ICT - Glossary
Term
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3D inkjet printer
A
abnormal data
absolute
referencing
absolute value
access point
actuator
administrator
ADSL
algorithm
alphanumeric
analogue data
analogue device
analogue sensor
analogue to digital
converter (ADC)
animation
anti-spyware
anti-virus
AP
applications
software
ascender
ascii
Definition
See cascading stylesheet
See comma separated values
See GIF
See HTML
See JPEG
See MPEG-3
See MPEG-4
See PDF
See PNG
See RAR
See rich text format
See text file
See zip
An output device that produces solid 3D models using a modified inkjet printer
and resins to replace inks.
Data that is of the wrong type (e.g. text in a numeric field) or is outside the
accepted range (e.g. an exam mark percentage of 110).
Fixes a cell reference within a spreadsheet so that when the formula is copied
this cell reference never changes.
Fixes a value so that it cannot change, for example in a webpage a table width
can be set to 300 points. This table will always remain 300 points wide and will
not change if the size of the browser window is changed.
Used in wireless networks to allow access to the network at various points using
wireless technology (e.g. an airport will have several APs allowing 100 per cent
coverage for users).
A transducer which takes signals from a computer and converts them into some
form of motion (e.g. motors, pumps, valves etc.).
The person who is in control of a computer network.
See asymmetric digital subscriber
A set of rules which shows how to solve a problem.
A field type where any character is acceptable input – sometimes called text.
Data which represents physical constantly varying quantities such as time,
temperature, etc.
A device/apparatus that measures information that is continuously changing
(analogue data), e.g. an analogue sensor.
See analogue device
A device used to convert analogue signals (usually from sensors) into digital
signals which can then be understood and processed by a computer.
A rapidly changing set of images (either in 2D or 3D) which creates the illusion of
actual movement.
Software that detects and removes/isolates spyware.
Software that detects and removes/ isolates computer viruses.
See access point
Software that enables a user to carry out a specific function on a computer e.g.
spreadsheet, word processor, database, etc.
The part of a lowercase letter (b, d, f, h, k, l or t), that extends above the body of
the letters.
An abbreviation for American Standard Code for Information Interchange. This is
the standard set of codes (numbers) used by the computer to identify each letter
and symbol of the character set (on the keyboard).
aspect ratio
asymmetric digital
subscriber line
ATM
attachment
attribute
audience notes
authentication
automatic teller
machine
AutoSum
AVERAGE
The proportion of length to width of an image. Maintaining the aspect ratio means
to keep the original proportion of the image (without distortion) and is usually
needed when images are resized.
High-speed internet access service that uses existing telephone networks to
send/receive data at much faster speeds than a dial-up modem.
See automatic teller machine
A document/file sent with an email which requires the recipient to open it to read/
see/listen to the contents.
Provide additional information about HTML elements. Attributes follow the start
tag and come in name/value pairs. E.g. <table border=”1”> where the table tag
has an attribute called border which has a value set to 1.
Printed copies of the slides from a presentation, which are given to the audience
so that they can take them away and refer to them after the presentation.
The process of determining whether someone is in fact who they claim to be; the
most common form of authentication is user IDs and passwords, but there are
others (e.g. biometric data).
A machine where customers can access their bank accounts using a card and
PIN; usually used to withdraw cash from their account.
A function within Microsoft Excel that adds together the contents of a number of
cells.
A function within Microsoft Excel that calculates the mean (average) of a list of
numbers.
B
back-end database Is a database that is accessed through an application program rather than the
database software. It does not store database elements like queries, forms or
reports.
back up
A copy of a file/data on a different medium (e.g. disk, flash drive, CD, etc.) in case
of problems with the internal hard disk drive.
backing storage
Secondary storage device that allows a user to back up data from a computer
system (e.g. CD, DVD, floppy disk, memory stick).
bandwidth
This is a reference to the range of frequencies a communication channel can
handle. The bigger the bandwidth the more data can be sent and received at the
same time. The amount of data that can be communicated also relies upon the
transfer rate. This is often used to describe Internet connection, with the term
broadband meaning it has more than 3KHz (although in real terms at least
300MHz is needed in current systems).
barcode
Optical machine-readable representation of data that uses thick and thin lines to
represent numbers.
barcode reader
An input device that can read/scan barcodes using laser light.
basic input/output
Code used to tell computer what to do when it first starts up (sometimes referred
system (BIOS)
to as the boot).
batch processing
System where all the data is first gathered together before it is processed all in
one go without further need of human intervention. It is used in billing systems
and cheque processing, for example.
behaviour layer
BIOS
bit
bit map
blogger
One of the 3 layers in webpage development. The behaviour layer is used to do
‘an action’ (rather than just display or link to other pages) and often uses script
languages embedded into the HTML. There are many different script languages
but the most common for web development are Javascript, PHP, Perl and CGI.
See basic input/output system
Short for binary digit and equal to a 1 or a 0; the fundamental memory unit.
Representation, consisting of rows and columns of dots, of a graphical image in a
computer. The density of the dots is called the resolution. In computer
screens/monitors the dots are referred to as a pixels.
Someone who maintains a blog.
blogs
Bluetooth
blu-ray disk
body
body text
bookmark
Boolean data
boot file
break
bridge
brightness
broadband
browse
browser
bus network
byte
C
CAD software
cascading
stylesheet
cathode ray tube
monitor
CD-R
CD-RW
cell padding
cell spacing
central processing
unit
changeover
check digit
Short for web log; a webpage which is accessed by the public, who can read or
write messages.
Open wireless protocol over a short distance that allows devices to communicate
using radio waves instead of wires.
An optical disk with very large capacity (currently the largest of all the optical
media) using laser light close to the blue/violet spectra, which permits much larger
storage capacity.
The section of HTML in a webpage that contains the contents (e.g. text, images,
etc) and the tags describing the content, hyperlinks and structure (e.g. tables
used to lay out the page) of a webpage.
The basic style of text within a document, commonly used for all of the
paragraphs.
The address (URL) of a webpage saved by a user so that it can be revisited at
some later date.
Data that can have only two possible answers: true (1) or false (0).
Code used to tell computer what to do when it first starts up (sometimes referred
to as the BIOS).
A split between two pages, sections or columns, or inserted to force text wrapping
at the end of a line of text.
A device that connects one LAN to another LAN that uses the same protocol.
Is a measure of the intensity of light from a point on an image. It is a measure of
the amount of red, green and blue light reflected from, or transmitted through any
given point on an image. It is sometimes called luminous brightness.
