Technology - Vocabulary

  • ACTA - Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement - an agreement among several countries to set up a governing organization to set rules/enforce laws about counterfeit goods. This means physical goods such as clothes, medicine, and computers but also intangible goods such as digital work and copyright infringement. - On October 1, 2011 these countries signed the agreement: United States, Australia, Canada, Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Morocco, and Singapore. In addition the European Union, Mexico, and Switzerland attended the ceremony and are preparing to sign the agreement soon.

  • Adware - advertising software downloaded onto your computer - it creates annoying advertising banners and pop-ups

  • Analog - continuous electrical signals (think of a wave)

  • Application - a program designed for an end user (someone like you or me) as opposed to a system program which helps the computer run. Some examples of application programs are MS Word, Facebook, and Google Chrome

  • AUP: Acceptable Use Policy - an organization's rules for using technology resources - this is usually an agreement that is signed by the employee or user (in this case: you)

  • AVI - Audio/Video Interleaved - a type of video file

  • Bandwidth: the amount of data that can be sent over a transmission line

  • Binary - a base 2 number system - this means the only digits available are 0 and 1 - all computer programs are executed in binary form

  • Bit - Binary Digit - the smallest unit of information on a computer, represented as either a 0 or a 1

  • Bluetooth - a short-range wireless connection

  • Blu-ray - a high definition DVD - uses an ultraviolet blue laser light

  • Bookmarks/Favorites - links to websites that you want to be able to get back to easily - to view and add look for the yellow star on the toolbar, and the yellow star with a green + sign on it

  • Botnet - a computer "robot" that is serving a master - usually it has been installed a home computer with a trojan and often the owner doesn't realize it is there. Computers that are being used like this are called "zombies" - they often forward tranmissions to other computers on the internet

  • Broadband Broad Bandwidth - transmits large amounts of data at one time (if dial-up is like a single lane road then broadband is like a highway)

  • Browser - an application program that lets you look at information on the world wide web (examples: Internet Explorer, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome)

  • Burn - to write data to a disc such as as CD or DVD - the word burn is used because a laser literally "burns" the data onto the disc

  • Byte - a byte is equal to 8 bits - computer data storage is measured in bytes

  • KB (kilo) = approximately 1,000 bytes (thousands)
    MB (mega) = approximately 1,000,000 bytes (millions)
    GB (giga) = approximately 1,000,000,000 bytes (billions)
    TB (tera) - approximately 1,000,000,000,000 bytes (trillions)

  • C-drive: this is the local hard drive for the computer that you are sitting at - saving something here means it only lives here and cannot be accessed from anywhere else

  • Cable - Uses cable TV lines to connect a computer to the internet - considered a broadband type of connection

  • CD-R and DVD-R - can be written to only once

  • CD-RW and DVD-RW - rewriteable - can be written to, erased, and used again

  • Clickjacking - when code is hidden underneath an image on a website - when you click on the image or "link" what you really do is grant access to the question or code underneath. Not good - as always, be careful of clicking on anything if you are on a website that might be questionable - this includes blogs

  • Codec - (coder/decoder) - A program that shrinks large movies so you can play them on your computer - be wary of any site that tells you to install a codec from a link - this is one way to spread a virus - if you do need a particular codec go get it from a reputable site and never click on a direct link

  • Cookie - small text files stored on your computer - they contain information about you used by a particular website

  • Cover Letter - a letter you send with a resume to introduce yourself and describe why you would like a particular job

  • CPU - Central Processing Unit - the "brain" of the computer

  • Cyberbullying - willful and repeated harm inflicted through the medium of electronic text

  • Data Compression - reducing the size of a file so that it can be stored in a smaller area. This is what is used to create MP3 and MP4 files. It is also how Zip folders are created. If all the audio in your 4 Gig iPod Nano were in an uncompressed format, you'd only be able to store about 4 or 5 albums.

  • Database - a collection of data that is easily organized in various ways - think about how iTunes arranges your music displays

  • Decibel - A measure of sound. A whisper is about 20 dB. A normal conversation is typically from 60 to 70 dB, and a noisy factory from 90 to 100 dB. Loud thunder is approximately 110 dB, and 120 dB borders on the threshold of pain. For MP3 players anything over 80 dB would be considered dangerous.

