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Glossary
of computing terms and abbreviations
(Microsoft) Access   <ekses. noun U 15] a database program developed by Ihe Microsoft Corporation
access point /;ckscs p.iint / noun C [16| a wireless network device that connects a wireless nelwoik to a wired network
account  .-> k.iiml noun C [ 12,13,14,20) a registration for a user of a network system. It is used for controlling access to the system.
active window   ,vku\ .umdbu nounC [7| the window in a WIMP system that is currently being used. It is usually on top of any other open windows.
actuator /'a.-ktj'nuila/ noun C [23] a mechanism that converts signals into mechanical movements
addressbus .Vtlrcs b\s nnunC|2)lhe set of conductors that carry Ihe memory address signals between different paris of a computer system
ADSL   ci di: dj i-'l noun LI [16,23| abbreviation lor asymmetric digital subscriber line. A form of OSL thai has a dilferent bandwidth for Ihe upstream and Ihe downstream.
Al ''el 'nt/ noun U [3,23,24] abbreviation for artificial intelligence
algorithm   ivlipriflm noun C [2,9] a set of precise rules or instructions For solving a problem
Alt (key) ielt. oil ki: noun C [7] the alternative key on a computer keyboard lhal changes the function of the other keys when it is held down
ALT text caption   :L"Jt. nit lekst
kwpjn noun C [14| text displayed in a webpage as an alternative to a graphic when the facility for displaying graphics is not available or is switched off
AltaVista .clt.i \ ma noun U [13) the name of a well-known search engine website
analogue signal  'u-ndtxj siqii.il noun C [11,16| a type of signal thai can lake any value belween a maximum and a minimum
analyst programmer 'iennhsl
.pr.iogru-matr) noun C [22] a person whose job is a combination of systems analysis and computer programming
anorak   xnnnvk noun C (20) a slang term for an eccentric socially inept person with liltle or nn Fashion sense
,iiiil having an nhsi-ssivf inlepcsl ri .i
hobby or subject ANSI .vi ni ili b) / noun U [191 acronym for American National Standards Institute. An organisation that approves US standards lor computing find communications
antenna /a-n ten.-)/ noun C |23] American term for an aerial, i.e. a device that enables signals to be detected and transmitted In air
anti-static icrui sia'iik adj [32] prevents Ihe build up of sialic electricity
anti-virus (program or softwares :uiri v.ii'.k riiKi" i. U I l/.19,.'0:«i computer program or set of programs used to detect, identify and remove viruses from a computer system
Apple   .i ľ>l noun U [ľi] the common name for Apple Computer incorporated, a well-known producer of computers that introduced the WIMP interface on computers such as Ihe Apple Macintosh
Apple Macintosh x-p I makininj noun c |6.2S| a Family of personal computers produced bv Apple tompuler inc.
applet    ľ p l.i i noun c |23] a very small self-contained computer program
application   icpli keijn noun c (3.5,6, IB,21,22,2s] see applications program
application layer  arpli'kcij'n Iciolrl
noun C |ll) the only part oi a network communications process lhal a user sees. II prepares a message for sending over a network by converting Ihe message Irom human-readable form into bits and attaching a header identifying the sending and receiving computers.
application port   a-plľkcijn p.xl noun c [12| a path available for a particular lype ni application data to enter or leave a network system
application service provider   .upli kcij'ii sn:\is pi.< vnukni i noun C [8|a company that makes applications programs available ovei Ihe Internet usually charging a fee For access to programs
applications (program or software) .sepli kc-ijn/ noun C/U 16,8,221a computer program designed to be used for a particular purpose, e.g. a woulprocessoi spreadsheet or database program
applications programmer ..rph kcijii/ ,prn<ii;r;i-m.T| i > noun C |22] a person who writes applications programs using a computer language
architecture  cukitcktlnii) noun c Is) the general specification ol a system
archive bit   utkaiv bit noun c 119] a digital bit stored with a File indicating il the file has been backed up since it was last edited
artificial intelligence u:lihjl
in'iclufcnns, noun U 13.21,23.24 J an area of computing concerned wilh developing computer programs that perform tasks that can noimally only be done using human intelligence
ASCII   aeskii noun U 111,181 acronym loi American Standard Code for Information interchange. A standard characlei encoding scheme.
ASP  el cs pi: noun C |8,22)
abbreviation (or application service provider
assembly language .Vstimhli
liericjuiil^ noun C [211 a low-level computer language lhal uses mnemonics rather than only numbers making il easier than machine code for humans to read and write
asymmetric   cm ntcink adj |16,23) having a differenl signal bandwidth m each direction, i.e, the bandwidth for sending is different from the bandwidth For receiving
asynchronous   B| nnkcMUM adj 111. 12] not synchronised, i.e. occurring at irregular intervals
AT&T  ci u: an 'ti: noun U [6] abbreviation for American Telephone and Telegraph Company, One of Ihe world's largest IT suppliers.
ATI (Technologies) ci ti: hi noun U [171 the name of a well known company lhal produces computer graphics cards
ATM ci ti: em noun C [2,3,16)common abbreviation tor automatic teller machine. The type of machine used by banks lor enabling customers to withdraw money from their bank accounts.
ATM  ci n: cm noun C 119| abbrevialion for asynchronous transfer mode. A method of transferring fixed size data packets across a network. It is suitable for transferring video, audio and compuler data
authentication  x Llenli kt-ijn noun U 118] a process that checks the Identity ol a user or an ubject
avatar   ;e\.iUi:(i) nounf |23]a graphical icon that represents a real person in a cyberspace system
I channel   hi: .ijieiwl noun c|16| the
common name for a bearer channel in
an ISDN system backup  hxk  \p verb [5,19| to store a
copy ol data on a storage device to
keep it safe
204 GLOSSARY
backbone    ha.'kb>iii noun C |11,15| the main transmission path handling the major data traffic connecting different LANs together
backend   'hivkcnd nounC|14]the server part of a client-server configuration that provides a service on a network at the request of a client
backup   bxk\p nounC
111.17.19.20.24,25] the process of storing a copy of data on a storage device to keep it safe I the term used for the copied data
bandwidth   KnuhikliY noun C 18.13,16,20,23.2/i] the range of frequencies that can be transmitted over a communications channel
barcode   hu:koinl noun C |2,3.10.231 a sequence oF vertical parallel lines used to give items a unique identification number
barcode reader   bu:kand riribu I noun C {10| an optical input device that uses the reflection of a light beam to read barcode labels
BASIC   bewk noun U [22.25] acronym for Beginners' All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code
batch mode   h.t-il iiikkI nounU|13|a process in which all the data is collected and processed together in a batch rather than one at a time as they become available
BBC micro ,bi: hi: si: 'mmkrso noun C [25| the name of one of the first microcomputers produced in the United Kingdom and used in schools. Its development was sponsored by the British Broadcasting Corporation.
bearer channel "henr.i llicn.il noun C 116] the common name for the part of an ISDN line that carries the data
Beginners'All-purpose Symbolic
Instruction Code  biiiin.v .">:! .p&pss ■ in 1'i'lik m strskjn kooil noun U |21] a simple high-level computer language often used for teaching programming
B-frame 'bi: Ircim nounC|9|the common name for a bi-directional frame in an MPEG compressed file
bi-directional frame b;ii il.\rckj.ini. di-. dai- 'freini noun C |9] a type of image frame used in MPEG compression. It is situated between I and P frames and stores the differences in the image compared with the I or P frame both before and after it.
binary   bainon noun U |5.9| a number system that only uses two digits, i.e. 1 andO
biometric device   bai.iinctrik di'vais noun C [16.19] a security device that
measures some aspecl of a living being, e.g. a fingerprint reader or an eye scanner
BIOS /'bains noun C [IS) acronym for Basic Input Output System. A part of the operating system stored on a ROM chip that controls the input and output of data to peripherals
biotechnology   batootek'notocfci noun U (24] the industrial application of biological science techniques
bit   bn noun C [2.9.11,12.13.18,231 a small unit of storage capacity. One of the eight binary digits that make up a byte. The term comes from an abbreviation of binary digit.
bitmap compression hiim;i'p k.mi prcjn noun C [9] a way of reducing the size of a stored image where different digital bits or collections of bits are used to describe each element of an image
(data) block blnk noun C [11,17] a collection of data stored together and treated as a single unit
Bluetooth   hlu:tn:0 noun U [23.24] the name of a high-speed microwave wireless network system developed by a group of companies consisting of Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Nokia and Toshiba. It is used with portable equipment.
bookmark   huknui:k verb [13] to store a link to a webpage to make it easier to find in the future
boot bu:i verb [5] to copy a part of the operating system into memory to allow a computer to start up
boot sector virus  bu:t .sckta 'vairasv noun C [18] a self-replicating program that stores itself in the part of a disk containing the programs used to start up a computer
bot / hot/ noun C [23] from the word robot. A computer program that runs automatically. Bots are often used for searching for information on the Internet
bracketing   braekatiq verb [11] to set the boundaries of a message or part of a message by marking its beginning and its end with special control bits
bridge brut; noun C [11,15] a hardware and software combination used to connect the same type of networks or to partition a large network into two smaller ones
broadband   hr.xdhu.-nd adj [8.16.23] able to carry signals transmitted over a wide range of frequencies
broadcast   hr.xdku:si verb [16,19] to transmit signals that can be picked up by a large number of receivers
browse  nrao/ verb (14,16) to move from webpage to webpage using a Web browser program
(Web) browser   brai./.yrl noun C [7.9,13,14.17.20,21] a program used for displaying webpages
BT  bi: ti:.' noun U [24| abbreviation for British Telecom. The organisation that provides the telephone system in Great Britain.
buffering   'h Along nounU113|a process of temporarily storing data from a fast source so that it can be fed at a steady rate to a slower system
bug bui noun C [6,20] a fault in a system
bulletin board   holntin teed/ noun C [15,16] an electronic noticeboard system that enables users (0 display messages for other users lo read
bus h\s noun C [2,5] a set of
conductors that carry signals between different parts of a computer
byte  bait noun C (2,9.11.17.18.251 a unit of storage capacity. A byte is made up of eight bits and stores one character, i.e. a letter, a number, a space or a punctuation mark.
C
C si: noun U [21.22] a general purpose computer programming language that was originally designed for writing Unix systems programs
C drive   si: dr;u\ noun C [10| the first hard disk in a personal computer
C++    si: phs 'pias noun U [5,21,22] an object-oriented superset of the C programming language commonly used for writing applications programs for the Microsoft Windows operating system
cache Vx\ verb |2] to temporarily store frequently-used data in fast memory so that it can be accessed more quickly
cache k;cj noun C [2,13] fast memory used to temporarily store frequently-used data to allow it to be accessed more quickly
cache coherency  k,i\| kn. > hi.ir.xisi noun U |2| a system that ensures that any changes written to main memory are reflected within the cache and vice versa
cache controller   k.i] k.xi ir.x>l.xi 1 noun C [2] the set of electronic logic circuits that control the operation of cache memory
cache hit  k;c\f hit noun C [2] the process of successfully finding the required data stored in cache memory
callback system   kxIKek  sisi.xn noun C (19.20) a system that automatically disconnects a telephone line after receiving a call and then dials the telephone number of the system that made the call to reconnect the line. It
GLOSSARY 205
is used in remote access systems to make sure that connections can only be made from permitted telephone numbers.
cathode ray tube   La'O.-vid rci tju:b noun C [16) a display device that uses an electron gun lo fire a beam of electrons at a phosphor-coated screen
CCNA '.si: su en ci noun U (22| abbreviation for Cisco Certified Network Associate. A starting level networking qualification offered by Cisco, a major network equipment vendor.
CD (-ROM) (disk) m dfa noun C [1.2,8.9,12.22.251 abbreviation for compact disk read only memory. A read only storage device in the form of a disk that is read using laser light.
CD-ROM drive   si: ili: rom drai\ noun C [9,111 a storage device for reading CD-ROM disks
cellphone   selfoon noun C|23) the common name for a cellular phone
cellular network   sclplo nctu:i:L noun C [16] a radio communications systems that divides a region into cells so that each region becomes a network with every point connected to a local transmitter within the cell
cellular phone   M-lph I .ion noun C (23) a cellular telephone. A mobile telephone that communicates with a local transmitter located within a small geographic area called a cell.
central processing unit wntr.il 'prooscMii ju:iut noun C [6] the electronic processor at the centre of a computer. The term is sometimes used to refer to the combination of the processor and the mam memory.
channel   (Jxn.M noun C (16.23) a path for the transmission of data
chat room   :i.n ru:m noun C[12.23]a virtual space on a website where online discussions organised around specific interests are held in real-time by users typing text messages
check data   tjek dcit.v noun U |17| information written to disks in a RAID system which is used to restore data if one of the array drives fail
checksum   UcLwin noun C [Ilia calculated value that is stored with data to detect any errors that may occur when the data is copied or transmitted
chip ifip noun C (1.2.5.19,23.241 common name for a microchip. An electronic integrated circuit in a small package.