A telecommunications method in which a wide band of frequencies is available to
transmit data. It allows internet traffic and normal telephone traffic to share the
same communication lines.
To read and navigate through a series of webpages received from the internet.
See web browser
Type of network where all the stations are connected to a central cable.
A unit of memory (usually equal to eight binary bits); more commonly shown as
Kbyte (just over one thousand bytes), Mbyte (one million bytes), Gbyte (1000MB)
or Terrabyte (1000GB).
See computer-aided design software
A stylesheet saved in CSS format with a .css file extension. This allows the
stylesheet to be attached to each webpage to define how to display the content
layer of a webpage, without the page needing to contain the style tags. If a
number of cascading stylesheets are used, the multiple style definitions will
cascade into one.
An older type of monitor that has an electron beam directed towards a screen
coated in phosphors which glow when hit by the beam. Screens are refreshed 25
times a second.
Optical storage device that can be recorded on only once.
Optical storage device that can be recorded on more than once, i.e. can be
rewritten.
An HTML attribute used with the table tag to specify the space between the cell
wall and the cell content.
An HTML attribute used with the table tag to specify the space between the cells.
The part of the computer that interprets and executes commands from computer
hardware and software.
A stage in systems analysis where the new system is introduced by one of four
methods: direct, parallel, pilot or phased changeover.
An extra digit added to a number (often at the end) which is used to check for
errors during transmission/reading of the number, e.g. in barcodes.
chip and PIN
chip and PIN
readers
CLI
clipboard
closed question
CMOS
colour depth
comma separated
values
command line
interface
complementary
metal oxide
semiconductor
concept keyboard
content layer
contiguous data
contrast
control system
cookie
copy
copyright
cordless mouse
COUNT
COUNTA
COUNTIF
CPU
A technology that is used in debit and credit cards for payment in stores or use
with ATMS. The chip is read by a card reader machine and compares it with the
number typed in by the customer. It helps to ensures security of transactions.
A technology that is used with credit/debit/loyalty cards which contain a chip as
well as a magnetic stripe. These are used at EFTPOS terminals, where the
customer enters their PIN using a keypad and this is compared with the number
stored on the chip.
See command line interface
A temporary storage area used by the operating system to hold information that
you cut or copy it, ready to be pasted at a later time.
Is a question which has only specified answers like "yes" or "no", or a multiple
choice question. Users are always restricted to the answers that they can give in
a closed question. For example: “Do you like school? Answer Y or N”. A similar
open question is “How do you feel about school?”
See complementary metal oxide semiconductor
Is the number of bits used to store the colours in each pixel. It is sometimes called
bit depth or bits per pixel (bpp). For example: If an image has 24bit colour depth
tis would be displayed as 224 colours (about 16.7 million), which would only be
visible on a computer with a 24 bit graphics card (video adapter) and suitable
monitor. A 24 bit colour depth has 8 bits per channel (red, green, blue).
A file format (.csv) used to hold tabular data, e.g. from a spreadsheet or
database table. It stores it as a text-based file using commas (or semi-colons in
some locations) to separate the data items.
A user interface that requires a user to type in instructions, choose options from
a menu, open software, etc.
Type of semi-conductor chip that holds data (usually the BIOS) without the need
for an external power source.
A type of keyboard where icons or phrases replace letters and numbers.
One of the 3 layers in web page development. The content layer is used to define
the structure of the webpage, often using tables or frames and the content of the
pages including text or images and hyperlinks to other pages. The content layer is
often written in html or xhtml.
Data that is placed together and can be selected in a single range.
Is the difference between the amount of colour (or greyscale) between two
different features within an image.
A set of devices which manage, command or regulate the behaviour of other
devices or systems.
Small files sent to a user’s computer via their web browser when they visit certain
websites. They store information about the user, which is accessed each time
they visit the website.
To take a highlighted object and place a copy of it into the clipboard, leaving the
original object intact.
Legislation in almost all countries that is used to discourage the illegal use of text,
images, software or music.
A mouse that uses WiFi or Bluetooth technology to interface with the computer
without the need for any connecting wires.
A function within Microsoft Excel that looks at the cells within a given range and
counts the number of these cells containing numbers.
A function within Microsoft Excel that looks at the cells within a given range and
counts the number of non-blank (not empty) cells.
A function within Microsoft Excel that looks at the cells within a given range and
counts the number of these cells that meet a given condition.
See central processing unit
CSS
crash
crop
CRT
currency
cursor
cut
cut and paste
D
DAC
data file
data integrity
data logger
data packet
database
date and time
decimal
deprecate
descender
desktop publisher
dial-up modem
digital camera
digital data
digital to analogue
converter
disk operating
system
domain name
A language used for the presentation layer in web development. This language
is used to define how elements of a webpage appear in the web browser. CSS
elements can be embedded within HTML or attached to a web page as a
cascading stylesheet.
A computer stops functioning normally and will not respond to other parts of the
system – it appears to freeze.
To remove unwanted areas of an image – this may change the aspect ratio but
will not distort the image.
See cathode ray tube monitor
The unit of money used by countries, e.g. Egyptian pounds, Kenyan shillings and
rupees in India and Pakistan.
The screen symbol that shows where the next action will take place. In some
applications such as word processors the cursor may flash on and off.
To take a highlighted object and place it into the clipboard, removing it from its
original location.
To move a highlighted object by cutting the object and pasting the object into a
new location. This holds another copy of the object in the clipboard for if it needs
to be pasted again into another location.
See digital to analogue converter
A collection of records where each record is made up of fields for the individual
data items (e.g. name, address, etc.).
Refers to maintaining the validity of data which can be compromised in a number
of ways, e.g. by data entry errors, viruses, hardware malfunctions, etc. The risks
can be minimised by security systems, backing up data and by having interfaces
with built-in error traps.
A device that automatically captures data from its surroundings over a period of
time. It usually uses sensors to gather the data, which is then stored on a
computer for later analysis.
The basic unit of communication over a digital network.
A collection of information structured in some way to permit manipulation and
searching of the data.
A field type within Microsoft Access that is used to store dates and times.
A data type used within numeric fields in Microsoft Access to store the data in
decimal format.
A deprecated markup command or attribute is one that is outdated and may not
work with future web browsers. Deprecated commands should not be used in
your markup.
The part of a lowercase letter (g, j, p, q or y), that falls below the baseline of the
letters.
Software that allows text and graphics to be imported from other applications and
then arranged and laid out for the production of a printed document.
