[last updated
3/6/00]
Common Computer Terms
application/ document -- An application, also called a "software program" or "computer program," is the tool that you use to perform work using your computer. For example, Microsoft Word and Word Perfect are commercial applications used for word processing. A document is what you produce using an application. You can use Microsoft Word, or any other word processing application, to produce a resume, or an agenda.
memory/ hard disk space -- Memory refers to the contents of tiny black chips inside every computer. Hard disk space refers to a magnetic plate inside most computers that spins when the computer is on. Both are used to store information. Memory is used for temporary storage of applications and documents; when you turn your computer off, memory is erased. Hard disk space is used for permanent storage. "Saving your work" stores the document you are working on permanently within your hard disk.
file -- A file is any item stored on your computer's hard drive. (Most files that you open on your hard drive will be applications or documents, but there are lots of other files on your hard drive that are needed for the computer to work.)
operating system -- This is the software that starts up on your computer as soon as you turn it on. This software is used to enter basic settings such as the date, time, sound volume, etc. This operating system is always running, since it is needed by any applications you may wish to use. The most common operating systems in use today are Windows98, Windows95, MacOS, DOS, WindowsNT, and Linux.
database -- A database is a document that stores text, numbers, and other information in a form that makes it easy to modify the information. The information in a database is always structured as a list in which each entry is similar. A grocery store database might contain a list of items sold by the grocery store, in which each item had a name, a size, a unit of measure, and a retail price. This information can be represented as a table, as shown below:
Wheaties 22 OUNCES $2.69 Granny Smith Apples 1 POUNDS $1.09
Note: some software programs let you create a database made up of 2 or more tables.
record/ field -- A record is one entry in a database. In the database table shown above, each row is one record. Each row is made up of fields: four of them to be exact. The last field in the example above is the "retail price" of the grocery item. Note that each record in a database has the same fields.
Common Internet Terms
modem -- a device that allows a computer to connect to the Internet through a standard telephone line. You can usually tell if your computer has a modem by checking to see if there is a small telephone jack in the back. Modems come in many varieties; a speed of 28.8K or higher is recommended for Internet use.
internet service -- Internet service refers to something you purchase that gives you the ability to connect to the Internet and receive electronic mail. Internet service can cost as little as $7.50 or as much as $25 per month for a connection using a standard telephone line and a modem.
In some areas, you can purchase a fast Internet service called "cable modem" or DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) for $40 to $100 per month, plus an installation fee. Fast Internet service allows you to view a web page 5 to 10 times as fast as standard Internet service.
web browser -- This is the primary piece of software used to view information on the Internet. The most common web browsers in use today are Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer.
listserve -- A listserve is also known as a distribution list or an e-mail discussion list. It is a setup that allows a group of people to send email to a single email address, and to have that email automatically be distributed to the entire group. An open listserve allows anyone to join to the distribution list or to post messages. Most listserves have some restriction to prevent excessive traffic that might scare away its members.
mail merge -- A mail merge is a message sent to many people, with some of the information customized to suit each recipient. Mail merges can be performed with conventional mail or with electronic mail.
network -- A network exists whenever one or more computers are connected together in order to allow the computers to share files or printing services.
offline -- Offline usually is used to refer to the state where a computer capable of connecting to the Internet is not currently connected. For example, you may be able to use an e-mail program to write a dozen email messages offline, and then go online for 2 minutes in order to send those email messages.
Last Updated 3/2000.