Technology Now Chapter 12

Artificial intelligence (AI)

A branch of computer science devoted to increasing the intelligence of machines.

Smart card

A card that contains an embedded computer chip to manage payments and deposits and to provide security.

Virtual reality (VR)

A computer-simulated, 3D environment that you can explore and manipulate.

Information technology (IT) department

A department in a medium to large business that handles the computing needs of the business.

Vampire device

A device that draws power even when it is turned off or in standby mode.

personal listening assistant

A device that records spoken information such as classroom lectures so students can play them back later.

dyslexia

A difficulty in learning to read and comprehend written words.

Dyslexie

A font designed to help people with dyslexia read and write.

Web portfolio

A hypertext version of your resume that includes links to samples of your work online.

Robot

A machine that can move automatically.

Internet of things (IoT)

A network of smart home appliances that use embedded computers to reduce energy consumption and enhance daily living.

Home automation

A network that controls systems such as heating, cooling, and security to increase comfort, quality of life, and health.

Telemedicine

A practice in which one healthcare professional holds a video conference with another healthcare professional.

Mobile health (mHealth)

A practice that uses mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets to access health information.

Mobile commerce (m-commerce)

A practice that uses wireless mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets to make retail purchases.

Radio frequency identification (RFID) tag

A programmable computer chip embedded in paper or plastic.

Heuristic

A rule of thumb.

Data mining

A search technique that organizes and analyzes data in a meaningful way.

Near field communications (NFC)

A short-range wireless technology that works with smartphones and radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. See also Radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.

Kiosk

A structure containing a computer that enables self-service transactions.

closed caption

A subtitle that displays the text version of spoken words in a video or other presentation.

Resume

A summary of your education, work experience, skills, and accomplishments.

Learning management system (LMS)

A system instructors can use to set up Web-based training sites where students can check their progress in a course, take practice tests, and exchange messages with the instructor and other students.

Speech recognition

A technology that enables a computer to understand and react to spoken statements and commands.

Machine-to-machine (M2M)

A technology that enables computers and other devices to communicate with each other without human intervention.

Embedded computer

A tiny special-purpose computer included as a component in a larger product.

Natural language processing

A type of AI that computers can use to understand natural human languages.

Computational AI

A type of artificial intelligence that performs cycles of tasks and learns from each cycle. See also Neural network.

Conventional AI

A type of artificial intelligence that takes advantage of a computer's ability to use logic, or statistics and probabilities, to solve a problem. See also Expert system.

Synchronous course

A type of course in which the instructor holds a class that you and other students attend online at the same time. See also Asynchronous course.

Asynchronous course

A type of online learning in which you connect to educational content such as recorded demonstrations and lectures to learn at your own pace. See also Synchronous course.

Augmented reality

A type of virtual reality that uses an image of an actual place or thing and adds digital information to it. See also Virtual reality.

Telematics

A wireless communication technology that provides systems such as dashboard navigation and remote vehicle tracking.

Robotics

An area of AI that focuses on practical uses for robots.

Adaptive system

An automotive technology that can detect if your car is following another car too closely and adjust the speed to maintain a safe distance.

E-writer

An electronic device that accepts handwritten input through a stylus or fingertip.

E-reader

An electronic device that lets you read paperless books.

Certification exam

An objective test offered by an authorized testing company.

Expert system

Conventional AI software programmed to follow rules specified by an expert in the field. See also Conventional AI.

fine motor control

Coordinating small muscle movements, usually in the fingers and hands, to accomplish a task.

E-tail

Electronic retail sales.

On-demand media

Entertainment that you can view or listen to it at any time rather than according to a set schedule.

Certification

Evidence granted by an authority in a particular field that someone has gained the knowledge necessary to master the field.

BYOD

Short for "bring your own device," a practice in which employees use their own mobile devices at work rather than the computers issued by their employers.

screen reader

Software that reads onscreen text aloud, especially on Web pages.

Neural network

Software that simulates how our brains generate paths from one neuron to another when gaining knowledge. See also Computational AI.

word prediction software

Software that suggests completed words based on characters a user types.

assistive technology (AT)

Technology that includes devices and software designed to help people with disabilities.

Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)

Technology that streamlines production using robots and other computing devices.

Enterprise computing

The computer network a business uses to let employees communicate with customers, vendors, and other employees.

Digital divide

The gap between those who can access digital information, especially on the Internet, and those who cannot.

Live blogging

To post eye-witness commentary and observations about an event as it happens.

Telecommute

To work from home and conduct business using the phone and the Internet.

Online banking

Using a computer connected to the Internet to manage bank accounts.