The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page is a place to present the answers
of common questions that your customers have asked you. If you have a lot
of Frequently Asked Questions you can put them in sub-categories, such as
Service FAQs, Product FAQs, and General FAQs.
Applet
A small Java application that is downloaded by an ActiveX or Java-enabled
web browser. Once it has been downloaded, the applet will run on the
user's computer. Common applets include financial calculators and web
drawing programs.
Application
Computer software that performs a task or set of tasks, such as word
processing or drawing. Applications are also referred to as programs.
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange, an encoding system for
converting keyboard characters and instructions into the binary number
code that the computer understands.
Bandwidth
The capacity of a networked connection. Bandwidth determines how much data
can be sent along the networked wires. Bandwidth is particularly important
for Internet connections, since greater bandwidth also means faster
downloads.
Binary code
The most basic language a computer understands, it is composed of a series
of 0s and 1s. The computer interprets the code to form numbers, letters,
punctuation marks, and symbols.
bit
(short for “binary digit”). The smallest piece of computer information,
either the number 0 or 1.
boot
To start up a computer. Cold boot—restarting computer after having turned
off the power. Warm boot—restarting computer without having turned off the
power.
browser
Software used to navigate the Internet. Netscape Navigator and Microsoft
Internet Explorer are today's most popular browsers for accessing the
World Wide Web.
bug
A malfunction due to an error in the program or a defect in the equipment.
byte
Most computers use combinations of eight bits, called bytes, to represent
one character of data or instructions. For example, the word “cat” has
three characters, and it would be represented by three bytes.
cache
A small data-memory storage area that a computer can use to instantly
re-access data instead of re-reading the data from the original source,
such as a hard drive. Browsers use a cache to store web pages so that the
user may view them again without reconnecting to the Web.
CAD-CAM
Computer Aided Drawing-Computer Aided Manufacturing. The instructions
stored in a computer that will be translated to very precise operating
instructions to a robot, such as for assembling cars or laser-cutting
signage.
CD-ROM
Compact Disc Read-Only Memory. An optically read disc designed to hold
information such as music, reference materials, or computer software. A
single CD-ROM can hold around 640 megabytes of data, enough for several
encyclopedias. Most software programs are now delivered on CD-ROMs.
CGI
Common Gateway Interface. A programming standard that allows visitors to
fill out form fields on a Web page and have that information interact with
a database, possibly coming back to the user as another Web page.
CGI may also refer to Computer-Generated Imaging, the process in which
sophisticated computer programs create still and animated graphics, such
as special effects for movies.
chat
Typing text into a message box on a screen to engage in dialog with one or
more people via the Internet or other network.
computer chip
chip
A tiny wafer of silicon containing miniature electric circuits that can
store millions of bits of information.
client
A single user of a network application that is operated from a server. A
client/server architecture allows many people to use the same data
simultaneously. The program's main component (the data) resides on a
centralized server, with smaller components (user interface) on each
client.
Cookie
A text file sent by a Web server that is stored on the hard drive of a
computer and relays back to the Web server things about the user, his or
her computer, and/or his or her computer activities.
CPU
Central Processing Unit. The brain of the computer.
cracker
A person who “breaks in” to a computer through a network, without
authorization and with mischievous or destructive intent (a crime in some
states).
crash
A hardware or software problem that causes information to be lost or the
computer to malfunction. Sometimes a crash can cause permanent damage to a
computer.
Cussor
A moving position-indicator displayed on a computer monitor that shows a
computer operator where the next action or operation will take place.
cyberspace
Slang for the Internet.
database
A collection of similar information stored in a file, such as a database
of addresses. This information may be created and stored in a database
management system (DBMS).
debug
Slang. To find and correct equipment defects or program malfunctions.
default
The pre-defined configuration of a system or an application. In most
programs, the defaults can be changed to reflect personal preferences.
desktop
The main directory of the user interface. Desktops usually contain icons
that represent links to the hard drive, a network (if there is one), and a
trash or recycling can for files to be deleted. It can also display icons
of frequently used applications, as requested by the user.
desktop publishing
The production of publication-quality documents using a personal computer
in combination with text, graphics, and page layout programs.
directory
A list of files stored in the computer.