Cisco 'siskao' noun U (22| the name of a company that makes networking system hardware such as that used to operate the Internet
class  klu:\ noun C [21] the term used for a collection of objects in object oriented programming
cleanse Lien/ verb [3] a term used in data mining meaning to remove duplicate information and erroneous data
(teft)ctkk  kirk verb |1,7,13,14,15) to press and lelease the (left-hand) button on a mouse
client LI.ii.vii noun C (6.11.1S.16.18] a network computer used for accessing a service on a server
client-server application LLii.nu sn:v.ir arpli.kcijn noun C [6) a program that is accessed from a client computer but most of the processing is carried out on a server computer
cllpart   klipu:t noun U [1.15] professionally-prepared graphical images sto-ed on a computer system
Clipboard   Llipb.xd noun Uf7| the name used in Microsoft Windows for the section of memory that temporarily stores data white it is being copied and pasted
clock Link noun C [2) the set of
electronic circuits used to control the timing of signals and synchronise different parts of a computer system
cluster   kl\\i.*r) noun C (31 a term used in data mining meaning a group of data that has similar features or is based on a limited data range
clustering   kkstonn, nounU(3|a method used in data mining that divides data into groups based on similar features or limited data ranges
CMC   si: cm si: noun C |12|
abbreviation for computer mediated communication, i.e. the transfer of messages using a computer system
CNE   si: CO 'ii noun U |22| abbreviation for Certified Novell Engineer. A qualification aimed at people Interested in installing and planning the rollout of Novell based networks.
coax(ial) (cable)  LdoxLs noun C [16) a type of shielded cable for carrying signals. It is often used with radio frequency aid video signals.
COBOL   k.n.hol noun U (5,21.22.25) acronym for Common Business-Oriented Language
code L.vkI noun U[16.18.21,22)a piece of program text written in a programming language
code Laid verb (21,23) to write the text of a program or part of a program using a computer language
codec k.*». kIl-v. noun C (i6) abbreviation for coder/decoder. A program used for converting sound and video signals for use in a corrputer
COM program   Lnm pr.iiHjrarm noun C [IB) a DOS program with a .com filename extension that loads and runs in 64 kilobytes or less of memory
command Interpreter L.i mu:nd
in,t:i:priMr) noun C [6| the part of an operating system that processes commands that are part of a program or are input using a keyboard
Commodore 64   Lnm.xl.i: <.ik>ti i'xir) noun U (8) the model name of one of the first popular personal computers to be made available in the United Kingdom. It had a very good graphics system and was particularly suited to running computer games programs.
Common Business-Oriented Language k 1)111.111 hi/nis ..rricntid Ixfiijwufr; noun U [211 a high-level computer programming language. It is the principal transaction processing language used to process the rprnrri* of large organisations on mainframe computers.
compatible L.hii p.ci.ihl adj (6,14) able to operate on the same type of system or run the same software
compile k.1111 piiiI verb (6,22) to convert a program written in a high-level language into machine code using a compiler
compiler kjiiip.nl/Mri nounC[5)a program that converts the whole of a program into machine code before the program is used
compress k.iiii'prc» verb (111 to reduce to a much smaller size
compression (scheme) L.mi prcjo noun C (9.111 the process used for reducing a file to a much smaller size
computer kompju.-tnOI noun C (1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.12.13.15.17. 20.22.23.24.25) a general purpose machine that can be programmed to process data in a variety of ways
computer consultant  L.mi pju:lo k.in.s\ll.ini noun C (22,25) a person who is paid to advise on computing system issues
computer engineer k.irn piu:t.ir cno^i.niMr) noun C |17,22| a person who designs and develops computer systems
computer lab k.nn pju:t;» larb noun C [19) a room lull of computers used for study
computer language L.im'pj 11:1.1 ,lxi|t|v. uh noun C |22) a language used for writing computer programs
computer operator  L.1111 pjtct.v .np.ircit.Kr» noun C (18)a person whose job it is to operate part of a computer system
206 GLOSSARY
computer salesperson Lini pju4| 'seil/p:i:sn' noun C|22|a person whose job it is to sell computers
computer science  knm,pju:t.i sauns noun U [5] the study of computers and their use
computer services engineering technician  k.nn.p.|ii:t.i vcyisiz citct^i nun Hi ick.mjn noun C [22) a person who provides a service of maintaining and troubleshooting computers
computer-aided design k.nn.pjuM.ir ■-■iitkl cliVain noun U (22) the process of designing using a computer program
computer-aided manufacture
kom,pju:l.ir cidid marnja Ta;ktj3(r)< noun U |22| the process of manufacturing goods using a computet
computerised  k.nn piu:Mrai/d> adf I21,22|changed so that it can be operated or controlled using a computer
computer-mediated communication k.mi p ..!.• mkdicitid ka.mjuini kcijn noun C (12.16) a process of transferring messages using computers
computing  k.mi pju:tin noun U [5,22] the theory and practice of computers
computing science  k.ini pju:tii| 'saions noun U (221 see computer science
computing support  koinpiuriirj sop.rt noun U [5.17,22] a field of work that provides a service including setting up, maintaining and troubleshooting computing systems and providing technical advice to users
computing support officer k.im.pjuMnj sj'pxt .nfisntr) noun C [ 10| a person whose job it is to provide support to computer users including setting up, maintaining and troubleshooting computer systems and giving technical advice
configure k.m liu\i|r» verb 112.17,221 to adjust the settings
connectivity  knock 'In.ih nounU[16| the characteristic ot being connected
control bit  k.m 'tro4il hit noun C [11] a data bit used to mark parts of a transmitted signal so that the transmission can be controlled, e.g. a 'start* bit marks the beginning ol a
character and a 'stop' bit marks its. end
control bus k.in trJul b\s noun C [10] the set of conductors that carry the control signals between the Control Unit and other parts of a computer
corrupt  k.Vr\pt verb 118] to damage in such a way that prevents normal use
cp si: pi: noun U [6] a Unix command for copying a file
CPU   si: pi: jwJ noun C [2,5]
abbreviation for central processing unit
crack knck verb [18.19] to break into a computer system in order to steal information or cause damage
crash   kra-J verb [17.19] to fail suddenly and completely usually referring to the failure of a hard disk
CRT   si: u: u: noun C [24] abbreviation for cathode ray tube
Ctrl + Alt + Del  k.m U .ml pi \s ..vli I nit) pUs til li:t noun U [10] set of symbols that signify pressing the combination of the control-alternative and delete keys on a computer keyboard at the same time
cursor   k:i:s.i(r) noun C (2.10] a symbol on the monitor screen that indicates the point on the screen that is being used
cut and paste   k\l .md pciM verb |7] to remove some data from a file and temporarily store it in the computer's memory then insert a copy of the data in another position in the same or in another file
cyberbabe   suitahcih noun C [23] a digital image of an attractive female that is used in programs on the Internet
cybernetics .saiba'nclikv noun U [23] the study of control and communication in animals and machines. It is used in the design of robots.
cyberspace   saibaspcis noun U [20,24]
the combination of all the data on all
the computer networks throughout the world accessed using the Internet cyborg  \aih,i:i) noun C [23] a man-machine system or a person made superhuman by a machine or external system that changes the way the body functions
D channel   ih: .i|;cn.il noun C [16] the common name for a data channel in an ISDN system
data   dcit.i noun U
[1.2.5.6.12.15.17.18. 19.21.22,23] the information processed by a computer
databank   dcit.i barijk nounC[23|a large collection of data that can be accessed by many users and enables them to copy or store data on a particular topic
data bus  dcit.i b\s noun C |2] the set of conductors that carry the data signals between different parts of a computer
datacentre   dcit.i scntotr) nounC[8|a facility for storing large amounts of information
data channel   deii.i IJien.il nounC[16| the common name for the part of an ISDN line that carries signalling and supervisory information to the network
data communications dcn.i kamjium'keijn/./noun U|5]the transmission and reception of data signals using a communications network and appropriate protocols
data integrity   dciMr in tcgr.m noun U (17) a measure of how resistant a system is to causing corruption in data while it is being stored or transferred
data mart   delta mu:t noun C [3] a storage system that archives large amounts of data in a way that makes it easy to access
data mining   dcit.i nuiinuj noun U [3] a process of analysing a large amount of stored data to find new useful information
data stream   'dcn.i -iri:ni noun C (9] the flow of data
data warehouse   dcn.i wc-maui noun C [3] a computing centre that provides a large collection of data gathered from different sources for data mining
database (program)  dcit.ihciv noun C (1.3.5,8,15,17.19,20,21.22.23.24] a type of applications program used for storing information so that it can be easily searched and sorted
data-delivery system  ,dciM di'lnon Msl.im noun C (12) a system for transmitting data from one computer to another
data-link layer   dcn.i 111)k lenir) noun C [ 11 ] the part of a network communications system that supervises the transmission. It confirms the checksum then addresses and duplicates the packets. This layer keeps a copy of each packet until it receives confirmation from the next point along the route that the packet has arrived undamaged.
date dcil noun U [6] a Unix and MS-DOS command for displaying the current date
DDR /di: di: a:/ adj [2] abbreviation for double data rate. A type of memory that transfers data on both the up and down cycles of the control signal, making it faster than earlier types of
memory
debug   di: buj verb [21] to find and fix faults in a program or system
DEC VAX   dck varks/ noun U [6] a range of computers produced by the Digital Equipment Corporation using their Vax range of processors
decipher div.iir.iui verb |18|to
change coded information into normal text
GLOSSARY 207
decision table i!i\r,n leibl nounC |21] a type of grid used in computer program design lo show what actions should be taken by the program under different conditions
decision tree di si311 in: noun ( 131 an Al technique used in data mining thai separates data into subsets then further divides the subsets into smaller subsets until the subsets are small enough to allow the mining process to find interesting patterns and relationships within the data
decode ,di:'kood verb [9) to decide what a program instruction means
decompress   dckom pies verb |9]to remove the compression, i.e. to expand to its original size
decrypt .di: knpt verb [11.18] to recover the original text from an encrypted message
defacing diTeisin nounU|18]a
computer crime that involves changing the information shown on another person's website without permission
default ill lull, -foil noun C (10] an initial setting that can be changed by the user
denial of service attack di.iuiol o\ sa:\ is o lark noun C118] a type of computer crime that involves swamping a server with large numbers of requests
desktop   desktop noun C [3,5,6,7,9] the main graphical user interface background screen that displays icons for other programs
desktop (PC)/(computer) desktop noun C [1.2.3.5.6.13,22] a personal computer that is designed to be used on an office desk
desktop application desktop
xplrkeijn noun C [22] a computer program designed to be used on a desktop computer
desktop organiser desktop o:ijonai/o|r) noun C (1] a small computer providing a variety of tools for organising work. e.g. a calendar, to do list, diary, address list, calculator, etc.
development life cycle di \elopmoiit lail siitkl noun C |5| the phases a software product goes through from when il is first thought of until it becomes obsolete. This typically includes: requirements analysis, design construction, testing (validation), installation, operation, maintenance and retirement.
DHTML   di: eilf li: em el noun U|22| abbreviation for dynamic hypertext markup language. A development of HTML that allows the creation of more
dynamic and user-tnleraclive web pages.
dial-up networking   Jail \p rietw;t:kii) noun U [12,17] a communications system that allows computers to connect together using a telephone line
differential backup   dilo reujl 'h»rk\p noun C (19.25) a type of backup that copies all the selected files on a system that have been changed since the last time a full backup was carried oul
digital dipnoi adj [9,16.18.23] an electronic system that has only two states, e.g. off or on
digital camera   didytol kiemoro noun C (1.3.5,13,231 an input device for taking pictures. It has an electronic lens and uses electronics for storing the images rather than chemical film.
digitat cash  .digital kxj noun U [19] electronic currency that is stored on electronically sensitive cards or exists in cyberspace and is used for making electronic purchases over the Internet
digital certificate   didviol so litikoi noun C(18|an electronic message used to show a transaction is trustworthy. II contains information about the company processing the transaction including their public key and Is electronically 'signed' by a trusted digital-certificate issuer.
digital subscriber line .didylol sob'skraibo lain noun U [16] a broadband communications system (hat allows digital signals to be transferred across an ordinary analogue telephone line
digitise /'digitals/ verb [i6l to convert an analogue wave into a digital pulse
directory do'reklari. di-. dai- noun C [6] a storage area used for grouping files so that they can be easily located. A directory is sometimes called a folder.
disk drsk noun C [6,17,19|a flat circular storage device
disk array/disk .Vrei/ nounC[iq]a linked collection of storage devices that work together to act like a much larger disk
disk drive    disk draiv noun C [6.17\ a storage device for reading from and writing to disks
divider di'vaidoir) nounC[10ja vertical bar that divides a Windows Explorer window into two parts. One part shows the drive folders and the other part shows the filenames of the files in the selected folder.
DNS   di: en es noun C(13| abbreviation for domain name system
domain name do mcifl nciin nounC 115,20] an identifier used on the Internet in place of the numerical Internet address. It identifies Ihe host, the type and the country code. e.g. holyrood.ed.ac.uk
domain name server do mem nciin ;«92vKiy noun C (13] a network server computer used for operating and controlling the domain name system
domain name system do'mcm neim siMoni noun C [13) a system of associating the name of a device on a network such as the Internet with its numerical address so that the name can be used by the user and the numerical address can be used by Ihe network system
dot-matrix printer dni mem i\ ,prmiotr) noun C [8] a printer that prints by hammering pins onto an inked ribbon
doubleclick  d\bl khk verb (7|to press and release the left-hand button on a mouse two times In rapid succession
download dat.n loud verb [1.8,12,13, 15,16.17.20.23,251 lo copy a file from a server to a client computer in a network
download   dannlood noun C [ 13.16.231 a process of copying a file from a server to a client computer in a network
downstream   daiinslri:m noun U [16] the signal path for receiving communications from a server to a client computer in a network
drag and drop   di.eii on drop verb (7.10.21 ] to move data from one location to another with a mouse. Holding down Ihe mouse button while moving the mouse moves the selected data. Releasing the mouse button drops the data in the new location.
drlvearray   draiv o.rei nounC|17]a set of hard disks that are used in a RAID system
driver draooui noun C (15,17) a systems program that controls a peripheral device
DSL   di: es el noun U| 16) abbreviation for digital subscriber line
DTP   di: ti: pi: noun U (8| abbreviation for desktop publishing. A process of designing documents for publishing using a computer system.
duplex   dimpleks adj [16) able to transfer data in both directions, i.e. can send and receive data
DVD (ROM) di: vi: di: noun C (2.9) abbreviation for digital versatile disk read only memory. An optical disk storage device that can hold a large amount of video data.
