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Welcome to our plain-English glossary of computer and networking terms. Don't
see a word you're looking for? Check our Computer Networking Newsletter issue
about Computer Terms
or email us.
application — see program.
computer — a tool used for data storage, sorting,
and retrieval.
device — printers, drives (CD-ROM,
Zip drives, hard disks and the like), modems, etc.
drive — a drive (floppy drive, hard drive, CD-ROM,
Zip drive, tape drive, etc.) is simply a data storage device, very similar to
that big gray filing cabinet you keep stubbing your toes on. When you install
a program, it copies its files onto your computer's hard drive, many programs
that you run from your CD-ROM stay mostly on the CD-ROM; when you save your data
files they are generally on your hard drive and sometimes on your floppy disk(s).
driver — software that tells your computer how to
use a piece of hardware that is connected to it, such as a printer.
hard disk — a small, hard disk, inside your computer
used for data and program storage.
hardware — anything you can trip over, INCLUDING the
CD-ROMs, floppies, etc. that programs are loaded onto.
Memory — accidentally (?) refers to both your hard
disk and your RAM.
monitor — a video screen that lets you see what (basically)
is going on inside your computer
network — any number of computers connected together
so that they can share files, printers, fax systems, Internet connections, etc.
network application — network version of a program;
any program that lets more than one user open the same data file (the file
that that program creates) at the same time.
program (application) — this
is simply a list of instructions for the computer to carry out when you click
a button or type a letter. It will generally let you input data, and then spit
it back out in the form that you want. There are programs for word processing,
games, you name it.
RAM — electronic storage space that
is your computer's "work space" for running programs and modifying your
data files. It is emptied when you turn your computer system off.
resources — things the computer can use to do your
work, such as RAM, hard drive space, video capabilities, etc.
server — a faster/bigger-than-normal computer used
for storing files that users can access.
shared device — these are devices
on the network that many users can access such as printers, drives (CD-ROM, Zip
drives, hard disks and the like), modems, etc.
software — any program that you can install.
workstation — a workstation is generally a computer on a network.
This means it is connected to other computers in your building and/or in your
company wherever they may be. A single computer by itself is usually referred
to as simply a "computer" — neat name, huh?
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