Computer and Technology Glossary

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering terms, acronyms, and concepts in computer science, robotics, networking, banking, and digital technology directly from the glossary notes.

3G network

A wireless network that sends and receives data very quickly.

AAC

A music file format that is of higher quality than MP3.

account activity

A withdrawal, deposit or transfer in a bank account.

account alert

A service that notifies bank customers of suspicious activity.

accuracy

How correct a GPS's measurement is.

acquisition time

How long a GPS takes to determine location.

active matrix display

A type of screen that produces high quality, clear images.

actuator

A piece of equipment that uses energy to make a robot move.

agent

A computer that observes and reacts to the conditions in a certain environment.

algorithm

A rule or set of rules that provides steps to take or questions to ask in order to solve a problem.

antivirus software

A program that locates and eliminates computer viruses.

app

An application with a specific function that you download onto your phone.

array

A group of disk drives that are connected and used as a single unit.

Artificial Intelligence

The branch of science that seeks to create computers and robots that can reason, learn and solve problems independently.

Assembler

A low level programming language that translates between computer programs.

attachment

A file sent as part of an email.

automatic document feeder (ADF)

A device that feeds multiple pages into a scanner.

autonomous

Able to operate on its own without help from humans.

avatar

An image in a computer game that represents a person.

bank fraud

A crime in which someone uses bank funds without permission.

barcode

An arrangement of lines and spaces that represent data.

BASIC

A high level programming language that was invented in the 1960s and is declining in popularity.

bill pay

A service provided by banks that allows customers to automatically pay bills online.

bit

The smallest unit of computer data.

bit size

A measurement of the number of bits that the CPU can access at once.

bitmapped graphic

An image that is made up of many small points.

bitrate

A measurement of the amount of data that is processed.

black and white

An image or picture that appears only in black, white, and varying shades of gray.

blog

A website where a person writes posts about his or her feelings, thoughts, activities, etc.

Bluetooth

A wireless network that connects your phone with other devices, such as a computer.

boolean operator

A word like "and," "or" and "not" that narrows a database search.

broadband

A system that allows computers to transfer large amounts of information.

bus speed

A measurement of how many times the CPU can access a group of bits per second, measured in MHz.

C

A programming language that is used to program operating systems.

C#

A programming language that was invented as an alternative to Java.

C++

A programming language that adds object-oriented programming capabilities to C.

calibration

The act of adjusting printers and scanners to display colors correctly.

call waiting

A feature of some cell phones that alerts you that someone is calling while you are on the line with someone else.

caller ID

A feature of some cell phones that tells you the name and number of the person calling you.

capacity

The amount of space an MP3 player has to store files.

cartography

The art of mapmaking.

case based reasoning

The process of using information from previous experiences to solve new problems.

catalog

An inventory of books in a library.

CCD

A light-sensitive chip (charge-coupled device) that is used when capturing digital images.

CD-R

A blank CD that can have information written on it only once.

CD-RW

A blank CD that can have information written on it multiple times.

cell phone

A wireless phone that sends and receives data at a certain frequency of energy.

cognitive scientist

A person who studies the mind and thought processes.

compiler

A program that changes human-readable source code into machine code that a CPU can understand.

computer language

A language (also known as a programming language) used by computer programmers to create instructions that a computer can understand.

computer vision

The field and technology of making computers that have the ability to see.

consciousness

The state of being aware of oneself and one's actions.

coordinates

Groups of numbers that describe location.

CPU

The part of a computer (Central Processing Unit) that handles most of the processing of files and data.

data compression

The process of storing information using less storage space by reducing the number of bits it takes up.

data plan

A contract from a cell phone service provider that states what online services are available on a cell phone and how much that transfer of data will cost.

decode

To return a file to its original format.

dial-up

An Internet connection using a modem and regular telephone lines.

digital

Stored electronically as a series of ones and zeros.

digital camera

A device that records images to be looked at on a computer.

digital zoom

How a digital camera increases the display size of an image subject, reducing image quality.

DIMM

A newer type of memory module (Dual Inline Memory Module) that sends 64 bits of data to the CPU.

dock

A device that connects an MP3 player to a computer.

download

To transfer a file or program from the Internet to a personal computer or device.

DPI

The number of dots used per inch to create an image (dots per inch).

drive power

The energy that makes a robot move.

driver

A software component that tells a device how it should communicate with a computer.

DSL

A high-bandwidth connection using normal telephone lines (digital subscriber line).

dynamic model

A mathematical model of the forces that allow a robot to move.

ebook

A book that is available online.

ejournal

A scholarly publication that is published online.

electronic funds transfer

The act of moving money from one account to another by using a computer.

electronic statement

A summary of account activity that is viewable on a computer, but not on paper.

elevation

The height of something above sea level.

email

An electronic message sent from one user to another.

enabling device

A device that a person activates to allow a robot to move.

end-effector

The hand or tool at the end of a robot's manipulator that moves or picks up objects.

EPC

A number used to identify specific individual items (electronic product code).

equality constraint

A value that specifies the end-effector's position and movements.

ergonomic

Designed to prevent injury from using it repeatedly.

EZproxy

A library server program that allows remote users to access the library's electronic materials.

failure

An event that occurs when a disk drive malfunctions and the data stored on it cannot be accessed.

feed

A format that lets you easily read updated news about something.

flash memory

A data storage medium that is used with digital cameras.

floppy disk

A flexible magnetic storage disk encased in a square plastic shell that is used to transfer data.

forum

A website where people can discuss a certain topic.

freeze

To become unresponsive and stop functioning.

gaming

The activity of playing games online on a computer.

gigabyte

A unit of measurement of hard drive capacity.

GPS

A collection of 24 satellites (Global Positioning System) that give accurate position and navigation data to people all over the Earth.

handle

A name that a person creates to access an account on a computer or website.

hard drive

A device in a computer that stores all of its information permanently.

heuristic

A type of algorithm designed to find a suitable solution to a problem when no perfect solution or answer is known.

hotspot

A location (like an airport or a cafe) that provides wireless Internet access to users.

identity theft

The crime of using other people's personal information to take their money or buy items in their name.

index

A categorical list of books in a library.

inkjet printer

A device that uses ink to produce documents and images on paper.

instant message

A text-based conversation in real time.

integrity

A device's ability to perform consistently without error.

ISP

A company (Internet service provider) that provides Internet access.