Computer Science

1 byte is ___ bits

8

Float

A number with a decimal in it.

Search Engine

A software program you can use to find Web sites, Web pages, and Internet files.

Output

Data produced by a computer program and viewed by the user.

memory address register (MAR)

Holds the address in memory of the instruction at present being executed.

Ellipsis

Indicated by a series of three periods, the __ indicates that some material has been omitted from a given text.

Expand a folder

To open a folder to access its contents

Hardware

computer machinery and equipment

Auxiliary Storage Devices

ex: network drive, hard drive, flash drive, google drive.

Desktop

(computer science) the area of the screen in graphical user interfaces against which icons and windows appear

Taskbar

A bar normally located at the bottom of the Windows desktop, displaying information about open programs and providing quick access to others.

Non- Adjacent Files

A broken up file

memory

A collection of cells, each with a unique physical address. Its addressability varies from one machine to another.

database management system (DBMS)

A computer based system for defining, creating, manipulating, controlling, managing and using databases.

Operating System (OS)

A computer's operating system provides the basis for other programs to run.

sensor

A device that detects measurable elements of a physical process for transfer to a computer.

Power Supply

A device that provides power to a computer.

input device

A device through which data and programs from the outside world are entered into the computer. Modern examples include: keyboards, mice, cameras (also known as, simply, webcams), and scanning devices.

output device

A device through which results stored in the computer memory are made available to the outside world. Examples include printers and screen monitors.

Adjacent Files

A file not broken apart

character set

A finite set of different characters that is complete for a given purpose, for example, the 128 ASCII characters.

Programming Language

A language that is used to give instructions to a computer.

verification (data input)

A method of ensuring that the data in the computer system is the same as the original source data. This may be done by double entry.

single-tasking

A mode of operation that allows only one program to be in use at any time.

Multitasking

A mode of operation that provides for concurrent performance, or interleaved execution, of two or more tasks.

Index Number

A number assigned to an item in a list.

register

A part of internal storage that has a specified storage capacity and is usually intended for a specific purpose.

arithmetic and logic unit (ALU)

A part of the computer that performs arithmetic operations, logic operations and related operations.

bar code

A pattern of vertical lines distinguished from each other by width. It can be read by a bar code reader to provide data to a computer.

Function

A piece of code that does part of a larger task.

Expression

A piece of code that has a value, such as 3 + 5.

Variable

A placeholder for a piece of information that can change.

Branch

A point in a program where two different options are available to choose from.

speech recognition (voice recognition)

A process of comparing spoken words with those stored in the system.

utility

A program designed to perform an everyday task such as copying data from one storage device to another.

Web Browser

A program that allows a user to view and interact with web pages

memory manager

A program that is usually part of the operating system that controls the allocation of memory to various applications. It is particularly important in multi-tasking systems where applications might otherwise cause conflicts, and for implementing virtual machines and virtual memory.

search engine

A program that searches a large database to find matching items. The most common use of a search engine is to find Internet addresses based on given key words.

Boolean Expression

A question with only two possible answers, such as "True" and "False".

JPEG (joint photographic expert group)

A recognized standard of compression of graphics files that has some loss.

program counter

A register that holds the address of the next instruction to be fetched in the fetch execute cycle.

backup (file)

A second copy of a file, to be used in the event of the original file being corrupted. See also the definition for "unbalanced tree".

Module

A section of code that performs a single part of an overall program.

String

A series of characters (numbers, letters, or symbols).

Program

A set of instructions that a computer follows in order to complete a task.

Algorithm

A set of step-by-step instructions that describes how to perform a particular task.

Program

A set of step-by-step instructions to a computer. Some are burned directly into chips, while others are stored as program files. Programs are written in languages such as BASIC and C++.

Unicode

A standardized 16-bit character set that represents the character sets of most major languages in the world. See also the definition for "ASCII".

accumulator

A storage register in the ALU that holds data temporarily while the data is processed and before it is transferred to memory.

Interrupt

A suspension of a process, such as the execution of a computer program caused by an external event, performed in such a way that the process can be resumed.

Operator

A symbol that performs a specific function: for example, +(add) or - (subtract).

single user system

A system that only allows one user at a time.

File Extension

A tag of three or four letters, preceded by a period, which identifies a data file's format or the application used to create the file.

robustness

A term used to describe the ability of a program to resist crashing due to incorrect input or incorrect intermediate results.

secondary memory

A type of memory that allows a user to store data and programs for as long as desired, in, for example, a hard disk drive. The point at which the sector intersects with a track is used to reference the location.

Binary

A way of representing information using only two options.

URL

A web address.

Integer

A whole number, positive or negative, that does not contain a decimal point and that is not written as a fraction.

Modem

An abbreviation for "modulator/demodulator": a piece of electronic equipment that converts digital signals from a computer into audio signals that are transmitted over telephone lines, and converts them back again.

file manager

An application software that can access, create, modify, store and retrieve files. All such records in a file have the same length. See also the definition for "variable-length records".

defragmentation software

An application that reads file segments from non-contiguous sections of a storage device and then writes the files to the same device in such a way that each file segment is contiguous.

