternative courses of
action.
195. Logic function. A predefined spreadsheet
formula that is normally used to test data for a
specific condition -- for example, an IF test.
196. Logic operations. The ability to compare two
pieces of data to determine if they are equal or
which is larger.
197. Looping. The process of executing the same
instructions over and over.
198. Low-level programming language. A computer
programming language such as machine
language or assembly language requiring
instructions to be written at a very detailed,
hardware-dependent level.
199. Machine language. The lowest level of language

40. that represents information as 1s and 0s. A first
generation computer language.
200. Magnetic disk. An oxide-coated disk on which
data is recorded as magnetic spots.
201. Magnetic-ink character recognition. A method
of machine-reading characters made of
magnetized particles. Used by banks for check
processing.
202. Mailing list. A computerized file of names and
addresses that is used to distribute printed
documents.
203. Mail merge. A word processing option that
enables users to merge the variable information
(such as name and address information) of one
file with the standard information of a memo,
letter, or other document stored in a second file.
204. Mainframe computer. A fully configured
computer intended for substantial, high-volume
data processing. It contains large primary

41. memory, substantial processing capabilities, the
ability to attach numerous peripheral devices,
and data communication capabilities.
205. Megabyte (MB or M). One million bytes of
computer storage.
206. Megahertz. Millions of cycles per second -- a
measure of the processing speed of a
microprocessor.
207. Memory. The electronic circuitry that
temporarily holds data and program instructions
needed by the CPU.
208. Menu. A set of processing choices displayed on
a computer display screen.
209. Menu-driven. Systems that give users of video
terminals a list of selections and prompts from
which to make choices. Menu-driven systems
are usually considered user-friendly systems.
210. Microcomputer. The smallest and least-
expensive computer. Often called a lap-top

42. microcomputer, personal computer, or portable
microcomputer.
211. Microprocessor. A chip in a microcomputer that
contains the arithmetic/logic and control
functions. The speed of a microprocessor is
measured in megahertz.
212. Microsecond. One millionth of a second.
213. Microwave. High-frequency radio waves that
can transmit data signals up to 40 miles
214. Minicomputer. A computer that is larger than a
microcomputer and less powerful than a
mainframe computer.
215. MIPS. MIPS stands for millions of instructions
per second -- a method of measuring the
computational speed of microprocessor chips.
216. Modem. A data communications device
standing for "modulator-demodulator" and
which translates digital signals into analog ones
(and vice versa).

43. 217. Monitor. A video display screen commonly
used with microcomputers and graded by its
display size, display resolution, graphics
capabilities, and ability to display outputs in a
single color (monochrome) or several colors.
218. Monochrome. A computer screen that displays
information in only on color on a black or dark
background.
219. Mother board. The major physical connector for
the expansion slots of a microcomputer and also
the electronic components into which cards are
installed.
220. Mouse. A small box with a round ball on the
bottom and one or more depression-switches on
the top. It is attached to a terminal or
microcomputer by a cable and commonly used
to draw figures or point to menu choices on a
CRT screen.

44. 221. MS-DOS. A disk operating system developed
for microcomputers by Microsoft, Inc. that
resides on a floppy disk instead of primary
memory.
222. Multiplexer. A data communications device that
allows several users to share communication
channels.
223. Multitasking. A microcomputer or operating
system's ability to perform several tasks
concurrently -- for example, through the use of
several active onscreen "windows".
224. Nibble. Half a byte or four bits.
225. Nonimpact printer. Printers that do not use page
striking to create images. Examples are ink jet
printers and laser printer.
226. Numerical key pad. A ten-key pad on a
keyboard used to enter numerical data.
227. Object code (object program). Computer
program instructions that have been translated

45. into machine language.
228. OCR. Optical character recognition.
229. Octal numbering system. A number system
based on eight symbols.
230. On-screen editing. The ability to change screen-
displayed data -- for example, by using the
backspace key and retyping -- in order to correct
mistakes or change input.
231. Operating system. A set of programs through
which a computer manages its own resources.
232. Optical-character recognition (OCR) devices.
Input devices that use a light source to read
special characters and convert them to electrical
signals to be sent to the CPU.
233. Optical read-only memory (OROM). Optical
storage media that cannot be written to but can
be used to supply software or data.
234. Optical-recognition system. A system that
converts optical marks, optical characters,

46. handwritten characters, and bar codes into
electrical signals to be sent to the CPU.
235. Output. Raw data that has been processed into
usable information.
236. Output devices. Devices, such as printers, that
make processed information available for use.
237. Page formatting. The margins and other print
settings in a word processing system, DBMS, or
other software package that enable users to
create useful and convenient printed output.
Many packages also enable users to store these
setting in separate files (style sheets) for later
use.
238. Parallel data processing. The ability of a
computer to execute several instructions
concurrently instead of sequentially.
239. Parallel data transmission. The simultaneous
transmission of bits along several wires.
240. Parameters (in spreadsheets). Values in

47. spreadsheets that remain constant for any single
analysis but that can be varied in subsequent
analyses.
241. PASCAL. A high-level programming language
widely used in such academic disciplines as
computer sciences and engineering. Pascal
instructions are simple to express and impose
structure upon programming logic.
242. PC-DOS. A special version of the MS-DOS
operating system developed for IBM
microcomputers.
243. Pico second. One trillionth of a second.
244. Pixel. Picture element on a computer display
screen.
245. Presentation graphics. High-quality business or
educational graphics designed to allow the user
to share information with others.
246. Processor. The central processing unit (CPU) of
a computer

