A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Analog- Also spelled analogue, describes a device or system that represents changing values as continuously variable physical quantities.
Application/Program - A precise series of instructions written in a computer language that tells the computer what to do and how to do it. Programs are also called “software.”
ASCII - An acronym for American Standard Code for Information Interchange. It is a coding scheme that represents letters of the alphabet, numerals, and special characters as a series of binary digits or numbers.
Asynchronous - Literally, "apart from time." Asynchronous communication, for instance, is characterized by time-dependence, that is, the sender and receiver do not communicate at the same time. An example is email.
Asynchronous Learning Network (ALN) - The use of telephone message handling equipment to connect multiple parties simultaneously as is done in a conference telephone call.
Attachment - A file attached to an e-mail message. Many e-mail systems only support sending text files as e-mail.
Bandwidth - In communications, the frequencies within which signals can be transmitted and received. Bandwidth directly relates to data transfer speed. The greater the bandwidth, the faster the data transmission speed.
BIT (Binary Digit) - In the binary number system, the bit is either 0 or 1. In electronic storage, it represents the smallest unit of data and is characterized as being either “on” or “off.” Groups of eight bits are combined to represent characters of data that are referred to as bytes.
bps - Acronym for "bits per second". The rate at which a computer transfers data during up/download.
Broadband - A high-capacity communications circuit that is capable of transmitting data at speeds up to millions of bits per second. A type of data transmission in which a single medium (wire) can carry several channels at once. Cable TV, for example, uses broadband transmission. In contrast, baseband transmission allows only one signal at a time.
Browser - Software used to navigate the Internet and provides facilities for accessing Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) on the World Wide Web. Examples of Web browsers include Netscape Navigator and Microsoft’s Internet Explorer.
Byte - The minimum amount of primary storage or memory needed to store a character (letter, number, special character) of information. 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.
CD - Compact Disc; a polycarbonate with one or more metal layers capable of storing digital information
CD-ROM - An acronym for compact disc-read only memory. It is a form of high-capacity optical storage that uses laser technology.
Central Processing Unit (CPU) - The part of a computer hardware system that directs all processing activities. It consists of electronic circuitry and includes a control unit, an arithmetic logic unit, and a primary storage or memory unit.
Click - To tap on a mouse button, pressing it down and then immediately releasing it.
Client server system - A distributed data communications system in which computers perform two important functions either as “clients” or “servers.” The “client” function makes requests for data from the “server,” which locates the data and processes the request.
Clipboard - A special file or memory area (buffer) where data is stored temporarily before being copied to another location. Many word processors, for example, use a clipboard for cutting and pasting. When you cut a block of text, the word processor copies the block to the clipboard; when you paste the block, the word processor copies it from the clipboard to its final destination. In Microsoft Windows and the Apple Macintosh operating system, the Clipboard (with a capital C) can be used to copy data from one application to another.
Codec (coding-decoding) - Equipment used to convert and compress analog video signals into digital formats and vice versa.
Compressed video - A computer software technique used to reduce the number of bits or bytes needed to store or transmit a video file. It is used most frequently when data transmissions are slow or limited due to narrow bandwidth communications.
Computer - An electronic device that accepts input, processes it according to a set of instructions, and produces the results as output.
Computer Management System (CMS) - A set of computer software tools designed to enable users to create Web-based courses. Examples include WebCT, Centra, and LearningSpace.
Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) - The use of a computer in the instructional process.
Computer-Managed Instruction (CMI) - The use of the computer in an instructional process in which student progress is monitored and recorded for subsequent instructions and review. Most CMI applications are also able to adjust material to each individual student’s level of understanding.
Computer-Mediated Communications (CMC) - The use of computer systems that incorporate communications software such as e-mail or LISTSERVs to enhance distance learning and computer-managed instruction applications.
Connectivity - Refers to the communications facilities (i.e., coaxial or fiber optic cable, telephone systems, computer equipment) that enable users to connect to computer networks.