disk
Two distinct types. The names refer to the media inside the container:
A hard disc stores vast amounts of data. It is usually inside the computer
but can be a separate peripheral on the outside. Hard discs are made up of
several rigid coated metal discs. Currently, hard discs can store 15 to 30
Gb (gigabytes)
A floppy disc, 3.5" square, usually inserted into the computer and can
store about 1.4 megabytes of data. The 3.5" square “floppies” have a very
thin, flexible disc inside. There is also an intermediate-sized floppy
disc, trademarked Zip discs, which can store 250 megabytes of data.
hard disc drive
disk drive
The equipment that operates a hard or floppy disc.
documentation
The instruction manual for a piece of hardware or software.
domain
Represents an IP (Internet Protocol) address or set of IP addresses that
comprise a domain. The domain name appears in URLs to identify web pages
or in email addresses. For example, the email address for the First Lady
is first.lady@whitehouse.gov, “whitehouse.gov” being the domain name. Each
domain name ends with a suffix that indicates what “top level domain” it
belongs to. These are: “.com” for commercial, “.gov” for government,
“.org” for organization, “.edu” for educational institution, “.biz” for
business, “.info” for information, “.tv” for television, “.ws” for
website. Domain suffixes may also indicate the country in which the domain
is registered. No two parties can ever hold the same domain name.
domain name
The name of a network or computer linked to the Internet. Domains are
defined by a common IP address or set of similar IP (Internet Protocol)
addresses.
download
The process of transferring information from a web site (or other remote
location on a network) to the computer. It is possible to “download a
file” or “view a download.”
v. To transfer information from a web site (or other remote location on a
network) to the computer.
DOS
Disk Operating System. An operating system designed for early
IBM-compatible PCs.
Drop-down menu
A menu window that opens vertically on-screen to display context-related
options. Also called pop-up menu or pull-down menu.
DSL
Digital Subscriber Line. A method of connecting to the Internet via a
phone line. A DSL connection uses copper telephone lines but is able to
relay data at much higher speeds than modems and does not interfere with
telephone use.
DVD
Digital Video Disc—Similar to a CD-ROM, it stores and plays both audio and
video.
ebook
An electronic (usually hand-held) reading device that allows a person to
view digitally stored reading materials.
email
Electronic mail; messages, including memos or letters, sent electronically
between networked computers that may be across the office or around the
world.
emoticon
A text-based expression of emotion created from ASCII characters that
mimics a facial expression when viewed with your head tilted to the left.
Here are some examples:
:-) Smiling
:-( Frowning
;-) Winking
:_( Crying
encryption
The process of transmitting scrambled data so that only authorized
recipients can unscramble it. For instance, encryption is used to scramble
credit card information when purchases are made over the Internet.
ethernet
A type of network.
ethernet card
A board inside a computer to which a network cable can be attached.
file
A set of data that is stored in the computer.
firewall
A set of security programs that protect a computer from outside
interference or access via the Internet.
Firewire
Apple® Computer's high-speed data transfer. Frequently used to import
video to a computer.
folder
A structure for containing electronic files. In some operating systems, it
is called a “directory.”
fonts
Sets of typefaces (or characters) that come in different styles and sizes.
freeware
Software created by people who are willing to give it away for the
satisfaction of sharing or knowing they helped to simplify other people's
lives. It may be freestanding software, or it may add functionality to
existing software.
FTP
File Transfer Protocol. A format and set of rules for transferring files
from a host to a remote computer.
gigabyte (GB)
1024 megabytes. Also called gig.
glitch
The cause of an unexpected malfunction.
Gopher
An Internet search tool that allows users to access textual information
through a series of menus, or if using FTP, through downloads.
GUI
Graphical User Interface. A system that simplifies selecting computer
commands by enabling the user to point to symbols or illustrations (called
icons) on the computer screen with a mouse.
groupware
Software that allows networked individuals to form groups and collaborate
on documents, programs, or databases.
hacker
A person with technical expertise who experiments with computer systems to
determine how to develop additional features. Hackers are occasionally
requested by system administrators to try and “break into” systems via a
network to test security. The term hacker is sometimes incorrectly used
interchangeably with cracker. A hacker is called a “white hat” and a
cracker a “black hat.”
hard copy
A paper printout of what you have prepared on the computer.
hard drive
another name for the hard disc that stores information information in a
computer.
hardware
The physical and mechanical components of a computer system, such as the
electronic circuitry, chips, monitor, disks, disk drives, keyboard, modem,
and printer.
home page
The main page of a Web site used to greet visitors, provide information
about the site, or to direct the viewer to other pages on the site.
