Address:  A location of a site on the Internet.   

B

Backup:  A copy of a file, usually on a 3½ floppy disk.  Kept in case the original is lost or damaged.  It’s a good idea to keep backup copies of all your important files.

Binary:  A base two number system, in which only digits 0 and 1 are used.  This system is used in computers since it can be implemented as a series of electronic symbols that are either off (0) or on (1).  While it is possible to convert numbers from binary to decimal manually, many calculators and calculator programs can do the work for you.

Bits Per Second (BPS):  A way of measuring the speed at which information is passed between two devices.  This is the basic measure used in modem communications. 

C

CD-ROM:  Compact Disk Read Only Memory.  A high-capacity (approximately 650 MB) storage medium that uses laser optics rather than magnetic means for reading data.  The system can read data from these disks, but not write to  these disks.  There are compact disk burners that can read and write to these disks.

Central Processing Unit (CPU):  The chips where all the computing takes place.  It is often referred to as the “brain” of the computer.  The CPU takes information from outside sources, such as memory or keyboard input, processes it and sends it, results to another outside device such as the display.    

Chip:  A small piece of silicon containing circuits for processing, memory, and/or other computer functions.  Chips are connected to printed circuit boards.

Cisco Systems:  The company that almost single handedly networked the Web.

Component:  A part of the computer system.  Many components are combined to create the whole system. 

Click and Drag:  A process by which a file is moved to a different location in a program such as Windows Explorer.

 D

Default:  Values or options selected by the processor or a program when you do not specify a setting.

Device:  A component attached to the system.  Internal devices include the hard disk, CD-ROM, and display.  You can also connect external devices to such things as a serial port or a USB.

Device Driver:  A   program that controls communication a device and the computer.

Disable:  To turn a computer function off.

Disk:  A circular platter coated with a magnetic material, that can store computer information.  The platter is enclosed inside of a protective case, except for a compact disk.

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