A modem that uses the normal telephone network, dialling up the internet
service provider whenever internet access is required. Unlike with a broadband
modem, the system is not always on. It also ties up the telephone lines since it
uses the same bandwidth as normal telephone signals.
Cameras that don’t use film to record photographs. Light is picked up by sensors
and the resultant image stored on a solid state memory in the camera.
Discrete data (such as 0s and 1s).
A device used to convert digital signals into analogue signals (so the computer
can control another device such as a pump, motor, etc.).
Type of operating system developed for PCs in the 1980s.
Is the name given to the place we can find a particular website on the Internet.
dongle
DOS
download
DVD-R
DVD-RAM
DVD-RW
E
EEPROM
EFTPOS
electrically
erasable
programmable
read only memory
electronic funds
transfer (EFT)
electronic point of
sale terminal
email
embedded
microprocessor
embedded object
embedded web
technology
encryption
EPOS
ergonomic
keyboard
e-ticket
evaluation
expert system
extreme data
F
fact finding
fax
feasibility study
A form of memory stick used as a security device when using software, in order
to reduce the risk of software piracy.
See disk operating system
To transfer a file from a central computer/server/internet to the user’s computer/
workstation.
Optical storage device that can be recorded on only once.
Optical storage device that uses concentric tracks (rather than single spiral as
used with normal CD and DVD) to record data. It can be written to and read from
many times
Optical storage device that can be recorded on more than once, i.e. can be
rewritten.
See electrically erasable programmable read only memory
See electronic point of sale
Memory system used in flash memory cards.
System of transferring money from one bank account to another without any
paper money changing hands. It is often used at supermarket checkouts when
credit card transactions are being made.
Terminal used to carry out an electronic funds transfer.
An electronic method of sending documents and other items such as photos from
one computer to another, usually by way of the internet.
Small computer on a single integrated circuit consisting of a relatively simple
central processing unit. Often used in car engine management systems,
household appliances, etc.
One format of data that is inserted and saved within data of another format.
A system that uses the internet in real time to control or interact with devices in
the home or as part of an industrial application. Use of a web-enabled mobile
phone, for example, allows instructions to be sent remotely to devices in the home
(containing embedded microprocessors), thus controlling their operation.
The scrambling or encoding of data using software to make data unreadable to
unauthorised users.
See electronic point of sale terminal
A type of keyboard designed to help relieve health-related problems such as
repetitive strain injury (RSI).
Replacement for paper tickets that customers normally receive when booking a
plane ticket. The electronic ticket (e-ticket) number is stored on the airline
computer system and the customer picks up the paper ticket on arrival at the
airport.
A stage in systems analysis where the effectiveness of the new system is
reviewed and any necessary changes are advised.
A system that attempts to reproduce the ability of human experts in carrying out
complex tasks such as medical diagnosis, etc.
Data which is on the boundaries of acceptable data; for example if people’s ages
can be in the range 18 to 65 then the values 18 and 65 are seen as extreme data.
Formal process of using research, interviews, observation and examining
documents to find out how a system works.
Short for facsimile machine; used to send pages of text over the telephone
network.
Used to determine whether or not it is possible to proceed with a new system
based on a number of arguments such as cost, constraints, etc.
field
field codes
file
file server
finalise
firewall
fixed hard disk
drive
flash memory
cards
flat file structure
flat-file database
folksonomy
footer
foreign key
format painter
formula
frame
front end
FTP
G
generic font family
GIF
global positioning
satellite system
GPS
graphical user
interface
graphics tablet
GUI
H
A place used to hold a single data item within a database.
Individual information taken from the data source in a mail merged document.
A logically organised collection of records, usually where all the records are
organised so that they can be stored together within a database.
A computer that provides network computers/workstations with controlled access
to shared resources.
The final stage in writing to a CD. It turns the CD into a CD-ROM and it is then
impossible to write any more data on it. Finalising also allows the CD to played on
other systems (e.g. home entertainment systems).
A suite of software, located on a network gateway server, which protects the
resources of a network or computer from users on another network.
A memory device inside a computer which cannot be removed. It uses a hard
disk to save programs, data, etc.
Form of EEPROM – solid state memory used as memory cards in cameras and
mobile phones, for example.
All records in a database joined together to form one large file rather than using
linked tables.
A database structure using a simple two-dimensional table.
Closely related to tagging and literally means ‘management of people’.
The area at the bottom of a document between the bottom of the page and the
bottom margin.
Is the name given to a field in a table within a relational database, which is linked
by a relationship to a primary key field in another table.
A tool used in many packages to copy the formatting from one part of a document
and apply it to another.
A set of instructions used to perform a calculation in a spreadsheet. A formula
can include cell references, numbers, mathematical symbols and, in some cases,
pre-defined functions.
Allows the user to display more than one HTML document in the same browser
window. Each HTML document is called a frame, and each frame is separate
from the others.
User interface to complex structures such as databases, whereby only required
fields and the user interface can be seen. The software in the background
appears ‘invisible’ and can only be accessed by an authorised person.
File Transfer Protocol allows a copy of data to be sent from one computer to
another. It controls the data and sends it in blocks, checking each block as it
arrives for errors.
A term used to describe a collection of fonts with similar properties, e.g. serif or
sans serif. In web programming, using a generic font family allows the web
browser to select any font stored on the computer with the specified properties.
Graphics Interchange Format: a format used to save still or moving images. This
is an efficient method of storing images using a smaller file size, particularly
where there are large areas of solid colour. It is widely used in webpages.
Used to determine the exact location of a vehicle using a number of satellites
positioned around the Earth. Each satellite transmits its position and time so that
the system can calculate the exact location.
See global positioning satellite system
A user interface that allows a user to interact with a computer (or other electronic
device) using pictures or symbols (icons).
A device used to produce freehand drawings (using a stylus) which are stored in a
computer file.
See graphical user interface
hacker
hard disk
hardware
head
header
hexadecimal
highlight
hit
HLOOKUP
hologram
hosted server
HTML
hub
hyperlink
I
identity theft
IF
image source
inference engine
infrared
inkjet printer
input screen
INT
integer
internet
internet protocol
(IP) address
A person who gains unauthorised access to a computer system.
The computer’s main back-up memory where applications software, documents
and data files are stored.
The term to describe the physical components that make up the computer (e.g.
keyboard, mouse).
The section of HTML in a webpage that contains page titles (visible in the
browser tab but not on the page), styles (e.g. the links to external stylesheets),
and the meta data (e.g. the tags used by search engines).
The area at the top of a document between the top of the page and the top
margin.
