MicroLaw brings you a plain-English glossary of technical terminology so you can speak "techie" with the best of them.

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# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

56 K line: A digital phone-line connection (leased line) capable of carrying 6,000 bits-per-second.At this speed, a megabyte will take about 3 minutes to transfer. This is 4 times faster than a 14,400 bps modem.

Active Matrix Display: This type of screen has the best resolution because it is refreshed more frequently than passive matrix displays. Active screens can be seen well when you are standing to the side of the screen – not just right in front.

AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port): A bus specification by Intel which gives low-cost 3D graphics cards faster access to main memory than the usual PCI bus. AGP operates at 133 MHz compared to PCI's 66 MHZ and 100 MHz speeds.

Anti-Virus: A program that attempts to intercept viruses coming into or going out of a computer system and can scan for viruses currently on the system. Anti-virus programs require frequent updates in order to intercept recently released viruses.

ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange): Pronounced "ask-key". A commonly used data format for exchanging information between computers or programs.

Attachment: A file that accompanies an e-mail as a separate but "attached" component. The file could be anything from a legal document to a picture of the kids. Unfortunately, an attachment could also contain a virus or be a virus described as another file. See Trojan Horse.

Audio Card: See Sound Card.

Backup: To make a copy of your work files or applications in case of a hard drive crash. Backups are generally made to either disk or tape.

Bandwidth: A measure of the amount of information you can send through a connection. Usually measured in bits-per-second. A full page of English text is about 16,000 bits. A fast modem can move about 50,000 bits in one second.

Baud: A measure of the speed of data transmission, or the maximum speed at which data can be send down a channel. In other words, the speed of the modem. For example, a 28,800 (28.8 for short) baud modem means data can travel at 2,880 bytes per second. Baud is often equivalent to bits-per- second. Named after J. M. E. Baudot, who died 1903.

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System): The BIOS is a set of programs in the computer system that allow the CPU to communicate with applications and hardware such as printers, disks, keyboards, and other attached devices.

Bit: The smallest piece of information used by the computer. Derived from "binary digit." In computer language, either a one (1) or a zero (0).

Boot or Bootup: To start up your computer.

BPS (Bits-per-second): A measure of the speed of transmission of computer data.

Bug: A programming error that causes a program to behave in an unexpected way. Not a good thing.

Bus: An electronic pathway through which data is transmitted between components in a computer.

Bus Mouse: A mouse that connects to a computer by an expansion board. The advantage of using this over a serial mouse is that you can free up the serial port for another device.

Byte: A measurement of the capacity of hard drive storage. A byte is 8 bits; one byte can represent a single character.  While computer capacity numbers use standard numbering prefixes like kilo, mega and giga, the terms do not represent 1,000, 1,000,000 and 1,000,000,000 as the prefixes suggest.  Because computers speak in binary, or base 2, there are actually 1,024 bytes in a kilobyte, 1,048,576 bytes in a megabyte, and 1,073,741,824 bytes in a gigabyte.

Cache: Pronounced "cash". An area of your hard drive or RAM that is set aside for files so that programs can either run faster or work with limited amounts of RAM. Most browsers and other applications have a cache. Two common types are memory caching and disk caching. Memory cache is a portion of memory made of high speed RAM (SRAM) instead of dynamic RAM (DRAM). Disk caching dramatically increases speed, as accessing information in RAM can be thousands of times faster than accessing a hard drive.

Card: Any device that will plug into an 8 bit 16 bit or PCI, or PCMCIA slot on a computer's motherboard. Video graphics, network, and sound cards are good examples.

CD-ROM (Compact-Disc Read-Only-Memory): Called "CD" for short. A disk on which audio, data, graphics, video and text are stored digitally. More than 640 million bytes of data can be stored on one CD. This is the equivalent of 700 floppy disks or enough to store about 300,000 text pages. One advantage of a CD is that they are cheap to produce. Once recorded, they cannot be erased and filled with new data like floppy disks. Most new software is now available on CD ROM. Software that comes on CDs is also much faster to load onto your computer – one disc compared to 20+ floppies in some cases.

CD-ROM Drive – Also known as CD-ROM player: This is a device that can read CD-ROMs. The drive can be either internally or externally connected to the computer. They come in various speeds, e.g., 8X, 16X, 24X up to 100x. These speeds measure how long on average, it takes the drive to access a piece of information. The faster the drive, the faster the access and data transfer rates.