  • Defrag - this rearranges the data on the hard drive to make better use of the space - it just moves things around but does NOT delete anything

  • Denial of Service Attack - when someone tries to disrupt services needed to conduct daily work - this can be physical damage but can also be internet services needed by a user or business

  • Dial-up - uses the phone line to connect to the internet by dialing a number

  • Digital - packets of electrical signals (binary code 0,1) (think of boxes)

  • Disk Cleanup - this deletes old files that are no longer needed by the computer

  • Domain Name System - (DNS) -a massive database that matches each text name to an IP address. Some examples of domain names are: kellysclass.info, google.com, verizon.net, neu.edu, worldwildlife.org

  • Drive-by download - a program that is automatically installed on your computer just by visiting a website

  • Driver - software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware (for example: a printer) - you generally need the drivers to install a new piece of equipment - they are often included on a CD or you can get them online

  • DRM (Digital Rights Management) - a system of copyrighting data by putting an encryption or other type of code on it. Apple does this with iTunes songs that you purchase.

  • DSL- Digital Subscriber Line - uses part of existing phone lines to provide an broadband internet connection - needs to be within a certain distance of a phone provider hub and does not interfere with regular phone use

  • .exe - extension that indicates an executable file which is really just another name for a computer program - it means code will execute, or run, when you open this - be careful!

  • Encryption - the conversion of data into a secret code so it can be passed to another computer safely

  • Etheret - a local area network technology - uses cable to connect to computers

  • Excel Vocabulary

    Excel: an electronic spreadsheet program that allows you to store and manipulate data
    Worksheet: one page of an Excel workbook
    Cell: one block in the worksheet
    Cell Reference: the cell and column number, for example A1 or C3 (like bingo)
    Formula: allows you perform an equation in the worksheet
    Function: a built-in formula
    .xls - the file extension associated with Excel

  • Fiber-Optic - (FIOS) threads of plastic or glass -advantages over wires: can carry more data, less likely to have interference, lighter and thinner, data is sent digitally. While there is FIOS available in most of Massachusetts, there are no plans to bring it to Cape Cod.

  • File Extension - the letters that come after the period in a file name. This identifies the file type to the computer so the right program can be located to open it. Some examples are: .ppt (powerpoint), .doc (word), .jpg (image), .gif (image), .pub (publisher),..xls (excel), mp3 (audio), .htm or .html (html coded webpage

  • Firewall - a device or program that guards the entrance to a computer network

  • Flash Drive: portable memory that can be inserted into a USB outlet - these come in a variety of storage sizes, are compact, and easy to carry. Once upon a time most of us used the old 31/2" floppy disks but these are what we would use today.

  • Gold Farming - playing computer games to harvest virtual gold and other goods that can be sold for real cash - particularly prevalent in China

  • Graphics/Video Card - takes data from the computer and formats it so you can see images on your monitor

  • GIF - Graphics Interchange Format - an image file with limited color (256) - best for images such as clipart

  • Hard Drive - the main storage device on your computer - it is made of discs that are read and written to

  • Hardware - parts of the computer that you can actually touch

  • Hijacking - when your browser settings have been altered by a malware program. Maybe your home page is different or when you search you end up at strange sites.

  • Hotspot - a public place where a wireless connection to the Internet can be picked up - usually for free

  • Hz - Hertz - measures electrical vibrations and frequency- named after Heinrich Hertz, a German physicist. Your computer's processor speed is measured in Hz

  • Input Device - any machine that feeds data into a computer

  • IEEE - (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) - a society of professionals that develop agreed to standards for the international community. One example of their work is the 802.11 (wi-fi) category - so that all wireless communications will be able to talk to each other.

  • IP Address -(Internet Protocol address) - a unique number that indentifies a computer connected to the Internet - for example: type 160.92.103.98 in the address bar

  • Insert Mode - on a PC when this is turned off you will see letters disappearing as you type over them (overwrite or overstrike). Look on your keyboard for the insert button - tap it to turn insert mode on and off.

  • ISP - Internet Service Provider - a company that provides internet access for a fee (Comcast, Verizon, etc.)

  • JPEG or JPG: Joint Photographic Experts Group - an image file with high quality color and resolution - often used for photographs

  • Keylogger - a program that records every keystroke you make and then sends a report (log) back to someone

  • LAN - Local Area Network - a group of computers that share a common communication link (such as a home network)

  • Linkbait - any link that is so compelling ("Click here to win a free iPhone") that you just have to click on it. In some cases, a linkbait is nefarious, taking you to Web site that infects your computer with a virus or displays inappropriate images.