HTML
Hypertext Markup Language. A standard of text markup conventions used for
documents on the World Wide Web. Browsers interpret the codes to give the
text structure and formatting (such as bold, blue, or italic).
HTTP
Hypertext Transfer Protocol. A common system used to request and send HTML
documents on the World Wide Web. It is the first portion of all URL
addresses on the World Wide Web (e.g., http://www.whitehouse.gov).
HTTPS
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. Often used in intracompany internet
sites. Passwords are required to gain access.
hyperlink
Text or an image that is connected by hypertext coding to a different
location. By selecting the text or image with a mouse, the computer “jumps
to” (or displays) the linked text.
hypermedia
Integrates audio, graphics, and/or video through links embedded in the
main program.
hypertext
A system for organizing text through links, as opposed to a menu-driven
hierarchy such as Gopher. Most Web pages include hypertext links to other
pages at that site, or to other sites on the World Wide Web.
folder icon
icons
Symbols or illustrations appearing on the computer screen that indicate
program files or other computer functions.
input
Data that goes into a computer device.
input device
A device, such as a keyboard, stylus and tablet, mouse, puck, or
microphone, that allows input of information (letters, numbers, sound,
video) to a computer.
instant messenging (IM)
A chat application that allows two or more people to communicate over the
Internet via real-time keyed-in messages.
interface
The interconnections that allow a device, a program, or a person to
interact. Hardware interfaces are the cables that connect the device to
its power source and to other devices. Software interfaces allow the
program to communicate with other programs (such as the operating system),
and user interfaces allow the user to communicate with the program (e.g.,
via mouse, menu commands, icons, voice commands, etc.).
Internet
An international conglomeration of interconnected computer networks. Begun
in the late 1960s, it was developed in the 1970s to allow government and
university researchers to share information. The Internet is not
controlled by any single group or organization. Its original focus was
research and communications, but it continues to expand, offering a wide
array of resources for business and home users.
IP (Internet Protocol) address
An Internet Protocol address is a unique set of numbers used to locate
another computer on a network. The format of an IP address is a 32-bit
string of four numbers separated by periods. Each number can be from 0 to
255 (i.e., 1.154.10.266). Within a closed network IP addresses may be
assigned at random, however, IP addresses of web servers must be
registered to avoid duplicates.
Equal to 1,024 bytes.
Java
An object-oriented programming language designed specifically for programs
(particularly multimedia) to be used over the Internet. Java allows
programmers to create small programs or applications (applets) to enhance
Web sites.
Javascript/ECMA script
A programming language used almost exclusively to manipulate content on a
web page. Common Javascript functions include validating forms on a web
page, creating dynamic page navigation menus, and image rollovers.
kilobyte (K or KB)
A thousand bytes
Linux
A UNIX®-like, open-source operating system developed primarily by Linus
Torvalds. Linux is free and runs on many platforms, including both PCs and
Macintoshes. Linux is an open-source operating system, meaning that the
source code of the operating system is freely available to the public.
Programmers may redistribute and modify the code, as long as they don't
collect royalties on their work or deny access to their code. Since
development is not restricted to a single corporation more programmers can
debug and improve the source code faster..
laptop and notebook
Small, lightweight, portable battery-powered computers that can fit onto
your lap. They each have a thin, flat, liquid crystal display screen.
macro
A script that operates a series of commands to perform a function. It is
set up to automate repetitive tasks.
Mac OS
. An operating system with a graphical user interface, developed by Apple®
for Macintosh® computers. Current System “X.1” (10) combines the
traditional Mac interface with a strong underlying UNIX® operating system
for increased performance and stability.
megabyte (MB)
Equal to 1,048,576 bytes, usually rounded off to one million bytes (also
called a “meg”).
memory
Temporary storage for information, including applications and documents.
The information must be stored to a permanent device, such as a hard disc
or CD-ROM before the power is turned off, or the information will be lost.