CD-ROM Tower: These devices are simply CD-ROM drives stacked together to allow multiple users to access multiple CDs from a central place. The advantage is that each individual computer does not have to have its own CD-ROM drive. Another advantage is that the CDs remain in one place so they are less likely to be "misplaced."

CD-R: A write-once version of CD-ROM. CD-Rs can hold about 650 megabytes of data. They are quite durable and can be read by normal CD-ROM drives.  Once data has been written to the CD, it cannot be changed.

CD-RW (Compact Disc - Read/Write): A CD-RW drive can write about 650 megabytes of data to a CD-RW as many times as the operator would like. Most CD-RW drives can write once to CD-R media as well.

Client/Server: A network architecture in which each computer on the network is either a client or a server. Servers are computers dedicated to managing disk drives, printers, or network traffic. Clients are workstations which allow users to run applications.

Clock Rate (MHz): A measurement of the instruction processing speed of a computer measured in millions of cycles per second. An IBM-compatible computer can have a clock rate of 1000 MHZ (also referred to as 1 GHz or 1 gigahertz - a billion cycles per second) as of 5-2000 . Faster is better, but also more expensive.

CPU (Central Processing Unit): The "brains" of the computer. The CPU supervises all the internal and external operations of the computer. The higher the number, the more powerful the processor, the faster it can think, and the more expensive it is. For example, from slowest to fastest, the 286, 386 and 486 are obsolete today, as are the Pentiums and even most Pentium II-based computers. Popular processors today are the Intel Pentium III in speeds from 450 MHz to 1000 MHz, the Intel Celeron in speeds from 500 to 667 MHZ, and the AMD Athlon processor in speeds up to 1000 MHz.

Coaxial cable: A kind of cable with a solid central conductor surrounded by insulator, in turn surrounded by a cylindrical shield woven from fine wires. It is used to carry high frequency signals such as video or radio. The shield is usually connected to electrical ground to reduce electrical interference.

COM Port: The DOS name of the serial ports on PCs.

Compression: Running data through an algorithm which reduces its size to reduce the space or bandwidth needed to store or transmit it.

Crash: A serious computer failure. This usually is a sign of a hardware failure or a serious software bug. Not a good thing.

Daisy chaining: The act of stringing devices together in a series (such as SCSI).

Dial-up Connection: The most popular form of Internet connection for the home user, this is a connection from your computer to a host computer over standard telephone lines.

Direct Connection: A permanent connection between your computer system and the Internet. This is sometimes referred to as leased-line connection because the line is leased from the telephone company.

Disk drive: A very fast input/output device that consists of one or more spinning magnetic disks.A moving arm allows direct read or write access to data recorded on the disks.

DLL (Dynamic Linked Library): A part of a computer program that links itself to application programs as they run. This code can be shared between different parts of the program rather than having to insert it in several different places. Missing or corrupt DLL files will cause programs not to run at all or will return a variety of errors.

Docking Station: A platform in which you can install a portable computer. The docking station usually has slots for expansion cards, bays for storage devices, and connectors for peripherals such as monitors and printers. When a notebook (another term for laptop) system is installed in a docking station it essentially becomes a desktop system. Docking stations are not standardized. You must purchase one specifically for your system.

DOS (Disk Operating System): The system software used to operate your computer prior to Windows NT.

Download: To transfer information stored on a remote computer to your local computer. Downloading is usually associated with the Internet. If you are on the receiving end, you are downloading. If you are on the sending end, you are uploading.

DPI (Dots per inch): A gauge of visual clarity on the printed page or on the computer screen. The more there are, the clearer the image.

Driver: When information is passed from one type of device to another, usually the electrical and mechanical requirements of the two devices are different. A driver is a file on a computer which tells it how to communicate with an add-on piece of equipment (like a printer).

DSL: stands for Digital Subscriber Line - a high-speed communication method for accessing the Internet using regular copper wire telephone lines. This is one of the most cost-effective high-speed Internet access approaches, now appearing around the country as of early 2000.

Dual Scan Passive Matrix: A type of monitor which is somewhere between active and passive in clarity.

Duplex: A method of communications between two computers (or devices) which enables transmission between the two. There are two types. Half duplex is data transmission in only one direction at a time. Full duplex is simultaneous data transmission in both directions. Sound cards used for audio conferencing with half duplex are like CB radios, only one person can speak at a time.With full duplex, you can both speak at the same time.