Bug

An error in a program that prevents the program from running as expected.

Parameter

An extra piece of information that you pass to the function to customize it for a specific need.

graphics tablet (graphics pad)

An input device on which the user writes or designs. The image is reproduced on the screen.

pointing device

An instrument, such as a mouse, trackball or joystick, used to move an icon (sometimes in the form of an arrow) on the screen.

Microprocessor

An integrated circuit incorporating the main components of a central processor. These circuits are used for microcomputers and small devices controlled by computer.

serial interface

An interface through which a computer transmits or receives data, one bit at a time. See also the definition for "parallel interface".

bar code reader

An optical reader that can read bar codes. In a decimal system the base is 10, in a hexadecimal system the base is 16, and in a binary system the base is 2.

peripheral device

Any device that can communicate with a particular computer, for example: input/output units, auxiliary storage, printers. Used in dynamic data structures to move from item to item.

Wireless Network

Any type of computer network that is not connected by cables of any kind.

Decimal Number System

Base10

Hexadecimal Number System

Base16

Binary Number System

Base2

Octal Number System

Base8

bit (b)

Binary digit. The smallest unit of information for data storage and transmission. Each bit is considered to be either a "0" or a "1".

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Brain of the computer that performs instructions defined by software

B

Byte.

Collapse a folder

Close a folder and close access to documents inside

Code Block

Code that belongs together, often inside a branch or loop.

File/ Folder

Common storage unit/method for organizing files

Address Bar

Contains address of the current page and is where you enter the location for the webpage you want to visit.

Input

Data that is entered into a computer; for example from a mouse, keyboard, or microphone.

digital data

Discrete data.

Convert Decimal to Binary

Divide by 2, use remainders

Debugging

Finding and fixing errors in programs.

Convert Binary to Octal

Group binary number into 3s, use table

Convert Binary to Hexadecimal

Group binary number into 4s, use table

Binary Code

Groupings of 1's and 0's that makes information that a computer can understand.

memory address register (MAR)

Holds the address in memory of the instruction at present being executed. It is particularly important in multitasking systems where applications might otherwise cause conflicts, and for implementing virtual machines and virtual memory.

encryption

In computer security, the process of transforming data into an unintelligible form in such a way that the original data cannot be easily obtained except by using a decryption process.

Data

Information, such as text, symbols, and numerical values.

operating system (OS)

It is the core of computer system software. It manages computer resources, such as memory, and input/output devices, and provides an interface through which a human can interact with the computer. It allows an application program to interact with system resources. Software that controls the execution of programs and that may provide services such as resource allocation, scheduling, input/output control, and data management.

Menu/Submenu

List of commands or choices offered to user.

RAM

Memory in which each cell (usually a byte) can be directly accessed. Inherent in the idea of being able to access each location is the ability to change the contents of each location. That is, storing something else into that place can change the bit pattern in each cell

ROM

Memory which contents are permanent and cannot be altered by a second operation. Placing the bit pattern in it is called burning. The bit pattern is burnt either at the time the it is manufactured or at the time the computer parts are assembled.

Loop

Part of a program that repeats itself, to prevent the need for the same piece of code to be typed out multiple times.

Cache

Part of the main store that is between main memory and the processor. It holds a copy of data and instructions that are likely to be used next by the processor and is hence faster than main memory. See also the definition for "disk cache".

address bus

Pathway from memory to processing unit that carries the address in memory to and from which data is transferred. See the definitions for "bus" and "data bus".

Hardware

Physical elements of a computing systems (printer, circuit boards, wires, keyboard, etc)

Motherboard

Printed circuit board on which the CPU, RAM chips and other electronic circuit elements of a digital computer are frequently located.

Assembly Language

Problems written using mnemonic code

operating system software

Programs that make the computer work. ex: Windows 8, vista, GUI, Linux.

Machine Language

Programs written in binary code

disk cache

RAM set aside to speed up access to a hard drive. This may be part of the disk itself or may be incorporated in cache memory.

RAM

Random Access Memory - temporary place to store material that works quickly. erased when computer turns off. Volatile.

ROM

Read Only Memory- Permanent instructions that cannot be changed. It makes the BIOS function. Checks your OS.

OCR Optical character recognition (reader)

Refers to the use of devices and software to "read" characters and translate them into ASCII characters for later processing. Applications of OCR include the scanning of printed documents to convert the text into digital ASCII text that can then be edited in word processors.

auxiliary storage devices

Secondary memory e.g. magnetic tape, magnetic disks,CDs and DVDs,flash drives, external hard drives

Software

Set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do. It is what guides the hardware and tells it how to accomplish each task.

Shake Title Bar

Shake title bar to close window

Pixel

Smallest portion of a display or image

operating system (OS)

Software that controls the execution of programs and that may provide services such as resource allocation, scheduling, input/output control, and data management.

system software

Software that manages a computer system at a more fundamental level. It provides the tools and an environment in which application software can be created and run. System software often interacts directly with the hardware and provides more functionality than the hardware does itself.

