COMPUTERS RULE!

Computers have grown into a fundamental tool with which we all communicate.

It's therefore important that the use of common computer jargon banded online or in your local environment is understood. Here we provide a glossary of the most common abbreviations and terminology currently in use.

Administrator = An individual responsible for controlling and managing a network or PC. This includes the installation, selection of downloads and configuration of software and data.

bps (bits per second) = refers to the number of bits transferred per second

Cache Controller = logic system designed to identify when to store data in the high-speed cache memory

DAD = Digital Audio Disk

Executable Files = Launches programs, contains the file extension .exe

EDI = Electronic Data Interchange

J

File sharing = Exchanging files across the internet

Faceted Code = code designed to provide a value specific to details of an item

GB (Gigabyte) = A measure used for data storage

Gamma = unit of magnetic intensity; also measurement of the degree of contrast in a TV picture; also measurement of the contrast of a film emulsion

Hack = method of exploring computer systems including both software and hardware

Hard Disk = A high capacity disk installed in PCs that store applications and files data

IAM = Intermediate Access Memory

IANA = Internet Assigned Numbers Authority

Icon = An image used to identify specific files or applications

JANET = Joint Academic Network - network connecting universities and academic institutions

Java = A programming language used to provide websites with sophisticated effects

K

L

M

N

O

Kb or Kbit = Kilobit measure of 1,024 bits

Keyword = A significant word on an internet page that allows for the page to be identified and included in any  search

LCD  (Liquid-Crystal- Display) = Low powered slim display monitors

LAN (Local Area Network) = refers to a network operating within area such as office

Mbits/sec = A measure of data transfer

mA = Milliampere electrical current measure equal to one thousandth of an ampere

Nas (Network-attached storage) = A hard disk available to PCs on  a network

Narrow band = communication system that uses a bandwidth less than that of a voice channel

OA = Office Automation

Operating system = A combination of the hardware and software functioning in coordination in a PC

P

Q

R

S

T

PABX = Private Automatic Branch Exchange

Phising = A type of internet fraud that uses bogus websites designed to mislead visitors into revealing personal details

QL = Query Language

Quonking = unwanted sounds picked up by a microphone

R & D = Research and Development

Router = An apparatus that connects computers, telephone and TVs etc to the internet

S100 bus = standard IEEE 696 bus, a popular 8 and 16 bit microcomputer bus using 100 lines and a 100-pin computer

Stream = Data capable of being viewed while being downloaded

T =TERA one million million

Toolbar = Commonly a bar located at the top of a page with icons controlling different applications

U

V

W

X

Y

UART = Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter

USB (Universal Serial Bus) = A device that allows plug and play options for computer  peripherals and accessories

V & V = Verification and Validation

Video on Demand = A service that allows films and TV programmes to be downloaded on the internet

W3 = World Wide Web

Web browser = A software program that provides a mechanism to navigate the internet.

X-axis = horizontal axis of a graph

Xerography = Method of copying that attracts ink to the dark areas of a charged picture

Y-coordinate = vertical axis position coordinate

Y-axis = the vertical axis of a graph

Z-axis = axis for depth in a 3D graph or plot