Some more detailed terms and acronyms for the systems specialists and hardware gurus.
A/D converter = analog to digital converter
abort = systems for stopping a program after start but prior to completion, could be generated by errors; by user intervention with the hardware; hardware/software/environmental conditions; particular unfriendly or un-requested or un-required results/achievements/outcomes; etc.
absolute address = an actual location inside the memory board or chip; see relative address
accelerator board = add-in circuit board that replaces the main processor with a higher-performance processor, allowing upgrade of system without requiring new peripherals
access = one system is allowed to obtain information from another
access bandwidth = provide information to the user using a dynamic bandwidth so different users in the system receive information and services at the bandwidth their local system requires
access concentrator = a device that efficiently forwards data, handling incoming calls for a network point of presence (POP) In general, an access concentrator supports dial-in modem calls, ISDN connections, nailed-up links, frame relay traffic, and multi-protocol routing
access control = the management of permissions and restrictions for users attempting to login to a computer or network often employing user profile
access mechanism = in a floppy or hard disk drive, the component that positions the read/write head over the surface of the disk, so that data can be read from or written to the disk
access rate = the data rate of the user access channel
access router = an access device with built-in basic routing protocol support, specifically designed to allow remote LAN access to corporate backbone networks. Not designed to replace backbone routers or to build backbone networks
access server = any RAS device that enables multiple remote users to access a network
access time = the period of time between a request for information from disk or memory, and the information arriving at the requesting device; See Memory access time; See disk access time
ACK = acknowledge character
acknowledge character (ACK) = recipient system acknowledges receipt of information with an ACK and, if sending system receives an ACK, more information can be sent
ADA = high level programming language
adaptor = an inter-device device; a device that changes the relationship between two other devices; e.g. gender-changer
address = a location address assigned to data at the moment of storage in order to enable retrieval
ALGOL = ALGOrithmic (high level programming) Language
algorithm = a set of instructions or actions necessary to achieve a particular outcome or resolution
analog signal = signal transmitted as a wave
ALU = arithmetic logic unit
APL = a programming language
ACPI = Advanced Configuration (and) Power Interface
ACPI Hardware = Computer hardware with the features necessary to support operating system power management and with the interfaces to those features described using the Description Tables as specified in Advanced Configuration and Power Interface Specification
ACPI Machine Language = Pseudocode for a virtual machine supported by an ACPI-compatible operating system and in which ACPI control methods are written. The AML encoding definition is provided in section 16 of the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface Specification
ADSL = asymmetric digital subscriber line
ANSI = American National Standards Institute: a membership organization that coordinates the development of US voluntary national standards in both the private and public sector
APL = a programming language
architecture = the design of a computer system based on the type of programs that will run and the number of programs that run concurrently; usually defined by the international standards adopted that allow all hardware devices and all applications in the system to speak to each other
arithmetic logic unit (ALU) = part of CPU; decoding, problem solving and logical tasking
AS = Australian Standards
AS/NZS = Australian Standards and New Zealand Standards combined publication
ASCII = American Standard Code (for) Information Interchange
Australian Standards = SAI
assembler = program for converting assembly language into machine language; See compiler
assembly language = a language used for writing programs
asynchronous transmission = bit by bit
back side bus (BSB) = standard bus for transferring information from the cache to the CPU for processing; see FSB
bad sector = an area in storage (on, say, a hard disk or floppy disk) that that has been isolated by an operating system as inaccessible because it cannot be used to store data due to a manufacturing defect or accidental damage resulting from use
bad track table = a list of bad sectors
bandwidth = in a channel, the difference between the highest and the lowest frequencies available for transmission in any given available range; megabits or megabytes per second; See baseband; see broadband