DVD (Digital Video Disk)/DVD-ROM (DVD Read-Only Memory): Digital Video Disk. A hardware technology designed to replace audio and information CDs, laserdiscs, and even video tapes. Each DVD can hold the equivalent of 7 times a regular CD (more than 120 minutes of video), uses MPEG-2 video compression and is backwards compatible with CD-ROMs and music CDs.

EDO RAM: A type of DRAM that is 30-50% faster than conventional RAM. Its cycle time is much shorter than DRAM.

EIDE (Enhanced IDE): Developed by Western Digital, it supports data rates of up to 66 mbps in the FAST-ATA 66 version. These tend to be very economical hard drives, currently available up to about 40 gigabytes in capacity.

E-Mail (Electronic mail ): E-mail is the transmission of messages over networks. You may send messages to a single user, or broadcast a message to several users. This mail is stored at a user's location, or mailbox, until it is read. The message can then be saved, deleted, or sent to other users.

Ethernet: This is a baseband protocol and technology for the cables and specialized circuitry which is used to physically connect the machines on a (local) network. An Ethernet is a specific type of network which was developed by Robert Metcalfe and his company 3COM Corporation, and is now supported by many manufacturers.Communication is at 10 Mbps, in a "broadcast medium" (similar to a party line telephone). Every machine on a particular Ethernet network looks at the Ethernet address on each packet as it goes by to see if it is for them. This is one of the most widely used LAN standards. A newer standard, called Fast Ethernet, supports transfer rates of 100 megabits per seconds has largely replaced the slower 10 Mbps system with 1000 mbps or "Gigabit Ethernet" now available as well.

Expansion Slot: A connector inside the computer which allows one to plug in a printed circuit board that provides new or enhanced features.

External drive: A hard drive that is on the outside of your computer. It allows you extra storage space.

Fatal Exception: A program execution error which is trapped by the operating system and which results in the abrupt termination of the program or application.

Fiber Optics: A technology that uses glass threads to transmit data. A fiber optic cable is a bundle of glass threads, each of which is capable of transmitting messages near the speed of light. Fiber optic cables carry much more data and are less susceptible to interference than wire cabling.

File Server: A device holding files which are available to everyone connected to a LAN. A file server's software allows it to provide the machines on the LAN with remote disk drives which function as if they were attached directly to their individual machine. It also manages any shared resources such as printers. The file server must have at least one hard drive, network board, and a LAN driver to communicate with the network.

Floppy Disk: Also known as "floppies." A small portable flexible magnetic disk used for data storage on many computers. Floppies come in 3-1/2" and 5-1/4"sizes, with several densities and formats. Floppies are not as reliable as a hard drive, but do very well for backing up files and transporting files from one computer to another. The 3-1/2" size are much more common. They were named floppies because the 5-1/4" and 8" (now obsolete) disks were flexible. Each floppy disk can hold up to 1.44 megabytes of data.

Floppy Disk Drive: A drive that reads either 3-1/2" or 5-1/4" floppy disks. One floppy drive does not read both. Most computers come standard with a 3-1/2" floppy disk drive.

Freeze: A system error which causes the cursor to lock in place. When you computer "freezes," you will need to reboot.

Gigabyte: A unit of storage on a hard drive. There are 1,000 megabytes in a gigabyte. Known as a "gig" or "GB" for short.

Graphics Card: A circuit board fitted to a computer, especially an IBM PC, containing the necessary video memory and other electronics to provide a display. These vary in the resolution (number of pixels), number of colors they can display, and in the refresh rate they support.

GUI (Graphical User Interface): Defines a format for scroll bars, buttons, menus, etc. and how they respond to the user. Makes the computer more "user friendly" because what you see on the screen is easier to understand.

Hard Drive: Sometimes referred to as a hard disk. The main storage device for computers today. It is where you store all your applications, files and documents. Your computer really runs off of your hard drive. Once the hard drive is full, you have to add another or get a bigger one. Current drive sizes range from around 4 GB to over 100 GB. Many software programs today require a lot of hard disk space, so you'll probably want to get the largest hard drive you can afford.

Hardware: The physical parts of the computer: The case, the monitor, the keyboard, the mouse, etc. Hardware is everything except software. What you see on your computer screen is not hardware.

