Module 1.13.1
Terms Terms and More terms!
Getting there
So here is the ever growing list! Have fun (by the way, there is
no exercise for this section).
A: = the name given to the first disk drive in a DOS or
Windows based computer
APPLICATION = A program that allows a computer to perform a certain
function. Examples are Word processing programs and Spreadsheet programs.
Bus = The physical electronic structure of the computer
that connects the separate components together.
Directory = an organizational structure on disks to
file management easier. Directories also become a local region for the computer to
hunt for other files related to the current file.
DOCUMENT = A file created using an application. The file is only
useful using the application that created it or a similar application that can convert it.
DOS = Disk Operating System, a set of instructions that
tells an 80x86 based computer how to use the disk drives and other peripherals attached to
it. The most common DOS was produced by Microsoft corporation.
Ergonomics = the study of how humans work. In computers terms, this word relates to how easily humans can use a computer.
Extension = the last three characters of a DOS file
name (separated from the real name by a period). These characters allow the computer
to associate a file with the program that created it.
File = a unit of electronic information. This
unit usually has a header or informational region followed the actual contents of the
file. These units can be thought of as very long sentences of computer words.
GRAPHIC USER INTERFACE = A system that allows a computer user to operate
a computer using icons and other pictorial representations.
Hard Drive = A high capacity disk drive that is
hermetically sealed and usually permanently installed in a computer. It is named
after the solid, rigid, magnetic platter used to store information. These drives are
more reliable than floppy drives because the read and write heads of the mechanism never
really touch the platter during normal operation. Common types of hard
drives are MFM, IDE, and SCSI.
ICON = A picture that has meaning. In computer
terms, this is a small picture that appears on the screen, has properties, and when double
clicked, causes something to happen.
IDE = Integrated Drive Electronics. An inexpensive
interface that relies on the disk drive having most of the electronic components built
into it. The adapter used to connect this type of drive to the BUS of the computer
INTERFACE = The method of using a computer operating system or
application. The interface includes the menus, icons, toolbars, and dialog boxes.
KILOBYTE = A unit of computer information. This unit is equivalent
to 1000 computer words (computer words are called Bytes).
MFM= Moderated Frequency Modulation. A very old
and slow interface that used changes in frequency to convey information to and from a disk
drive.
OPERATING SYSTEM = A generic term for a group of programs that allow a
computer to use peripheral devices, run programs, and be used by a person.
RAM = Random Access Memory. The thinking space available to a
computer to use while performing operations. The space is emptied out when the
computer is turned off.
SCSI = Small Computer System Interface. A
peripheral attachment interface that is both expensive and fast. This system allows
the connection of multiple devices in a serial arrangement.
SYSTEM SOFTWARE = The programs that combined make the operating system.
Device drivers (or extensions) are included as part of this software complement.
Copyright 1998 Christopher I. Cobitz
Questions regarding this page may be sent to
Christopher I Cobitz