banner = a separator page printed between each print job
baseband mode = in a channel where the entire bandwidth is devoted to a single data signal; see broadband mode
BASIC = Beginners' All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code (simple programming language)
baud = a measure of data-transmission speed; originally used to measure the speed of telegraph equipment, it now usually refers to the data-transmission speed of a modem or other serial device
baud rate = the number of changes (from 0 to 1 or vice-versa) per second on an asynchronous communications channel; bits per second
BDSL = business-grade digital subscriber line
benchmark = agreed standard result against which equipment is to be tested
benchmark test = test product against agreed benchmark
best practice = formulas and procedures that have proven successful in practice, identified by general international acceptance. In the IT world, best practice often refers to software development methodologies widely accepted internationally
best practice policy = policy written for and adopted by the company (usually based on and involving the adoption of international best practice)
beta testing = a testing of software in the field before market release to identify any existing bugs in the program
binary code = a standard for numbers to represent the signs, symbols, letters and words of ordinary human language
BIOS = Basic Input Output System
BIOS = a set of permanent instructions, stored at a specific address in non-volatile ROM, that enable the computer's hardware and operating system to communicate with application programs and peripheral devices such as hard disks, printers, and video adapters. All programs can access these instructions to perform their basic I/O functions
BIOS enumerator = responsible in a non-ACPI Plug and Play system for identifying all hardware devices on the motherboard
BIOS extensions = extensions to the main BIOS that enables the computer to work with add-on devices such as hard disk controllers and EGA or VGA adapters
BIOS parameter block (BPB) = a part of the boot record contained on every formatted disk, that contains information about the disk's physical characteristics. This information includes the version number of the operating system used to format the disk, the number of bytes per sector, the number of sectors per cluster, per track, and per disk, an is provided for use by device drivers
bit = Binary digiT; the smallest unit in a binary system; on-off; 0-1 ; not in and of itself meaningful but when combined in a meaningful array (a byte) forms the basis of all information in a binary system
bitmap = representation of characters or graphics by individual pixels arranged in rows (horizontal) and columns (vertical); each pixel represented by either 1 bit (simple black and white) or up to 32 bits (high-definition colour)
bit-mapped font = a set of characters in a specific style and size, in which each character is defined by a pattern of dots. The computer must keep a complete set of bitmaps for every font you use on your system, and these bitmaps can consume large amounts of disk space.
bit-mapped graphic = a graphic, created using a paint program like MacPaint or PC Paintbrush, composed of a series of dots, or pixels, rather than a set of lines or vectors.
bit specifications = the number of colours or levels of grey that can be displayed at one time. Controlled by the amount of memory in the computer's graphics controller card. An 8-bit controller can display 256 colours or levels of grey; a 16-bit controller, 64,000 colours; and a 24-bit controller, 16.8 million colours.
bits per inch (bpi) = the number of bits that can be written along one inch of a track
bits per pixel (bpp) = the number of bits used to represent the colour value of each pixel in a digitized image; a standard measure of clarity of image
bits per second (bps) = a measure of information transmitted during a data transfer; a standard measure of the speed of operation of equipment such as a data bus or a modem
block = a fixed unit in memory or storage; 512 bytes
boot = a procedure that automatically loads an operating system into memory, usually from a hard disk. A set of constructions contained in ROM begin executing, first running a series of power-on self tests (POST) to check that devices such as hard disks are in working order, then locating and loading the operating system, and finally, passing control of the computer over to that operating system.
bootable disk = a disk capable of booting the system; that is, causing the system to automatically load and start the operating system
boot drive = the drive that the operating system first loads from. (Usually A: or C:). Normally, a PC will try to boot from the A: drive (the floppy drive.) If there is no disk in that drive, it will boot from the C: drive (the hard drive.)
boot record = that part of a formatted disk containing the operating system loading program, along with other basic info needed by the computer when it starts running.