Hub: A device that is a center of network activity because it connects multiple networks or devices together.

IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics): A disk interface standard, based on the IBM PC ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) 16-bit bus, but also used on other personal computers. IDE deals with the power and data interfaces between the motherboard and the integrated disk controller and drive. The IDE "bus" only supports two devices - master and slave. IDE "controllers" are actually direct connections to the ISA bus.

Infra-red:Technology that uses infrared light to wirelessly connect computers to peripherals, networks and other computers. The space between devices is usually limited to about one meter.

Input Devices: Any piece of hardware used to enter data into the computer for processing. Examples include keyboards, mice or microphones.

I/O (Input/Output): The part of a computer system or the activity that is primarily dedicated to the passing of information into or out of a CPU.

IRQ (Interrupt Request): A signal, that when received by the CPU, makes it stop what it is doing to do something else. In Windows, most hardware devices are assigned a specific IRQ number. Conflicts can occur when two or more devices share an IRQ number or when a device requires that it be the only one assigned a certain IRQ number.

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network ): ISDN allows you to send and receive voice and data over one phone line at a speed of 64,000 bits-per-second. This is a much faster way to access the Internet. ISDN services are being replaced around the nation by DSL services.

Keyboard: The standard device for inputting data into a computer. There are two kinds, the Qwerty and the Dvorak. Most widely used is the Qwerty, named because of the first 6 letters in the first row of letters of the keyboard.

Kilobyte: A kilobyte is 1,024 bytes, often used to mean 1,000 bytes. Called "K" or "KB" for short. There are 1,000 bytes in a kilobyte and 1,000 kilobytes in a megabyte.

LAN: A local area network used in a limited geographic area. Typically LANs are found in a single room or building and are physically connected to each other.

Laser Printer: A type of printer which uses a laser as the light source. This is one of the fastest, most efficient printers available, but does cost more than a dot matrix or bubble jet.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): These are often used in laptop computers or projection devices. Projection devices used to display data from a computer on a large screen in conjunction with an overhead projector are often generally called LCDs.

Leased-Line: This refers to a phone line that is rented for exclusive 24-hours 7-days-a-week use from your location to another location. The higher speed data connections require a leased line.

Linux: An operating system which implements the Unix kernel originally written from scratch with no proprietary code.

Lithium Ion: Currently, the most widely-used battery technology in laptop and PDA batteries. These have the desirable characteristic of being able to be used and re-used repeatedly without any "memory effect" that reduces the life of the battery's use cycle.

Megabyte: 1,048,576 bytes, often used to mean 1 million bytes. Known as "meg" or "MB" for short.

Memory: The name commonly used for RAM. Think of RAM as a box. Each application you open into RAM fills up space and leaves a little less space in the "box" to use.

MHz (Megahertz): The measurement of the speed at which the processor operates. Faster is better.

Microprocessor: The main component, or hardware, of the computer. There are many different speeds. Currently the fastest are the AMD Athlon and Intel Pentium III chips which are both capable of running at up to 1000 MHz.

Modem (MOdulator/DEModulator): A telecommunications device used to connect a computer to a telephone line for the purpose of transmitting data ("talking to each other"). It converts a digital bit stream into an analog signal (modulation) and can convert incoming analog signals back into digital signals (demodulation). The analog communications channel is typically a telephone line and the analog signals are typically sounds. Modems can be connected to a computer externally or can be installed into the computer (internal). The speed of the modem is measured in the transferring of data from the server. Modems can generally do that at speeds up to 53.0 kilobits per second (kbps). Many modems now have voice capability and can be used for voice mail and an answering machine. Basically, modems do for computers what a telephone does for humans.

Monitor: A television-like screen that shows text, graphics and other functions performed by the computer. Some different types of IBM compatible monitors include CGA, EGA, VGA, and the best which are Super VGA and XGA. Monitor size is an important consideration. A 15 inch color monitor is the fading industry standard, largely replaced by 17" displays as they fall in cost and also 19" monitors. Most computer system packages include a 17" VGA monitor with a resolution of .28mm dot pitch. The smaller the dot pitch number, the better the resolution.

Motherboard: The central component of a computer. Motherboards generally contain the CPU, BIOS, memory, serial and parallel ports, expansion slots, various cards, and controllers to operate standard peripherals. It controls timing and routes data to the appropriate place through data paths called buses, under control of the CPU.

