Basic Computer Vocabulary

Output

A result produced by a computer that is internal to the system (from one program or process to another) or external to it (from a program or process to an output device) but internal to an output device (modem, monitor, printer, etc.).

Computer system

A system of interconnected computers that share a central storage system and various peripheral devices such as a printers, scanners, or routers. Each computer connected to the system can operate independently, but has the ability to communicate with other external devices and computers.

Uniform resource locators (URL)

An internet address of a website, file, or document.

World Wide Web (WWW)

Collection of internet resources (such as FTP, telnet, Usenet), hyperlinked text, audio, and video files, and remote sites that can be accessed and searched by browsers based on standards such as HTTP and TCP/IP.

Application software

Complete, self-contained computer program (usually a commercially produced, shrinkwrapped software) that performs a specific useful task, other than system maintenance functions (which are performed by utility programs). Called 'Apps' for short, application programs are the most familiar forms of software and come in a very wide variety of types (such as accounting programs, database programs, graphics and illustration programs, word processing programs). Also called application program.

Browsers

Computer program (such as Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox) that enables internet users to access, navigate, and search World Wide Web sites. Browsers interpret hypertext links ('hotlinks') and allow documents formatted in hypertext markup language (HTML) to be viewed on the computer screen, and provide many other services including email and downloading and uploading of data, audio, and video files. Also called web browser.

Listserv

Computer program that receives email messages intended for a mailing list, and sends them out to each listed address. Similar to majordomo.

Wide area network (WAN)

Data and voice communication network that extends beyond the geographical limitations of a local area network.

Microsoft SharePoint

Document management system designed to organized and manage documents. These documents are usually organized with software, which provides the user with the ability to access, modify, and centrally store the documents. Document management systems handle tedious tasks such as archiving, distribution, and creation of documents. An example of a document management system is the online banking section of a bank's website that allows users to manage and access their monthly banking statements.

Microsoft Office Suite

Group of products developed by Microsoft Corporation that includes Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Each program serves a different purpose and is compatible with other programs included in the package. The suite of programs is compatible with both the Windows and Macintosh operating system. Microsoft Office is the most common form of software used in the western world.

Intranet

Internal or private network of an organization based on internet technology (such as hypertext and TCP/IP protocols) and accessed over the internet. An intranet is meant for the exclusive use of the organization and its associates (customers, employees, members, suppliers, etc.) and is protected from unauthorized access with security systems such as firewalls. Intranets provide services such as email, data storage, and search and retrieval functions, and are employed in disseminating policy manuals and internal directories for the employees, price and product information for the customers, and requirements and specifications for the suppliers.

Input

Item external to a system (such as a process) that is transformed by the system (usually together with one or more other items) to become an output.

Data Processing

Manipulation of input data with an application program to obtain desired output as an audio/video, graphic, numeric, or text data file.

Operating system

Master control program (such as DOS, Linux, MacOS, Solaris, Unix, and Windows) that automatically runs first when a computer is switched on, and remains in the background until the computer is turned off.

File transfer protocol (FTP)

Method of transferring data files from one computer to another over a network. The most basic way of sending and receiving files over internet, FTP divides files into several segments and assigns a reference number to each one. These segments are transmitted in a sequence which the receiving computer reassembles as an exact copy of the original. FTP also performs automatic error detection and correction in file transfers. There are hundreds of thousands of FTP files over the internet that can be freely downloaded. See also anonymous FTP and FTP site.

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Office product that provides users with an interface to design multimedia slides to be displayed on a projection system or personal computer. The software incorporates images, sounds, videos, text, and charts to create an interactive presentation. Microsoft PowerPoint interacts with other Office products such as Microsoft Word and Excel, and is included with most Microsoft Office packages.

Extranet

Restricted network of computers that allows controlled access to a firm's internal information to authorized outsiders (customers, suppliers, joint venture partners, etc.) by connecting them (usually via Internet) to the firm's intranet.

Microsoft Excel

Software developed and manufactured by Microsoft Corporation that allows users to organize, format, and calculate data with formulas using a spreadsheet system broken up by rows and columns. Microsoft Excel usually comes bundled with Microsoft Office and is compatible with other applications offered in the suite of products. The first software program similar to Excel was released in 1982 and was called Multiplan.

Cells

Spreadsheets are made up of rows and columns, which form a table or grid. A cell is a specific location within a spreadsheet and is defined by the intersection of a row and column. Since most spreadsheets use numbers to define rows and letters to define columns, cells are often referenced by a letter and number combination.

Data

Symbols or signals that are input, stored, and processed by a computer, for output as usable information.

Local area network (LAN)

User owned and operated short-distance cable and/or wireless-based data communication system that interconnects one or more servers with several client computers and peripheral devices (modems, printers, scanners, etc.) scattered across a room, building, or a cluster of buildings. Two major LAN standards are Ethernet and Token Ring. See also Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Microsoft Word

Word processing software that allows users to create and edit text documents. Users can start with blank documents or work from pre-configured templates for projects with frequently used formats. It is often packaged with the Microsoft Office Suite, but it is also sold independently.