A counting system based on sixteens rather than tens, also known as Hex. It uses
base 16 arithmetic and includes the characters 0-9 and A-F.
To select an object, e.g. a piece of text, image, file, cell, etc., so that it can be
edited or manipulated.
Used to describe when the criteria has been met during a search (e.g. when
searching a database or using a search engine).
A function within Microsoft Excel that looks up data using data organised in
horizontal rows.
Photographic image that is 3D and also appears to have depth. They are often
used on credit cards as an additional security device.
Any computer on a network which provides a service to other computers on the
network.
HyperText Markup Language: a text-based language used to create markup, so
that web browser software will be able to display information in different ways.
A hardware device whose main task is to take data received at one of its ports
and then send it out to all devices which are connected to the other ports of the
hub.
Allows a user to navigate between webpages/websites and is often shown as a
blue underlined text or as a small pointed finger.
A form of fraud that involves somebody pretending to be somebody else in order
to steal money or gain other benefits.
A function within Microsoft Excel that looks at a given condition and performs an
operation if the condition is met, or a different operation if the condition is not met.
The name (and in some cases URL) of an image file, used so the web browser
can find and display the image.
Software in an expert system that attempts to derive answers from the
knowledge base using a form of reasoning. It is effectively how expert systems
appear to use human-like reasoning when accessing information from the
knowledge base in an effort to find a conclusion to a given problem.
The far red end of the light spectrum, between the visible and microwave part of
the electromagnetic spectrum.
A type of printer which uses inkjets to produce low-volume, high-quality printing.
The part of a computer screen where a user types in the data or uses a touch
screen or pointing device to choose an option.
A function within Microsoft Excel that calculates the integer (whole number) part
of a number and ignores all digits after the decimal point.
A whole number with no decimal places (e.g. 18, 107).
A wide area network consisting of an international network of computer
networks. It enables anyone connected to it to get information from any other
computer on the system (if permitted).
A numerical identification and logical address that is given to a device using a
computer network. It uses the internet protocol to allow communication between
devices on the network.
internet service
provider
interview
intranet
IP
ISP
itemised bill
J
job queue
joystick
JPEG
junk mail
K
key field
keyboard
knowledge base
L
label
LAN
laptop
laser printer
lasso tool
layer
light pen
local area network
logical operator
login
LOOKUP
M
MAC
magnetic ink
character
recognition
A company that provides users with access to the internet for an agreed monthly
rental.
Asking people questions face to face as part of the fact finding stage in systems
analysis.
A computer network based on internet technology that is designed to meet the
internal needs for sharing information within a single organisation.
See internet protocol address
See internet service provider
A bill which includes all the items bought and the price of each item plus any
discounts or other offers.
A series of tasks automatically carried out, one after the other, by a computer
system – often used in a batch processing system.
A device that consists of a stick that is moved about to control a pointer on the
screen and has buttons to make selections.
A format used to save still images, originally named by the Joint Photographic
Expert Group. This is an efficient method of storing images using a smaller file
size and is widely used in webpages.
Unsolicited mail sent to a user’s computer, often referred to as ‘spam’.
A unique field in a record which is used to identify it uniquely.
A device used to input text, numbers and instructions into a computer by pressing
keys.
A database designed to allow the complex storage and retrieval requirements of a
computerised knowledge-based management system (in support of an expert
system).
A value entered as text (or alphanumeric), often in a spreadsheet cell or text
control box displayed within elements of a database package. This term is also
used within programming but is not within the scope of this book.
See local area network
A type of computer where the monitor, keyboard, pointing device and processor
are integrated into one portable unit.
A type of printer that uses laser technology to produce high-volume, high-quality
output on paper.
A tool used to select objects by holding down the left mouse button and dragging
the mouse around it, then letting go.
Is used with images in graphics software to allow other objects (or parts of an
image) to be placed in front of or behind other layers. Layers can be transparent
(see through) or used to hide other objects or parts of an image.
An input device are used to draw on screen or select items on screen – currently,
they only work with CRT monitors.
A number of computers connected together, usually located close to each other
(e.g. in one building).
The logic operators such as AND, OR and NOT which use Boolean algebra to
make decisions.
The process of entering a system or webpage, usually by supplying a username
and password.
A function within Microsoft Excel which looks up data using the first row or the first
column of a range of cells and returns a relative value.
See media access control address
A system which can read characters printed in magnetic ink (e.g. characters on
the bottom of a cheque).
magnetic stripe
magnetic tape
mail merging
mainframe
computer
malware
MAX
media access
control (MAC)
address
memory stick/pen
drive
merge codes
MICR
microprocessor
MIN
model
modem
monitoring
morphing
mouse
MPEG-3
MPEG-4
MP3
multimedia
projector
N
navigate
netbook computer
network
network hub
Brown coloured magnetic stripes, found most often on the back of credit/debit
cards, which hold information such as the account number.
A data storage device that uses magnetised plastic tape. 1s and 0s have a
different magnetic signatures, which allows data to be stored and read.
The process of combining a main document (e.g. a word-processed document)
with a data source (e.g. a database), for example adding names and addresses
automatically to a document so it can be easily set up for multiple mailings.
A very large, very powerful computer system.
Short for malicious software – any program/software that is harmful to a computer
system, e.g. spyware.
A function within Microsoft Excel that calculates the maximum value in a list of
numbers.
Hardware address that uniquely identifies each device on a network.
A solid state technology that is used as back-up memories. It connects to the
computer via the universal serial bus port.
Instructions coded (programmed) into a mail merge document which control the
format of the merged document and may produce different results (for example:
text or images) depending upon other conditions.
See magnetic ink character recognition
A single integrated circuit that is the basis of most PCs and is in many household
devices. It has essentially the same function as a computer processing unit.
A function within Microsoft Excel that calculates the minimum value in a list of
numbers.
A programmed simulation of a situation or process that will allow data to be
changed in order to examine the effect that this has on other data. This is often
done with a spreadsheet and can be used to predict future trends.
A device that allows computers to connect to a network using the existing
telephone cable network.
Taking data from the surroundings so that it can be compared with previously
stored data on a computer or computer file.
A special effect in motion pictures and animations that changes (or morphs) one
image into another through a seamless transition. Most often it is used to show
one object turning into another through use of animation software.
An example of a pointing device, which controls a pointer on screen, allowing
selections to be made by clicking a button.
Moving Pictures Experts Group layer 3 is a file format used for storing audio
files. It compressed the original audio (sound) file to about 1/12 of the original file
size while keeping the original sound quality.