208 GLOSSARY
DVD /+RW / ,di: \i; ili: mamas x pl\s u: dthlju:/rtoun C [2] abbreviation for digital versatile disk ♦/• rewritable. A type of optical disk that uses either the - or + standard for reading and writing data
EAN    i: ci en noun U [3] abbreviation for European Article Number system. The European price and item codes commonly used in barcode systems
earphone   idfonn noun C [ 24) sound output device that fits into the ear of Ihe user
earth   i:lt noun U [121 a common name for an electrical ground point or zero voltage point
ebook   iibuk noun C [25) common name (or an electronic book
ebook reader i:bok .ri:do(r| noun C |25) common name for an electronic book reader
e-business   i:hi/nis noun U [14) common term for electronic business, i.e. business thai is carried oul using the Internet
e-cash   i:k.tj noun U [24] common name for electronic cash
ECC memory   i: si: si: memari noun U |2) abbreviation for error code correcting memory. A type of memory often used in server computers that automatically fixes simple memory errors without requiring the rebooting of the computer.
e-commerce   i: knm;i:s noun U [8,14.22,23] Ihe business of buying and selling goods and services on the Internet
editor   cthMil noun C [5,251 a
computer program for making changes to text in computer programs or data
edutainment   cdjo'Icinmonl nounU|l| a system that has both educational and entertainment value
electronic (book) reader elek trnuik nxfou) noun C [18.25) a computing device that displays the text and images of an electronic book
electronic book cleklmnik huk noun C |25| a book that is displayed using a computing device instead of being printed on paper
electronic cash/money elektrnmk ■ .i :   iriMii/ noun U[24)data that represents real money that is stored and transferred on computing devices connected to the Internet in e-commerce systems
electronic publisher clck irnmk 'p\hlij.t<r| noun C [25)an organisation that produces ebooks
electronic virtual assistant clck tmmk \ :i:t|< ol   Mst.int noun C [23) a computer program represented by an animated screen image that is used to help the user perform particular tasks such as searching the Internet for useful data
email   'i:meil< noun C [1,5.7.8.12.13.14, 15.16,17,18,20,23,241 the common name for an electronic mail message, i.e. a text message sent electronically using a computer
email   cincil verb [1,23] to send an email message
email address   iancil a.drcs noun C 112.18) the unique address code used to contact someone using electronic mail
email attachment   irmeil .Mxl)m.int noun C 11.15,19) a file that is attached to an email message
email program   i:mvil pr.i<nii.rin noun C [13) a computer program used for reading and sending email
email service   irmeil s:i:ws nounC[20| an Internet service that allows user to send and receive emails
encapsulation cn kitrpsjo Icijn noun U |21| a key feature of object-oriented programming that bundles data and program instructions into modules called objects
encode   en k.v»d verb [9.11.14.18) to write information in a coded form
encoder   enIttfoMf) nounC(9|a computer program that converts WAV files into MP3 files or vice versa
encrypt   cn'knpt verb [11,18,19) to transform data into coded form lo make it secure
encryption   en knpfn noun U [18.20,23.24) the transformation of data into coded form to make it secure
Enter (key)  ent.stn noun C[ 10.13) another name for the RETURN key on a computer keyboard. Pressing the ENTER key inserts the data into the memory of the computer.
enterprise resource planning tool /.cnuprai/ n./.rs phrmn. tu:l noun C |8) a type of computer program for planning and organising business functions in an enterprise. It can help companies manage everything from sales and marketing to human resources.
EPOS till   i:pos til noun C [3] acronym for electronic point-of-sale till. A computerised cash register that edits records in sales and stock control databases.
e-publishing   i: .p.\blijin noun U (25) the production of ebooks
ERP   i: u: pi: noun U (22) abbreviation for enterprise resource planning
e solution   i: solu:Jn noun C [22) common term for electronic solutions, i.e. ways of solving a problem or providing a service using the Internet
Ethernet   i:itonet noun U [2,12] a widely-used local area network standard that broadcasts packets ol data thai are addressed lo particular devices on the network. Each device on the network reads the address and passes it on to the correct device.
(Microsoft) Exchange  iks Ucnur; noun U (7,22) a Microsoft Windows program that Includes an email program, a calendar task list and address list
exe program   eks i: pomira-m noun C (18) an MS-DOS executable program that has an .exe filename extension. It can use more than 64 kilobytes of memory and can be located anywhere in the memory-executable ',eksi'kju:t.ihl adl |21) containing instructions that can be run or executed by the processor
execute 'eisikju:t. verb [6.18.21)to perform a computer operation by processing a program instruction
expansion card  ik'spurn Jn kcial noun C (1.10) an electronic circuit board used for adding facilities to a computer
expansion slot  ik spurnfn slnt noun f (2) a long thin connector that is used for adding additional electronics In the form of expansion cards
expert system   eksp:i:i sistom noun C |1] an artificial intelligence program that collects and uses human expertise to allow non-experts to solve specialised problems
extensible  ik stens.ibl adj (14) able to be added to. e.g. in an extensible language a developer can add their own terms
extensible markup language
ii ;,Stensobl   n:u:k \p .i'im;«m, noun U [14.16.21] a metalanguage that allows developers to create their own set of customised tags that identify the meaning and structure of data. It is used for creating files that are program-independent, platform independent and able to be used with different languages.
FAQ el" ei kju: noun C [14,171 acronym used on websites for frequently-asked question
fault tolerance Inlt. fall tnbr.-ms noun U (17) a computer's ability to recover from hardware errors
GLOSSARY 209
fetch IciJ verb (211 to go and get the next Instruction or piece of data from memory
Fibre Channel / laibo 'tfknl/ noun U [ 19) a high speed interconnection standard used in storage area networks
fibre-optics cable - taibo opliks kcibl/ noun C |iq] a type of plastic or glass connector that enables signals to be carried using laser light
field l"i:M noun C113] a section of a database where an item of data is stored
file tail noun C [5.6.12.15,18,19.22, 23,24) a computer program or data stored on a storage device
file server   fail sa:v.i(r) nounC (8.11.17,221 a main computer that provides a storage area for data files on a network
file transfer protocol   tail trxnhfa: 'pr.mt.iknl noun U Il2)an Internet service that allows users to transfer files from one computer to another
file virus   fail .vairas. nounC|18|a virus thai attaches itself to a program file
filestore   ImlsLrir) nounC[5|a collection of computer files stored centrally on a network server
firewall  Tuiavo:) noun C [19.20) a combination of hardware and software used lo control the data going into and out of a network. It is used to prevent unauthorised access to the network by hackers.
flag (lag verb [2] to mark in a way thai indicates that a particular condition has occurred
flash drive /'lla:J draiv/ noun C (4) an electronic memory storage device that plugs into a computer and acts like a disk drive
flat file database   lla-i fail dciobsn noun C |3] a simple database in which all the data is stored in one table which is not related to any other tabic
floppy (disk) Rnpi nounC[4|a
magnetic storage device In the form of a small plastic disk. Also known as a diskette.
floppy (disk) drive   llnpi draiv nounC |4.10] a common magnetic storage device that reads and writes data on a floppy disk. Also known as a diskette drive.
flowchart   lbutfu:i noun C [21| a kind of diagram used by programmers to show the logical steps in a program or by systems analysts to show logical steps in the design of a system
folder  'bbtdttry noun C[7.13|see directory
FORTRAN   \x\txn nounU(21,22| acronym for Formula Translator. A high-level computing language that was
designed by scientists in 1954 and is oriented toward manipulating formulas for scientific, mathematical and engineering problem-solving applications.
forward   frwad verb 1131 to pass on without changing the content, e.g. a received email can be passed on to or forwarded to another address
frame  Irani noun C 114) a section of a webpage that acts as an independent browser window. Clicking on a link in one frame can cause a webpage to be displayed in another frame, e.g. a menu in one frame can provide links to webpages that are displayed in another frame.
Free Software Foundation   In: »nftwe3 laon dcijn noun U |6| an organisation lhat is dedicated to producing software that can be used by anyone who wants to use it at no cost. It depends on the voluntary effort of a large number of programmers throughout the world creating and Improving programs and making their work freely available to others.
free up  In:  \p verb |5] lo make space available, e.g. by deleting files on a hard disk
freeware   fn.'wcMr) noun U (15) computer programs thai are made available lo anyone who wants to use them at no cost to the user
frequency band   'ln:kvoi)M f>a.'nd< noun C (23J a set of frequencies lhat are used together to provide a path for Ihe transmission of signals
frequency display  Trhkw.msi di.splei noun C |9I an electronic device for showing the frequency of a signal
frequency hopping   lri:kv«niisi hnpin noun U |23| a process of changing frequencies within a fixed bandwidth during a transmission so that other transmissions can use the same bandwidth at the same time without interfering with each other
FSB / el cs hi:/ noun C[z|abbreviation for front-side bus. The set of connectors on a motherboard that carry data signals between the processor and memory
FTP ,cf ti: pi: nounU|12.20|
abbreviation for file transfer protocol
full backup lol kck\p noun C [19] a type of backup that copies all the selected files on a system whether or not they have been edited or backed up before
full-duplex   lol d|ii:plcks adj [11,23| able to transfer data in both directions simultaneously, i.e. data can be transmitted and received at the same time
futurologist   l|ii:t|.i inLxfasl noun C (241a person who studies and predicts what technology will be like and what effects it will have in the future
Q
games console   qcim/ kiwis;*.! noun C [23] an electronic device used for playing computer games
gateway   iicilwci noun C (11,12,13, 15,18] an interface lhat enables dissimilar networks to communicate such as two LANs based on different topologies or network operating systems
Gb/GB   iiupkiil noun C (2,9,11] abbreviation for a gigabyte
geek qi:k noun C (20| although it was originally a derogatory term used for an expert lacking in social skills, it is now used in computing to mean a dedicated expert
general packet radio service ,o>mu.iI .pickil rcidi.tn ,s:i:\is nounU[16|a GSM data transmission technique lhat transmits and receives data in packets
general-purpose language ,<fcmiral p t:p.v« la'nqv. ut, noun C \?\\ a computer language that can be used to write different types of programs
get listed  qel lislid verb (IS) to register the Web address of a website on an Internet search engine
GHz   i|iq."Hi:r.tN noun C (2,23] abbreviation for gigahertz
GIF ftfej ai Off noun U f 13) acronym lor graphics interchange format. A way of storing Images in a compressed form.
gigabit qiqabit noun C [23] a unit of storage capacity equal lo 1 073 741 824 bits
gigabyte   quphait noun C |2] a unit of storage capacity equal to 1 073 741 824 bytes
gigahertz    ijuphcu nounC(3|aunl^ of frequency equal to one thousand million hertz (cycles every second)
global positioning system ijl.n.hl pa7i|nii) .Hist.im noun C f 16) a system that determines the user's location by comparing radio signals from several satellites
Gnome q.v 11.10111 noun U |6) a project to build a complete user-friendly Unix-like desktop system based entirely on free software. It is part of the GNU project and part of Ihe OpenSource movement.
GNU  q.vnu: noun U |6] a freely
distributed portable Unix compatible software system
Google /gu;gl/ noun U (13,20] the name of a popular website lhal provides a keyword search engine to enable user to search for relevant websites
210 GLOSSARY
GPRS  ,d>i: pi: u:r es noun U| 16] abbreviation for general packet radio service
GPS   &t\\ pi: cs noun C [16.20) abbreviation for global positioning system
graphic equaliser urxlik
'i:kwD,lai/.m » noun C |9l an electronic device that uses slider controls to adjust Ihe frequency response of an audio system
graphical (user) interface grxlikl 'inlMcis, noun C [6,7,211 the part of an operating system that allows the user to interact with a computet using graphic images and a cursor
grep uicp noun U [61 a Unix command for searching through one or more text files for a specific text string
GUI   i|u:i noun C [7] acronym for graphical user interface
H
hack hark verb [6,20,23] to gain unauthorised access to a network system
hacker   ha-k.^r) noun C [18,20] a skilled programmer who attempts to gain unauthorised access to a network system
half-duplex   lui:l dju:pleks adj [111 able lo transfer data in both directions but only in one direction at a time, i.e. data can be transmitted or received but not at the same time
handheld (computer)   harruthelit noun C [1,7,161 a small portable computer that can be held In one hand
hang hxij verb 117] to suddenly and unexpectedly stop processing during the execution of a program
hard (disk) (drive) hu:d (disk I (drai\ > noun C |l,2,5,8,lS.17,18]a common magnetic storage device lhat reads and writes data on metal disks inside a sealed case
hardware   lui:d\vcatrl noun U [1.5,6,16.17.19.21.22.23.2/.] the physical components of a computer system
(disk drive) head  tied noun C [2] the part of a disk drive that reads and writes data lo the disk
header   hcib(r) noun C [11,13] the first section of a message that contains information about the content and transmission of the message including the sending and destination addresses
headphone   hcilioon noun C [23[ sound output device thai fits over the ears of the user
help-desk/helpline hclixlesk.
liL'Iplain noun C| 12.22] a telephone service for helping users solve
problems that occur on computer systems
high-end package   hiu end parkuft noun C [8| a set of computer programs with a wide variety of complex features
Higher National Certificate twa
I-..!'1.-;.! satifik.it noun U [5] a British college qualification that can be gained through part-lime or full-time study. It is usually obtained before studying for an HND.
