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Glossary of Computing Terms
A
access charge - A fee charged to subscribers or other telephone companies by a local exchange
carrier for the use of its local exchange networks.
B
bandwidth - the difference between the highest and the lowest frequency of a communications
channel as measured in Hertz. Also an indication of the capacity of the network's "pipes."
bit - the smallest unit of computer memory storage capacity.
byte - a sequence of bits that a computer processes in individual units, e.g. eight bits are
processed as one byte.
C
CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) - an optical data storage medium. CD-ROMs look
like audio compact discs and are used primarily for the storage and distribution of multimedia,
software and databases. They are often the most effective means of data transfer in places where
limited bandwidth makes large downloads impossible.
computer labs - computing centers found in schools and universities where students and staff
may share workstations, printers, file servers and Internet access.
computer literacy - the degree to which individuals are familiar with computer operating systems
and applications.
computer programmers and technicians - people, whether professional or amateur, who create
the software that allows computers to perform different functions, and who provide support and
maintenance for computer networks.
D
data rate - the amount of data routed via a communications channel per unit of time, as measured
in bits per second.
2
dedicated line - a permanent connection between two points on the telecommunications network.
digitalization - in a human context, digitalization refers to the integration of digital technologies into
the everyday lives of people in a community.
domain name - a string of words used to identify computer addresses on the Internet. Commonly
points to the top level of a World Wide Web site on a host machine.
download - to transfer data or files from a server on the Internet to a user's computer.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) - A high-bandwidth Internet access service offered by some ISPs
and telecom operators. DSL incorporates existing copper telephone lines with a specialized
modem at the customer's end and a multiplexer at the central office. Allows for simultaneous voice
and always-on data transmission.
E
e-mail (electronic mail) - a computer-based form of sending and receiving messages via the
Internet. Users may have their own e-mail account or use a shared account, which is quite
common in the developing world.
H
hard drive - a computer's internal disk drive using a non-removable storage format. Used for the
storage of data, documents and the computer's programs and operating system.
hardware - the physical parts of a computer system, including the monitor, central processing unit,
memory, mouse, storage disks, printers and scanners, and network equipment, such as routers
and servers.
I
Information Age - the current stage in societal development which began to emerge at the end of
the twentieth century. This period is marked by the increased production, transmission,
consumption of and reliance on information. Many consider the new role of information to be
changing our social and economic behavior as dramatically as did the Industrial Revolution.
information and communication technologies (ICTs) - the building blocks of the Networked
World. ICTs include telecommunications technologies, such as telephony, cable, satellite and
radio, as well as digital technologies, such as computers, information networks and software.
interactive - providing output based on input from the user. This output feeds back into the user's
decision process for subsequent interaction. Interactive websites, for instance, allow for more
dynamic information browsing and applications such as shopping, banking, etc.
O
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online - describes a person using the Internet or a resource that is available over the network.
operating system - the core software on a computer which provides the interface between its
hardware (processor, peripherals, etc.), its software, and the user.
P
piracy - the unauthorized duplication of goods protected by intellectual property law (e.g. copying
software unlawfully).
programming - the act of creating software or some other set of instructions for a computer.
S
software - the programs or other "instructions" that a computer needs to perform specific tasks.
Examples of software include word processors, e-mail clients, web browsers, video games,
spreadsheets, accounting tools and operating systems.
software developers - the professional and amateur programmers who create software for use on
computers.
We provide only brief definitions. For more detailed and complete information on computing and
telecommunications terminology, please refer to the following glossaries:
Free Online Dictionary of Computing (FOLDOC)
http://foldoc.doc.ic.ac.uk/
The ITU Telecommunication Terminology Database (TERMITE)
http://www.itu.int/search/wais/Termite/index.html
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