CPU - Central Processing Unit. The brain of the computer.
Desktop - The main directory of the user interface. Desktops usually contain icons that represent links to the hard drive, a network (if there is one), and a trash or recycling can for files to be deleted. It can also display icons of frequently used applications, as requested by the user.
Desktop Videoconferencing - Videoconferencing on a personal computer.
Dial-Up Teleconference - Using public telephone lines for communications links among various locations.
Digital - Describes any system based on discontinuous data or events. Computers are digital machines because at their most basic level they can distinguish between just two values, 0 and 1, or off and on. An electrical signal that varies in discrete steps in voltage, frequency, amplitude, locations, etc. Digital signals can be transmitted faster and more accurately than analog signals.
Digital Video Interactive (DVI) - A format for recording digital video onto compact disc allowing for compression and full motion video.
Diskette - A floppy disc, 3.5" square, usually inserted into the computer and can store about 1.4 megabytes of data. The 3.5" square “floppies” have a very thin, flexible disc inside. There is also an intermediate-sized floppy disc, trademarked Zip discs, which can store 250 megabytes of data.
Distance Education - The process of providing instruction when students and instructors are separated by physical distance and technology, often in tandem with face-to-face communication, is used to bridge the gap.
Distance Learning - The desired outcome of distance education.
Domain - Represents an IP (Internet Protocol) address or set of IP addresses that comprise a domain. The domain name appears in URLs to identify web pages or in email addresses.
Downlink - The transmission of data from a communications satellite to an earth station.
Download- The process of transferring information from a web site (or other remote location on a network) to the computer. It is possible to “download a file” or “view a download.” v. To transfer information from a web site (or other remote location on a network) to the computer.
DSL - Digital Subscriber Line. A method of connecting to the Internet via a phone line. A DSL connection uses copper telephone lines but is able to relay data at much higher speeds than modems and does not interfere with telephone use.
DVD - Acronym for "Digital Versatile Disc" or "Digital Video Disc" (originally "video", later changed to "versatile) Similar to a CD-ROM, it stores and plays both audio and video.
Electronic Bulletin Board - Also known as a Bulletin Board System or BBS. A group e-mail or mailing list that allows all participants to post and read messages.
Email (Electronic mail) - Sending messages from one computer user to another.
Emoticon - A text-based expression of emotion created from keyboard characters that mimics a facial expression when viewed with your head tilted to the left.
Ethernet - A type of network.
FAX (Facsimile) - System used to transmit textual or graphical images over standard telephone lines.
Fiber Optic Cable - Glass fiber that is used for laser transmission of video, audio, and/or data.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) - A protocol that allows you to move files from a distant computer to a local computer using a network like the Internet.
Fire Wire - High-speed data transfer. Frequently used to import video to a computer.
Firewall - A set of security programs that protect a computer from outside interference or access via the Internet.
Flame - A searing e-mail or newsgroup message in which the writer attacks another participant in overly harsh, and often personal, terms. Flames are an unfortunate, but inevitable, element of unmoderated conferences.
Floppy Disk - a 3.5" square, usually inserted into the computer and can store about 1.4 megabytes of data.
Frequency - The space between waves in a signal. The amount of time between waves passing a stationary point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - A collection of information on the basics of any given subject, often used on the WWW.
Full Motion Video - Signal which allows transmission of complete action taking place at the origination site.
Fully Interactive Video (Two way interactive video) - Two sites interact with audio and video as if they were co-located.
Gigabyte - Giga- Equal to1024 megabytes (Also called a "gig"). Terabyte- A thousand gigabytes
Graphical User Interface (GUI) - The graphic display of software options in the form of icons and pictures that can be selected, usually by a pointing device such as a mouse. It is considered a feature of user-friendly software such as that provided on the Macintosh operating system, Microsoft Windows, and many software application packages.
Hard Drive - another name for the hard disc that stores information information in a computer.