Higher National Diploma   liaio .na;[."Hil di ptoomA noun U [5] a British college qualification that usually requires a period of full-time study. It is more advanced than an HNC and not as advanced as a degree.
high-level language   lui lcv.il
'licnt|WK& noun C [21] a programming language closer lo human language than low-level computer languages such as machine code or assembly language
high-level program   hai .lev.il
'prooyrxm noun C [12] a computer program written using a high-level language
highlight   haihut verb [10,15] to select
by marking on the display screen hijacking   haidvi'kii) noun U [18] a
computer crime that involves
redirecting anyone trying to visit a
certain website elsewhere HNC   oil/ en si: noun U [22|
abbreviation for Higher National
Certificate HND ,eilj On dfa noun U [22]
abbreviation for Higher National
Diploma
Home button   Ikk.iii rMt.m noun C [13] the button icon on a Web browser program that takes you lo the starting webpage
homepage   luompciifc noun C|20| the
main start page of a website host  haosl noun C 113,18] a computer
that provides a service on a network /
a program that carries a virus hotspot / hnispnt/ noun C [16] the
location of a wireless access point.
Often found in public places such as
airports, stations and hotels to provide
a connection to the Internet hover   limom verb [7|to hold a cursor
over an icon for a short period of time HTML   eitl'ti: cm el noun U [6,13,14.
16,21.22,25] abbreviation for hypertext
markup language. A page description
language that uses a system of tags
for creating web pages, hub h\lv noun C (11,15) an electronic
device at the centre of a star network
topology
hub lnl> noun C [19I a common connection point for devices on a network
humanoid   hjiKmauid noun C [23] a robot with human characteristics
hyperlink   haipoliyk noun C [7.13.20] a text or image in a webpage that causes a related webpage to be displayed or another program to be started when the user clicks on the hyperlink using Ihe mouse
hypertext markup language haip.Mck*.! mu:kAp Ueiiquittv noun U [14.16.21] a page description language thai has a set of tagslhat can be inserted into a document to make it act as a webpage. The tags determine how the document is displayed on the screen and marks the position of hyperlinks.
I/O ai '$& noun C (17] abbreviation for input/output
IBM   ai hi: Vm noun U |6.22.23.25| abbreviation for International Business Machines, the largest computer company in the world. It launched the first personal computer called the IBM PC which quickly became the standard.
IC/at si: noun C [12] abbreviation for integrated circuit. A complete electronic circuit built on a single silicon chip.
Icon   aiknn noun C17,211 a small picture used in a WIMP system to represent 3 program folder or file
IEEE 802.11   ui i: i: i: .cil .11) lu: p.iiut wan w.\n.' noun U (23] a wireless networking system standard approved by the American regulating organisation called the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
l-frame   ai fmm noun C [9] the common name for an intra frame in an MPEG compressed file
image editor   iniu^ ,eiiiU(l> noun C |8| a computer program that allows Ihe user to make changes to images
imagemap   inin>( marp nounC[14ja graphic image with separate areas lhat contain hyperlinks to different parts of a website
IMAP   armarp noun U (13] acronym for Internet mail access protocol
inbox   inbnks noun C [13] the folder in an email program where emails are stored when they are first received
incremental backup inkra.mciHol bark \p noun C [19] a type of backup that copies all the selected files lhat have been changed since the last full differential or incremental backup
GLOSSARY 211
industtial scientific and medical band
m,J\siri,il saiontilik .vi.I medikl h.L-nJ noun U [23J a set of radiowave frequencies centred around 2.45GHz used for industrial scientific and medical devices and for Bluetooth devices
information superhighway (the)
.mfo.meijn su:p.->.haiv.vi noun U [ 1,24) an informal term for a global high-speed network providing communication services that are freely available to everyone, i.e. a highly-developed Internet system
information technology /.mfe.mcijn tek noUfci noun U [22.23.24.251 the study and practice of techniques or use of equipment for dealing with information
inheritance m heriiaiis- nounU|21]a, key feature of object-oriented programming that allows specific instances of a class to inherit all the properties of the class, e.g. squares are a specific instance of rectangles and inherit all the properties of rectangles
inhouse   in haos adj |22|doneby employees of an organisation rather than people outside the organisation
initialise (the hard disk) i ruJ.ilaiA verb (18J to reboot or restart the computer
Input   input verb |2.4.6l to put data into a system
input   input noun U 12,6,7,21.23] data put into a system
input device   input ill\ais nounC|2.7l a piece of equipment used for putting data into a computer
instruction  m'slrvkjn nounC[18,21| one line of a computer program
integrated services digital network .intiu.rctiid sa:visi/ digital noi\v:i:k noun U (16) a broadband network communications system that allows the ordinary analogue telephone system to carry digital signals including voice, data, text, graphics and video
Intel    intel noun U 12,23,25] the American company that designs and produces the electronic processors used in most of the computers In the world
intelligent agent  in tolittymt t'litpnt noun C [7.24] a computer utility program that uses artificial intelligence to perform tasks for the user such as retrieving and delivering information and automating repetitive tasks
interactive  ml.i rxkliv adj (21,24] allows two-way communication so that the user can respond or interact wllh the system
interface  'mtafeti noun C (6.7.9.11.1 6. 24| the hardware or software that connects two systems and allows them to communicate with each other
Internet (protocol) address imanct a.drcs noun C (12,13) a 32-bit code number assigned to every node on the Internet. It consists of a series of numbers that identify Ihe major network and the sub-networks to which a node is attached and provides a path that gateways can use to route information from one machine to another.
(Microsoft) Internet Explorer / im.inct lk'spb:ra(rV noun U 117] a free browser program developed by the Microsoft Corporation
Internet mail access protocol .inland .mcil .iekses 'praoi.iknl noun U(13| a set of standards for accessing email messages stored on an email server. Initially only message headers are retrieved. Users can then organise or delete messages on the server and download individual messages.
Internet protocol  .intaiiiM 'praoiaknl noun U112) tie basic set of standards for enabling computers to communicate over the Internet
Internet service provider int.tnci
S3:vis pra.vaidairl noun C [14,23|an organisation that provides Internet connections for a fee
Internet (the)   nt.inot noun U( 1.5.6,11. 12,13.14,15.16,17.18.20.21.22.23.24. 25] the connection of computer networks across the world
interpreter  in'Ucpritairl nounC|5]a program that converts other programs into machine code line by line as the programs are being used
intra frame  'intra freim nounC|9|a type of image frame used in MPEG compression which contains only information in the picture itself
intranet   uur.'Hici noun C (7,23] a compuler network that is internal to an organisation and uses the TCP/IP protocol in the same way as the Internet
IP /ai 'pi'j noun U| 12] abbreviation for Internet protocol. A part of the TCP/IP protocol used on the Internet.
IP address  .mi pi: a.drcs nnnnf |13] abbreviation lor Internet protocol address
IP-layer   ai pi: .lowir) noun C [ 12] the IP part of a TCP/IP system
IRC  ,ai u: si: noun U 112.20)
abbreviation tor Internet relay chat. An Internet service that allows user to have a conversation by sending text messages io each other in real-time.
iris recognition    airix ickxi.nija noun U116) a process of identifying a user by scanning their eyes
IS Manager   .n cs .in.i-nur-.il ri noun C (22) an abbreviated form of information systems manager. A person who manages a computer-based service that provides information that is useful to a particular organisation.
ISDN   ui os di: on noun U [16] abbreviation for integrated services digital network
isolation adapter   ais.i leijn .i.darptatr) noun C (11 ] an electronic device that isolates a network system from high voltages and allows it to use the mains electricity cables for connecting computers together and transferring data
ISP   ai os pi: noun C 112,13,14.20)
abbreviation for Internet service
provider IT /ai 'U-J noun U15.8.22.2 3,24]
abbreviation for information
technology iteration it.VroiJn noun C [21] a process
that is lepeated as long as certain
condition*; remain true
lava   $0$a noun U 121.22,23) an object-oriented computer programming language that was developed by Sun Microsystems in the mid-1990s. Programs wrilten in lava can be used on a wide range of operating systems. It is widely used for developing interactive applications for the Internet.
JavaScript \t;u:\.iskripti noun U [22Ja scripting language that allows simple programs to be embedded into HTML documents
joystick f'faiUtkJ noun C (23] a cursor control device in the form of a movable stick that is usually used for controlling computer games
(PEG   tfcci peg noun U [9| abbreviation for Joint photographic expert group -the committee that devised a common standard for image file format and compression. )PEG compression is commonly used foi photographic Images in webpages because it creates very small files.
|UMP command/instruction f&Amp k.TiiKKiul. m.strAkfii nounC|18|a programming instruction that causes a program to change its normal sequence
junk email <i"(\i}k innoil noun U [121 unwanted and unsolicited email that is normally advertising or trying to sell something
212 GLOSSARY
Kb/KB   kibhail noun C [2|abbreviation for a kilobyte. A unit of storage capacity equal to 1024 bytes.
Kbit/s   kibntlN noun C |16,23| abbreviation lor kilobits per second. A unit of signal speed equal to 1024 bits every second. A more common form is kbps.
kbps   kihhiix p.i wkonJ noun C (23| abbreviation for kilobits per second. A unit of signal speed equal to 1024 bits every second.
KDE   kci di: i: noun U 16| a graphical user interface used with the Linux operating system
kernel   k i:nol noun C (6,24) the lowest level layer at the core of an operating system. It deals with allocating hardware resources to Ihe rest of the operating system and the application programs.
keyboard   \iihxd noun C (1,2,6,11.16.
19,23.24] Ihe main electronic input
device that has keys arranged in a
similar layout to a typewriter keystroke   ki:str.vik noun C[18| the
process ol pressing and releasing a
key on a keyboard keyword   ki:w;t:d noun C 113| a word
used to categorise documents or
records in a file. Keywords can be used
by a search engine to find relevant
links on the Internet. kHz   kihlniu noun C |9] abbreviation
for kilohertz. A unit of frequency equal
to 1000 cycles every second, killer application   kitar arplikcijii
noun C (23) an application program
thai is particularly useful and popular.
making a computer system very
successful knowledge base   nnlklj hciv noun C
(1/,22| a collection of information that
can be easily modified, revised and
manipulated to enable Ihe user to
solve particular problems
LAN  la-ii nounC|5.8.11.15.17.23) acronym for local area network
language processor larn*jv.it^
.praiscoirl noun C f Si software lhat performs computer language translation
laptop (computer) laptop nounC|23| Ihe largest type of portable computer
laser printer   Ici/.i .pnnt.Krl noun C (8.16.17.21,25) a printer that prints using toner powder and laser light on a photosensitive drum
LCD   el si: d:: noun C (10| abbreviation for liquid crystal display. An electronic display device that uses liquid crystal cells lo control the reflection of light.
leased line   li:st lain nounC|8]a cable connection that is rented for use in a communications system
library   laibr.ui noun C 121,22) a set of programmed functions that are made available for use by any program
line size   lain sat/ noun C|2] the amount of data transferred each time there is a transfer between the main memory and cache memory
link link noun C[13,14,15)a common term used for a hyperlink, i.e. the connection of a webpage to another webpage or file
Linux   laimks noun U (6| a clone of the Unix operating system created by Linus Torvalds for use on personal computers
Linux distribution lainvks
distn.hju:Jn noun C (6) the Linux-user term for a complete operating system kit complete with the utilities and applications needed lo make it do useful things, e.g. command interpreters, programming loots, lext editors, typesetting tools and graphical user interfaces
load  hod verb [6.181 to copy a
program from a storage device into the computers memory
local area network   bukl com nctu:i:k noun C(8,11 [computers connected together over a small area such as a company department
log ln<| verb (11) to record the time lhat an event happened
log  lug noun C (20) a record of when an event happened
logon  Iiki on verb 16.12.18.19,20.23) lo conned to a network system account normally using a password
lock bomb   liuhak hnm noun C| 18,20] destructive code introduced into a program lhat is triggered by some event taking place on the computer system at a later time
logic circuit ItKfedt s;i:kit noun C (2) a digital electronic circuit that compares two or more inputs and gives an output according to a particular rule of logic
look-up table   lufe l|l teihl nounC I l.'.l J] a method by which a program uses two sets of related records to find a required value. It is quicker than calculating the value using a formula but lakes up more memory space.
loop structure   lu:p Mi\ktMn noun C [21| see iteration
low-level language   lo«» lo\ol
l.cmiukh nounC |22]a computer language such as machine code or assembly language that is closer to the form that a computer understands than to that of a human language
loyalty card  'bialli kind nounC[2)an electronic card that gives the owner discount on purchases at a particular store depending on how much they spend
Ipr   ol pi: u:ir) noun U [6| a Unix
command for printing a file Is cl cs noun U |6| a Unix command for
displaying a list of files in a directory
M
m cm noun C [23) abbreviation for metre. An international unit for distance.
mA miliarmp noun C |23( abbreviation for milliamp. A unit of current equal lo one thousandth of an amp.