Moving Pictures Experts Group layer 4 is a file format (multimedia container)
used for storing video files. It is also used to store audio (the soundtrack to the
video) and other data like subtitles and still images.
MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 – a method of storing music files in a compressed format.
Typically, an MP3 music file is 90 per cent less than a conventional music file
used on a CD.
An output device that receives signals from computers (and other electronic
devices), magnifies the image and projects it onto a large screen.
To move around, e.g. navigating a screen or webpage means to move about the
page (often using a pointing device) to select suitable items.
A computer that is similar to a laptop but with smaller dimensions.
A series of nodes or workstations interconnected by communication paths.
A hardware device that can have a number of devices/computers connected to it.
non-contiguous
data
normal data
notebook
computer
number
numeric data
numeric keypad
O
observation
OCR
OMR
online
online processing
online shopping
and banking
operating system
optical character
recognition
optical mark
recognition
optical mouse
optical storage
device
ordered list
orphan
P
password
paste
PC
PDA
PDF
PNG
percentage
personal computer
personal digital
assistant
Data that occupies rows or columns that are not placed together (often in a
spreadsheet) and cannot be selected using a single range.
Data that is within an acceptable range and is usual for the situation.
See laptop
A value entered in numerical format, e.g. ‘5’ is a number, whereas ‘five’
represents a number but is in text format.
Consisting of numbers: real, integer or fixed decimal.
A type of keyboard usually consisting of numbers and simple mathematical
operations.
Part of the fact finding stage in systems analysis, which involves watching
people doing tasks.
See optical character recognition
See optical mark recognition
Connected to a computer or to a network. Often used to describe somebody who
is currently connected to the internet.
Using the internet to process information and carry out transactions, e.g. in online
booking systems.
Shopping and banking using the internet to purchase goods, transfer money
between accounts, pay bills, etc.
Allows users to communicate with computer systems, controlling many tasks such
as maintaining security, loading software, etc.
A system that takes scanned text and converts it into computer readable form so
it can be used in a word processor and other applications software.
A system which can read marks written in pencil or pen on a paper – used to read
answers on questionnaires, multiple choice exam papers, etc.
Mouse that uses a red LED light source to detect movement rather than a rubber
ball.
A storage device that uses light (lasers) to read and write data on optically active
surfaces. They include CDs, DVDs and DVD-RAMs.
A list of objects within a webpage that are in numerical order.
The first line of the paragraph at the bottom of the page, with the rest of the
paragraph appearing on the next page.
A sequence of letters and/or numbers used as an additional security to user ID
when logging onto a network or single computer.
To take a copy of an object from the clipboard and place it in a new location.
See personal computer
See personal digital assistant
Portable Document Format is a method of allowing documents to be read/used
on most computers. The pages look just like they would when they are printed but
can contain clickable links and buttons, form fields, video, and audio. You can
protect a document to stop others editing it.
Portable Network Graphics is a graphics file format that supports data
compression. PNG is the most used lossless image compression format used on
the Internet.
A system used in web authoring to ensure that objects have relative sizes rather
than absolute sizes. For example, if a table has the width attribute set to 50 per
cent, the table will fill 50 per cent of the screen, irrespective of the screen size or
resolution.
A general purpose computer which is usually IBM-compatible.
A small handheld computer that comes with a touch screen activated by a stylus.
personal
identification
number
pharming
phishing
pica
PIN
pinching
pixel
placeholder
plotter
PNG
podcasting
point
pointing device
pop-up
post-WIMP
precision framing
presentation
authoring package
presentation layer
presenter notes
price comparison
service
primary key
primary research
A form of password, often a four-digit code used to gain access to an account
(e.g. when internet banking or when purchasing an item using a credit card).
A scam in which malicious code is installed on a computer hard disk or server.
The code has the ability to misdirect users to fraudulent websites without their
knowledge.
A fraudulent operation involving the use of emails. The creator sends out a
legitimate-looking email hoping to gather personal information once the recipient
opens the email.
An absolute measure of size used in website authoring. 1 pica is the same as 12
points.
See personal identification number
Using two fingers together to shrink something on a display screen (e.g. on a
personal digital assistant).
One dot or square on the screen. It is the smallest item that can appear on a
screen. The number of pixels displayed on the screen depends upon the screen
resolution.
A control placed within a mail merge document that is used to hold field codes or
to hold merge codes.
An output device that produces very large and very accurate printed copies on
paper, generallyused in CAD software.
Portable Network Graphics: a format used to store still images. This is an efficient
method of storing images and was designed to replace JPG (JPEG). It is widely
used in webpages.
Audio broadcasts that can be downloaded from the internet and listened to using
personal media players
An absolute measure of size used in website authoring. 1 point is the same as 12
points.
A device used to navigate a graphical user interface, e.g mouse, tracker ball or
joystick.
A form of online advertising on the internet intended to attract web visitors or
capture email addresses.
An interaction where fingers are in contact with a small touch screen, allowing
actions such as pinching and rotating.
The accurate placing of an image (or other object) to align to the page, column
margins or other objects upon the page
Software that allows you to create multimedia presentations and displays using a
series of linked slides
One of the 3 layers in web page development. The presentation layer is used to
define how a webpage will look to the viewer. It dictates the colour schemes,
themes and styles seen when a webpage is displayed and is usually written in
CSS.
Printed copies of the slides from a presentation, with the additional notes to be
read from (or used as prompts) by the person delivering the presentation. These
notes are not usually given to the audience.
A website that gives a comparison of prices from different retailers together with
a link to the retailer’s website
A single field within a relational database table that contains unique data (no two
records within this field can contain the same data). A primary key field cannot
contain a blank record.
A method of data gathering used in market research whereby prospective or
existing customers are interviewed by the organisation themselves. See also
secondary research
process control
processing
program (verb)
program
documentation
programmable
logic controller
programmer
programming
language
project
management
prompt
proportionalintegral-derivative
protocol
proxy server
pseudo code
public key
authentication
public-key
purpose-built
software
Q
questionnaire
QWERTY
R
radio button
RAM
random access
memory
range check
RAR
RAS
read only
read only memory
real number
The use of computers or microprocessors to control a process, usually industrial,
such as the maintaining of a production line
The manipulation of input data to produce a required output from an ICT system
To create a set of instructions that will produce a required output from an ICT
system
The written documents that accompany a program upon implementation. It
advises on how the program works, what the instructions mean and how to make
future amendments
A type of computer or microcomputer that is used for a single purpose. It is able to
accept analogue and digital inputs, and a set of logic statements is used to
compare the input with a pre-set value. Depending on the result, it activates the
output devices. See also proportional-integral-derivative
Somebody who writes programs. See also computer programmer
A computer-based language that is used to write code that will use a sequence of
instructions to perform a task within the computer
A method of ensuring that a project is completed within the timescale and
monetary budget allowed by a business
Text used to instruct the user what information they are required to enter when a
mail merge is run
An algorithm that is an integral part of closed loop computer controlled systems. It
calculates the difference between the input value and the pre-set value, and then
causes the programmable logic controller (PLC) to make proportional changes
to the output so that the pre-set value is eventually reached
A set of rules that governs how communication between two devices will occur
A computer that lies between a user and a server in order to intercept requests.
