Computer Glossary (L-O)

• Linux
  A UNIX.-like, open-source operating system developed primarily by Linus Torvalds. Linux is free and runs on many platforms, including both PCs and Macintoshes. Linux is an open-source operating system, meaning that the source code of the operating system is freely available to the public. Programmers may redistribute and modify the code, as long as they don't collect royalties on their work or deny access to their code. Since development is not restricted to a single corporation more programmers can debug and improve the source code faster.
• Laptop and notebook
  Small, lightweight, portable battery-powered computers that can fit onto your lap. They each have a thin, flat, liquid crystal display screen.
• Macro
  A script that operates a series of commands to perform a function. It is set up to automate repetitive tasks.
• Mac OS
  An operating system with a graphical user interface, developed by Apple. for Macintosh. computers. Current System .X.1. (10) combines the traditional Mac interface with a strong underlying UNIX. operating system for increased performance and stability.
• Megabyte (MB)
  Equal to 1,048,576 bytes, usually rounded off to one million bytes (also called a .meg.).
• Memory
  Temporary storage for information, including applications and documents. The information must be stored to a permanent device, such as a hard disc or CD-ROM before the power is turned off, or the information will be lost. Computer memory is measured in terms of the amount of information it can store, commonly in megabytes or gigabytes.
• Menu
  A context-related list of options that users can choose from.
• Menu bar
  The horizontal strip across the top of an application's window. Each word on the strip has a context sensitive drop-down menu containing features and actions that are available for the application in use.
• Merge
  To combine two or more files into a single file.
• MHz
  An abbreviation for Megahertz, or one million hertz. One MHz represents one million clock cycles per second and is the measure of a computer microprocessor's speed. For example, a microprocessor that runs at 300 MHz executes 300 million cycles per second. Each instruction a computer receives takes a fixed number of clock cycles to carry out, therefore the more cycles a computer can execute per second, the faster its programs run. Megahertz is also a unit of measure for bandwidth.
• Microprocessor
  A complete central processing unit (CPU) contained on a single silicon chip.
• Minimize
  A term used in a GUI operating system that uses windows. It refers to reducing a window to an icon, or a label at the bottom of the screen, allowing another window to be viewed.
• Modem
  A device that connects two computers together over a telephone or cable line by converting the computer's data into an audio signal. Modem is a contraction for the process it performs: modulate-demodulate.
• Monitor
  A video display terminal.
• Mouse
  A small hand-held device, similar to a trackball, used to control the position of the cursor on the video display; movements of the mouse on a desktop correspond to movements of the cursor on the screen.
• MP3
  Compact audio and video file format. The small size of the files makes them easy to download and e-mail. Format used in portable playback devices.
• Multimedia
  Software programs that combine text and graphics with sound, video, and animation. A multimedia PC contains the hardware to support these capabilities.
• MS-DOS
  An early operating system developed by Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft Disc Operating System).
• Network
  A system of interconnected computers.
• Open source
  Computer programs whose original source code was revealed to the general public so that it could be developed openly. Software licensed as open source can be freely changed or adapted to new uses, meaning that the source code of the operating system is freely available to the public. Programmers may redistribute and modify the code, as long as they don't collect royalties on their work or deny access to their code. Since development is not restricted to a single corporation more programmers can debug and improve the source code faster.
• Operating system
  A set of instructions that tell a computer on how to operate when it is turned on. It sets up a filing system to store files and tells the computer how to display information on a video display. Most PC operating systems are DOS (disc operated system) systems, meaning the instructions are stored on a disc (as opposed to being originally stored in the microprocessors of the computer). Other well-known operating systems include UNIX, Linux, Macintosh, and Windows.
• Output
  Data that come out of a computer device. For example, information displayed on the monitor, sound from the speakers, and information printed to paper.

