ASCII: American Standard Code for Information Interchanges; a code that contains only plain text characters - numbers, letters, standard punctuation but not formats (italics etc.).
acceptable use policy (AUP): Acceptable Use Policy, for handling Internet access.
ATM: Asynchronous Transfer Mode (not automatic teller machine) a means of sending data rapidly.
BBS (bulletin board): a computerized system that provides its users places to talk and files to downloading
backup: copy of a file used as a safeguard against losing it.
boolean search: (internet search based on Boolean logic) AND: all terms must be included for a successful search. OR: including of any of the terms in a successful search.
browser: a kind of software used to make connection with internet servers and to display on a client computer. (e.g. Netscape, Microsoft Explorer)
bug: error in a computer program. (The first bug was a bug!).
CD-ROM: compact disk: read only memory. Equivalent of 200,000 pages of paper.!
cell: in a spreadsheet - intersection between a row and a column chooser: allows user to select printer or other network device; (under the apple menu)
dpi: dots per inch, an expression which defines the resolution of printers, monitors and scanners.
database: set of interrelated data records.
desktop: what you see on the screen when you first turn on the computer. Usually contains a menu bar (pull down) across the top; hard drive and trash icons.
directory (on the WWW): hierarchical subject index organized by people (not programs).
e-mail: Electronic Mail, messages that travel through the networks.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions.
fair use: Guidelines which describe when the copying of intellectual property is appropriate.
filter: to block out via hardware and software certain web pages.
find file: allows user to locate documents or programs. In Mac: under the apple menu; In win: under the file manager.
format page: change margins, centering, etc. to have a document look the way you want. Not to be confused with formatting a disk which erases everything on the disk.
freeware: free software which must retain the authorship and the programming of which may not be changed.
html: Hypertext Markup Language: The protocol (language) used by the World Wide Web.
hard drive: the shoe-box shape icon in the top right corner of desktop
home page: initial display when a World Wide Web site is opened. internet: a global interconnection of computers and computer networks. keypal: pen pals using e-mail
Internet: a global interconnection of computers and computer networks.
Keypal pen pals using e-mail.
LCD: Liquid Crystal Display - gadget which projects whatÍs on the monitor onto a screen.
LAN: Local Area Network - connected computers in one location such as a school or business
modem (net mocem): allows information to be exchanged between computers via the phone lines. The net modem is linked to a number of compers.
listserv: program used to automate a mailing list modem (net modem): allows information to be exchanged between computers via the phone lines. The net modem may be linked to a number of computers.
multimedia: information presentation utilizing several types of media (audio, video, text)
newsgroup: discussion forums in which people exchange information by posting messages.
on-line help: usually a pull down menu that explains the program. page setup: allows the user to shrink or expand the size to be printed, Print sideways, number pages, change top and bottom margins (under the File menu)
page setup: allows the user to shrink or expand the size to be printed, orientation of print, number of pages, and margins.
pull-down menu: the bar across the top of the screen. To activate, while clicking and holding, drag mouse down to desired object.
SCSI: small computer system interface: port for connecting any devices to computer
search engine:Often free programs found on WWW which provide various levels of assistance by keyword and concept.
scanner: photocopier-type periperal that digitalize pictures and text
shareware: computer programs sold on a "try it first, then if you like it, buy it" basis.
spreadsheet: program which manipulates and presents data (usually numerical)
surfing: casual browsing on the World Wide Web. Other names are surfacing for research such as mining, culling, weaving.
URL: Uniform Resource Locator (the address of Home Page on the World Wide Web.)
virus: unwanted program capable reproducing itself and possibly causing other problems.
WWW: World Wide Web - a graphics-heavy section of the Internet.
alias: a file that "points" to another file, folder, disk and may be used in place of original
apple menu: menu under the colorful apple in upper left corner. Includes items such as chooser, control panels and whatever the user wishes to place there.
finder: program that displays the desktop. You're in the finder if there is a tiny computer icon in the top right corner. Click & hold the finder to see what other programs are running.
folder: metaphor of a place to store your files.
key caps: (under apple menu) shows the result of command + key operations, check it out.
file manager: contains the directory and files for Windows programs. If you view the file manager as similar to a file cabinet, the directories are the drawers of the cabinet. There are standard A, B, C directories and you can add your own, named as you choose. Files are the file folders. They contain information about your programs and information you have placed there.
Maine Educational Media Associaton
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