BPB = BIOS parameter block
bpi = bits per inch
bpp = bits per pixel
bps = bits per second
bridge = a device that enables you to link two networks together. Bridges are smart enough to know which computers are on which side of the bridge, so they only allow those messages that need to get to the other side to cross the bridge. This device improves performance on both sides of the bridge. There are also bridges within the PC: see northbridge and southbridge
broadband mode = in a channel where the bandwidth of a medium is used to carry several independent signals; cable TV is an example of broadband signalling; See baseband mode
broadband network = in communications, a technique for transmitting a large amount of information, including voice, data, and video, over long distances. The transmission capacity is divided into several distinct channels that can be used concurrently, normally by using frequency-division multiplexing, and these individual channels are protected from each other by guard channels of unused frequencies. A broadband network can operate at speeds of up to 20 megabits per second, and is based on the same technology used by cable television.
brouter = a device that combines the attributes of a bridge and a router. A brouter can route one or more specific protocols, such as TCP/IP, and bridge all others.
browser = an application program used to explore the Internet
BSB = back side bus
BSI = British Standards Institute; UK Standards body; now BSI National Standards
bug = error in program; may cause system crash or error in results
bus = subsystem for transferring information around the computer and to peripherals
bus = a type of network topology in which network nodes are strung out along a single run of cable called a segment. 10base2 and LocalTalk networks use a bus topology. Bus also refers to the row of expansion slots within your computer.
button = word or icon on screen which, when you click on it, will automatically execute a command or program
byte = BinarY digiT Eight a meaningful array of 8 bits or 32 bits of information
c = centi-
cable = twisted pair; coaxial; fibre-optic
cache = an extra area in memory for storing information allowing quick access
CAD = computer-aided design
CAI = computer-aided instruction
CAM = computer-aided manufacture
CALL = computer-aided language learning
CANCEL = a particular type of abort; user intervention often using a button
capacity = maximum storage in bytes
CD = compact disk
CD-ROM = compact disk (read only memory)
CD-R = compact disk - record (write once)
CD-RW = compact disk - read-write (rewritable)
cell = area in memory containing one unit (or word) of information
centi- (c) = one-hundredth; 10-2
channel = a path for the transfer of information between two devices; could be one direction (print channel) or two direction (network channel, transmission channel)
chassis = framework holding the motherboard, expansion cards, disk drives
chip = See silicon chip
circuit = a closed carrier of electrical current on a motherboard, printed circuit board or silicon chip
CISC = Complex Instruction Set Computer; See RISC
code = a standard for signs and symbols to represent letters and words; See binary code; See source code; See machine code
comms (vernacular) = communications
compact disk (CD) = a plastic disk used to store computer information
compiler = a program that changes source code into machine code
compliant environment = an environment tested against a particular standard
compliant platform = the main system, language or model tested against a particular standard
CPI = characters per inch
CPS = characters per second
CPU = central processing unit
CRT = cathode ray tube
Ctrl = control key; special key on the keyboard used to modify commands originating from the keyboard
crash = computer ceases to operate
cursor = special character on the VDU to assist the user in the use of interactive commands available on the VDU using the mouse
d = deci-
D = deka-
dat = data; extension to filename indicating standard data format
DAT = Dynamic Address Translator
data = information contained in a formal array allowing use, analysis, transformation and reporting
database = information store; usually containing data in fields contained in individual records contained within the database
DBMS = database management system
DDR = Double Data Rate
debug = remove bug from program
deci- (d) = one-tenth; 10-1
default = instead of installing an application with empty fields and installation options undecided, requiring all fields to be filled and all settings to be chosen by installing operator before the application can be used, default data is entered and default settings are decided upon (based on most likely choice) allowing the application to be used immediately upon installation
deka- (D) = ten; 101
demodulator = a device to change an analog signal into a digital signal