Mouse: A device that is moved by hand to control the cursor on your display. The device has one or more buttons on top and a cable connected to a computer. Mice are really just a ball that rolls around with sensors, so the computer knows which way to move the cursor. It comes standard with most computer systems, as does the keyboard.

Multimedia Kit: A package of hardware and software that adds enhanced sound and graphics capabilities to a computer. Usually a kit includes a CD-ROM drive, sound card, speakers, and bundled software. If you want to use the popular multimedia encyclopedias, reference materials, and games that are available, you'll need these components.

MMX (Multimedia Extensions): This is an Intel brand name for a set of 57 extra instructions built into some versions of Intel's Pentium microprocessors for supporting multimedia applications. It can handle many common multimedia operations, normally handled by a separate sound card or video card.

Network: A computer network is two or more computers which are connected together so they can share resources. Networks allow you to share peripherals (hard drives and printers), files and applications.

NiCad Battery Pack: Used in many older notebook computers, NiCad batteries provide good power, but need to be recharged every three to four hours. Full recharging can take as long as twelve hours. Older batteries suffer from memory effect. If they are only partially drained and recharged, you lose the ability to completely recharge them. Newer batteries do not have this problem. However, all batteries have a maximum number of times they may be recharged, which is approximately one thousand recharges.

NiMH Battery Pack: These batteries use heavier metals that can store up to 50% more power than NiCad batteries and do not have memory effects. These have largely been replaced by more capable Lithium Ion battery technology.

Node: Any single device connected to a network, like a computer. A node uses the network as a means of communication and has an address on the network.

OCR (Optical Character Recognition): OCR has come a long way. Instead of retyping a document, you can scan an image of it into your computer with a scanner. You can then use OCR software to convert the image of text into actual words that can then be edited in your word processor.

Operating System (OS): The software that starts your computer running and acts as the interface between you and the computer. It's what makes the computer run. It controls the basic, low-level hardware operations, and file management. Popular operating systems include Windows 95, 98, 2000 & NT, DOS, Linux, MacOS, VMS, VM, MVS, UNIX, and Netware.

Output Devices: Any piece of hardware used to display data processed by the computer. Examples include monitors, printers or speakers.

Parallel Port: The connector used for parallel or side-by-side data transmission. In 8-bit parallel, all the bits in a byte arrive simultaneously. Also the logical device LPT. See and compare to serial port.

Partition: A subdivision of a hard drives surface that is defined and used as a separate drive.

Passive Matrix Display: A type of computer screen that is not nearly as good as active matrix. You have to be right in front of the screen to see it clearly. These are generally used on only entry-level laptops and can also be referred to as "HPA" or High-Performance-Addressing displays.

PC (Personal Computer): An IBM or IBM clone personal computer (microcomputer) that is used by one person, as opposed to a Macintosh.

PCI Bus: A standard for connecting peripherals to a personal computer, designed by Intel. It is processor independent and so can work with other processor architectures as well.

PCMCIA (Personal Computer Miniature Card Interface or Personal Computer Memory Card International Association): A type of credit-card-sized device that expands the capabilities of a notebook computer, usually a modem or network card. There are 3 types of cards, Type I, II, and III. Type I cards are primarily used for adding memory. Type II cards are usually modem, network, and SCSI cards, and Type III cards are primarily portable disk drives. More commonly referred to as the easier-to-remember "PC Card" today.

PDA (Personal Digital Assistant):  A lightweight, hand-held, usually pen-based computer used as a personal organizer - such as a Palm Pilot.

Peer-to-Peer Network: A type of network in which each workstation has equivalent capabilities and responsibilities. These are generally simpler networks to set up and less expensive, but usually do not offer the same performance under heavy usage.

Pentium: Intel's successor to the 486. It is called "Pentium" because it is the fifth in the 80x86 line. It would have been called the 80586 had a US court not ruled that you can't trademark a number. The successors are the Pentium Pro, Pentium II and Pentium III.

Peripheral: Anything extra or added on for your computer, such as a Modem, monitor, disk drive, printer, keyboard, mouse, etc. Peripherals can be added on externally or installed inside the machine (internal). It is basically any device attaching to your computer that is not required for basic operation.

Pixel (Picture Element): In computer graphics, the smallest element of a display space that can be independently assigned color or intensity, also referred to sometimes as "dots".