Operating System (OS)

Software used to control the computer and its peripheral equipment.

application software

Software written to address specific needs e.g. word processing programs, games, inventory control systems, automobile diagnostic programs, and missile guidance programs.

Digital Citizen

Someone who acts safely, responsibly, and respectfully online.

User Friendly

Something anyone can operate

Hard Drive

Storage device that stores digitally encoded data on rapidly rotating rigid disks with magnetic surfaces. The device is either permanently installed within the computer case or can be portable

Run

The command to start a program.

von Neumann Architecture

The computer design built upon the principle that data and instructions to manipulate data were logically the same and could be stored in the same place. Another major characteristic is that the units that process information are separate from the units that store information.

magnetic ink character recognition (MICR)

The identification of characters through the use of magnetic ink.

computer architecture

The logical structure and functional characteristics of a computer, including the interrelationships among its hardware and software components.

Windows Explorer

The main tool for finding, viewing, and managing the contents of your computer by showing the location and contents of every drive, folder, and file.

primary memory

The part of the memory where the data and programs that are in use at the time are stored.

data bus

The pathway between the memory or peripheral and processing unit that carries data for processing or data that has been processed. See also definitions for "bus" and "address bus".

data bus

The pathway between the memory or peripheral and processing unit that carries data for processing or data that has been processed. See also definitions for "bus" and "address bus". All redundancy in the data is removed to reduce the storage needed or to speed up transfer. The data can be uncompressed back to its original state.

Bus

The pathway used for sending signals between internal components of a computer. Components can share the same bus but cannot transmit simultaneously.

ASCII: American Standard Code for Information Interchange

The primary encoding character set used in computers for textual data transfer between applications. The set uses eight bits for each character code, one of these bits being a check bit to verify the seven bits needed to represent one character. ASCII supports most European alphabets. Unicode supports most known alphabets and is increasingly used in data transfer. See also the definition for "Unicode".

Fetch, Decode, Execute

The process includes four steps: fetch the next instruction, decode the instruction, execute the instruction.

multi-processing

The simultaneous execution of two or more computer programs or sequences of instructions by a computer (parallel processing).

sector

The smallest accessible storage unit on a disk. The point at which the sector intersects with a track is used to reference the location.

virtual memory

The use of secondary memory as if it were primary memory.

Call

To use a function in a program.

Bug

Unexpected problem with hardware or software

Convert Binary to Decimal

Use positional notation

Computer Science

Using the power of computers to solve problems.

Systems software

Utility programs(loaders and linkers), language translators, operating systems

partition

When referring to a computer hard drive, it is a section of the hard drive that is separated from other segments, allowing e.g. multiple operating systems to run on the same device.

Gadgets

Windows component can be used to display information such as weather forecasts, time, and news headlines on the desktop

Client

a desktop computer capable of obtaining info and applications

Network

a set of computers which are connected to each other and operate as part of the same system, able to exchange information and messages

Customize Quick Access Toolbar

add or remove features

Enhanced Screen Tip

an on-screen note that provides the name of the command, available keyboard shortcuts, a description of the command, and sometimes instructions for how to obtain help about the command

Multitasking

an operating system feature that allows more than one application to run at a time

BASIC

beginners all purpose symbolic instruction code

Order of bytes from least to greatest

bits, byte, kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte, terabyte.

Status Bar

bottom partition of internet browsers that display state of page

Query language

databases

Output

device that projects images, gives sound, and basically gives out the info from the computer so the user can obtain it (ex: monitor, printer, projector, speakers)

Output Device

device that projects images, gives sound, and basically gives out the info from the computer so the user can obtain it (ex: monitor, printer, projector, speakers)

Input

device used to insert data into a computer or other device (ex: keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner, voice recognition)

Input Device

device used to insert data into a computer or other device (ex: keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner, voice recognition)

Copy/Move

duplicating text, data, files, or disks and putting it into another location

High-level language

easier for humans to understand

Application Software

ex: Word, Excel, Photoshop, WordPerfect...

GUI

graphical user interface

Show Desktop Button

minimizes and maximizes all windows

Memory/Storage Units

part of computer where data is stored for later use

Quick Access Toolbar

quick access to commonly used features

Quick launch icon/ pinning and arranging

section where user can launch programs

Server

software capable of accepting requests

Calculator

something used for making mathematical calculations, in particular a small electronic device with a keyboard and a visual display

Boot Process

starting up a computer from a halted or powered down condition.

Notification Area

system tray where time and other applications can be accessed

Registers

temporary storage areas in CPU for data being processed

Dialog Box

temporary window an application created to retrieve user inpur

Accessories

things that attach onto the computer/ add onto the computers functional capabilities

Paint

to create graphic art

Compiler/Translator

translates high-level language into machine code

Interpreter

translates source code into machine code one line at a time

Applications Programmers

use high-level languages to solve problems

Word

use mainly for writing documents

PowerPoint

used for presentations

Excel

used mainly for formulas and organizing data

Jump List

view recent documents in program pinned to taskbar

Systems Programmers

writes translators for high-level languages