desktop = a graphic user interface providing easy access for the user to available applications, information and devices
device = a separate machine linked to the system
device driver = a program that dictates how the system deals with a particular device
DIF = data interchange format
digital signal = signal transmitted as a series of on/off impulses
DIMM =
disk access time = the time it takes to place the read/write heads over the requested data (hard disk access time could be 18 milliseconds or less)
Double Data Rate (DDR) = RAM in some video cards
dpi = dots per inch
DRAM = Dynamic Random Access Memory
DVD = digital video disk; also known as digital versatile disk
DVD = digital video disk (read only)
DVD-R, +R = Digital Video Disk - Record (write once)
DVD-RW, +RW, RAM = Digital Video Disk - Read-Write (rewritable)
Dynamic Address Translator (DAT) = a hardware circuit that converts a virtual memory address into a real address
Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) = the most common RAM for PCs and workstations
E = exa-
EDI = Electronic Data Interchange
EFT = Electronic Funds Transfer
End User Testing = See UAT
EPROM = erasable programmable ROM
ESL = electronic system level
ethics dictionary = some important words for corporate ethics
ETL = Extract, Transform and Load
exa- (E) = ; 1018 or 260
flop = floating point
front side bus (FSB) = standard bus for transferring information from RAM to the CPU for processing; see BSB
FSB = front side bus
G = giga-
garbage = meaningless information, inappropriate information, information surplus to requirement or no longer required
GB = gigabyte = one billion (one thousand million) bytes (standard 1024 MB)
GDSN = Global Data Synchronisation Network (See GS1)
gender = one device links to another device using standard male and female links, i.e. where a male link is located inside the female device thereby making the connection
gender-bender (vernacular) = gender-changer
gender-changer = adaptor used to change the gender of a device, e.g. from male to female
GIF = graphics interchange format
giga- (G) = one billion; 109 or 230
GIGO = garbage in, garbage out
glossary = a list of words that have special meaning because of their context of use and an explanation of the special definitions assigned to them
graphical user interface (GUI) = an interface between the user of a terminal and the computer that communicates largely through the interaction of the user with graphics rather than the displaying of text and the input of text by the user
graphics interchange format (GIF) = (pronounced "jiff" or "giff") a bit-mapped graphics file
GS1 = global language of business
GUI = graphical user interface
h = hecto-
HARDWARE =
HDK = Hardware Developer's Kit
hecto- (h) = one hundred; 102
housekeeping = a standard application used regularly or periodically to clean out garbage data and perform other data-related functions
hundred = See hecto-
GIS = geographical information systems
I/O = in/out; input/output
ILS = Internet location servers
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) = a generalised WAN provided by telephone companies using existing telephone systems
internet = a large network made up of a number of smaller networks
Internet = one internet (now known as "the Internet") that has gained wide international acceptance and has adopted the generic name as its identifier
intranet = local network
intranet = (vernacular) "within the network"
IP-Address = a number made up of four elements each with three digits resulting in the numerical identification of every node in an IP network
IP = Internet protocol
IP = short for IP-address
iPOD = brand-name (personal portable digital audio player)
ISDN = Integrated Services Digital Network
ISO = International Organization for Standardization, Geneva; an organization that sets international standards
ISO 2383 = IT Vocabulary (34 Parts)
ISO 8859 = 8-bit single-byte coded graphic character sets
IT = information technology
ITIL = Information Technology Infrastructure Library
ITOL = Information Technology Online
ITSM = Information Technology Service Management
LAN = local area network
LCD = liquid crystal display
k = kilo-
K = kilo-
KB = kilobyte = 1,000 bytes (standard 1024 bytes)
Kbps = kilobits per second
kilo- (k) or (K) = one thousand; 103 or 210
? = micro-
m = milli-
M = mega-
machine code = code that has been transformed (by a compiler) into code that issues instructions to the computer
mainframe = an extremely large and costly computer requiring entire rooms of floor space supporting many users and running many programs simultaneously (e.g. IBM S370/3031). For a decade or more we have been told that the technology is obsolete, but mainframes are still a basic element of large platforms
MB = megabyte = 1,000 KB (standard 1024 KB)
Mbps = Megabit per second
mega- (M) = one million; 106 or 220
megaflop = one million floating point calcs per second