A type of code which resembles computer programming code but is easily
readable by a person. They are often used in algorithms as a description of what
a computer program is going to do.
A feature of encryption that allows one computer to know that a computer trying
to communicate with it is genuine
A type of encryption key that is given out by a computer to enable other
computers to encrypt data to send to it
Software that is especially created by programmers for a particular situation
A collection of questions written down on a form that enables collection of data.
The answers to the questions are normally completed on the form itself
Type of keyboard format where the letters are arranged as QWERTY….
A type of graphical user interface element that allows the user to choose only
one of a pre-defined set of options. They are usually shown as a dot on the
screen next to the option.
See random access memory
An internal chip where data is temporarily stored while running applications. It can
be written to as well as read from.
Checks that the data is within a given range
Is a file format for a container (like a zip file) that can hold other files and folders.
It its name from Roshal Archive and was developed by a Russian software
engineer Eugene Roshal.
See remote access services
Allows a user to view the document/file but not to make changes to it
A memory used to store information that needs to be permanent (e.g.
configuration data for a computer system).
A number containing a decimal (e.g. 2.75, 8.5, <minus sign>12.55).
real-time
(transaction)
processing
real-time process
control
record
An online system where any changes lead to an immediate update of the filing
system, e.g. if a flight is booked, the seat is immediately marked on a database as
no longer available thus preventing, for example, double booking.
A system involving sensors and feedback loops to control or monitor a process.
A collection of fields containing information about one data subject (usually a
person) or one object within a database
relational database A database structure where data items are linked together with relational tables.
It maintains a set of separate, related files (tables), but combines data elements
from the files for queries and reports when required
relative referencing Automatically adjusts a cell reference within a spreadsheet to refer to different
cells relative to the position of the formula during the replication process
relative value
Allows a value to change depending upon other factors, for example in a
webpage a table width can be set to 50%. This table will always remain 50% of
the window/frame width, but will not appear the same if the size of the browser
window is changed.
remote access
Services that allow people working away from home to access the desktop on
services
their own PC remotely
remote control
An input device that allows the user to control other devices from a distance. It is
most frequently used with home entertainment systems
rendering
The process of adding realism to computer graphics (usually in 3D) using
computer software. It usually involves adding such affects as shadows, variations
in colour and shade, etc. to give the illusion of 3D.
report layout
How a report (an output form) is set out in terms of, for example, headings and
the output from the system
repository
Single storage area for files edited by multiple users, usually managed by a single
user with files saved using version control
requirements
An element of the analysis phase of the systems life cycle. It is a list of the
specification
features of a system that is required, including general user requirements and
specific requirements
rich text format
A file format (.rtf) used for text-based files that saves the formatting within the
document, so allowing some formatting to be passed from one applications
package to another
ring network
An increasingly rare type of network topology. Each computer is connected to
each of its neighbours and data is transmitted around the network
robot
A device often used in industrial applications to act independently, having been
programmed to carry out a specific task or tasks
See read only memory
ROM
Function within Microsoft Excel that rounds a number up to a specified number of
ROUND
decimal places
Router
A device which enables data to be routed between different networks e.g.
between a local area network and a wide area network.
rules base
In an expert system, a set of rules that an inference engine uses, together with
the data or facts in the knowledge base, to reason through a problem
S
sans serif
A font style where the ends of characters do not contain small strokes called
serifs, e.g. Arial.
See global positioning satellite system
satellite navigation
system
scam
An attempt to defraud somebody.
scanner
A device that converts information on paper into an image which can be stored in
a computer file.
scenario
A description of a set of circumstances. It is used to set the scene for some
examination questions
screen display
screen layout
screenshot
SD memory card
search engine
SECOND
secondary
research
section
secure digital
memory card
secure shell
sensor
serial access
serif
server
shell
shopping cart
software
simulation
simulator
single stepping
skimming
SKIPIF
smart card
social networking
site
Sometimes used interchangeably with screen layout, but usually refers to input
as displayed on a computer monitor
The layout of output as displayed on a computer monitor
An image of the screen taken at a particular moment in time. There are software
packages that will obtain screenshot (sometimes called screen grab) evidence for
you. The easiest way is to press the <Print Screen> (sometimes labelled <Prt
Scr>) button on the keyboard to place what is currently on the screen in the
clipboard. This can then be pasted into a document as evidence of your work.
See secure digital memory card
Software that retrieves documents or files or data from a database or from a
computer network (especially from the internet).
Function within Microsoft Excel that returns a number between 0 and 59 as the
number of seconds shown on a clock from a given time
A method of market research that involves the examination of research that either
the organisation concerned or another organisation has carried out before. See
also primary research
The area of a document that has page formatting that applies throughout that
section
A type of memory card used to record digital audio broadcast (DAB) radio
programmes and used in digital cameras, handheld computers and global
positioning system (GPS) devices
A network protocol that is used for remotely accessing a computer or server
using encryption security
A device used to monitor physical variables such as temperature and pressure.
They are used in monitoring and control systems
A method of accessing data, used primarily on magnetic tapes where it is
necessary to start at the beginning and access each piece of data in turn until the
required data is found.
A font style where the ends of characters contain small strokes called serifs, e.g.
Times New Roman.
A device used to control networks (e.g. file servers allow users on a network to
save/load data).
Software that provides the user interface, knowledge base editor, inference
engine and explanation system in an expert system. The knowledge engineer
uses it to build a system to solve a particular set of problems
Software used to create the representation of a shopping cart for customers to
buy goods online
The process of imitating something using a computer system. The software uses
mathematical formulae or models to simulate the actual environment.
A machine that simulates an environment for the purpose of training or for
research.
