Computer Jargon and terminology - what certain terms and words mean in the computer world

Computer Jargon

When can a chip not be eaten; when does a bug not bite and when can something crash and you can't feel a thing?

When it is in a computer.

You have got this far, so obviously you have some computer ability, but ever come across a term you're not quite sure of? Here are just a few definitions but anyone wishing to add some more just contact us on june@hintsandthings.co.uk and we will add them.

These are a few of the most basic terms and only the very tip of a huge iceberg.

TERM

EXPLANATION

BOOKMARKS

Words, pictures, web sites etc. that have been marked in order to enable immediate access from within a list in your browser.

BUG

An error in hardware or software that causes it to malfunction or crash.

CD ROM

Computer Disc Read Only Memory

CHIP

Abbreviation of microchip. A small piece of semiconductor material (usually silicon) soldered onto printed circuit boards, used to carry electronic circuits

CRASH

Stops working suddenly.

DATA BASE

Structured set of data/information held within the computer.

DESKTOP

What is on the screen after booting up.

DISK

Data storage medium e.g. floppy disk, hard disk.

EMAIL

Electronic mail. Messages sent between computers.

FILE TRANSFER Mr. Tim Howe informs me this is accessing information from other computers via networks.

LAPTOP

A portable computer.

MIME Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions. Standard for the transfer of binary email attachments.

MODEM

Device used to convert date from analogue to digital and back again e.g. between a computer and telephone line.

In the UK we have a shampoo advert in which they say "and now for the scientific bit". They then proceed to explain in scientific terms why their product is so good for your hair. Well, here's my "scientific bit", kindly supplied by Pete Crilly -

The term "modem" is an abbreviation for MODulator/DEModulator, and is a device that converts a digital signal (from the computer) into an analogue signal (audio in this case), which is sent through the telephone wires. At the 'other end' another modem receives the analogue signal, converting it back into a digital signal and back into the computer.

MOUSE

A device used to move the cursor on the screen.

MULTIMEDIA

An application combining text, graphics, motion video and sound.

NETWORK

Several computers linked together by cables, radio waves or telephone lines.

ON-LINE

Connected to a computer or network.

PC

Personal computer.

RAM

Random Access Memory

ROM

Read Only Memory. Information that cannot be altered.

SEARCH ENGINE Once again Mr. Tim Howe advises this is a piece of developed software to interrogate the Internet to locate and list Internet sites from a pre-selected search argument.

SOFTWARE

Programmes and other operating information used by the computer.

SURFING

Accessing information from other computers via networks etc.

I am advised by Mr. Tim Howe of Lensframe Logic Limited that "Surfing" is in fact the act of interrogating and exploring the Internet via a search engine.

WEB BROWSER

Software used to gain access to the world wide web e.g. Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator.

More computer and printer terminology which you may find useful.

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