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This is a database of Computer Terms in common use.

The database is in alphabetical order.
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Absolute address	A spreadsheet cell address (such as $B$15 in Lotus 1-2-3) that does not shift when the formula using it is copied into a new cell
Accounting application software	Computer programs and related documentation that are used to perform the data processing for such accounting tasks as preparing payroll checks or maintaining accounts receivable files
Acoustic coupler	A type of modem that uses a telephone handset and audio (instead of digital) signals for data communication purposes
ADA	A high-level programming language named after Lady Ada Augusta Byron that was developed for the Department of Defense and primarily is used for specialized control systems
Address	A number used to designate a location in memory
Address register	Locates where instructions and data are stored in memory
Advanced microcomputer	A state-of-the-art microcomputer, typically used by business or in education or research applications, that has such advanced features as a hard disk, a large expandable memory, and the ability to accept a large number of peripheral devices
Amplitude	The height of the carrier wave form in analog transmission; it indicates the strength of the signal
Amplitude modulation	A change of the amplitude of the carrier wave in analog data transmission to represent either the 0 bit or 1 bit
Analog computer	A device that transforms, manipulates, or stores data in analog forms -- for example, electrical voltage in vacuum tubes
Analog data transmission	The use of radio waves, sound frequencies, and other analog data representations for transferring data, typically over long-distance communication lines
Analytical graphics	Traditional line graphs, bar charts, and pie charts used to illustrate and analyze data
APL	An acronym for "A Programming Language
applet	A small Java application that is downloaded by an ActiveX or Java-enabled web browser. Once it has been downloaded, the applet will run on the user's computer. Common applets include financial calculators and web drawing programs.
application	Computer software that performs a task or set of tasks, such as word processing or drawing. Applications are also referred to as programs.
Application programs	Computer programs that perform end-user applications such as accounting or word processing (as opposed to operating-system or utility-program chores)
Arithmetic operations	Mathematical calculations performed on data by the ALU
Arithmetic-logic unit (ALU)	The portion of the CPU used for arithmetic operations (e
Artificial intelligence	The study and use of computers to replicate or improve upon such intelligent human thought processes as reasoning or learning
ASCII	American Standard Code for Information Interchange, an encoding system for converting keyboard characters and instructions into the binary number code that the computer understands.
ASCII	American Standard Code for Information Interchange
Assembler	A program that translates assembly language programs into machine language so that the computer can execute the instructions
Assembly language	A machine-dependent, second-level programming language
Asynchronous data transmission	A method of data communications that uses one or more "start bits" and "stop bits" for each character to indicate the beginning and ending of a character instead of a synchronized timing pattern
Attenuation (of signal strength)	The loss of signal strength during transmission over long distances
Attribute	Column of a relation in a relational database
Audio input	The use of sound to input data to a computer
Audio response output	Computerized output that is translated into sounds or spoken language
Auto-answer	Automatic answering by a modem of incoming calls from another modem
Autodial feature on modem	The ability of a modem to dial telephone numbers through the numeric keys of terminals or microcomputers, or directly through software
Automated report generation	A data base management system's ability to format, adjust, print, and re-create printed output
Automatic teller machine (ATM)	Machines at banks that process inputs and outputs -- for example, using magnetic strips affixed to cards
Background mode	The ability of a computer program to execute certain instructions without user interaction, thereby freeing the computer for some more immediate ("foreground") chore
Backup copy	A second copy of a computer program or file that is used in case the original copy is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed
Backup procedures	Procedures for copying data and programs onto spare magnetic disks or magnetic tapes to provide security
Band printer	A line-at-a-time, impact printer
Band width	The data-carrying capacity of a data-communications channel
bandwidth	The capacity of a networked connection. Bandwidth determines how much data can be sent along the networked wires. Bandwidth is particularly important for Internet connections, since greater bandwidth also means faster downloads.
Bar code reader	An input device that interprets bar codes such as the universal product code (UPC) found on supermarket items and inputs the data as digitized information to a computer
Bar graph	A type of graph or picture that uses bars or heavy lines to depict data relationships
BASIC	A high-level programming language that is easy to learn, yet possesses great power in writing formulas expressing input/output instructions
Batch processing	Processing data in a group, or batch, as opposed to processing data singly in real time
Baud	The number of signal changes in a communications channel per second, and therefore an important determinant of the speed at which data is communicated in data communications
Bidirectional printing	The ability of the print head of a printer to print in both a forward and backward direction
binary code	The most basic language a computer understands, it is composed of a series of 0s and 1s. The computer interprets the code to form numbers, letters, punctuation marks, and symbols.
Binary code	A code composed of a set number of bits in which each different combination of bits is used to represent a different character (e
Binary coded decimal (BCD) code	A binary code that uses six bits to represent letters and numbers
Binary digit (bit)	The fundamental unit of storage in all digital computers
bit	(short for “binary digit”). The smallest piece of computer information, either the number 0 or 1.
Bit	The fundamental unit of storage in all digital computers
Bit-mapping	Graphics in which picture elements (pixels) are controlled by a corresponding bit in computer memory
Blocked records	Two or more logical file records that have been groups together to form one physical record
Boilerplate (word processing)	Reports, form letters, and other prewritten documents that can be coordinated with mailing lists and other variable information to produce personalized hard-copy output
Bold declaration	The imbedding of print-control characters in a word-processing document to make the text appear darker on a printed page
Bold face	Printing of characters or words in darker type than the surrounding characters or words
Boolean operator (in data base programs)	An instruction that enables users to create more complex criteria for file searchers (e
boot	To start up a computer. Cold boot—restarting computer after having turned off the power. Warm boot—restarting computer without having turned off the power.
Booting	Loading an operating system or application program into computer memory and then transferring control to it for execution
Branching	A decision point in a program where the precessing logic much choose among tow or more paths
Broadband channel	Data communications channels that are capable of transmitting large amounts of data
browser	Software used to navigate the Internet. Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer are today's most popular browsers for accessing the World Wide Web.
Bubble memory	A garnet chip inclosing one or more thin layers of magnetic film
Buffer memory	Temporary memory that is used to hold (buffer) input or output
bug	A malfunction due to an error in the program or a defect in the equipment.
byte	Most computers use combinations of eight bits, called bytes, to represent one character of data or instructions. For example, the word “cat” has three characters, and it would be represented by three bytes.
Byte	A 8-bit group used to represent a single letter, number, or special symbol in a computer