(Apple) Mac mark noun C [7) the
common name for the Apple Macintosh range of computers. A type of personal computer manufactured by Apple Computer Incorporated.
MAC  niak noun C 118] acronym for message-authentication code
machine code mo Ji:n k*>d noun C (22) a computer language that consists entirely of a combination of Is and Os
machine intelligence msjtxn
in'lclidvvns. noun U |24] another name for artificial intelligence
Mac OS    m;vk o»» cs noun C [6] Ihe family of operating systems used on Ihe Apple Macintosh range of computers
macrovirus mxkrou .vatnH noun C 118] a virus program in the form of a macro program
magnetic tape  mxu.iielik lap noun U (19.24.25) a magnetic storage medium In the form of a thin plastic ribbon wound on a reel or a cassette. It is commonly used for backing up data.
mail bombing   moil hnimii noun U [18] a computer crime that involves inundating an email address with thousands of messages slowing or even crashing Ihe server
mail client incil.klai.irit nounC(13) an email program that connects to an email server to send and receive email
mall server 'meil >i:vo4r) noun C (13) a network service thai stores email messages and enables email clients to send and receive emails
mailbox   mcilhnks noun C [13| a folder used by an email server lo store a user's emails
GLOSSARY 213
mailmerge   mcilma:^ noun C [3,8) a wordprocessing facility that causes a mailing list to be automatically combined with a standard letter to produce a separate copy of the letter addressed to each person on the mailing list
main memory mem mem on noun U |2| the electronic memory that holds the programs and data being used
mainframe (computer)  memfreim noun C [2.5.6.21,22] the largest and most powerful type of computer. It is operated by a team of professionals.
mains line mem/ lain nounC[ll]the main electricity supply
man mien noun U [6] a Unix command for viewing the online manual pages on a Unix system
markup language   mu:k.\p l.tim • noun C114] a set of tags that can be inserted into a document to indicate its layout and appearance
massively parallel   in.esivli 'pa.-r.ilel ad} [24] being part of a system in which an application is processed by up to 200 or more processors at the same time. Each processor using its own operating systems and memory and working on a different part of the program.
Mb/MB   raejpbad noun C [2.12] abbreviation Tor a megabyte
Mbit/s   megabit po sekond noun C [23] abbreviation for megabit per second. A unit of signal speed equal to 1 048 576 bits every second.
Mbps  .megabits po sekond noun C [23]abbreviation for megabits per second. A unit of signal speed equal to 1 048 576 bits every second.
megabyte metpbail noun C[2.9.17|a unit of storage capacity equal to 1 048 576 bytes
megahertz   meiplixts noun C [2] a unit of frequency equal to 1 million cycles every second
megohm   mcqoom noun C [12] a unit of electrical resistance equal to 1 million ohms
memory   memnn noun U [2,5.6,15. 18,19,24) the electronic part of a computer system that is used for temporarily storing the programs and data that are being used by the processor
menu  "inenju: noun C [2,7,21] a list of options displayed on a computer screen
menu bar   'mciiju: bu;(r| noun C 110.16] a row of icons on a display screen that open up menus when selected
message-authentication code mesicfc oi.llenti'kcijn kood noun C [18] a number produced by a message-digest function that is used to make a message tamper-proof and provide message integrity
message-digest function mesiuj dankest ,l\i)kjn noun C[ 18] a program function that processes a message to produce a number called a message-authentication code. This number is then used to make a message tamper-proof.
message-integrity scheme me-kt; in i-a.i -i i ski:nv noun C [18]a system that allows the receiver of a message to detect whether someone has tampered with the message in transit
metadata   mel.xleila noun U|14]dala about data in a document
metalanguage   meiahuniiu itb noun f [14,21] a language from which you can create other languages
MHz   meyahaMs noun C [2,23] abbreviation for megahertz
microchip   maikroifip nounC|22]an electronic integrated circuit in a small package
microcomputer   markrxik.xn pju:i.M11 noun C [6,11] a personal computer. Smaller and less powerful than a mainframe or a minicomputer.
microprocessor rruukrw'pOOSCSO(rJ noun C [3,16,25] the main electronic chip in a computer. It can be thought of as the *brain' of the computer because it does the main processing and controls the other parts of the computer. It is sometimes called the CPU.
Microsoft   maikrasnlt noun U
[2.5,6,18,20,22,25] the common name for the Microsoft Corporation. The company founded by Bill Gates that developed the MS-DOS and Windows operating systems and a variety of software commonly used on desktop computers.
microwave maikroweis noun C [23] a high-frequency electromagnetic wave used in data communication systems
MIDI   muli noun U [9,17,18] acronym for musical instrument digital interface. A standard for connecting musical instruments to computer systems.
minicomputer  "minikom pju:t.Xi) noun C |6] a computer that is slightly less powerful and a little smaller than a mainframe
Minix   miniks noun U [6] a compact Unix clone written as a teaching aid by Professor Andy Tannenbaum
mirroring   mirorin. nounU[17|a technique used in RAID 1 systems where at least two hard disks are paired in such a way that the hard disk controller writes each byte of data to both disks. This ensures that a backup exists should the primary disk drive fail.
misdirection routine misdo rckjn. di-. dai- ru:,ti:n< noun C[18| the part of a computer virus that enables it to hide itself by altering the normal sequence of instructions in another program
mixing desk   miksin desk noun C [9] an electronic device used in audio recording that allows a number of audio inputs lo be mixed together
mkdir   em kei di.Xr) noun U|6]a Unix and MS-DOS command far creating a directory
mohilp phonp    m.inh;nl 'latin noun C (15,16,23) a wireless telephone that operates over a wide area
modem   m.x>dem noun C [2.5.10.11,12,16,231 short for modulator/demodulator. An electronic device that converts signals to enable a computer to be connected to an ordinary telephone line.
modulation   mndjo leij'n nounU|23|a process of combining a data signal with a carrier wave by causing the data signal to modify the amplitude frequency or phase of the carrier wave
monitor   mnniixi) noun C
[1,2,9,16,17,18.24] the main output device used lo display the output from a computer on a screen. See VDU.
MOO mu: noun C [12,16] acronym for multi-user object oriented. An Internet virtual environment developed from multiuser adventure games that allows many users to interact.
motherboard   m \<\ib,xd noun C [5,16] the main electronic circuit board inside a computer that holds and connects together all the main electronic components
mouse maos/ noun C [1.2,7,11,17,21, 23,251 a common cursor control input device used with a graphical user interface. It commonly has two or three button switches on top and a ball underneath that is rolled on a flat surface.
mouse button   mans h\i.xi noun C 110| a switch on a mouse that is pressed to select an object on the screen
mouse pointer   nuui pxm.xri noun C [15] a cursor image in the shape of an arrow that is controlled by a mouse and is used for pointing and selecting icons on the screen
214 GLOSSARY
MouseKeys   maasLi:/ nounU(7la Microsoft Windows operating system feature that changes the function of the numeric keypad keys on a computer keyboard so that they can be used to control the screen tuiwr
MP3   cm pi: On: noun U [9.23)
abbreviation for MPEG Audio Layer 3. A Motion Picture Experts Group standard for audio compression.
MPEG   empeo, noun U [9.23) a standard video compression scheme. The term Is an acronym for Motion Picture Experts Group a committee that develops standards for audio and video file formats and compression.
MS-DOS   cm cs dns noun U(25] abbreviation for Microsoft disk operating system. The command line operating system that was used in the first PCs.
multimedia   m\lti'imulia noun U 11.2.13.15.211 the combination of text graphics animation sound and video
multimodal input m\lh.m.xid.il input noun U (7) the process of operating a user interface using a combination of types of input, e.g. keyboard and speech recognition
MVS   cm ViC cs noun U 16.22) abbreviation for multiple virtual storage. It is the name given to a family of operating systems used on IBM mainframe computers.
mW miliv. n( noun C [23] abbreviation for milliwatt. A unit of power equal to one thousandth of a watt.
My Briefcase mar hri:fkcis nounU[7) a Microsoft Windows feature that simplifies the process of copying and synchronising files between a desktop and a portable computer
N
NAS /'lues/ noun C [iq 1 acronym for network attached storage. A device lhal can be plugged into a network to provide a storage service
natural-language programming ii;i*i|i.il Jirnqu -t 'pr.n«qricmii| nounU|211 the process of writing programs using a computer language that is very similar to natural human language
Met (the) net noun U [12.15.24] the common name for the Internet
Netscape Communicator nclskcip k.i mju:nikcit.n.r> noun U|ll,15)a widely used web browser package
NetWare nctucotr) nounU|6.22|a widely-used LAN operating system produced by Novell Incorporated
network   'ncl\v:i:k verb [7,21) to connect a number of computers and peripheral devices together
network   nelv.:i:L noun C 11.2,3.4.5.6.7. 8.11.12,15,16,17.18.19.20.22.23,24)3 combination of a number of computers and peripheral devices connected together
riflwuik computer nciwa:k
k.im.pjun.'HO noun C (11) a computer designed using the industry specification from Oracle and Sun Microsystems for a low-cost basic personal computer that can have an Intel processor or another type of processor and can use a lava-based operating system. It is designed for use on a multiuser network system and is managed centrally. It has no floppy disk drive. CD-ROM drive or hardware expansion slots, i.e. it is a type of thin client.
network guru   nclw:i:L guru: noun C |22) a person who is an expert in networking and gives talks and advice on the future development of networking
network layer   netv*:i:k lei.xn noun C 111) the part of a network communications system that forms the data Into packets and selects a route for the message
network operating system   nclw i:L op.ircitnj .sist.mi nounC[ll|an operating system lhal is used to administer and control a network allowing computers to share hardware and software while providing file security and backup facilities
neural net(work)  nja.ir.il netiw i:L) noun C (3.231 an artificial intelligence system that is capable of developing rules from given input so that it learns how to deal with more complex input
newsgroup   nju:/qru:p noun C
112,14,221 an Internet discussion group that uses a restricted area on a server computer to display messages about a common interest
node it.iod noun C (11,12) a network terminal or poinl where a computer is connected to a network
notebook (computer)   n.xiihok noun C (23) a portable computer that is about the same size as a piece of writing paper
Novell  ii.xivcl noun U (22) the common name for Novell Incorporated. The American company that designs and produces the Netware network operating system.
numeric keyboard  njti:.mcrik 'ki:h.i:il noun C [7] the section of a computer keyboard that includes keys for entering numerical digits (0-9) and mathematical operators (+-,/)
object   nrxfcekt noun C [211 an object-oriented programming module that has its own properties created by bundling data and program instructions together
object-oriented programming nlxl>-Li ..rncniid pr.xiu;r;i'min, nounU|21)a type of programming where programs are made from combinations of predefined modules thai can be used over and over again
OCR   ,ia si: a:(r) nounU|3) abbreviation for optical character recognition
(Microsoft) Office   pf)| noun U |8.22] a widely-used application package developed by the Microsoft Corporation that includes programs used in a typical office, e.g. a wordprocessor and spreadsheet
office application / suite nils iirpli Leijn. ,sv*i:t nounC|5.8]a computer program or set of programs that are used in a typical office, e.g. a wordprocessor, spreadsheet and database
offline nf lam adj (12| disconnected from a computer system or the Internet
online  mi lam adj [12,13.14.16.22. 23,24) connected to a computer system or the Internet
OOP   .xi ,xt pi: noun U[21)acronyrn for object-oriented programming
Open Source  pOjpM '«W adj [61 part of a system of software development where anyone is free to take a copy of the source code and extend, develop or fix bugs in it
operating system   np.irciiin msI.hu noun C [2.5.6.17.18,19.21.22.251 the set of programs that control the basic functions of a computer and provide communication between the application programs and the hardware
optical character recognition nptikl LarnLt.i rck.xi'mjn nounU|3)a process that enables a computer to scan and recognise printed characters using the reflection of light
optical drive / nptikl Jrui\/ noun C \l\ a type of storage device that reads or writes data using laser light, e.g. CD-ROM. DVD-RW
optical fibre   nptikl 'fathom noun C [23) a common name for glass fibre cable used in high speed networks. It enables data signals to be transmitted using laser light.
optical media   nptikl mcdi.i noun U 119) data storage material that Is written to or read from using lasei light
ORACLE   nr.ikl noun U[221 a widely used database management system
GLOSSARY 215
OS .m "cs noun C |6| abbreviation for operating system
OSX   tot cs 'ten noun U [25] version 10 of the Apple Macintosh operating system. It is a modular OS and has a deskiop with a 3-D appearance. It includes support for UNIX-based applications as well as older Mac applications.
Outlook Express   uotlok ik sprc% noun U (17) a free graphical interface email program integrated into the Internet Explorer browser developed by the Microsoft Corporation
output   anlpul noun U [2.8.21.23) Ihe processed data or signals lhat come out of a computer system
pA   pfcfcttttHB noun C [23]
abbreviation for picoamp. A unit of current equal lo a millionth of a millionth of an amp.
