Glossary of Common Computer Terms
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Database
Information which has a formal structure that can be accessed through a computer. May be used to keep details of people, music and other collections.
Default Settings
Settings that a computer uses at the start up of a program or operating system. When you close a computer down properly, any settings you changed during the session will be saved and used next time you start up.
Desktop
A metaphor for what is happening on the screen. It has icons and windows visible to the screen.
Docking station
An add-on for a laptop when it is being used on a desk. The laptop slots into the docking station. You can permanently connect a monitor, scanner, printer, keyboard etc. to the docking station which saves unplugging from the laptop every time you take it away.
Dpi (Dots per Inch)
A measurement of the density of the output from printers and scanners. The higher the dpi, the better the resolution and the larger the file.
Driver
Software that allows the computer to operate a monitor, printer or other device. New equipment usually comes with its own driver which you will need to install on the computer, but many devices are now recognized automatically by the operating system.
DVD (Digital Video or Versatile Disc)
Looks and feels like a CD but contains much more information. Ideal for multi-media files like video, photographs, videos. Needs a DVD drive on or attached to the computer.
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E-Mail (Electronic Mail)
Messages sent through a computer network such as the Internet.
Ergonomics
A science that studies the safety and comfort of machines and furniture for humans.
Ethernet
An ethernet card enables communication between two or more computers on a network.
Expansion slots
Spaces built into a computer to accept different or additional computer boards.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
A compilation of the most frequently asked questions (and their answers) about a specific subject or product.
Firewall
A security measure that protects a computer or a computer network from unauthorised access. It can be hardware or software or a combination of both.
Floppy Disk
A thin case enclosing a magnetic disk that stores a moderate amount of computer data. Needs a floppy disk drive.
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GIF (Graphic Interchange Format)
A common format for image files.
Gigabyte (Gb)
A unit of computer storage. Roughly equivalent to one billion bytes.
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Hacker
Someone who accesses and, sometimes changes, information on other people's computers without their permission.
Hard Disk
A storage disk inside the computer that holds the operating system, programs and files.
Hard Drive
Hardware that contains the hard disk.
Hardware
Physical components of a computer system such as disk drives, monitors, printers and keyboards.
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Definitions supplied by Electronic Aids for the Blind under the Creative Commons Licence.