thanatos106

A
Abort - To halt the execution of a computer program.
Absolute Address - A specific fixed location of data in storage; an address that the control unit can interpret directly.
Absolute Loader - A program that places other programs and data in absolute address format into memory.
Absolute Value - The value of a number ignoring any qualifying plus or minus prefix.
Access - The process of gaining entry.
Access Code - A password or code that enables a user to obtain access to available service; established by service provider.
Access Time - The time taken from when data is requested from a storage unit to its delivery.
Acronym - When applied to the computer world it refers to the formation of an English language word from a selection of the initial letters of a phrase it is designed to represent.
Adapter - A connecting device for parts that would not otherwise fit together such as a video card, sound card etc.
Address - A coded instruction specifying the location of data or program words in storage.
Address Book - Stored e-mail addresses which can be accessed by the user, allowing e-mail messages to be sent quickly without continual re-keying.
Alias - An alternate name (or nickname) representing an e-mail address, used instead of a user name while sending e-mail.
Algorithm - A clearly specified set of rules defining a finite number of operations required to solve a particular problem.
Alignment Pin - The pin or device that ensures correct connection of two components to be connected.
Alphanumeric - Information containing both alphabetic characters and numbers.
Alternating Current (AC or ac) - An electric current which flows in positive and negative cycles. The cycles per second are referred to as Hertz (Hz).
Amplifier - A device used to increase an electrical signal.
Amplitude - Normally used to describe the peak value of a sine wave form, referring to the peak values (positive and negative) of an alternating current.
Amps (A) - Abbreviation for Ampere, it defines the measure of the constant current flowing in a circuit.
Analog - A system in which the output signal bears a continuous relationship to the input signal.
Analyst/Systems Analyst - A computer professional whose job is to convert a problem into a format so that it can be converted into a computer program by a programmer.
Analytical Engine - Charles Babbage's design for a mechanical machine which embodied all the main principles implemented in modern computers, with the exception of the stored program.
Anchors - The hypertext links embedded in Web (HTML) pages which allow users to jump from one spot to another throughout the Internet, no matter where each separate connection is located.
Application Layer - The top layer (seventh) of the OSI reference model. The application layer deals with providing application programs, such as formatting electronic mail messages for the user. Lower layers in the OSI reference model perform separate functions, such as the transfer of data to a different node.
Architecture - A general term used to describe the philosophy of the construction of specific computer systems or software.
Archive - Historical data, usually contained on tapes, disks and other mass storage media.
ASCII - American Standard Code for Information Interchange, standard binary notation for numbers, letters and control characters.
Assigned Numbers - Numbers that are assigned by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority for various elements of a network protocol implementation.
Asynchronous - A mode of operation in which events are started by the completion of another event, not by a clock.
AT Command Set - An industry standard command language for modems, developed by Hayes.
Attachment - Files which are delivered as part of an e-mail message.
Attenuation - The reduction or loss of signal in passing along a circuit due to resistance.


B
Backbone - Within a network hierarchy, a backbone is a high-speed channel to which all smaller or lower-speed networks connect. Smaller networks connected to the same backbone are guaranteed to be interconnected.
Backup - The process of making copies of programs or data for archival purposes.
Bandwidth - The difference, in Hertz (Hz), between the highest and lowest frequencies in a transmission channel. It describes the information-carrying capability of a channel or line: higher bandwidths can carry more data.
Banner - The message that is displayed when a user of an online system executes certain commands.
Baseband - A transmission medium that transports digital signals using a single carrier frequency. Ethernet operates as a baseband network.
Baud - A unit of rate of serial data transmission roughly equivalent to bits per second.
Benchmark - A standard or point of reference used to measure performance or value.
Benchmark Tests - Tests used in measurement of system performance under typical conditions.
Bi-directional - A bus structure in which a single conductor is used to transmit data or signals in either direction.
Binary - A system of numbers using 2 as a base.
Bipolar - Having two poles, positive and negative.
Bit - A binary digit. A single binary digit may be a logic 1 or 0.
Board - A commonly used term to describe a printed circuit board.
Bounce - When e-mail delivery fails for some reason and is returned to sender.
BPS - Bits per second. In serial transmission, the speed with which a device or channel transmits a character in bits.
Bridge - Any device which connects and transmits data between multiple networks.
Broadband - A transmission medium that supports a wide range of frequencies and can carry multiple signals. It does this by dividing the capacity of the medium into independent bandwidth channels; each channel accommodates a specific range of frequencies.
Broadcast - A packet delivery system that operates by delivering a copy of a packet to all hosts attached to it.
Brownout -Situation caused by overloaded servers on the Internet, which hampers performance and causes delays, crashes, and other problems.
Bug - A term used to describe an error in either the hardware or software of a system.
Burn-In - Testing and running of a product, system or component through the range of its operating environment to ensure that an early failure does not occur.
Bus - A collection of wires carrying parallel binary data.
Byte - A usable unit of data, 8 consecutive bits treated as an entity.