Computer memory is measured in terms of the amount of information it can
store, commonly in megabytes or gigabytes.
menu
A context-related list of options that users can choose from.
menu bar
The horizontal strip across the top of an application's window. Each word
on the strip has a context sensitive drop-down menu containing features
and actions that are available for the application in use.
merge
To combine two or more files into a single file.
MHz
An abbreviation for Megahertz, or one million hertz. One MHz represents
one million clock cycles per second and is the measure of a computer
microprocessor's speed. For example, a microprocessor that runs at 300 MHz
executes 300 million cycles per second. Each instruction a computer
receives takes a fixed number of clock cycles to carry out, therefore the
more cycles a computer can execute per second, the faster its programs
run. Megahertz is also a unit of measure for bandwidth.
microprocessor
A complete central processing unit (CPU) contained on a single silicon
chip.
minimize
A term used in a GUI operating system that uses windows. It refers to
reducing a window to an icon, or a label at the bottom of the screen,
allowing another window to be viewed.
modem
A device that connects two computers together over a telephone or cable
line by converting the computer's data into an audio signal. Modem is a
contraction for the process it performs: modulate-demodulate.
monitor
A video display terminal.
mouse
A small hand-held device, similar to a trackball, used to control the
position of the cursor on the video display; movements of the mouse on a
desktop correspond to movements of the cursor on the screen.
MP3
Compact audio and video file format. The small size of the files makes
them easy to download and e-mail. Format used in portable playback
devices.
multimedia
Software programs that combine text and graphics with sound, video, and
animation. A multimedia PC contains the hardware to support these
capabilities.
MS-DOS
An early operating system developed by Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft
Disc Operating System).
network
A system of interconnected computers.
open source
Computer programs whose original source code was revealed to the general
public so that it could be developed openly. Software licensed as open
source can be freely changed or adapted to new uses, meaning that the
source code of the operating system is freely available to the public.
Programmers may redistribute and modify the code, as long as they don't
collect royalties on their work or deny access to their code. Since
development is not restricted to a single corporation more programmers can
debug and improve the source code faster.
operating system
A set of instructions that tell a computer on how to operate when it is
turned on. It sets up a filing system to store files and tells the
computer how to display information on a video display. Most PC operating
systems are DOS (disc operated system) systems, meaning the instructions
are stored on a disc (as opposed to being originally stored in the
microprocessors of the computer). Other well-known operating systems
include UNIX, Linux, Macintosh, and Windows.
output
Data that come out of a computer device. For example, information
displayed on the monitor, sound from the speakers, and information printed
to paper.
palm
A hand-held computer.
PC
Personal computer. Generally refers to computers running Windows with a
Pentium processor.
printed circuit board
PC board
Printed Circuit board. A board printed or etched with a circuit and
processors. Power supplies, information storage devices, or changers are
attached.
PDA
Personal Digital Assistant. A hand-held computer that can store daily
appointments, phone numbers, addresses, and other important information.
Most PDAs link to a desktop or laptop computer to download or upload
information.
PDF
Portable Document Format. A format presented by Adobe Acrobat that allows
documents to be shared over a variety of operating systems. Documents can
contain words and pictures and be formatted to have electronic links to
other parts of the document or to places on the web.
Pentium chip
Intel's fifth generation of sophisticated high-speed microprocessors.
Pentium means “the fifth element.”
peripheral)
Any external device attached to a computer to enhance operation. Examples
include external hard drive, scanner, printer, speakers, keyboard, mouse,
trackball, stylus and tablet, and joystick.
personal computer (PC)
A single-user computer containing a central processing unit (CPU) and one
or more memory circuits.
petabyte
A measure of memory or storage capacity and is approximately a thousand
terabytes
.
petaflop
A theoretical measure of a computer's speed and can be expressed as a
thousand-trillion floating-point operations per second.
platform
The operating system, such as UNIX®, Macintosh®, Windows®, on which a
computer is based.
plug and play
Computer hardware or peripherals that come set up with necessary software
so that when attached to a computer, they are “recognized” by the computer
and are ready to use.
pop-up menu
A menu window that opens vertically or horizontally on-screen to display
context-related options. Also called drop-down menu or pull-down menu.