Computer Glossary (G-k)

• Gigabyte (GB)
  1024 megabytes. Also called gig.
• Glitch
  The cause of an unexpected malfunction.
• Gopher
  An Internet search tool that allows users to access textual information through a series of menus, or if using FTP, through downloads.
• GUI
  Graphical User Interface. A system that simplifies selecting computer commands by enabling the user to point to symbols or illustrations (called icons) on the computer screen with a mouse.
• Groupware
  Software that allows networked individuals to form groups and collaborate on documents, programs, or databases.
• Hacker
  A person with technical expertise who experiments with computer systems to determine how to develop additional features. Hackers are occasionally requested by system administrators to try and .break into. systems via a network to test security. The term hacker is sometimes incorrectly used interchangeably with cracker. A hacker is called a .white hat. and a cracker a .black hat.
• Hard copy
  A paper printout of what you have prepared on the computer.
• Hard drive
  Another name for the hard disc that stores information information in a computer.
• Hardware
  The physical and mechanical components of a computer system, such as the electronic circuitry, chips, monitor, disks, disk drives, keyboard, modem, and printer.
• Home page
  The main page of a Web site used to greet visitors, provide information about the site, or to direct the viewer to other pages on the site.
• HTML
  Hypertext Markup Language. A standard of text markup conventions used for documents on the World Wide Web. Browsers interpret the codes to give the text structure and formatting (such as bold, blue, or italic).
• HTTP
  Hypertext Transfer Protocol. A common system used to request and send HTML documents on the World Wide Web. It is the first portion of all URL addresses on the World Wide Web
• HTTPS
  Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. Often used in intracompany internet sites. Passwords are required to gain access.
• Hyperlink
  Text or an image that is connected by hypertext coding to a different location. By selecting the text or image with a mouse, the computer .jumps to. (or displays) the linked text.
• Hypermedia
  Integrates audio, graphics, and/or video through links embedded in the main program.
• Hypertext
  A system for organizing text through links, as opposed to a menu-driven hierarchy such as Gopher. Most Web pages include hypertext links to other pages at that site, or to other sites on the World Wide Web.
• Icons
  Symbols or illustrations appearing on the computer screen that indicate program files or other computer functions.
• Input
  Data that goes into a computer device.
• Input device
  A device, such as a keyboard, stylus and tablet, mouse, puck, or microphone, that allows input of information (letters, numbers, sound, video) to a computer.
• Instant messenging (IM)
  A chat application that allows two or more people to communicate over the Internet via real-time keyed-in messages.
• Interface
  The interconnections that allow a device, a program, or a person to interact. Hardware interfaces are the cables that connect the device to its power source and to other devices. Software interfaces allow the program to communicate with other programs (such as the operating system), and user interfaces allow the user to communicate with the program (e.g., via mouse, menu commands, icons, voice commands, etc.).
• Internet
  An international conglomeration of interconnected computer networks. Begun in the late 1960s, it was developed in the 1970s to allow government and university researchers to share information. The Internet is not controlled by any single group or organization. Its original focus was research and communications, but it continues to expand, offering a wide array of resources for business and home users.
• IP (Internet Protocol) address
  An Internet Protocol address is a unique set of numbers used to locate another computer on a network. The format of an IP address is a 32-bit string of four numbers separated by periods. Each number can be from 0 to 255 (i.e., 1.154.10.266). Within a closed network IP addresses may be assigned at random, however, IP addresses of web servers must be registered to avoid duplicates.
• Java
  An object-oriented programming language designed specifically for programs (particularly multimedia) to be used over the Internet. Java allows programmers to create small programs or applications (applets) to enhance Web sites.
• Javascript/ECMA script
  A programming language used almost exclusively to manipulate content on a web page. Common Javascript functions include validating forms on a web page, creating dynamic page navigation menus, and image rollovers.
• kilobyte (K or KB)
  Equal to 1,024 bytes.