48. 247. Program. A set of step-by-step instructions that
directs a computer to perform specific tasks and
produce certain results.
248. Programming language. A set of rules that
instructs a computer what operations to perform.
249. PROM. Programmable read-only memory.
250. Prompt. A signal that the computer or operating
system is waiting for a command from the user.
251. Protocol. A set of rules for the exchange of data
between a terminal and a computer or between
two computers.
252. Psuedocode. An English-like way of
representing structured programming control
structures.
253. QWERTY keyboard. The standard keyboard
used on most conventional typewriters and
computer terminals.
254. RAM disk. A chip that lets the computer regard
part of its memory as an additional disk drive.
255. Random-access memory (RAM). Memory that

49. provides volatile temporary storage for data and
program instructions
256. Read-only memory (ROM). Memory that can be
read only and remains after the power is turned
off. Non-volatile memory.
257. Record. A collection of related fields.
258. Refreshed. refers to the maintenance of the
image on a CRT screen.
259. Register. A temporary storage area for
instructions or data.
260. Relational data base. A data base that relies on
external tables or indexes for storing and
retrieving file information.
261. Resolution. Clarity of a video display screen or
on the printed page.
262. Retrieval. Recovery of data stored in a computer
system.
263. RGB monitor. Refers to red, green, and blue
colors which are used to produce color video
images on the video screen.

50. 264. Screen. A television-like output device that
displays data and output.
265. Scrolling. A word processing feature that allows
the user to view any part of the document on the
screen in 20-line chunks.
266. Search and replace. A word processing function
that finds and changes each instance of a
repeated item.
267. Secondary storage. Additional storage for data
and programs that is separate from the CPU and
memory.
268. Semiconductor. A crystalline substance that
conducts electricity when it is "doped" with
chemical impurities.
269. Semiconductor storage. Data storage on a
silicon chip.
270. Sequential file organization. Organization of
records in sequential order by key.
271. Shell. An operating environment layer that

51. separates the operating system from the user.
272. Single-density diskette. A floppy disk capable
of storing a limited amount of data -- e.g., less
than 100L of data per side.
273. Single-sided diskette. A floppy disk that can
only be recorded on one side.
274. Software. Instructions that tell a computer what
to do.
275. Sort. An operation that arranges data into a
particular sequence.
276. Sort key field. The data field in each computer
record of a file that is used to sequence the
records themselves -- for example, employee's
social security numbers in payroll records.
277. Source document. Original paper containing
data to be prepared as input to a computer.
278. Speech recognition. The process of presenting
input data to the computer through the spoken
word.
279. Spelling checker program. A word processing

52. program that checks the spelling in a document.
280. Spooling. A process in which files to be printed
are placed temporarily on disk.
281. Spreadsheet. A worksheet divided into rows and
columns that can be used to organize and
present business data.
282. Storage register. A register that temporarily
holds data taken from or about to be sent to
memory.
283. Supercomputer. The largest and most powerful
category of computers (i.e., Cray II).
284. Synchronous transmission. Data transmission in
which characters are transmitted together in a
continuous stream.
285. Syntax errors. Errors in use of programming
language.
286. Tab settings. Right and left margin and "ruler
settings" settings in a word processing program
that designates the horizontal positions where

53. the cursor should align when the "tab" key on
the keyboard is depressed.
287. Template (in spreadsheets). A skeleton or data
outline in a spreadsheet, containing the
appropriate labels and formulas of a required
report but lacking variable user information.
288. Terminal. A device that consists of an input
device, an output device, and a communications
link to the main terminal.
289. Thesaurus program. With a word processing
program, this program provides a list of
synonyms and antonyms for an overused word
in a document.
290. Touch pad. A computer input device consisting
of a flat pad with a special pin and an
electronically sensitive grid.
291. Touch screen. A computer screen that accepts
input data by letting the user point at the screen
to select a choice.

54. 292. Track. On disk, one of many data-holding
concentric circles.
293. Translator. A program that translates
programming language into machine language.
294. UNIVAC I (UNIVersal Automatic Computer).
The first computer built for business purposes.
295. UNIX. A generic multiuser, time-sharing
operating system developed in 1971 at Bell
Labs.
296. Update. Keeping files current by changing data
as appropriate.
297. Uploading data. The transfer of data from a
small microcomputer or minicomputer to a
larger minicomputer or mainframe computer.
298. User friendly. Refers to software that is easy for
a novice to use.
299. Utility programs. Programs that perform routine
file conversions and sort/merge operations.
300. Vacuum tube. An electronic tube used as a basic
component in the first generation of computers

55. 301. Variable length. Refers to records containing
different numbers of character.
302. Video display terminal (VDT). A terminal with
a screen.
303. Video graphics. Computer-produced animated
pictures.
304. Virtual memory or storage. A condition in
which part of the program is stored on disk and
is brought into memory only as needed.
305. Virus. A segment of program code which is
self-perpetuating and can corrupt other files.
306. Volatile. Refers to the loss of data in
semiconductor storage when the current is
interrupted or turned off.
307. Window (in spreadsheets). Any portion of a
worksheet or split screen of a worksheet
displayed on the screen at a given time.
308. Word (of computer memory). Four bytes or
thirty-two bits.
309. Word processing. Computer-based creation,

56. editing, formatting, storage and printing of text.
310. Word wrap. A word processing feature that
automatically starts a word at the left margin of
the next line if there is not enough room on the
line.
311. Write-protect. The user's ability to protect the
encoding on a floppy disk by covering a small
notch on the outside of the diskette.
312. WYSIWYG. "What you see is what you get," an
acronym referring to screen-oriented word
processing programs.
313. XENIX. An operating system written especially
for IBM-compatible microcomputers to serve in
a time-sharing environment.
314. Zoom (windows). A software option that allows
users to expand the size of a display window,
thereby revealing more detailed graphics images
or written information on-screen.