Power PC
A competitor of the Pentium chip. It is a new generation of powerful
sophisticated microprocessors produced from an Apple-IBM-Motorola
alliance.
printer
A mechanical device for printing a computer's output on paper. There are
three major types of printers:
Dot matrix: creates individual letters, made up of a series of tiny ink
dots, by punching a ribbon with the ends of tiny wires. (This type of
printer is most often used in industrial settings, such as direct mail for
labeling.)
Ink jet: sprays tiny droplets of ink particles onto paper.
Laser: uses a beam of light to reproduce the image of each page using a
magnetic charge that attracts dry toner that is transferred to paper and
sealed with heat.
program
A precise series of instructions written in a computer language that tells
the computer what to do and how to do it. Programs are also called
“software” or “applications.”
programming language
A series of instructions written by a programmer according to a given set
of rules or conventions (“syntax”). High-level programming languages are
independent of the device on which the application (or program) will
eventually run; low-level languages are specific to each program or
platform. Programming language instructions are converted into programs in
language specific to a particular machine or operating system (“machine
language”) so that the computer can interpret and carry out the
instructions. Some common programming languages are BASIC, C, C++, dBASE,
FORTRAN, and Perl.
An input device, like a mouse. It has a magnifying glass with crosshairs
on the front of it that allows the operator to position it precisely when
tracing a drawing for use with CAD-CAM software.
pull-down menu
A menu window that opens vertically on-screen to display context-related
options. Also called drop-down menu or pop-up menu.
push technology
Internet tool that delivers specific information directly to a user's
desktop, eliminating the need to surf for it. PointCast, which delivers
news in user-defined categories, is a popular example of this technology.
QuickTime®
Audio-visual software that allows movie-delivery via the Internet and
e-mail. QuickTime mages are viewed on a monitor.
RAID
Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks. A method of spreading information
across several disks set up to act as a unit, using two different
techniques:
Disk striping: storing a bit of information across several discs (instead
of storing it all on one disc and hoping that the disc doesn't crash).
Disk mirroring: simultaneously storing a copy of information on another
disc so that the information can be recovered if the main disc crashes.
RAM
Random Access Memory. One of two basic types of memory. Portions of
programs are stored in RAM when the program is launched so that the
program will run faster. Though a PC has a fixed amount of RAM, only
portions of it will be accessed by the computer at any given time. Also
called memory.
right-click
Using the right mouse button to open context-sensitive drop-down menus.
ROM
Read-Only Memory. One of two basic types of memory. ROM contains only
permanent information put there by the manufacturer. Information in ROM
cannot be altered, nor can the memory be dynamically allocated by the
computer or its operator.
scanner
An electronic device that uses light-sensing equipment to scan paper
images such as text, photos, and illustrations and translate the images
into signals that the computer can then store, modify, or distribute.
search engine
Software that makes it possible to look for and retrieve material on the
Internet, particularly the Web. Some popular search engines are Alta
Vista, Google, HotBot, Yahoo!, Web Crawler, and Lycos.
server
A computer that shares its resources and information with other computers,
called clients, on a network.
shareware
Software created by people who are willing to sell it at low cost or no
cost for the gratification of sharing. It may be freestanding software, or
it may add functionality to existing software.
software
Computer programs; also called “applications.”
spider
A process search engines use to investigate new pages on a web site and
collect the information that needs to be put in their indices.
spreadsheet
Software that allows one to calculate numbers in a format that is similar
to pages in a conventional ledger.
storage
Devices used to store massive amounts of information so that it can be
readily retrieved. Devices include RAIDs, CD-ROMs, DVDs
streaming
Taking packets of information (sound or visual) from the Internet and
storing it in temporary files to allow it to play in continuous flow.
stylus and tablet
A input device similar to a mouse. The stylus is pen shaped. It is used to
“draw” on a tablet (like drawing on paper) and the tablet transfers the
information to the computer. The tablet responds to pressure—the firmer
the pressure used to draw, the thicker the line appears.
surfing
Exploring the Internet.
surge protector
A controller to protect the computer and make up for variances in voltage.
telnet
A way to communicate with a remote computer over a network.
trackball
Input device that controls the position of the cursor on the screen; the
unit is mounted near the keyboard, and movement is controlled by moving a
ball.
terabytes (TB)
A thousand gigabytes.
teraflop
A measure of a computer's speed. It can be expressed as a trillion
floating-point operations per second.