  • Malware - malicious software - designed specifically to disrupt or damage your system - a virus or trojan falls into this category and so does spyware ( in Latin: Mal means bad or evil)

  • MLA - Modern Language Association - this is the guide used at SHS for documenting research

  • Modem - Modulator/Demodulator - converts analog signals (from the phone line) to digital signals (for the computer) and then back again

  • Motherboard - the main circuit board in the computer - it usually holds the CPU and memory

  • MOV - video file (apple quicktime movie)

  • MPEG - Motion Picture Experts Group - a series of file formats that use compression (such as mp3 for audio, mp4 for video)

  • MP3 - (MPEG Audio Layer 3) - compresses a typical Audio CD track (for example a 40MB CD track would be a 4MB MP3 file) - developed in the late 80's but became very popular in the early 90's

  • MP4 - a compressed type of video file with high quality

  • MSWMM - Microsoft Windows Movie Maker extension - this is used for the project while you are working on it. To view the finished project on another computer you must first publish, or save, a movie file (.wmv)

  • Netiquette - manners in the digital world

  • Network - two or more computers that are linked together - there are many types of networks

  • Operating System - organizes and controls the computer hardware and software - it also controls how you can communicate with the computer – some examples are Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Mac OS X versions such as Snow Leopard and Lion

  • Optical Drive - has lasers that can "see", read, and write data on CD and DVD discs

  • Output Device - any machine capable of representing data from a computer

  • P2P - peer-to-peer - a communication method where the computers are equals (hence the term peer) - the users each have a networking software (such as Limewire) installed

  • Path or Pathname: directions to where files and folders are located
    example: C:\Documents and Settings\Username\My Documents
    - when you choose Save As you can always check the pathname to be sure you are putting your files where you want them to be

  • Peripheral Device - any input, output, or storage device connected to a computer

  • Phishing - a type of email or website designed to steal your identity - the sender tries to trick the recepient into giving away personal information

  • PIPA - Protect IP Act - a proposed law with the stated goal of giving the US government and copyright holders additional tools to curb access to "rogue websites dedicated to infringing or counterfeit goods", especially those registered outside the U.S. - It is similar to the SOPA Act

  • Pixel: PIX (picture) Element - the smallest unit on a display screen or in a digital image

  • Plagiarism - to take information directly from a source and pass off the writing and ideas as your own

  • Plug-in - a piece of software or hardware that adds an optional feature - for example: Paint.net has extra plug-in special effects that can be downloaded for use

  • PNG - Portable Network Graphic - this was developed as an alternative to the gif format (mostly due to legal issues)

  • Power Supply - the piece that supplies power or electricity to your computer - this is the part the electric cord plugs into

  • PowerPoint Vocabulary:

    Slide: an individual screen in a presentation
    Object: any element that appears on a slide - including images, text, charts, etc.
    Transition: a special effect used when moving from one slide to another
    Animation: a special effect applied to an object on a slide
    7x7 Rule: No more than 7 facts on a slide, and no more than 7 words in a fact

  • Processing - the manipulation of data according to instructions the computer receives - this is one of the four basic functions of a computer (input, output, processing & storage)

  • Proxy Server - a larger server that all network traffic passes through. Beware: "free" or "open" proxy servers are usually run by hackers - they use the connection to create ads, steal your information and access your computer. You may be at fault if your computer is being used as a connecting point for illegal activity.

  • RAM - Random Access Memory - most common form of computer memory - is used by programs to complete tasks - when the computer is turned off the data stored in it is erased
    Reference - someone who can verify the details in your resume and is familiar with your work performance

  • Resume - a written document that lists your skills, work experience, education and other things about you - used when looking for a job

  • Router - enables communication between computer networks

  • RTLS - short for "real-time location system" and has everything to do with GPS technology, aka the satellites orbiting the Earth. Say you want to ship a copier machine -- you can attach an electronic tag, then use an RTLS to track exactly where the copier is at all times.

  • Satellite - allows broadband connection via satellite - a good option of other broadband connections are not available - cons: may be expensive and weather can interfere

  • Scareware - bogus software that tries to trick you into believing your computer is infected with a virus. Such scams may install malicious software on your computer or collect money for a fake product

  • Screen Capture or Screen Shot - a copy of the screen contents that can be saved as a graphic image. Press the Print Scrn button on your keyboard, and then paste into a graphics program as a new image

  • Server - a computer that receives requests for information, locates it, and sends the information back - a server can also contain data

  • Sexting - the act of sending a text message that explicitly describes sexual acts, desires, or emotions or sending sexual photos or videos. This can put the sender or anyone in possession at risk for prosecution of child pornography.

