Definitions

The world of educational technologies can present a bewildering array of new words and concepts. This section offers both brief and detailed explanations of many of the terms that are widely used by people who work with these technologies. If you are still unsure of a word's meaning (or would like to learn even more about computer technology) we have also supplied links to Web sites that offer extended definitions of technological terminology. Finally, don't forget about this section as you explore the rest of this Website—you can always come back here if you encounter any technological jargon whose meaning is unclear to you.

Please select any of these links for more information.

1. Definitions of Most Common Terms
   
2. More In-depth Definitions
   
3. Sources for More Definitions
   

Definitions of Most Common Terms

Software programs that help users perform specific tasks with their computers. A word processing program, for instance, would be a kind of application.

A feature of most Web browsers that allows users to quickly return to their favorite Web sites. Bookmarks are typically stored in a drop-down menu.

To turn on a computer. While booting, a computer loads its operating system into memory, thus making it functional.

Malfunctioning software code. Bugs impinge on a program's ability to run properly. Some bugs can cause a computer, or even an entire network of computers, to crash (i.e., cease functioning entirely).

Short for "Compact Disc." A wafer-thin plastic disc (usually 5 inches in diameter) that has information encoded on its tracks as a series of ones and zeros. A laser reads the CD by scanning the tracks while a motor simultaneously spins the disc. The first CDs were designed for music playback, but now they are used to store virtually any kind of information. DVDs work in a similar manner.

An electronic device that can store, retrieve, organize, and process information according to a user's specifications. Unlike other electronic devices, a computer is designed to be able to execute an indefinite number to tasks.

When a computer or other piece of technology becomes unresponsive to a user's commands and has to be restarted.

A screen-marker of some kind (usually a flashing bar) that allows a computer user to see where data will appear on screen when it is entered.

A software application that allows users to store and organize a wide variety of information. Databases are often used with spreadsheet applications.

To transfer or copy a file or application from one computer (or network of computers) to another computer. When browsing the Web, a user sees files that have been downloaded from the Internet onto the computer's hard drive.

Short for "electronic mail." E-mail programs allow computer users to exchange text messages and attached files over the Internet.

A computer file contains information that can be accessed with the appropriate software application.

Printed text, as opposed to text that is available only as a computer file.

The main data storage device inside most computers.

The physical devices that make up a computer system. These include the CPU, the monitor, the mouse, and any other attached peripherals.

Either the Web page that a Web browser opens upon start-up or the main Web page that gives access to a Website's sub-pages.

A graphical representation of a file or application.

A computer program that allows users to exchange messages in real-time. As soon as one user enters a message, it appears on the other user's screen.

The world's largest network of computers. Access to the Internet is provided by Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Some of the better known ISPs are Earthlink, AOL, and Microsoft Network.

A computer manufactured by Apple with its own proprietary operating system. Macintoshes (or "Macs" for short) do not use Microsoft Windows.

A list of options in a software program or Web site, from which a user can select using a mouse or keyboard.

The computer screen and its supporting apparatus. Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) screens are most popular, but flat Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) are also widely used.

A hardware device that fits in the palm of the hand and is dragged across a flat surface (such as a desktop or mouse pad) in order to move a pointer or other object around on the computer screen. A mouse usually has at least one button for making selections (e.g., highlighting text).

When a computer is on and connected to a network (such as the Internet) it said to be "online."

The software that serves as the basic interface between a computer's hardware and the user. It is the software "environment" that supports individual software applications.

A string of letters and/or numbers that allow access to otherwise blocked programs or files.

Short for "Personal Computer." This is the name for computers that make use of IBM-compatible operating systems (such as Microsoft Windows). Often contrasted with Macintosh computers.

To commit data to a storage device (hard drive, CD-R, 3.5-inch disk, etc.)

The name for the code that runs on computer hardware.

A software application that is used to organize information and execute mathematical and/or logical operations on that information. Widely used to analyze financial data.

Short for "Uniform Resource Locator." Every Web site has a URL, which designates where it exists on the Internet. The URL of the San Diego Public Library, for instance, is http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/.

Malicious code that is transmitted from one computer to another, usually via the Internet. Computer viruses degrade or disrupt a computer's ability to work properly. Viruses are often sent as e-mail attachments. Exercise caution when opening attachments from individuals you do not know.

A file consisting of text and/or graphics that can be accessed on the World Wide Web.

A graphical interface first developed by Apple to make working with computers more intuitive. Windows appear as adjustable boxes on a computer screen's "desktop," and they contain files, text or other data.

An application for writing, editing, and storing text.

The total network of computers that make available files that have been created with Hypertext Markup Language. These files make up Web pages, which are viewable with a Web browser.

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