Trojan Horse
See virus.
UNIX®
A very powerful operating system used as the basis of many high-end
computer applications.
upload
The process of transferring information from a computer to a web site (or
other remote location on a network).
v. To transfer information from a computer to a web site (or other remote
location on a network).
URL
Uniform Resource Locator.
1. The protocol for identifying a document on the Web.
2. A Web address (e.g., www.census.gov). A URL is unique to each user. See
also domain.
UPS
Universal Power Supply or Uninterruptible Power Supply. An electrical
power supply that includes a battery to provide enough power to a computer
during an outage to back-up data and properly shut down.
USB
Universal Serial Bus. An industry standard for connecting different
compatible peripheral devices across multiple platforms. Devices include
printers, digital cameras, scanners, game pads, joysticks, keyboards and
mice, and storage devices. USB peripherals offer the use of plug-and-play
convenience by eliminating the need to turn off or restart the computer
when attaching a new peripheral. Users can connect USB peripherals
whenever they need them. For example, a user producing a newsletter could
easily swap a digital camera for a scanner-without any downtime. Small,
simple, inexpensive, and easy to attach, USB supports simultaneous
connection of up to 127 devices by attaching peripherals through
interconnected external hubs.
USB hub
A multiple-socket USB connecter that allows several USB-compatible devices
to be connected to a computer.
USENET
A large unmoderated and unedited bulletin board on the Internet that
offers thousands of forums, called newsgroups. These range from newsgroups
exchanging information on scientific advances to celebrity fan clubs.
user friendly
A program or device whose use is intuitive to people with a nontechnical
background.
video teleconferencing
A remote “face-to-face chat,” when two or more people using a webcam and
an Internet telephone connection chat online. The webcam enables both live
voice and video.
virtual reality (VR)
A technology that allows one to experience and interact with images in a
simulated three-dimensional environment. For example, you could design a
room in a house on your computer and actually feel that you are walking
around in it even though it was never built. (The Holodeck in the
science-fiction TV series Star Trek: Voyager would be the ultimate virtual
reality.) Current technology requires the user to wear a special helmet,
viewing goggles, gloves, and other equipment that transmits and receives
information from the computer.
virus
An unauthorized piece of computer code attached to a computer program or
portions of a computer system that secretly copies itself from one
computer to another by shared discs and over telephone and cable lines. It
can destroy information stored on the computer, and in extreme cases, can
destroy operability. Computers can be protected from viruses if the
operator utilizes good virus prevention software and keeps the virus
definitions up to date. Most viruses are not programmed to spread
themselves. They have to be sent to another computer by e-mail, sharing,
or applications. The worm is an exception, because it is programmed to
replicate itself by sending copies to other computers listed in the e-mail
address book in the computer. There are many kinds of viruses, for
example:
Boot viruses place some of their code in the start-up disk sector to
automatically execute when booting. Therefore, when an infected machine
boots, the virus loads and runs.
File viruses attached to program files (files with the extension “.exe”).
When you run the infected program, the virus code executes.
Macro viruses copy their macros to templates and/or other application
document files.
Trojan Horse is a malicious, security-breaking program that is disguised
as something benign such as a screen saver or game.
Worm launches an application that destroys information on your hard drive.
It also sends a copy of the virus to everyone in the computer's e-mail
address book.
WAV
A sound format (pronounced “wave”) used to reproduce sounds on a computer.
webcam
A video camera/computer setup that takes live images and sends them to a
Web browser.
Window
A portion of a computer display used in a graphical interface that enables
users to select commands by pointing to illustrations or symbols with a
mouse. “Windows” is also the name Microsoft adopted for its popular
operating system.
World Wide Web (“WWW” or “the Web”)
A network of servers on the Internet that use hypertext-linked databases
and files. It was developed in 1989 by Tim Berners-Lee, a British computer
scientist, and is now the primary platform of the Internet. The feature
that distinguishes the Web from other Internet applications is its ability
to display graphics in addition to text.
word processor
A computer system or program for setting, editing, revising, correcting,
storing, and printing text.
Worm
See virus.
WYSIWYG
What You See Is What You Get. When using most word processors, page layout
programs (See desktop publishing), and web page design programs, words and
images will be displayed on the monitor as they will look on the printed
page or web page.