Computer Glossary (D-F)

• Database
  A collection of similar information stored in a file, such as a database of addresses. This information may be created and stored in a database management system (DBMS).
• Debug
  Slang. To find and correct equipment defects or program malfunctions.
• Default
  The pre-defined configuration of a system or an application. In most programs, the defaults can be changed to reflect personal preferences.
• Desktop
  The main directory of the user interface. Desktops usually contain icons that represent links to the hard drive, a network (if there is one), and a trash or recycling can for files to be deleted. It can also display icons of frequently used applications, as requested by the user.
• Desktop publishing
  The production of publication-quality documents using a personal computer in combination with text, graphics, and page layout programs.
• Directory
  A repository where all files are kept on computer.
• Disk
  Two distinct types. The names refer to the media inside the container:
  
  A hard disc stores vast amounts of data. It is usually inside the computer but can be a separate peripheral on the outside. Hard discs are made up of several rigid coated metal discs. Currently, hard discs can store 15 to 30 Gb (gigabytes)
  
  A floppy disc, 3.5" square, usually inserted into the computer and can store about 1.4 megabytes of data. The 3.5" square .floppies. have a very thin, flexible disc inside. There is also an intermediate-sized floppy disc, trademarked Zip discs, which can store 250 megabytes of data.
• Disk drive
  The equipment that operates a hard or floppy disc.
• Domain
  Represents an IP (Internet Protocol) address or set of IP addresses that comprise a domain. The domain name appears in URLs to identify web pages or in email addresses. For example, the email address for the First Lady is first.lady@whitehouse.gov, .whitehouse.gov. being the domain name. Each domain name ends with a suffix that indicates what .top level domain. it belongs to. These are: ..com. for commercial, ..gov. for government, ..org. for organization, ..edu. for educational institution, ..biz. for business, ..info. for information, ..tv. for television, ..ws. for website. Domain suffixes may also indicate the country in which the domain is registered. No two parties can ever hold the same domain name.
• Domain name
  The name of a network or computer linked to the Internet. Domains are defined by a common IP address or set of similar IP (Internet Protocol) addresses.
• Download
  The process of transferring information from a web site (or other remote location on a network) to the computer. It is possible to .download a file. or .view a download.
• DOS
  Disk Operating System. An operating system designed for early IBM-compatible PCs.
• Drop-down menu
  A menu window that opens vertically on-screen to display context-related options. Also called pop-up menu or pull-down menu.
• DSL
  Digital Subscriber Line. A method of connecting to the Internet via a phone line. A DSL connection uses copper telephone lines but is able to relay data at much higher speeds than modems and does not interfere with telephone use.
• DVD
  Digital Video Disc.Similar to a CD-ROM, it stores and plays both audio and video.
• E-book
  An electronic (usually hand-held) reading device that allows a person to view digitally stored reading materials.
• Email
  Electronic mail; messages, including memos or letters, sent electronically between networked computers that may be across the office or around the world.
• Emoticon
  A text-based expression of emotion created from ASCII characters that mimics a facial expression when viewed with your head tilted to the left. Here are some examples:
  :-) Smiling
  :-( Frowning
  ;-) Winking
  :_( Crying
• Encryption
  The process of transmitting scrambled data so that only authorized recipients can unscramble it. For instance, encryption is used to scramble credit card information when purchases are made over the Internet.
• Ethernet
  A type of network.
• Ethernet card
  A board inside a computer to which a network cable can be attached.
• File
  A set of data that is stored in the computer.
• Firewall
  A set of security programs that protect a computer from outside interference or access via the Internet.
• Folder
  A structure for containing electronic files. In some operating systems, it is called a .directory.
• Fonts
  Sets of typefaces (or characters) that come in different styles and sizes.
• Freeware
  Software created by people who are willing to give it away for the satisfaction of sharing or knowing they helped to simplify other people's lives. It may be freestanding software, or it may add functionality to existing software.
• FTP
  File Transfer Protocol. A format and set of rules for transferring files from a host to a remote computer.
  