megahertz (MHz) = one million cycles per second
megapixel (Mp) = one million pixels
memory = usually distinguished from storage; includes RAM, ROM, PROM and EPROM
memory access time = the time it takes to transfer a character from memory to or from the processor (RAM = 80 nanoseconds or less)
meta-data = data that describes other data. Card catalogues and handwritten indexes are a form of meta-data. Includes data dictionaries within a plan or a file in a system that provides information about each data element. Could include a repository set up purely for the purpose of understanding the nature of data. It may also refer to any descriptive item about data, such as a HTML meta-tag or a title field in a media file
metadata = see meta-data
MHz = megahertz
micro- (?) = one-millionth; 10-6
micro computer = PC
microprocessor = a single silicon chip containing a processor and memory
mid-range = a computer used for medium-sized networks; the processing power between a mainframe and a microcomputer. Also called a mini-computer
milli- (m) = one-thousandth; 10-3
million = See mega-
mini-computer = see mid-range
motherboard = the main printed circuit board in a computer containing the CPU, chipset, PCI bus slots, AGP slot, memory sockets and controller circuits for the keyboard, mouse, disks and printer. It may also have built-in controllers for modem, sound, display and network, obviating the need to plug in a card
MP-3 = digital audio file
MPS = MultiProcessing Specification (Intel)
MS = Microsoft
n = nano-
nano- (n) = 10-9
NDT = non-destructive testing
network = a group of computers, usually with a server, connected by a telecommunications link, that share information and resources, see LAN, WAN
non-volatile memory = memory that is not lost when the computer is turned off; e.g. ROM
none = see zero
northbridge = a bridge that links RAM to the CPU
NZS = New Zealand Standards
ONE = one of two basic elements in a binary system; could be ON in ON/OFF?; 1 in 0-1?; T in T/F?; YES in YES/NO?; + in +/-?; See also ZERO
P = peta-
PABX = private automated branch exchange
parallel interface = all bits of a unit of information (such as one byte) are sent at the same time; See serial interface
PC = personal computer
PC3200 =
PCI = Peripheral Component Interconnect
PCIe = PCI express
peta- (P) = ; 1015 or 250
PKI = public key infrastructure
platform = the main system, language or model upon which others rely
point of presence (POP) =
POP = point of presence
ppi = pixels per inch
private automated branch exchange (PABX) = call centre telephone network: multiple external lines to single call number to multiple internal lines
product information = detailed information describing a particular product
production control manual = manual containing all procedures used in the production process
PROM = programmable ROM
public key infrastructure (PKI) = a standard set of rules to enable users in an insecure network such as the Internet to exchange secure data (such as confidential information and money) using a public and a private digital cryptographic key produced simultaneously using the same algorithm by a third party trusted by the recipient (the certificating authority (CA)
RAM = random access memory
RAMDAC = Random Access Memory Digital-to-Analog converter
random access memory (RAM) = a volatile area of memory in which information is loaded allowing quick access at any time and in any order; see also SRAM
RAS = remote access server
RDF = Resource Description Framework
registering authority (RA) = see public key infrastructure (PKI)
relative address = a number that can be interpreted by the hardware system to locate information within the memory board or chip; see absolute address
release = solutions handed over for final user acceptance testing
remote access server (RAS) = any device that enables multiple remote users to access a network
RISC = Reduced Instruction Set Computer; See CISC
ROM = read only memory
SAI (also known as Australian Standards) = distributors of national and international standards in Australia
SCSI = small computer systems interface
SDRAM = synchronous dynamic RAM
serial interface = each bit of a unit of information (such as one byte) are sent one at a time; e.g. RS232; See parallel interface
server = key controlling computer in a network
server = key controlling application whose main job is to respond to the needs of other applications (clients)
SGRAM = synchronous graphics RAM
silicon chip = an integrated circuit is etched into a small piece of silicon
SIMM = single inline memory module
single inline memory module (SIMM) = a high-density DRAM package alternative consisting of several components connected to a single printed circuit board
SLDRAM = synchronous link dynamic random access memory
small computer systems interface (SCSI) = a standard method for the same connection to be used for other systems and peripheral devices