(software) package   pxkur; noun C [6,12,16,22] an application program or collection of programs that can be used in different ways
packet   pickn noun C [11.12.13] a fixed size unit of data prepared for transmission across a network. Messages are normally divided into packets before transmission.
packet-switching   pxkit «\wi|in noun U |23| a method of transferring data across a network by dividing it into packets and transferring the packets individually from node to node then putting the packets together again when they arrive al the destination
page-description language pci.h, dis'kripfn Jxijywkfc nounC|21]a type of programming language that uses tags to define the layout of a document, e.g. HTML is a page-description language used to design webpages
pager   peutpl r) noun C [16.20] a small radio receiver which beeps to alert the wearer of messages or telephone calls. It displays the telephone number of the caller so the wearer can call back. Some pagers can display very short messages.
Palm Pilot   pu:m paibl nounU[ll]a popular handheld personal organiser produced by 3Com
palm-sl*e PC   pu:m Ian pi: l)l noun C|7) another name for a handheld IBM compatible computer
palmtop (computer) pu:ininp noun C [16] a portable computer that is small enough to be held in the palm of one hand. See handheld computer.
pane pern noun C [10] a subsection of a graphical user interface window
parity data   purr.it i deil.i noun U [17| extra data bits added to the end of units of data before transmission and then checked and added after transmission to see if the data has arrived accurately
Pascal pxs kitl noun U (5,211 a high-level structured computer language named after the mathematician Blatse Pascal. It is often used in college computing courses to teach programming.
password   pu>u nounC
[6.12.16.19. 20.21) a secret code used to control access to a network system
paste peisi verb [211 to insert a copy of data held in a computer's memory at a chosen position
patch  i v111 verb (18) to insert programming code into a computer program to fix or modify it in some way
paytoad   peil.md noun C [18] the part of a virus that carries out the threat such as displaying a slogan on the screen
payroll package 'peirjol pa-kio^ noun C [8] a set of computer programs used for calculating pay cheques
PC pi: si: noun C [1,2,5,6.17.19.21.23. 25] abbreviation for an IBM type of personal computer
PCI Express /pi: si: ui i kspres/ noun U [2] (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) an interface for connecting peripherals to the processor. It is faster than the standard PCI interface.
PCMCIA   pi: si: cm si: ai ei noun U [2] a type of Interface for connecting creditsi/ed electronic upgrade cards lo portable computers. Devised by the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association.
PDA   pi: di: ei noun C [2.23) abbreviation for personal digital assistant. A small handheld computer providing a variety of tools for organising work. e.g. a calendar, to do list, diary, address list, calculator, etc.
pen-based computer   pen heist k.Mn piiirt.n r i noun C [2,6) a small computer that has a pen input device instead of a keyboard
Pentium pen!mil noun C [2,17.25] a family of processors produced by the Intel Corporation
peripheral   |>.» ril.ir.il noun C [2,15,16. 23] a piece of equipment that is connected to the central processing unit of a computer system
personal computer p:t:s.ml
kam pjuM.url noun C [1,7.22.23.25]a
computer designed to be used by one person at a time
personal organiser   p cs.inl
yq.mai/.url noun C [23) see PDA
P-frame   pi: tiemi noun C [9) the common name for a predicted frame in an MPEG compressed file
phishlng / Iijii)/ noun U [20.18]
pretending to be someone that can be trusted, in order to steal personal information such as passwords or credit card details
Photoshop  'l.iut.iojiip nounU[23|an image-editing computer program produced by Adobe Systems Inc.
physical layer   ti/ikl lei.Ki) noun C [ 111 the part of a network communications system that encodes the packets into the medium that will carry them and sends the packets along that medium
plconet   pck.ionei noun C [23] a set of very small low power wireless links consuming only picoamps of electricity that are set up between Bluetooth devices when they are within 10 metres of each other
piggybacking   pigiha-kni nounU[18)a computer crime that involves using another person's identification code or using that person's files before he or she has logged off
PIM  pan noun C (8) acronym for personal information manager. A computer program that provides a variety of tools for organising work, e.g. a calendar, lo do list, diary, address list, calculator, etc.
PIN  pin noun C [16| an acronym for personal identification number. A unique number used by electronic systems to indicate who a person is.
platform   pl.i-tl.rm noun C [14,22] a distinctive type of computer system that needs software to be written specifically for it, e.g. PC, Apple Mac. etc.
PlayStation   plcisicijn noun U [8] a
games console developed by the Sony
Corporation pointer   p.nni.Urt noun C |7| an arrow
shaped cursor polymorphism   poll nv>:ti/ni noun U
|21|a key feature of OOP programming
by which different objects can receive
Ihe same instructions but deal with
Ihem in different ways POP pnp noun U|12,13,14|acronym
for post office protocol port  pxi verb |6) to convert for use in
another operating system or computer
platform
port replicator   pi:l rcplikeit.it r) noun C (2) a device that connects to a
216 GLOSSARY
portable computer to make it easier to connect peripheral devices
portable (computer)  po:lohl noun C [2] a computer that is small and light enough to be carried from place to place. It can usually be powered by batteries.
post  \>M,si verb [12] to display a message in a computer newsgroup or bulletin board
post office protocol   poosl ,i>t*ts prootoknl noun U (13| a message-retrieval protocol used by many mail clients to get messages from a server. It only allows you to download all messages in your mailbox at once and works in 'pull' mode. i.e. the receiving PC initiating the connection.
predicted frame pri'tliktul liemt noun C |9] a type of image frame used in MPEG compression. A predicted frame only stores the differences in the image compared to the previous I frame or P frame.
presentation layer   pre/an'tcijn .leitfr) nounC(11|theparlofa network communications system lhat ensures the message is transmitted in a language that the receiving computer can interpret
primary disk drive   praimori disk draiv noun C |17] the main disk drive in a computer. In a PC this is usually a hard disk known as the C drive.
Print Screen (key) print skrim noun C (7,101 the computer keyboard key that copies the current display screen image lo memory or to the printer
printed circuit board   prmtid vi:kn bo:d noun C [221 an electronic board thai holds and connects the components of an electronic circuit
printer   pnnlodl noun C [1.2.5.6.17.21, 23] a common output device used for printing the output of a computer on paper
private key   praiv.it ki: noun C [16] secret code known only to the owner that is used for encrypting and decrypting messages
procedural language ptt'ftktfcanl la-nciwidy noun C |5] a computer programming language that enables programs lo be written using sections of code known as procedures. Each procedure performs a specific task.
processor   pr.toses.Kt > noun C
[2.7.17,23,25] the part of a computer that processes the data
program   piooqia'in noun C
[1.2.5,6,18, 21.22,23,24.25] a set ol instructions written in a computer language that control the behaviour of a computer
program   pr.ioqrxni verb [1,6.11.16.
20,21,23] to write a set of instructions
for controlling a computer using a
computer language programmer   prooiira'moo I noun C [4.
5,6,8.18.19.21.22.251 a person who
writes computer programs programming   pro, iina-min, noun U
[5,21.22] the processes of writing a
computer program using a computer
language
programming language proogramirj ia'iuiwur;, noun C [21] a computer language used for writing computer programs
protocol   pr.tnt.iknl' noun C [12,13,23] a set of agreed standards
pseudocode   sjuaJookood nounC[21| a way of writing a description of a computer program using a mixture of natural language and computer language code
public domain   p\blik do mem noun U 119] a condition in which there is no copyright on a work such as a computer program allowing il to be freely copied and used
public key   pvhlik ki: noun C [18] a secret code the owner makes available lo others so lhal they can encrypt messages they are sending lo the owner
public-key cryptography   pvhlik ki: knp'lPcjr.ilT noun U [ 18) a method of coding messages using public and private keys to prevent others from reading them
pull mode   pol mood noun U [13] a type of communication where Ihe receiving computer initiates the connection
pull-down menu   pol daon men|u: noun C [14] a list of choices that appear below a menu title on a display screen when the user clicks on the menu title using a mouse
push operation   poj npo rcijn noun U [13]a communication where the sending computer initiates the connection
radar  'rcido:(i > noun U [3,15) a system of using the reflection of radio waves to delect an object and determine its location
radio button   radian bM.ni noun C [131 one of a set of mutually exclusive options in a dialog box, i.e. the user can only select one, causing ihe others to be deselected
RAID reid noun U [2,171 acronym for redundant array of inexpensive disks
RAID level   rcid .Icvl noun C (17) a particular arrangement of RAID array disks. Each RAID level is given a number with higher numbers indicating more elaborate methods tor ensuring a computer can recover from hardware errors. The best known are RAID 0 to RAID 5.
RAM  rxrrv noun U [2,17] acronym for random access memory
random access memory ixndoin ickscs inemori noun U (2] a type of memory that can be accessed in any order. RAM is the main electronic memory of a personal computer and is used for storing Ihe programs and data being used.
raw data ro: deito noun U [24] data lhal has not been processed
RDBMS   o: di: hi: cm cs nounC|22) abbreviation for relational database management system. A database system that links files together as required.
real-time   ri:l tami noun U [12,23,24) Ihe immediate processing of computer data enabling interactive applications
reboot   ,ri:'bu:i verb [17( to restart a computer operating system
record   rcko:d noun C (8,19,21) a section of a database made up of related database fields
recorder (program) n'k.i:do<r) noun C |9] a computer program lhat allows the user lo create their own audio CDs wilh a writeable CD-ROM drive
Recycle Bin   ri: saikl bin noun U [7] the folder in Microsoft Windows operating systems where deleted files are stored
redundant array of inexpensive disks /n.dAiidont o.rci ov inik.spcusiv disks, noun U [17] a storage system consisting of a set of hard disks that can be combined in different arrangements to store data in such a way that the data can be recovered if one or more of the disks fail
reliable stream service n.laroh] strum (sa:visv noun U [12| a data managemenl system provided by the TCP protocol lo ensure lhat data is transferred across a network correctly. It structures and buffers the data flow, looks for responses, and takes action to replace missing data blocks.
resident   ro/idont adj [6,18] is kepi in the computer's memory
resistor n'/ist.nn nounC(12|an electronic component that reduces the Mow of current in a circuit
resolution   rc/o lu:Jn noun C (2.24] a measure of the quality of a display screen in terms of the amount of
GLOSSARY 217
graphical information that can be shown on the screen. This partly depends on the number of dots that make up the image.
resolution protocol   rc/a lu:)n 'praoiaknl noun (J [12] a set of standards for software used with internal look-up tables in a TCP/IP network for routing data through a gateway between networks
restore nsLrlr) verb (17.19] to put data back into its original location
reverse engineering Ti.va;s cikh/nuriiy noun U |24| to take an object apart to discover how it was originally designed and put together
RF otf VI noun U J23] abbreviation for radio frequency
RFIO in: el ui di:/noun C [23] abbreviation for radio frequency Identification device. A label that stores information to identify an object and can be read using radio signals.
right click rail kirk verb |7,21]to press and release the right-hand button on a mouse
ring main   rin mem noun C [23] the main electrical supply circuit In a building
rip  rip verb [9] to extract songs from a
CD and turn them into WAV Hies ripper   rip.^rl noun C [9] a program
that extracts songs from a CD and
turns them into WAV files im   u:r cm noun U ]6] a Unix command
for deleting a file rmdir   u:r cm dtfOI noun U [6] a Unix
and MS-DOS command for deleting a
directory
robot   raobnl noun C [16,21.23.24]a mechanical device controlled by a computer
robotics mi hotikv. noun U |23| the study of robot systems
rocket science   rnkit sai.ms noun U [24] something requiring great intelligence or technical ability
ROM  fOU noun U (21 acronym for read only memory
route ru:t noun C [11.12] the path lhat is used to transfer data In a network
route ru:t verb [9.11.12] to move da ta from node to node on a network
router   ru:iam noun C [11,13.15.20] an electronic device that links different networks or parts of a network. It determines the path that a signal should take to reach its destination.
rpm   u: pi: cm noun C [2) abbreviation for revolutions per minute
rule ru:l noun C (3| the name given to patterns found in data when using neural networks
run r\n verb |S.6.17.l8]toexetutea
program, i.e. to get a program to process the data rwho u: hu:' noun U [61 a Unix command for displaying a report of who is currently logged In to the local network
5
ft/w   snftweam nounU|22] abbreviation for software
salami shaving s.Vlu:mi Jcivirj noun U 118| a computer crime that involves manipulating programs or data so that small amounts of money are deducted from a large number of transactions or accounts and accumulated elsewhere
SAN sarn/ noun C (191 acronym for storage area network. A high-speed interconnection of shared storage devices
SAP siep noun U |8.22] a widely used enterprise resource planning tool program
SATA /sarta/ noun U |2] acronym for Serial ATA
save seiv'verb ]1.10.15.18] to copy a program or data to a storage device
scan *k;en verb (1.3.16.19] to copy text or graphics using a scanner
scanner   sk;vna<r) noun C [2.3.19] an optical input device that uses the reflection of light to copy text or graphics into a computer
(monitor)(display) screen ikfBfl noun C [1,2,7,11,16,17,18,21,24.2S]a computer output device used for displaying text and graphic images
scroll  skr.ml verb (16,17] to move through displayed information smoothly on the screen either horizontally or vertically
scrollbar   sknx.lhour) nounC(14]the part of a graphical user interface window that allows the user to move through a document by clicking or dragging with the mouse
SCSI .cs si: es di noun U [19] acronym for small computer systems interface. A standard way of connecting peripheral devices to a personal computer system. It is often used to connect hard disks and CD-ROM drives in server computers.