  

Computer Glossary (A-C)

• Applet
  A small Java application that is downloaded by an ActiveX or Java-enabled web browser. Once it has been downloaded, the applet will run on the user's computer. Common applets include financial calculators and web drawing programs.
• Application
  Computer software that performs a task or set of tasks, such as word processing or drawing. Applications are also referred to as programs.
• ASCII
  American Standard Code for Information Interchange, an encoding system for converting keyboard characters and instructions into the binary number code that the computer understands.
• Bandwidth
  The capacity of a networked connection. Bandwidth determines how much data can be sent along the networked wires. Bandwidth is particularly important for Internet connections, since greater bandwidth also means faster downloads.
• Binary code
  The most basic language a computer understands, it is composed of a series of 0s and 1s. The computer interprets the code to form numbers, letters, punctuation marks, and symbols.
• Bit
  The smallest piece of computer information, either the number 0 or 1. In short ther are called binary digits.
• Boot
  To start up a computer. Cold boot.restarting computer after having turned off the power. Warm boot.restarting computer without having turned off the power.
• Browser
  Software used to navigate the Internet. Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer are today's most popular browsers for accessing the World Wide Web.
• Bug
  A malfunction due to an error in the program or a defect in the equipment.
• Byte
  Most computers use combinations of eight bits, called bytes, to represent one character of data or instructions. For example, the word .cat. has three characters, and it would be represented by three bytes.
• Cache
  A small data-memory storage area that a computer can use to instantly re-access data instead of re-reading the data from the original source, such as a hard drive. Browsers use a cache to store web pages so that the user may view them again without reconnecting to the Web.
• CAD-CAM
  Computer Aided Drawing-Computer Aided Manufacturing. The instructions stored in a computer that will be translated to very precise operating instructions to a robot, such as for assembling cars or laser-cutting signage.
• CD-ROM
  Compact Disc Read-Only Memory. An optically read disc designed to hold information such as music, reference materials, or computer software. A single CD-ROM can hold around 640 megabytes of data, enough for several encyclopedias. Most software programs are now delivered on CD-ROMs.
• CGI
  Common Gateway Interface. A programming standard that allows visitors to fill out form fields on a Web page and have that information interact with a database, possibly coming back to the user as another Web page. CGI may also refer to Computer-Generated Imaging, the process in which sophisticated computer programs create still and animated graphics, such as special effects for movies.
• Chat
  Typing text into a message box on a screen to engage in dialog with one or more people via the Internet or other network.
• Chip
  A tiny wafer of silicon containing miniature electric circuits that can store millions of bits of information.
• Client
  A single user of a network application that is operated from a server. A client/server architecture allows many people to use the same data simultaneously. The program's main component (the data) resides on a centralized server, with smaller components (user interface) on each client.
• Cookie
  A text file sent by a Web server that is stored on the hard drive of a computer and relays back to the Web server things about the user, his or her computer, and/or his or her computer activities.
• CPU
  Central Processing Unit. The brain of the computer.
• Cracker
  A person who .breaks in. to a computer through a network, without authorization and with mischievous or destructive intent.
• Crash
  A hardware or software problem that causes information to be lost or the computer to malfunction. Sometimes a crash can cause permanent damage to a computer.
• Cursor
  A moving position-indicator displayed on a computer monitor that shows a computer operator where the next action or operation will take place.
• Cyberspace
  Slang for internet ie. An international conglomeration of interconnected computer networks. Begun in the late 1960s, it was developed in the 1970s to allow government and university researchers to share information. The Internet is not controlled by any single group or organization. Its original focus was research and communications, but it continues to expand, offering a wide array of resources for business and home users.

Use Chrome commands

Use the chrome:// commands to access many hidden features of Chrome. There is a few dozen of these commands available that will allow you to do everything from viewing DNS information, GPU information, look for conflicts, setting flags, and much more. A listing of these commands can be accessed by typing chrome://chrome-urls in the Omnibox.

Use the Omnibox to do more than just search

The Google Omnibox does more than displaying the URL and allowing you to search. It is also capable of performing mathematical calculations (as shown in the picture) and even answer questions such as "how many cups are in 2 liters?" Try adding any math calculation now in the Omnibox without pressing enter to have the results shown.

Google Chrome keyboard shortcuts

Like any good browser, Google Chrome has several dozen different keyboard shortcuts that can help improve your productivity. Below is just a few of our top favorites.

Ctrl + 1-8 = Pressing Ctrl and any number 1 through 8 will move to the corresponding tab in your tab bar.
Ctrl + 9 = Switch to the last tab.
Ctrl + H = Show history
Ctrl + J = Open Downloads window
Ctrl + K = Move the cursor to the Omnibox (address bar)
Ctrl + T = Open a new tab

Remove formatting in Word from any pasted text.