A type of testing after a system has been developed. The system is run one step
at a time so that the exact point where the any differences between actual results
and expected results occurred can be clearly seen in the programming code
A type of identity fraud where a card that is swiped legitimately in a retail outlet is
swiped again on another machine that reads all the details from the card. This
data is then transferred to a blank card for further use
Function within mail merge that allows the mail merge to omit documents if certain
conditions are met when the mail merge is run
A type of credit/debit/loyalty card which contains a chip as well as a magnetic
stripe. The chip contains information which can be read but can also be updated.
A website that focuses on building online communities of users who share the
same interests and activities. They are fast becoming the modern way of socially
interacting and allow people to communicate across the globe.
software
The term to describe programs that control computer systems such as systems
software and applications programs.
software piracy
Unauthorised duplication, distribution or use of computer software.
solid state backing A type of magnetic storage media that uses microchip technology rather than thin
store
film magnetic surfaces.
speech recognition Software that is able to convert input speech to text for use with text-based
software
applications
spread spectrum
Can be implemented in several different ways, but the most common type
technology
involves frequency hopping: instead of just transmitting on one frequency, a
spread spectrum system switches rapidly from one frequency to the next. The
choice of the next frequency is random, so it is almost impossible for someone to
eavesdrop or jam the signal). It is used on cordless phones and in WiFi networks.
spreadsheet
Software used for performing calculations and for modelling situations using data
arranged in a grid consisting of rows and columns
spreadsheet model A spreadsheet that is used to investigate different outcomes by changing one or
more variables within it.
spyware
Software put on a computer with malicious intent that allows people to access that
computer and control its functions
See secure shell
SSH
See secure sockets layer
SSL
star network
A network topology where each computer or device is connected to a central hub
or switch
sticky keys
A feature used in many types of software that allows the user to press
combination keys such as <Ctrl> C consecutively rather than simultaneously. It is
very helpful for people with poor motor coordination
storage medium
A medium used for storing data, e.g. magnetic disk, tape or optical disk
style
Pre-defined settings relating to the formatting of text, such as font size, typeface,
font alignment, etc. that can be applied to text to ensure the consistency of display
stylesheet
A basic structure for a document. In terms of a webpage, it is set of pre-defined
styles for some or all page elements which can be embedded into a web page
submit button
A button or icon found in many input forms that when pressed causes the data on
the screen to be stored
subscript
Characters that sit below the baseline in a piece of text and usually have a
reduced point size, e.g. the number 2 in H2O
Function within Microsoft Excel that calculates the function for a range of value or
SUBTOTAL
cells. The parameters passed to this function determine how it will work, e.g. it
could be used to calculate the SUM, the AVERAGE, etc.
Function within Microsoft Excel that adds up a list of numbers or specified cells
SUM
Function within Microsoft Excel that looks at the cells within a given range and
SUMIF
adds the total from those cells that meet a given condition
supercomputer
A computer that has hundreds of thousands of dual processors. It is a collection
of computers that are connected through a high-speed network
superscript
Characters that sit above the baseline in a piece of text and usually have a
reduced point size, e.g. the number 2 in 7 m2
switch
A device that can have a number of other devices or computers connected to it. It
is able to direct network traffic using the MAC address of a data packet
syntax
A set of rules defining how, for example, software must be written so the
computer can understand it. It is equivalent to syntax in normal language where
rules determine how we write down sentences with commas, etc.
systems analysis
A phase in the systems life cycle. When an existing system is to be replaced by
a new system, this phase involves examining the existing system in detail using
some or all of interviewing users, giving questionnaires to users, observation
of people using the existing system and examination of documents used in the
existing system
systems analyst
systems
documentation
systems flowchart
systems life cycle
T
table
tag
tagging
TAN
TCP
technical
documentation
teleworking
terminator
TEXT
text editor
text file
text wrapping
TFT
thin film transistor
monitor
topology
touch screen
touchpad
trackerball
tracked changes
tracking
transaction
number
transducer
An individual who is responsible for the phases of the systems life cycle being
carried out
A detailed overview of the whole system, including test plans, test results, the
results of the analysis of the existing system, what is expected of the system and
decisions that were made at the design stage
Used in the design of a new system, a diagrammatical representation of how data
will flow through the new system. It includes programming requirements, although
not the detail of programming required
The stages in the creation or modification of a new information system
A two-dimensional grid of data organised by rows and columns within a
database. Each row of the table contains a record. Each column in the table
represents a field and each cell in that column has the same (pre-defined) field
type
A command used in HTML to instruct a web browser how to display text, images
or other objects. The tags are not displayed with the webpage. Some tags are
used with attributes.
The practice of creating and managing labels (or ‘tags’) that label content using
simple keywords. They are often used on social networking websites to tag
photographs and bookmark other websites, for example.
See transaction number
See transmission control protocol
Documentation that accompanies a new or modified information system. It is
developed to help any systems analyst or programmer understand the technical
aspects of the system
A method of working that involves employees spending all or some of their
working week at home, using their home as an office and making use of ICT to do
so
The endpoint at either end of the spine in a bus network
Function within Microsoft Excel that changes the formatting of the current cell
from a numeric or date/time value into text format
Software that allows you to type and edit plain text. It contains few or no features
that allow formatting of documents
A file format (.txt) used for text-based files that contains an unformatted ASCII file,
although there are file format variations depending upon the operating system.
These files can be opened in any word processor.
To make the text automatically wrap around any object (e.g. a text box or frame)
in a document
See thin film transistor monitor
Flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors. There is a separate tiny transistor
for each pixel which means they use very little power.
An arrangement of computers/devices in a network (e.g. bus, star, ring or tree).
An input device that allows the user to choose from options on the screen by
pressing the option on the screen with a finger
Used on laptops as a type of pointing device.
A pointing device with a ball on the top which controls the on-screen cursor.
Unlike a mouse, the trackerball does not physically move.
An electronic record of all changes made to a document during editing. This
shows the changes made and usually includes the editor’s name and when the
changes were made
See tracked changes
A password that is used once only as a security method in online banking
An electrical device that converts one form of energy into another (e.g. a
microphone converts sound energy into electrical energy).
transmission
control protocol
transponder
tree network
Trojan horse
troubleshooting
guide
tunnelling
turtle graphics
tweening
twisted pair
type check
U
uniform resource
location
universal serial
bus
universal serial
bus port
unordered
unordered list
updating
uplink satellite dish
upload
URL
USB
USB port
user
documentation
user ID
user interface
A network protocol for the transmission of data that ensures that data is
delivered accurately
A device used for transmitting television programmes. It is attached to a
communications satellite, which receives signals from the uplink satellite dish
and transmits them back to earth to receiving satellite dishes
A combination of two or more star networks connected together. The central
hubs of each star network are connected to a central cable as with a bus
network – thus a tree network is a bus network of star networks.