SDRAM   m di: rani noun U (2) abbreviation for synchronous dynamic random access memory. A type of fast memory that uses a separate clock signal in addition to the normal control signals.
search engine   vi:l|' .cud>m noun C 11,6.13.14.15.23] a program designed to find information on the World Wide Web according to data entered by the
user. Search engines are usually accessed from special websites, sector   sekier)' nounC|2,17la formatted section of a circular magnetic track used for storing dala on a disk
seek time   si:k Mini noun C [17] the amount of time taken by a disk drive to find a particular track on a disk
segment    -cqmani noun C [11] a subdivision of data created by a network communications transport layer for which a checksum is generated
serial 'siariaľ adj [24] designed to transfer data sequentially, i.e. one data bit after another
Serial ATA   m.mmI .via,' noun U [2|
(Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) a drive interface that feeds signals one after the other along the same connector, in contrast to the earlier, slower, parallel ATA standard that fed signals at the same time along a set of connectors
serial number   siahal nunhain noun M 1 /1 a number that uniquely identifies a product
serial port   siahal pa:t nounC|12]the small connector at the back of the system unit of a personal computer that is used to connect a serial device such as a serial mouse or a modem. Two serial ports labelled COM1 and COM2 are usually provided on a PC.
server   *a:va<r| noun C [6,8,11.12.13.
lS.I7,18.22|a main computer that
provides a service on a network
server farm /sa:\a Tumi/ noun C |19| a large collection of networked server computers that work together by sharing the service workload
service tag number   <i:\ is tarq
n \ in hat n noun C |17]a number used to identify a computer for maintenance agreements
session layer   sejn .Ictatr) nounC(ll] the pari of a nelwork communications system that opens communications and has the job of keeping straight the communications among all nodes on the network. It sets boundaries for the beginning and end of a message and establishes whether the messages wilt be sent half-duplex or full duplex,
SGML .cs ciy: cm d nounU|14| abbreviation for Standard Generalised Markup Language
shareware   JcawcalM noun U [15,19] software that is distributed freely and only paid for if the user decides to keep it
shell  lei noun C (6| a graphical user interface for an operating system
218 GLOSSARY
shell script   Jel sknpt/ noun C |22J a lext file that contains a sequence of commands for a UNIX-based operating system. In DOS operating systems a shell script is called a batch file.
shift key  |il"t kb noun C [7| the computer keyboard key that is held down to produce uppercase letters
signup vain  \p verb   12.14)to register with a service
SlmCity Nimsili noun U f 18] a well-known computer simulation game in which the users control various aspects of running a virtual city
simple malt transfer protocol smipl moil tra-nslx prootoknl noun U (12.131 a set of standards for sending email from an email client and transferring email between server computers on the Internet
simulation simj(i'lcirn noun C [ 12] a programmed virtual environment that imitates a real or planned system
site sail noun C 111.12,13.15.18] a common name for a website
sitemap   sail map noun C 114,15) a webpage that is used to show the overall layout of a website
skin skin noun C [9] a computer program that is used to change thp interface of another program, e.g. to change the screen display on an MP3 player program
SM band M cm ha-iid' noun U (231 common name for the Industrial Scientific and Medical frequency band
smart card   smu:t kcudnounC
[1.3,19,201a plastic card containing a processor and memory chip. II can be used to store large amounts of confidential data.
smart card reader   sinu:l ku:il
ri:d.i(r> noun C [ 19| a device used for reading smart cards
smart device   sitkiM di.vais noun C [11 a device that contains an embedded processor and memory
smart phone   simi:l faun noun C (24) a telephone that contains an embedded processor and memory and can process data. e.g. translate English into German. Japanese and French in real time
SMS   cs em cv noun U (16) abbreviation for Short Message Service. A method of sending text messages thai are 160 characters in length or shorter over a mobile phone.
SMTP   cs cm li: pi: noun U (12,13) abbreviation for simple message transfer protocol
software   snllwc.nn noun U
[1.2.5.6.14.17.18,19.21.22.23.24.251
the programs and data used in a computer software engineering toftWta
cndynnnn noun U (21] the discipline of designing high quality software solutions
softwarehouse  MiHutM Iuh.s noun C [25) a company that designs and produces software
software piracy   SBftWCB pairnsi noun U (18] a computer crime that involves unauthorised copying of a program for sale or distributing to other users
soundcard   sanndkuid noun C (2,9] the electronic circuit expansion board in a computer that is used to process audio signals and connect to and control a microphone loudspeaker or headphone
source code   soiffkood nounC|6] programming code that has to be processed by a compiler or translator to make object code for use in a computer
spam spa-m noun U (12) unsolicited email sent to large numbers of people indiscriminately usually advertising or trying to sell a product
speaker   spi:k.i|r| noun C [9] common term for a loudspeaker. An output device for providing sound output.
spectrum analyser spcktr.im
,a'i!.-!.i:.'i ■ i noun C (9] an instrument that plots a graph of frequency parameters for a complete frequency band
spit /spu/ noun U [16] the term used for spam on a VoIP system i.e. unsolicited telephone calls made using VoIP on the Internet
splitter-based service split.■> neist >:i:\is noun C [16] a DSlsystem that separates the data signal Irom (he phone line as it enters a building and sends It to a DSL modem
spread spectrum   spred .spcklr.iin noun U [23] a radiowave system that switches rapidly between different frequencies in a frequency band allowing a number of devices to share the same frequency band without interfering with each other
spreadsheet (program)  sprcdjt:i noun C [5.6,8.16,17] a type of application program with an array of cells that is used for calculating formulas
SQL   cs kju: cl noun U|22| abbreviation for structured query language. A language used for searching databases.
standalone   standobnn adj [5,9]not connected to a network
standard generalised markup language sia-nd.xl dynr.Mai/d mci:k,\p
Lcrigwtit) noun U114] the complex metalanguage from which both HTML and XML were created
Start (button) sttut noun C [10] an Icon on the bottom left corner of Microsoft Windows operating system desktops that allows the user to access programs and data and to close down the system
start bit   sui:i hn noun C (111 a data bit that marks the beginning of a data block in a network transmission
Start menu   ski;t mcn|ii:< noun C [10] the list of choices that opens up on the display screen when the user clicks the Start button in a Microsoft Windows desktop
start-stop transmission  ,slu:t ,stnp
tiaMi/'imjn noun C [11] another name for asynchronous transmission where data is sent one byte (or character) at a time
static earthing band   via-uk 'stOtQ ba*nd nounC[12]as1ripofmaterial that is wound round the wrist of a repair technician and connected to earth to prevent the build up of static electricity which could destroy electronic components
status bar   stcitas htm) noun C(10]a narrow band displayed across the bottom of a window in a Microsoft Windows application to display useful information for the user, e.g. number of pages in a document
stealth virus slcIO vanvs noun C [18] a type of virus thai hides itself making It hard to detect
stop bit sinp hit noun C [11] a data bit that marks the end of a data block in a network transmission
storage device   MxTltfe di \ais noun C [2) a piece of equipment used for reading from and writing to a storage medium
storage medium  'stxrid? .intaliam noun C (19] a material used for storing programs and data
streaming   stri:mii) noun U (13,16]a process of downloading and sloring the nexl part of a data signal while the first part is being used. In this way the data signal, e.g. an audio or video is fed to the slower destination device at a steady rate.
string sinii noun C [6,11] a series of data characters which can be a mixture of letters or numbers
striping   siraipit)/ noun U [17| a process where data is spread across all drives In a RAID array rather than filling up one disk with data before writing to the next disk in the array
GLOSSARY 219
structured language   sii \ktf.xt lictigwiiH noun C |21| a computer programming language that requires the programmer lo write programs made up of self-contained units or procedures
structured programming   sit \kiMif pr.ioqrxinin noun U |21] the process of writing a program using a structured programming language
subfolder   -.xh r.^tldotr) nounC[10]a storage area that provides a subdivision of a folder so that stored files can be organised into smaller groups
submenu -\h mcnju: noun C [7] a list of choices that is displayed when ihe user clicks on an item In a menu
sub-network   s\b neiuxk noun C[12| a self-contained part of a larger network
subpage   s\hpcuty noun C [14)3 webpage that gives further detailed information about part of the information on a main webpage
sub-program   s\h prouijunn noun C [22Ja small program that performs a specific function and is part of a larger program
subset   >\bscM noun C |3| a small group of related data that is part of a larger set of data
supercomputer   Mi:p.ik.M»,p|u:Mi > noun C [2,24| the most powerful type of mainframe computer
superset 'iUpuMl noun C (21 ] a larger group of objects that include a smaller set of objects
supervisor (program) 'tmp*vatW(r) noun C [61 the most important program in the operating system. It is resident and controls the entire operating system. It loads other operating system programs into memory when they are needed.
support analyst o prvt urn.ills I noun C [221a person who provides help to computer users by studying their requirements and designing systems to provide for their needs
support engineer as p.rt endy.nwi noun C [22,25) a professional who provides help for computer users by designing, building, and maintaining computer systems
support line s.Vp.n lain nounC[12|a telephone line that can be used to get help with hardware or software problems. See helpdesk/hetpline.
support technician s.Vpx.1 tek.nijn noun C [22) a person who maintains and troubleshoots problems with computers
surf vi:i verb [15,23) to browse webpages on the Internet in an unplanned way
surge protector   s:t:i% pr.i.tekt.itrK noun C [19J an electronic device that protects equipment from damage due to sudden high voltage or current in the power supply
swipecard   swaip ku:d nounC[2]a plastic card with a magnetic strip running across it containing confidential data
synch byte   sir)k bait noun C [|a start or stop bit pattern that marks the beginning or end of a transmitted data block
synchronise 'sirjkranai/. verb
[11,21,23) to cause different processes to occur at the same time
synchronous   sinkr^n^s adj [2,11.12, 15] occurring at regular intervals and in step with other systems usually controlled by an electronic clock circuit
synthesiser "sm03,sai/3<ri/ noun C [9] a device thai uses electronic circuits to generate sounds
system tray  'sisutm trci noun C [7,10) a section at the far right of a Microsoft Windows task bar that holds icons for the clock and other programs that run constantly in the background
systems administrator sisi.mi/ ."xJ,inirirrstici|.i<11 noun C [ 19)a person who maintains a multi-user computer system
systems analysis   sistom/ .i nrctasis noun U [5,22] the study of a system to determine how it can be computerised
systems analyst   sist.mv ,ien.ilist noun C [21,22] a person who designs or modifies information systems to meet users* requirements. This includes investigating feasibility and cost-producing documentation and testing prototypes of the system.
systems manager sist.im/
.marnidyil r) noun C [20.22] a person who manages a computer system
systems program / software MstMttl .pr.-nKjru'in. .snftwcHrl nounC/U [5.6,21.22] a program or set of programs that is used to control the basic functions of a computer system, e.g. operating system programs
systems programmer intMu .proograMii.'Mrl noun C [21.22) a person who specialises in writing systems software such as operating System programs
systems programming mnI.hii/
,pro(ii|r;i'imn noun U [22| the writing of systems programs
TA ti: Vi noun C|16| abbreviation for terminal adapter
tab ui'b noun C [8| a dialog box component that is used to switch between different sets of data
tab (key) la-b noun C [7) Ihe computet keyboard key that is used to move Ihe cursor to Ihe next tabulation point in a wordprocessor program so that data can be spaced evenly on the screen
tag Leg noun C [9.14] a label used in a markup language such as HTML. It is attached to a piece of text to mark the start or the end of a particular function.
tape lap noun U [19] a magnetic storage medium commonly used for storing backup files
taskbar   tu:skbu:m nounC[7.10[a Microsoft Windows desktop component that indicates what programs are currently being used and allows the user to switch between them
TCP   ti: si: pit* noun U [12] abbreviation for transfer control protocol. A part of the TCP/IP protocol used on the Internet.
TCP/IP   lb m: pi: 'hi pi: noun U [12.221 abbreviation for transmission control protocol/Internet protocol. The official set of standards for determining the form of Ihe signals used for transmitting data on the Internet.
technophoblc tcknoT.vibik adj [24| having a fear or strong dislike of technology and technological devices
telecomms  'teliknni/ nounU[24| common term for telecommunications
telecommunications
'.tclikamjunii kcijn/ noun U[5,22] branch of technology concerned with communications over long distances
telecommunications engineer
.tclik.imjuini keijn/ cmty ni.Ni) noun C [251 a person who works with systems concerned with communications over long distances
telecommute ichk.Viniu:! verb [1)10 communicate with your office by computer, telephone and fax while working a distance from your office, e.g. at home
telephony taltfM noun U[16| Ihe science of audio communication through electric devices. It commonly refers to software that will make a computer act like a telephone.
teleworking   iclm i:kii) nounU[24]lhe process of working at home while communicating with your office by computer, telephone and fax. See telecommute.