Platform: Hardware environment that supports the running of a computer system.

Plug and Play: Refers to the ability of a computer to automatically configure expansion boards and other devices. In theory, you can plug in a device and not worry about switches, jumpers, or any other configuration problems. This sometimes only works in theory, so that manual configuration is necessary. Also nicknamed "Plug and Pray" for the same reason.

Ports: That portion of a computer through which a peripheral device may communicate, such as a serial or parallel port. Often identified with the various plug-in jacks on the back of your computer. On a network hub, it is the connector that receives the wire link from a node.

PPM (Pages Per Minute): This is used to measure the output speed of printers. This measures the speed to print text, not graphics, which will print considerably slower.

Print Spooler: A program or device that stores documents to be printed (either in its own memory or on the PC's hard drive), thereby freeing up the PC and allowing other functions to be performed while printing goes on in the background.

RAM (Random Access Memory): RAM is the fastest storage area in the computer. It is also called volatile memory because it loses its stored information when the power is turned off. Information is read to and from RAM. This is effective because most programs access the same data or instructions over and over again. By keeping this information in the higher speed memory, the computer doesn't have to access the relatively slower hard drive. The more RAM you have, the better, since your software will run more efficiently. Either way, make sure your PC allows the RAM to be expandable so you can add more later when needed.

ROM (Read Only Memory): Memory that can only be read from and not written to.

Router: A special-purpose dedicated computer that attaches to two or more networks and routes packets from one network to the other. In particular, an Internet gateway routes information among the networks it connects. Gateways route packets to other gateways until they can be delivered to the final destination across one physical network. Routers are similar to bridges, but provide additional functions, such as the ability to filter messages and forward them to different places based on various criteria. Routers are designed to transmit signals via the most efficient route possible.

Run-time Error: An error in the execution of a program which occurs at the time a program is being executed, as opposed to a compile-time error which occurs while a program is being loaded.

Scanner: An input device that can read text or illustrations printed on paper and translates them into a form the computer can use. Scanners digitize an image which is stored in a file. You cannot directly edit text that has been scanned. To do this, you need OCR (optical character recognition) software to translate the image of the text into actual words that can be edited in your word processor. This saves you from having to type the document into your keyboard.

SCSI (Small Computer System Interface): Pronounced "scuzzy." An industry standard that sets guidelines for connecting peripherals (drives, CD ROMs, etc) and controllers to your PC. Up to seven devices can be attached to a single SCSI port to create a chain of devices.

Serial Port: A port that allows data to be transmitted in a series (one after the other), such as with a connected modem or mouse.

Server: A computer that shares its resources, such as printers and files, with other computers on the network.

Sound Card: Hardware that allows you to play sound if you have speakers installed and have something to play. They may play music, sound or just talking from games and other applications, including the Internet. Creative Lab's Soundblaster series is one type of sound card that is an industry standard.

Speakers: You will need these if you want to take advantage of the sound from games, the Internet,etc. Speakers today are available in a wide array of output wattage, size and pricing. One consideration is the power source for the amplifier. The best setup is a pair of speakers with an AC power transformer to plug into the wall. Some use batteries. Computer speakers have extra shielding built inside to protect from electromagnetic interference produced by computers. Speakers used for portable tape and CD players may not work with a PC.

Surge Suppressor: A power strip that has circuits designed to reduce the effects of surge in electrical power. This is not the same as a UPS.

SVGA (Super VGA): A video display standard created by VESA for IBM PC compatible personal computers. The resolution is 800 x 600 pixels.

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol): This is the suite of protocols that defines the Internet . Originally designed for the UNIX operating system, TCP/IP software is now available for every major kind of computer operating system. To be truly on the Internet, your computer must have TCP/IP software installed.

T1 Line: A leased-line Internet connection capable of carrying data at 1,544,000 bits-per-second. At maximum theoretical capacity, a T-1 line could move a megabyte in less than 10 seconds. Between $400 and $1200 a month typically.

T3 Line: A leased-line Internet connection capable of carrying data at 45,000,000 bits-per-second. This is more than enough to do full-screen, full-motion video.

Token Ring Network: A type of computer network in which all the computers are arranged in a circle. A token, which is a special bit pattern, travels around the circle. To send a message, a computer catches the token, attaches a message, and then lets it travel around the network.