A program similar in effect to a virus except that it does not replicate itself. It
appears to be a useful piece of software, but when executed deletes files on the
hard disk
Part of user documentation that comes with a new ICT system. It advises users
on how to overcome commonly occurring problems
The use of a publicly accessible network to carry encrypted data from source to
destination computers
A popular way of drawing shapes on a computer screen (or by controlling a ‘floor
turtle’ that can move around). There are a set number of commands such as
RIGHT x, LEFT x, TURN d, etc.
The process of generating intermediate frames between two graphic computer
images to give the appearance that the first image transforms smoothly into the
second image.
Type of network cable used to transmit data between devices on a network. It
consists of two conducting wires twisted around each other. This reduces the
magnetic interference and hence data loss during transmission
A validation check that makes sure that the data is of a particular data type
The unique address of any document found on the internet. Typically the address
is divided into parts. The first part of the address gives the protocol, commonly
HTTP, the second part gives the name of the computer (e.g. www.cie.org.uk).
There is sometimes a third part which gives the directory on the computer where
the document file name can be found
Serial bus standard to connect devices to a computer.
A type of port that allows a variety of devices to connect to computers or
microprocessors so that data can be received from or sent to the devices
An unordered file of data is one wherein the data is not in any particular order. It is
not sorted on any particular field
A list of objects within a webpage that are prefixed with bullet points.
The process whereby an existing system or store is changed to bring it up to date.
A very large satellite dish used by television broadcasters to transmit programme
signals to a communications satellite for onward transmission to satellite receivers
To copy files from a smaller computer system to a larger central system (e.g.
uploading some photographs from your computer to a website).
See uniform resource locator
See universal serial bus
See universal serial bus port
Documentation that is provided to the user of a new ICT system to enable the
user to understand how to operate the new system
A sequence of characters that identifies a user when logging onto any network or
single computer.
The method by which a computer interacts with a user. It normally consists of a
specially designed screen that allows the user to input information as well as
providing output to the user
username
V
validation
verification
version control
video conferencing
video-on-demand
virtual private
network
virus
visual verification
VLOOKUP
VOD
voice over IP
VOIP
W
WAN
war driving
Web
Web 2.0
web authoring
package
web browser
Webcams
web-enabled
mobile phone
weblog
Webpage
Website
white space
The identifier a user types into an ICT system in order to gain access to the
system. Every user has a unique username so that authentication can be carried
out
A process where the software checks that the data entered into it is reasonable,
often in a database or spreadsheet
A process that checks the accuracy of data entry or that data has not been
corrupted during transmission, often using double entry or visual verification
A filenaming convention used to manage files edited by multiple users, where
each saved version of a file is given a managed naming convention, often
identifying sequential version numbers and sometimes authors’ initials
Audio and visual communication between people at different geographical sites
using the internet or some other wide area network. It makes use of special
hardware (such as webcams, microphones and speakers) and special software
(such as CODEC or communications software).
A system that allows viewers to watch video over a network. The film is either
constantly being transmitted over the network or downloaded in one go to a settop box, allowing the viewer to watch it at their convenience
The use of publicly accessible networks to communicate private information. It is
not physically private but involves the use of security methods that make it
practically impenetrable
A software program that can replicate itself over and over again on a hard disk. It
also transfers from one computer to another and may modify or delete files from a
hard disk
A type of verification where data is entered and the original data is compared
visually to the data entered into the system
Function within Microsoft Excel that looks up data using data organised in vertical
columns
See video-on-demand
The use of the internet to send voice data in the form of digital data packets
using internet protocols.
See voice over IP
See wide area network
The act of searching for WiFi networks by driving around in a vehicle. It requires
some form of antenna, a portable computer/personal digital assistant and special
software.
See world wide web
Second generation of internet development and design.
Software used for creating web pages
Software that allows you to display webpages from an intranet or the internet.
Miniature video cameras that are connected to computers to transmit video
across a network. Their main use is in videoconferencing
A mobile phone that allows the user access to the internet.
See blog
A single page of information displayed in a format that can be viewed on a web
browser through either the intranet or the internet.
A collection of interrelated webpages that relate to one topic or organisation and
usually accessible via the internet.
An area of a document that contains no text or images and just contains the
paper, hence the term ‘white space’ referring to the blank colour of the paper.
Documents normally have ‘white space’ between the margin settings and the
edge of the page.
wide area network
Widow
WiFi
WiFi protected
Wiki
wildcard search
WIMP
windows icons
menu and pointing
system
wireless local area
network
wireless network
interface controller
wireless personal
area network
WLAN
WNIC
word processor
worldwide web
worm
WPA
WPAN
WYSIWYG
Y
YEAR
Z
zip
A network formed by connecting several local area networks together using
routers or modems
A last line of text of a paragraph that appears at the top of a page, with the rest of
the paragraph on the previous page
A system where it is possible to connect to a network or single computer through
wireless communications.
A method of wireless network security that has very complex encryption, with long
keys, and that also incorporates user authentication
A website created for the purpose of any user who has access to it being able to
edit it
A character that may be used in a search term to represent one or more other
characters. In terms of a database wildcard searches are often used to find
specified text within a field. The question mark ‘?’ is often used to represent a
single alphanumeric character in a search and the * character is often used to
represent a number of alphanumeric characters.
See windows icons menu and pointing system
A form of graphical user interface where a mouse is used to control a cursor and
icons are selected to open/run windows.
A local area network with no wires or cables, other than the wiring that connects
the WLAN access points together. A WLAN uses either spread spectrum radio
waves or infrared signals to enable devices to communicate with each other
A device that acts like a network card but communicates by transmitting data in
the form of radio waves rather than by using cables
A small communications network usually created for use by just one person using
Bluetooth technology
See wireless local area network
See wireless network interface controller
Software that allows you to create, edit and format documents
A system of connected HTML documents accessed via the internet using a web
browser
A piece of destructive software that replicates like a virus but uses information
about the method of communication a networked computer uses to cause itself to
be transported to another computer
See WiFi protected access
See wireless personal area network
What You See Is What You Get: in terms of website authoring, relates to
packages that create or edit HTML markup using a graphics interface. For
example, you may enlarge or reduce the size of an image on a webpage by using
the drag handles. The WYSIWYG package will edit the HTML markup so that this
change will appear whenever the page is opened.
Function within Microsoft Excel that returns the year from a given date
To reduce the number of bytes needed to save a file, either to save storage space
or to reduce transmission time