220 GLOSSARY
teller machine   leto nwji:n nounC |2S] a machine used for taking payments in large shops and supermarkets
telnet   telnet noun U[12| acronym for teletype network. An Internet service that allows a user to connect to a multi-user server using a computer as a terminal.
terabit (crahit noun C [23] a unit of storage capacity equal to 1 009 511 627 776 bits
terminal adapter 'l.rminol .-yda-'pl-M r) noun C 116| a device for connecting an ISDN system to an existing telephone line
text editor   Ickst editor) nounC[6|a computer program for editing basic data or program text. i.e. like a basic wordprocessor
TFT display ,li: el li: di.splci nounC |2J abbreviation for thin film transistor display. A type of LCD screen display commonly used in portable computers, it uses a separate transistor to control each pixel on the display.
thincllent   Um klamní nounC[11.15] a low-cost centrally-managed basic computer wilh a keyboard and display screen processor and memory but no CD-ROM drive, floppy disk drive or expansion slots, e.g. a NetPC or a network computer (NC)
third-generation GSM   lh:d iften.ircijn d$i: es cm noun U [23| the third generation of the Global System for Mobile communication standard. It is the standard for mobile users around the world.
throughput   Druipol noun U|17| the amount of data that passes through a system in a given period of time
toggle-box   HKilhnU noun C[ 10] a screen icon in Windows Explorer that opens or closes a folder to show or hide its subfolders when the user clicks on it using a mouse
tooltip   tii:liip noun C [7] a label that appear on the screen when the user holds the mouse pointer over an Icon in a Microsoft Windows system
topology   m pnbd-.i noun C [5,11] the physical Layout of a network
tower chassis  'laoa Jaw i nounC|2)a personal computer case that stands on end and can be placed on the floor unlike the normal desktop case that sits flat on a desk under the monitor
track ir.i-k noun C [2] a formatted circular magnetic storage area on a computer disk
traffic   tr.chk noun U [11.16]the volume of signals or data that passes through a network system
transaction processing n.i-n/ .tkjn .pooscMi) noun U [21] the processing of computer transactions by updating the computer file as each transaction takes place rather than storing them until later to be processed as a batch
transceiver /ira:n'si:v3/ noun C [23]short form of transmitter/receiver. A device that both sends and receives signals
transistor  ii.cn'/ist.Kri nounC[23]a solid state electronic switch or amplifier
transmission control protocol
tran/.niijn knntraol 'pr.k>t.iknl noun U [12] a set of standards for the delivery of error-free data in communications between computers. It comes into operation once a data packet is delivered to the correct Internet address and application port. It manages the communication exchanges and provides reliable stream service by structuring and buffering the data flow looking for responses and taking action to replace missing data blocks.
transponder trams'pntulatri nounC [23] a device that responds to received coded radio signals by automatically transmitting a different coded signal
transport layer   trurnsp.rt lei.^rl noun C 111) the part of a network communications system that protects the data being sent. It subdivides the data into segments and creates checksum tests. It can also make backup copies of the data.
trapdoor   ii.epdxm nounC[18]a technique used in a computer crime that involves leaving within a completed program an illicit program that allows unauthorised - and unknown - entry
Trojan (horse) 'troodpn nounC|18,20| a technique used in a computer crime that involves adding concealed instructions to a computer program so that it will still work but will also perform prohibited duties. In other words it appears to do something useful but actually does something destructive in the background.
troubleshoot   tr\blju:l verb [22] to find and fix faults in a system
troubleshooter   11 \bl | u:i.m i i noun C [22] a person who finds and fixes faults in a system
TTS   li: li: es. noun U [7]abbreviation for lext to speech. A system where a computer reads text to the user using a speech synthesiser.
tuned tju:nd adj [11] set to operate on the same frequency
TV (set) li: \i: noun C (16.23.24]
abbreviation for television, A television
set is the actual television device used for displaying the video signals.
twisted-pair (cabling)   twist id 'pear) noun U [11.16] a common type of network cable that uses two wires twisted together to reduce interference from external signals
typesetting   laipsetin. noun U [6] preparation for printing
UDP   |u: di: pi: noun U (12| abbreviation for user datagram protocol
undo   \n du: verb [10] to restore a file to the condition it was in before the last change was made
unencrypt    \ncn knpl verb [18] to remove the encryption from a file
uniform resource locator (ttsnifxin ri'/xs bo,kflitatrV nounC|13|the unique address of a webpage
uninterruptible power supply
\ninu rvpiabl pattfoplai nounC [19] a battery backup system that automatically provides power to a computer when the normal electricity source fails
universal mobile telecommunications system   ju:in\a:s| m.x.hail tclika mju:m keijn/ sis Mm noun U [ 16] a third-generation, broadband, packet-based communications system based on the Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication standard. It provides the same services including the transmission of text-digitised voice video and multimedia to mobile computer and phone users throughout the world.
Unix   |ii:niks noun U [5.6.13.14.21.22.
25] a popular multi-user multitasking
operating system originally designed
for mainframe computers. A wide
variety of versions exist, update    \pdeit noun C [5.15.22] a
change that provides the latest version update   \pdeit verb [5.15.22] to bring
up to date. i.e. to change into the
latest version upgrade    \pgrcid noun C [2] a change
that improves the features or
performance of a system upgrade    \p yreid verb [2.5.6.16.22] to
add components to improve Ihe
features or performance of a system upload    \phod verb (5.16,24| to copy
a file from a client computer to a server
in a network UPS   ju: pi: es noun C [2] abbreviation
for uninterruptible power supply upstream    \psiri:m nounU[16]the
signal path for receiving
GLOSSARY 221
communications from a client computer to a server in a network
URL  ju: u:r el noun C [9.13.20,22] abbreviation for uniform (or universal) resource locator
USB / ju: es hi:/ noun U [4] abbreviation for universal serial bus. A connector interface standard for attaching peripheral devices to a computer
Usenet  ju:/ncl noun U 112.20] an Internet service that allows users to communicate by means of newsgroups
user iiti/Mt) noun C |1,5,6,18,21,22, 23.25] the person using a computer
user datagram protocol juaa
,(ktt*gnetH prootokol noun U |12] a set of standards for creating a data address in a TCP/IP message. It is used to indicate what application the message is supposed to contact and provides the final routing for the data within the receiving system.
user-authentication system jur/or .r.uenirkeijn .sistam noun C [18| a system that identifies users. This can be done using digital certificates.
username juv.ineim nounC[19]the network account name assigned to a particular user
utility (program) JU!'Iibh nounC|6,25] a program included with an operating system that can perform useful common routine tasks or housekeeping operations, e.g. formatting disks or copying files
UTMS ju: ti: cm cs nounU[16] abbreviation for Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
V \ nil noun C |23) abbreviation for volt.
the international unit of voltage VB si: bi: noun U |22]abbreviation for
Visual Basic VCR   vi: si: 'u:ir> noun C (11
abbreviation for video cassette
recorder VDU   \i:     ju: nounC|2|
abbreviation for visual display unit.
Another name for a computer monitor, verify   ven.fai/verb [11] to check for
accuracy video   vulioo noun U 12.9,16,17]
signals containing picture information video (cassette) recorder   \ id m. -
n,k.-i:d.*Mr|' noun C [16,231 a device for
recording video signals onto magnetic
tape cassettes video memory   ndisu .mem.iri noun U
[21 the memory used to store graphics
data on a graphics card videoconferencing wdi.i..
knnlVonsin, noun U [1,24] a form of
communication over a network thai
uses video cameras so that the people taking part can see and hear each other
virtual ad) [12,23,24]
computer-simulated enabling the user to experience something without needing its physical presence
virtual reality   v:i:tf<»nl ri'icbti noun U [12] a simulated three-dimensional environment that surrounds the user and is generated by a computer
virus   vair.is noun C [1.8,10,11,15,17, 18,19,20] a program written with the purpose of causing damage or causing a computer to behave in an unusual way
virus-check .'vairas tick verb [10.15) to check for viruses
Visual Basic   \r,iol heisik noun U [21,22] a general-purpose programming language with a graphical interface. It is particularly suitable for use by beginners learning how to program.
visualisation technology   \ 15O0IBI /ei 111 ick'nnbdji noun U [24] systems and devices used to create a virtual reality environment
VMS   ,vi: cm cs. noun U [6] an operating system used by DEC VAX minicomputers
voice clip   v.iis klip noun C [21] a short sound recording of the human voice
voice recognition  Vik rck.xi pjjn noun U [7,19) a system that can respond to words spoken by a human being
voice synthesis   ran HnOaaM noun U [24] the generation of a human-sounding voice using electronic circuits
voice synthesiser vail SinApft*II3(r) noun C [24] an electronic device that generates sounds thai represent the human voice
VoIP /v.iip/ noun U [16! abbreviation for voice over Internet protocol. A set of standards for enabling phone calls to be made across the Internet.
VR vi: u:ir> noun U [23]abbreviation for virtual reality
w
wallpaper   w.xlpcipxn noun C [9] the background graphics on a Microsoft Windows desktop
Wap wttp noun U| 16] acronym for wireless application protocol. A set of standards for allowing users to send emails and access information including video transmissions fiom the Internet on a mobile phone.
WAV rasi noun U [9] an audio file format
Web address   web .idres noun C [5,13,20] the Internet address of a webpage
Webdeveloper   web th\cbpo(r ► noun
C [22] a person who is employed to
create websites Web mail   ueh meil nounU[13|a
type of email that is accessed from
webpages
Webserver "web rnrva(r) nounC|13)a server computer that stores and provides access to websites
Web space   web spcis noun U [12,14] disk storage space on a web server used for storing webpages
Web (the) web noun U [1,5,7,12,13,14, 15,16,18.19,20,22,23,24,251 common name lor the World Wide Web
Webmaster 'wcbmuM.-im noun C [14,22] a person who administers a Web server
webpage   wcbpcid;, nounC (6.12.13.14.15.16.17,21,22]a hyperlinked document in a web network system
web-ready appliances protocol web ,rcdi d.pluiansi/ prootoknl noun U ]23) a set of standards for enabling domestic appliances to be connected lo the Web and to communicate with each other
website   wehsail noun C [1,5,8,12,14, 15,16,17,18.20,21,23,251 a set of related pages on the World Wide Web
WEP /wep/ noun U [11] acronym for Wired Equivalent Privacy. A set of standards used to convert data on a wireless network to provide privacy and security
WiFi /wui li/ noun U [11| abbreviation for Wireless Fidelity. A set of standards for radio-based wireless networks.
wildcard   waildka:d noun C 113] a symbol used in computer commands and for searching databases. It represents any character or combination of characters, e.g. using an asterisk searching for "ed would find all words ending in ed.
window   wnubo noun C |7] a
rectangular screen area containing a program folder or file in a WIMP system
(Microsoft) Windows   wimb../ noun U [2,6.12.17.19.22,25) a graphical user interface operating system front-end to MS-DOS developed by the Microsoft Corporation. It has been gradually developed into a full operating system.
Windows Explorer   w nnU </
ik spb:ra(r»/ noun U [9|a Microsoft Windows program thai allows the usei to see the Hies and folders on all Ihe disks attached to the computer. It can be used for general housekeeping such as moving or deleting files.
222 GLOSSARY
Windows Media Player vwiubo/ 'media .pleuMr)' noun U |9] a Microsoft Windows program for playing multimedia files including audio and video
wipe (a disk) warp verb 118] to delete all the files stored on a disk
wirelessly   wurgnwli adj |23| using radio signals without the need for connecting wires or cables
wireless network , wainbs network/ noun C (11) Ihe interconnection of computers using signals carried through the air (usually radio waves) instead of through connecting cables
WLAN / .ihbliu: clcicn/ noun Cfll] abbreviation for wireless local area network. A network thai uses radio waves to connect computers in a small area
WML   dvbiju: cm el noun U| 16] abbreviation for wireless markup language. A language similar to HTML used for designing webpages suitable for mobile phones.
(Microsoft) Word  wxd noun U [1,10.22] a widely-used wordprocessing program developed by Ihe Microsoft Corporation. It is a component of the Microsoft Office package.
wordprocessing   v»;cd praoscsit)' noun U [5.6.251 the process of typing and editing text using a wordprocessor
wordprocessor   \\a:d prsosesofr)/noun C [ 16.18] a type of computer application program used for typing and editing text documents
workstation   w.cksteijn noun C [2,6,22] a powerful desktop computer used by power users for work lhat requires a lot of processing, e.g. graphic design
World Wide Web (the) ,WxU w.ud web' noun U |7,13,20.22| an information service on the Internet that allows document pages to be accessed using hyperlinks
worm /V.1:111/ noun C 120] a program that performs unwanted actions and replicates itself across a network
WRAP riep noun U (23) acronym for Web-ready appliances protocol. A set of communications system standards that enable web-connected appliances to communicate.
writeable CD-ROM drive   railaM m: di: mm dran noun C [9] a compact disk drive thai allows the user to write data onto a CD as welt as read data stored on the CD
write-back cache   rail hxk ,k;e] noun C [2| a buffer storage system where the processor writes changes only to the cache and not to main memory. Cache entries that have changed are flagged
as 'dirty* telling the cache controller to write their contents back to main memory before using the space to cache new data.
write-through cache   rati Itru: ka-'j noun C [2] a buffer storage system where the processor writes directly to both the cache and main memory at the same time
WWW   d\hlju: >Ubl|ii: d\hljti; noun U [12] abbreviation for the World Wide Web. The Internet service used for connecting to multimedia webpages.
WXGA /weksg.V noun U [21 abbreviation for wide extended graphics array. A standard screen resolution of (1024 x 768) pixels that is particularly suitable for displaying video films.
X (windowing) (system) eks noun U [6] a windowing system used with different versions of Unix
X.25   eks .twenti Taiv noun U[12)the International Telegraphic Union packet-switching data communications standard for connecting computers and a public network
XGA   eks tfei: ei noun U [2)
abbreviation for extended graphics array. An IBM display screen standard with a resolution of 1024X768 pixels and up to 65,536 colours.
XML   ek> em el noun U [7.U.16.20. 21.25] abbreviation Tor extensible markup language
Vahoo  jjv'liu: noun U [15.20] the name of a popular Internet search engine website