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COMPUTER CONCEPTS

Vocabulary

The Computer

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Benchmark test

A set of tests used to measure computer hardware or software performance.

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Level 1 cache (Ll cache)

Cache memory built into a microprocessor chip. Ll cache can typically be read in one clock cycle.

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Level 2 cache (L2 cache)

Cache memory that is located in a chip separate from the microprocessor chip.

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SDRAM

Short for synchronous dynamic RAM, it is a type of RAM that synchronizes itself with the CPU, thus enabling it to run at much higher clock speeds than conventional RAM.

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Controller

A circuit board in a hard drive that positions the disk and read-write heads to locate data.

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DMA

Short for direct memory access, DMA refers to specialized circuitry that transfers data between drives and RAM, bypassing the CPU.

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EIDE

Short for enhanced integrated drive (or device) electronics, EIDE is a disk drive technology formally known as ATA.

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SCSI (Small Computer System Interface)

An interface standard used for attaching peripheral devices such as disk drives. Pronounced "scuzzy."

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Ultra ATA

A disk drive technology that is an enhanced version of EIDE. Also referred to as Ultra DMA or Ultra IDE.

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Touchpad

A touch-sensitive input device that allows the user to control an on-screen pointer by moving the fingertips over the pad's surface.

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Track point

A small pencil-eraser-shaped device embedded among typing keys that controls an on- screen pointer when the user pushes the track point up, down, left, or right.

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Trackball

A pointing device consisting of a ball that is rotated in a frame to move a pointer around a computer screen.

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Wavetable synthesis

A MIDI standard that creates music by playing digitized sound samples of actual instruments.

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CRT (cathode ray tube)

A display technology that uses a large vacuum tube, similar to that used in television sets. Although CRT technically refers to the vacuum tube, it is often used to refer to the entire monitor.

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LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

A type of flat panel computer screen, typically found on notebook computers.

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Viewable image size (vis)

A measurement of the maximum image size that can be displayed on a monitor screen.

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Dot pitch

The diagonal distance between colored dots on a display screen. Measured in millimeters, dot pitch helps to determine the quality of an image displayed on a monitor.

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Maximum resolution

The maximum number of pixels a monitor can display, measured in number of horizontal pixels x number of vertical pixels.

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Accelerated graphics card

A type of graphics card that contains special circuitry to increase the speed at which graphics can be displayed.

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Active matrix screen

A type of LCD technology that produces a clear, sharp image because each pixel is controlled by its own transistor.

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Color depth

The number of bits that determines the range of possible colors that can be assigned to each pixel. For example, an 8-bit color depth can create 256 colors.

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Passive matrix screen

A display found on older notebook computers that relies on timing to ensure that the liquid crystal cells are illuminated.

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SVGA (Super Video Graphics Array)

SVGA typically refers to 800 x 600 resolution.

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Video memory

Memory chips located on a graphics card that store images as they are processed. More video memory allows a computer to display images at higher resolutions and color depth.

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XGA (Extended Graphics Array)

XGA usually refers to 1024 x 768 resolution.

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External bay

An opening in the computer case that allows the user to install a device, such as a floppy disk drive, that must be accessed from out- side the case.

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Internal bay

A location inside the system unit case where devices that do not need to be accessed from outside the case can be installed.

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PCMCIA card

A small credit card-sized circuit board used to connect a modem, memory, network card, or storage device to a notebook computer.

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PCMCIA slot

A PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) slot is an external expansion slot typically found on note- book computers.

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Part replicator

A device that connects to a note- book computer, by means of a bus connector plug, and contains a duplicate of the notebook computer's ports for connecting devices such as an external monitor, mouse, or keyboard.

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Hot swap

Switching batteries or other plug-in devices while the computer is on.

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Dpi

Dpi refers to the resolution of an image. Images with more dots per inch (dpi) appear more realistic than images with fewer dots per inch.

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Duty cycle

The amount of output that can be expected from a printer, typically measured in pages per month.

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Ink jet printer

A non-impact printer that creates characters or graphics by spraying liquid ink onto paper or other media.

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Laser printer

A printer that uses laser-based technology, similar to that used by photocopiers, to produce text and graphics.

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PostScript

A printer language, developed by Adobe Systems, which uses a special set of commands to control page layout, fonts, and graphics.

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Printer Control Language (PCL)

The unofficial standard language used to send page formatting instructions from a PC to a laser or ink jet printer.

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Dot matrix printer

A printer that creates characters and graphics by striking an inked ribbon with small wires called pins, generating a fine pattern of dots.

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Multifunction printer

An output device that combines printing capability with other functions, such as scanning, faxing, copying, and answering machine.

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Computer industry

The corporations and individuals that supply goods and services to people and organizations that use computers.

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Vaporware

Software that is announced but not produced.

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Alpha test

One of the first phases of software testing, usually conducted by the software publisher's in-house testing team.

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Beta test

A testing phase near the and of the software development process in which a software product is tested in real-world computer environments, often by and-users.

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Revision

An updated form (indicated by x) of a software program, incorporating minor enhancements and eliminating bugs found in the most recent version.

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Software publisher

A company that produces computer software.

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Version

A new or totally redesigned product (for example, in the identifying number 6.1, the 6 is the version number).

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Competitive upgrade

A special price offered to consumers who switch from one company's software product to the new version of a competitor's product.

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Street price

The average discounted price of a product.

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Version upgrade price

A special price for a new version of a software package, offered to owners of an earlier version.

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Computer retail store

A store that typically sells several brands of computers from a store-front location, such as a mall or shopping center.

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Mail-order supplier

A merchant that takes orders by telephone or from an Internet site, then ships orders by mail or other courier service.

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Manufacturer direct

The selling of products by hardware manufacturers directly to consumers, by means of a sales force or mail order. create a system designed to meet the needs of specific customers or industries.

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Computer-related jobs

Jobs in the computer industry that are similar to jobs in other industries (computer sales, high-tech recruiting, etc.).

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Computer-specific jobs

Jobs that are unique to the computer industry (computer programmer, Webmaster, etc).

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Computer-use jobs

Jobs that require the use of computers to accomplish tasks in fields other than computing (laboratory technician, accountant, etc.).

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Computer engineering

A career that focuses on the design and development of computer hardware and peripheral devices.

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Computer science

A career field that focuses on developing fast and efficient computers, from their construction, to their programming and operating systems.

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Information system

Refers to a computer system that stores data and supplies information, usually within a business context. Also refers to the career field that focuses on developing such systems.

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Prepared by Miguel Duque