  • SIM Card - (subscriber identity module) A card in a cell phone that stores individual account data such as user name and number, location settings, and contact list

  • Smishing - short for SMS Phishing - cell phone users are tricked into either downloading viruses, or giving away too much personal information

  • Software - Instructions for the computer - digital data - software is not something you can touch

  • SOPA - Stop Online Piracy Act - The “spirit” of the bill is listed as: ”To promote prosperity, creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation by combating the theft of U.S. property, and for other purposes. The act gives the government the right, without repercussion, to censor any site in the U.S or Internationally based solely on their investigation and the information provided by outside parties. This means YouTube is at risk, among several other sites...

  • Spell Check - a program that will check the spelling of words in a text document - many are also advanced programs that give suggestions for grammar corrections - MS Word has this tool - it can be your friend but don't rely on it to be perfect - you still need to be able to choose the correct spelling sometimes

  • Spider - a robot program that fetches web pages and feeds them to a search engine - also known as a webcrawler

  • Spyware - software downloaded onto your computer without your permission - it collects information about you which might be sent back to a website or generate specific advertising

  • Storage - in computer terms this is holding digital data in an elctromagnetic form - on hard drives, discs and in RAM - we measure this in bytes

  • Text wrap or text flow - used mostly in word processing programs, it is when the text is set to wrap around an image rather than just above or below it

  • Thesaurus - it lists words that have similar meanings - very helpful when you are writing and do not want to repeat yourself - it is a tool you can use in MS Word

  • Tier Lines (T1, T2, T3) - dedicated broadband lines that run from the phone company hub to your home or office - made of copper or fiber optic

  • Top level or first level domain names - the letters at the very end of a domain name - they indicate the type of organization or country. Some examples are .com (commercial), .gov (us government), .uk (united kingdom), .org (a non-profit organization), and many, many more.

  • Transistor - a type of switch that uses electricity to turn off and on- there are no moving parts - (remember binary code? 0 (off) or 1 (on) are the only way the computer processes information)

  • Trojan Horse - a destructive program that pretends to be something friendly to get you to download it. The antivirus 2009 is a good example of a trojan.

  • Uninvited Guest - programs that just pop-up and ask you to reply to a dialog box - usually to try and get you to install a program or go to a dangerous site

  • URL -Uniform or Universal Resource Locator -the complete address for a web page or file, such as http://www.kellysclass.info

  • USB - Universal Serial Bus - a port on the computer to connect peripheral devices

  • User Group - volunteers that generally discuss and share information about a particular technical topic in online postings- Paint.net has a user group that shares tutorials

  • Virus - a program loaded onto your computer without your permission - intends to damage your system in some way

  • Vishing - similar to phishing and smishing - the technique uses voice mail to trick people into either visiting a website and downloading a virus, or giving out personal information

  • WAN - Wide Area Network - a computer network that spans a large geographical area (such as one Comcast or Verizon would supply)

  • Wardriving - searching for and hacking into wireless computer networks from a moving vehicle
    The General Laws of Massachusetts, Chapter 266, Section 120F, state, "Whoever, without authorization, knowingly accesses a computer system by any means, or after gaining access to a computer system by any means knows that such access is not authorized and fails to terminate such access, shall be punished by imprisonment in the house of correction for not more than thirty days or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or both."

  • WAV - Waveform Audio Format - an uncompressed audio file \ with higher quality sound but also high file sizes (1 minute of audio = 10MB WAV compared with 1MB MP3)

  • WEP - Wired Equivalent Privacy - the first security setup for wifi networks - not very strong

  • WiFi - a wireless local area network

  • WMV - WIndows Media Video - an type of video file created and used by Windows operating systems

  • Worm - it is a malicious program that can travel though your computer system and make copies of itself. This is different than a typical virus which needs a human clicking on something to allow the program to run.

  • WPA and WPA2 - WiFi Protected Access 2 - the personal version protects network security by using a password - this is newer and more secure than the original WEP

  • W00T - Wow Loot! - an expression of joy - named "2007 word of the year" by Merriam-Webster Dictionary - significant because it is considered a word even though there are no vowels in it - they may look like the letter o but these are zeroes

  • x-drive: this is a networked drive here at the high school - this means your personal folder is accessible from any computer that is included in the network

  • .zip - a file extension that indicates more than one file that has been compressed into one - think of a zip up binder that holds many folders and papers - to "unzip" a file is to uncompress it - be careful when opening a zip file as there may be other programs inside of it, such as a virus