When copying text from another document or Internet web page and pasting it into Microsoft Word, Word will keep the formatting of the text. For example, if you were to copy the text on this page to a Word file, this text would remain bold, and this text would remain blue. To remove the formatting in Microsoft Word from any text highlight the text and press the shortcut key Ctrl + Space-bar  This will set the text to the default font, remove the formatting, and even remove links.

Alternatively you can use the Paste Special option or Keep Text Only option in Microsoft Word to paste the text with no formatting.

Bonus Tip: In most versions of Windows Ctrl + Windows Key + V will also often paste text as plain text.

Windows 8 keyboard shortcuts

Knowing at least some of the Windows 8 keyboard shortcuts will make your Windows 8 experience much more enjoyable. Try to memorize these top Windows 8 shortcut keys.

Press the Windows key to open the Start screen or switch to the Desktop (if open).
Press the Windows key + D will open the Windows Desktop.
Press the Windows key + . to pin and unpin Windows apps on the side of the screen.
Press the Windows key + X to open the power user menu, which gives you access to many of the features most power users would want (e.g. Device Manager and Command Prompt).
Press the Windows key + C to open the Charms.
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings, which is the same Settings found in Charms.
Press and hold the Windows key + Tab to show open apps.
Press the Windows key + Print screen to create a screen shot, which is automatically saved into your My Pictures folder.

Windows 8: How to Create a New Hard Drive Partition

Disk partitioning is essentially separating the hard disk into different sections or parts for storage. If you want to try a new operating system without overwriting your main Windows drive, you can do this partitioning the hard drive.
Partitioning the hard disk also makes it possible to multiboot different operating systems. In addition to creating multiboot configurations, you can also use partitions as extra storage mediums for specific files or for backing up important files.

Benefits of Having Another Partition:

• Backup System Files
• Install multiple Operating Systems
• Extend the functionality of the hard drive
• Improve security (you can use the other partition in case one fails)

Creating a Partition on Windows 8

Hold the Windows logo key on your keyboard and press “R” (Winkey+R). This will launch the Run the utility. Type “diskmgmt.msc” inside the text box and press Enter. This will open the Windows Disk Management utility. This is where you can format, create, and delete hard drive partitions.

In order to create a partition, you need unallocated space. Unallocated space is basically disk space that is not formatted or not prepared for storage. Formatting is the act of preparing a disk space for storage. It similar to building a foundation for a place to be inhabited. Thus, unallocated space is just useless blank space with no “foundation” or format.
To create unallocated space, you need to shrink your hard drive. When you shrink your hard disk, the remaining space becomes unallocated.
To do this, right-click your main drive and select “Shrink Volume.”

Now you need to enter the amount you want to shrink the hard disk by in megabytes (1000 megabytes = 1 gigabyte). For example if you want to create a 1 gigabyte partition, enter 1,000 megabytes in the text box. Now click “Shrink.”
The Disk Management Utility will show you the maximum amount of shrink space available. That’s the maximum size that can be allocated to the new partition.


You will then see the region of unallocated space (shaded black). Remember, this space is not yet usable.

Now you need to create “foundation” or format for the unallocated space. This will allow for the space to become usable.
Right-click the region of unallocated space and select “New Simple Volume.”


This will launch the New Simple Volume Wizard. This will guide you through the installation process.


Assign the disk a drive letter. You can choose any drive letter that is not currently in use.


Select a file system for the disk. The file system is basically the type of format or “foundation” the storage device has. If you plan on installing a Windows OS to the partition select the “NTFS” file system.


Name the partition in the “Volume Label” text box.  You can choose any name for your partition. As you can see, we’ve name ours “Vikitech.”

Now click “Finish” to create the new partition.


As you can see, this is the new partition that was just created.

Final Thoughts:

Having another partition is a great asset in case your main one fails. You can use the extra partition to backup important files and install another OS. This is also a great alternative if your PC does not support virtualization. Now you need to always be careful not to format your main disk partition. This will erase all of your files.