SNA = Systems Network Architecture
SNMP = Simple Network Management Protocol
SoC = System-on-Chip
source code = a code that can be designed by and understood by the programmer; the source code needs to be translated into machine code by a compiler before it can be understood by the machine
southbridge = a bridge that links cache to the CPU
SRAM = static RAM
Standards Australia = SAI
static RAM (SRAM) = for users with special needs, the SRAM is not volatile so it is retained even when the computer is switched off
synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM) = delivers bursts of data at high speeds using a synchronous interface
synchronous graphics RAM (SGRAM) = a single port DRAM designed for graphics hardware that requires high-speed throughput such as 3-D rendering and full-motion video
synchronous link dynamic RAM (SLDRAM) = a type of SDRAM that uses a multiplexed command bus allowing fewer pins to increase bandwidth and allow higher FSB speeds
system = a group of independent but interrelated elements, such as processes, hardware, software, facilities, people, an integrated composite that provides a the capability to satisfy a stated objective
system board = motherboard
T = tera-
ten = See deka-
tera- (T) = one trillion; 1012 or 240
topology =
trillion = See tera-
UHF = ultra high frequency
ultra high frequency (UHF) = transmission 300 - 3,000 MHz
unit = standard number of bytes; See word
URS = user requirements specification
user = an actual person making use of the application and data in a PC or at a workstation; often a member of a LAN or a WAN
user profile = each user has an individual profile that specifies to the access controller which network-attached resources are available to the user
VCM = virtual channel memory
VCR = video cassette recorder
VDU = visual display unit
VLSI = very large scale integration
VLSI = very large system integration
very high frequency (VHF) = 30 - 300 MHz
version number = standard system for change control over software
VGA = video graphics array
VHF = very high frequency
VHS = video home system
video graphics array (VGA) = a standard that dictates how information is displayed on a VDU
video RAM (VRAM) = DRAM with an on-board serial register/serial access memory designed for video applications
virtual channel memory (VCM) = memory architecture that is a variant of SDRAM, that has not been seen widespread adaptation
virtual memory (VM) = system memory that is simulated by the hard drive. When all the RAM is being used (for example if there are many programs open at the same time) the computer will swap data to the hard drive and back to give the impression that there is slightly more memory
volatile memory = memory that is lost when the computer is turned off; e.g. RAM
VRAM = Video RAM
wafer = a very thin slice of silicon from which silicon chips are cut
WAN = wide area network
wide area network (WAN) = a single network of server(s) and workstations, connected over large distances, often incorporating a series of LANs, often using telephone and/or satellite comms to achieve the network profile required to operate as a single system
WIMP = windows, icons, menus, pointers
window = a discrete area of the VDU that operates as a separate screen, holds information and which allows interaction with other windows
word = a standard group of bits dealt with by the computer as a single unit of information; a computer stores, retrieves and deals with a word as a single unit; most computers see 2 bytes as a word (16 bits) but there are 32 bit computers and others
workstation = a node on the LAN allowing access to the LAN by the user; started out as a mainframe limited function access device, not much more than a screen and a keyboard; now often performed by a PC or even a mini-computer with function and applications distributed to the user by their installation at the workstation only going to the server for common access data and services
WORM = write once, read many
X-ON/X-OFF = an asynchronous transmission control system
X-OFF = a system control character understood to indicate the end of transmission in an asynchronous system
X-ON = a system control character understood to indicate the start of transmission in an asynchronous system
X-Y = a system based on an array of co-ordinates on two dimensional axes
X-Y plotter = a smart printer that can understand co-ordinates on two dimensional axes and print the resultant factor as represented on graph paper
X-Y-Z = a system based on an array of co-ordinates on three dimensional axes
Y = yotta-
yotta- (Y) = ; 1024 or 280
Z = zetta-
zero = ; 100 or 20
ZERO = one of two basic elements in a binary system; could be OFF in ON/OFF?; 0 in 0-1?; F in T/F?; NO in YES/NO?; - in +/-?; See also ONE
zetta- (Z) = ; 1021 or 270
zoom = a command interpreted as to make the image larger on the VDU or in relation to the window or to make the window larger on the VDU