Living with computers

video card

An interface card installed in the computer to control visual output on a monitor. Also called display adapter or graphics card. An electronic circuit board inside a computer, which controls the display on the Monitor, i.e. the computer screen.

screen reader

Utility software that operates in the background of the computer operating system, reading aloud any text that appears on the screen (e.g., menus, text, web pages).

LAN (Local Area Network)

A collection of computers located on a single site and connected by means of cabling or wireless technology. In a school, networked computers may be in one or more classrooms which are located in one or more buildings but within the grounds of the school.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

A component of a computer system that processes data transfers and mathematical and logic functions.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

A flat display technology used in laptops, cell phones, calculators, digital cameras, and flat screen displays.

hardware

A general term for all of the physical parts of a computer such as the monitor, mouse, keyboard, printers and other peripheral devices. The physical elements of a computer system - the bits you can see, touch, drop, kick or fall over.

software

A generic term describing all kinds of computer programs, applications and operating systems. Without software, computers would be useless.

DVD recorder

A machine that you can use to play DVDs or to record television programs on, so that you can watch them later.

HMD (Head-Mounted Display )

A newer use of OLED; a display in helmet, goggles, or glasses. In a full immersion virtual reality (VR) system, a headset that provides the sensory channel through which the wearer "sees" a computer-generated environment.

OS (Operating System)

A software that enables the computer hardware to communicate and operate with the computer software. Without a computer operating system, a computer and software programs would be useless.

Programs

A specific set of ordered operations for a computer to perform.

GPS (Global Positioning System)

A system that determines accurately the precise position of something on earth

Interactive Whiteboard (IWB)

A touch-sensitive projection screen that allows the teacher to control a computer directly by touching the screen, i.e. the whiteboard, rather than using a Keyboard or Mouse.

wireless network

A way of transmitting information without cables that is reasonably fast and is often used for laptop computers within a business or a university or school campus instead of a Local Area Network (LAN) that uses cable connections.

cybercrime

An act performed by a knowledgeable computer user, sometimes referred to as a hacker that illegally browses or steals a company's or individual's private information.

assistive technology

Hardware and software specifically designed for use by individuals with physical disabilities. Schools must ensure that these devices and services are made available to a child with a disability if the child requires the devices to receive an appropriate public education.

Applications

Software programs designed to perform specific functions for the user, such as processing text, performing calculations, drawing pictures, playing games and presenting content lessons.

social networking

The act of interacting and networking with others in a social online environment via the use of a website.