Home Page - A document with an address (URL) on the world wide web maintained by a person or organization which contains pointers to other pieces of information.
Host - A network computer that can receive information from other computers.
HTML - acronym for "Hypertext Markup Language." A standard of text markup conventions used for documents on the World Wide Web. Browsers interpret the codes to give the text structure and formatting (such as bold, blue, or italic).
Hyperlink - Text or an image that is connected by hypertext coding to a different location. By selecting the text or image with a mouse, the computer “jumps to” (or displays) the linked text.
Hypermedia - A computer-based information retrieval system for accessing sound, text, images, graphics, or video in a non-sequential or nonlinear format.
Hypertext - A document which has been marked up to allow a user to select words or pictures within the document, click on them, and connect to further information.
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) - The protocol used to signify an Internet site is a WWW site, i.e. HTTP is a WWW address.
Icon - Symbols or illustrations appearing on the computer screen that indicate program files or other computer functions.
Instant Messaging - An email application that announces itself immediately on your screen instead of waiting patiently in your inbox.
Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS) - Microwave-based, high-frequency television used in educational program delivery.
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) - A telecommunications standard allowing communications channels to carry voice, video, and data simultaneously.
Interactive Media - Frequency assignment that allows for a two-way interaction or exchange of information.
Internet - The network of networks that provides the basic protocol standard for allowing data communications systems to link themselves together throughout the world.
Internet Relay Chat (IRC) - Computer software that allows multiple parties to participate in synchronous (same time) communications on the Internet.
Internet Service Provider (ISP) - A company that provides access to the Internet.
Java - An object-oriented programming language designed specifically for programs (particularly multimedia) to be used over the Internet. Java allows programmers to create small programs or applications (applets) to enhance Web sites.
Javascript - A programming language similar to Java that generally operates with browser software.
Listserv - An e-mail program that allows multiple computer users to connect onto a single system, creating an on-line discussion.
Local Area Network (LAN) - Two or more local computers that are physically connected.
Megabytes - Equal to 1,048,576 bytes (also called a “meg”).
Menu - A context-related list of options that users can choose from.
Modem (modulator-demodulator) - A piece of equipment to allow computers to interact with each other via telephone lines by converting digital signals to analog for transmission along analog lines. Modem is a contraction for the process it performs: modulate-demodulate.
Mouse - A small hand-held device used to control the position of the cursor on the video display; movements of the mouse on a desktop correspond to movements of the cursor on the screen.
Multimedia - Any document which uses multiple forms of communication, such as text, audio, and/or video.
Multi-Point Control Unit (MCU) - Computerized switching system which allows point-to-multipoint videoconferencing.
Network - A series of points connected by communication channels in different locations.
Online - Active and prepared for operation. Also suggests access to a computer network.
Operating System - A set of instructions that tell a computer on how to operate when it is turned on. It sets up a filing system to store files and tells the computer how to display information on a video display.
Password - A secret series of characters that enables a user to access a file, computer, or program. On multi-user systems, each user must enter his or her password before the computer will respond to commands. The password helps ensure that unauthorized users do not access the computer.
Peripheral - Any external device attached to a computer to enhance operation. Examples include external hard drive, scanner, printer, speakers, keyboard, mouse, trackball, stylus and tablet, and joystick.
Pixel - Short for picture element. A point on a grid such as a video screen that represents a single dot of light. Text and images are developed by manipulating many pixels. Graphics monitors display pictures by dividing the display screen into thousands (or millions) of pixels, arranged in rows and columns. The pixels are so close together that they appear connected.
Plug-in - A dynamic computer code module that performs a specific task that generally is made available or functions with a browser. A hardware or software module that adds a specific feature or service to a larger system. The idea is that the new component simply plugs in to the existing system.
Pop - up Window- A window that suddenly appears (pops up) when you select an option with a mouse or press a special function key. Usually, the pop-up window contains a menu of commands and stays on the screen only until you select one of the commands. It then disappears.
