Technology Vocabulary Words

Understanding the meaning A motherboard is the main circuit board of

the computer. Why do you think it is called a motherboard instead of a sisterboard or brotherboard?

Understanding the Meaning• For example, what is the difference between uploading and downloading a file? Uploading is the transmission of a file from one computer system to another, usually larger computer system.

Ex. Uploading a file

From an Internet user's point-of-view, uploading is sending a file to a computer that is set up to receive it.

Understanding the Meaning

Ex. of downloading a file

Downloading is the transmission of a file from one computer system to another, usually smaller computer system.

From the Internet user's point-of-view, to download a file is to request it from another computer (or from a Web page on another computer) and to receive it.

More vocabulary terms• Application-a software program that lets you complete a task

on your computer, such as word processing, listening to music, or viewing a Web page

• Bandwidth-the amount of information that one can send through a connection at a given time, usually measured in kilobits per second

Ex. Application Ex. Bandwidth

More vocabulary terms• Bitmap- the representation in rows and columns of dots of an

image in computer memory

• Cache- a high-speed storage mechanism that allows a computer to store frequently accessed information locally

Ex. bitmap Ex.

Ex. cache

More vocabulary terms• Cookie- a message given to a Web browser by a Web server that is

stored in the browser and sent back to the server every time the browser contacts the server for a Web page. For example, a cookie can be stored with your user name that you use to login, so that the next time you navigate to the site, your user name can be automatically filled in

• Cursor- a symbol, usually a blinking line that shows where the next letter will be typed on a computer screen

Ex. Cookie Ex. Cursor

More vocabulary terms• Database- information stored and organized so that a

computer can quickly retrieve selected pieces of information

• Download- the process of copying a document or file from an online source to your own computer

Ex. Database Ex. Download

More vocabulary terms• Encryption- the translation of information into a secret code

• Ethernet- a common method of enabling computers in the same local area network (LAN—see Chapter 15: Acronyms) to communicate with each other

Ex. EncryptionEx. Ethernet

Ex. Ethernetcable

More vocabulary terms• Firewall- a system (using either hardware or software) that

prevents unauthorized access to and from a private network

• Information Technology- the broad subject of anything concerning processing or managing information, especially in a large company

Ex. FirewallEx. InformationTechnology

More vocabulary terms• Keyword- a word that specifies a particular record or file in

programming a specific command

• Motherboard- the main circuit board of a computer

Ex. Keyword Ex. Motherboard

More vocabulary terms• Network- a group of two or more computers linked together

• Plug-in- a piece of hardware or software that adds a specific feature to a larger, already existing system

Ex. Network

Ex. Plug-in

More vocabulary terms• Search Engine- a program that searches documents, websites,

and databases for a keyword and then provides a list of those documents

• Server- a computer on a network that manages network resources

Ex. Search Engine

Ex. Server

More vocabulary terms• Upload- the opposite of download; to transmit documents

from your computer to an online source

Ex. Upload

More vocabulary terms• Workstation-a type of computer that has enough power to

run applications used in work environments, such as graphic design programs and software design programs; also refers to any computer connected to a LAN, whether a personal computer or workstation

Ex. Workstation