Topology: This refers to the shape of a local area network. There are three main topologies used for network designs. 1) Bus: All devices are connected to a central cable. These are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Ethernet systems use a bus topology. 2) Ring: All devices are connected to one another in the shape of a closed loop. Ring topologies are relatively expensive and difficult to install. 3) Star: All devices are connected to a central hub.

Touchpad: Also known as a trackpad. A stationary pointing device used mainly on laptop computers. Touchpads provide a small, flat surface that you slide your finger over using the same movements as you would a mouse. They were originally developed to provide a more natural and intuitive connection for the computer user than the mouse.

Tower: The mini- and mid-tower are the two most popular cases to house your computer components. There is also a full tower. The mid-tower and full tower are the easiest for people to work on because they can get their hands inside. Towers take up less desk space and can sometimes be placed on the floor.

Track ball: Best described as "an upside down mouse," with the ball on the top, moved by the fingers or thumb to position the pointer on screen.

Trojan Horse Virus: A virus that disguises itself as a desirable attachment in hopes of causing the recipient to execute or open a destructive file. An example would be the famous "ILOVEYOU" virus which was disguised as a friendly message from a known person but was, in reality, a very destructive visual basic script which destroyed files when opened.

UNIX: An operating system developed by Bell laboratories that supports multi-user and multitasking operations. The Internet is mostly UNIX-based.

Upload: To send a file from one computer to another through a network.

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): This is a battery to maintain power during an outage. A UPS should have enough power to keep your computer running several minutes after a power outage, enabling you to save data and shut down the system in an orderly manner.

USB (Universal Serial Bus): A standard promoted by Intel for communication between an IBM PC and external peripherals. It works over an inexpensive cable using biserial transmission and supports up to 127 devices. It was developed to overcome the 16-interrupt (IRQ) limitations of the current PC architecture that was inherited from the IBM AT PC.

VGA (Video Graphics Array): A video display standard for IBM PC compatible personal computers. The resolution is 640 x 480 pixels, which is considerably less than SVGA.

Video Card: The circuit card which communicates with your monitor and is directly responsible for the quality of the video displayed on the monitor. The video card converts the data into a format that the monitor uses to display the correct colors, graphics and text. This card requires memory to function. The more memory, the better performance, and of course, the higher the cost. Due to the intense graphics required by today's applications, computers should have no less than 4 megabytes of video memory, 8 MB is very common. The high performance cards have 16 or even 32 megs of video memory.

Virus: An unwanted computer file that installs onto a network or personal computer system and attempts to spread to additional systems. While no virus is wanted or beneficial, they vary greatly in their destructiveness. Some viruses merely produce an annoying message informing the user of the infection but others seek to destroy or erase important files.

VRAM (Video RAM): Special purpose memory used by video cards. VRAM has better graphics performance but is more expensive than standard memory on video cards. Several types are available with the latest, greatest referred to as SGRAM.

WAN (Wide Area Network): A network of computers covering a wide geographic area. The networks are not necessarily physically connected to each other by wiring.

Web Farm: An online enterprise or corporate system for culling electronic information from the Internet that is specifically tailored to a given client's area of concern or interest. Data warehousing.

Web Server: A server process running at a web site which sends out web pages in response to HTTP requests from web browsers.

Windows: An operating system that is most common in today's computers. The most common versions are Windows 98 and NT. Windows 98 replaced Windows 95 and the mostly defunct Windows 3.1 and is, in turn, soon to be replaced by Windows Millenium. Windows NT is also being replaced - by Windows 2000. There is also Windows CE for Microsoft-focused Palm-sized PCs, now referred to as Pocket PCs.

WORM (Write Once-Read Many): An optical disk that can only be written to once (like a recordable CD-ROM).

Worm Virus: Also known as e-mail worms. Worm viruses replicate themselves by attaching to outgoing e-mails on an infected system and installing on the recipient system. The recipient system is then capable of spreading the worm through outgoing e-mail. Worm viruses are typically less obvious than Trojan Horse viruses and both sender and recipient are often unaware of the infection.

WYSIWYG (wizzy-wig or What You See Is What You Get): When what appears on the screen looks the same as what comes out of the printer.

Zip Drive: A disk drive from Iomega Corporation which takes removable 100 or 250 megabyte hard disks. Both internal and external drives are manufactured, making the drive suitable for backup, mass storage or for moving files between computers. Software is included to help with file organization.