Ports - An interface on a computer to which you can connect a device. Personal computers have various types of ports. Internally, there are several ports for connecting disk drives, display screens, and keyboards. Externally, personal computers have ports for connecting modems, printers, mice, and other peripheral devices.
PPP - A software package which allows a user to have a direct connection to the Internet over a telephone line.
Protocol - A formal set of standards, rules, or formats for exchanging data that assures uniformity between computers and applications.
RAM - Acronym for "Random Access Memory". One of two basic types of memory. Portions of programs are stored in RAM when the program is launched so that the program will run faster. Also called memory.
ROM - Acronym for "Read-Only Memory". One of two basic types of memory. ROM contains only permanent information put there by the manufacturer. Information in ROM cannot be altered, nor can the memory be dynamically allocated by the computer or its operator.
Router - An intermediary device on a communications network that accepts and routes messages from one point on the network to any other point on same network.
Satellite TV - Video and audio signals are relayed via a communication device that orbits around the earth.
Scroll - To view consecutive lines of data on the display screen. The term scroll means that once the screen is full, each new line appears at the edge of the screen and all other lines move over one position. The term vertical scrolling refers to the ability to scroll up or down. Horizontal scrolling means that the image moves sideways.
Search engine - Software that provides keyword and other search facilities for locating information on the World Wide Web. Examples include Google, Lycos, Yahoo, and Alta Vista.
Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP) - Allows a user to connect to the Internet directly over a high speed modem.
Server - A computer with a special service function on a network, generally receiving and connecting incoming information traffic.
Software - Computer programs; see also “applications.”
Spam - Electronic junk mail or junk newsgroup postings.
Synchronous - Coinciding in time. (Also called "real-time"). Synchronous communication technologies require the simultaneous participation of the communicating parties. Internet Chat and the bullhorn are two examples of synchronous communication technologies.
T-1 (DS-1) - High speed digital data channel that is a high volume carrier of voice and/or data. Often used for compressed video teleconferencing. T-1 has 24 voice channels.
T-3 (DS-3) - A digital channel which communicates at a significantly faster rate than T-1.
Telecommunication - The science of information transport using wire, radio, optical, or electromagnetic channels to transmit receive signals for voice or data communications using electrical means.
Teleconferencing - Two way electronic communication between two or more groups in separate locations via audio, video, and/or computer systems.
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) - A protocol which makes sure that packets of data are shipped and received in the intended order.
Transponder - Satellite transmitter and receiver that receives and amplifies a signal prior to re-transmission to an earth station.
Uniform Resource Locator (URL) -1. The protocol for identifying a document on the Web. 2. A Web address (e.g., www.census.gov). A URL is unique to each user.
Upload - The process of transferring information from a computer to a web site (or other remote location on a network). v. To transfer information from a computer to a web site (or other remote location on a network).
USB- Universal Serial Bus. An industry standard for connecting different compatible peripheral devices across multiple platforms. Devices include printers, digital cameras, scanners, game pads, joysticks, keyboards and mice, and storage devices.
Username - A name used to gain access to a computer system. Usernames, and often passwords, are required in multi-user systems. In most such systems, users can choose their own usernames and passwords.
Virus - An unauthorized piece of computer code attached to a computer program or portions of a computer system that secretly copies itself from one computer to another by shared discs and over telephone and cable lines. It can destroy information stored on the computer, and in extreme cases, can destroy operability.
Window - A portion of a computer display used in a graphical interface that enables users to select commands by pointing to illustrations or symbols with a mouse. “Windows” is also the name Microsoft adopted for its popular operating system.
Worm- a type of virus that launches an application that destroys information on your hard drive. It also sends a copy of the virus to everyone in the computer's e-mail address book.
WWW - Acronym for the "World Wide Web"A network of servers on the Internet that use hypertext linked databases and files. The feature that distinguishes the Web from other Internet applications is its ability to display graphics in addition to text.