| Application software | Application software is the software that allows you to perform tasks such as writing a term paper, surfing the Web, keeping a home budget, and creating slides for a presentation.
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| Button | Button is a graphic representation of something that you click on once with the left mouse button.
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| Central processing unit (CPU or processor) | Central processing unit (CPU or processor) is the chip that carries out instructions it receives from your software.
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| Chat room | Chat room is a virtual meeting place on the Web in which you can communicate live with other people who happen to be on the Web at the same time.
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| Computer (or computer system) | Computer (or computer system) is a set of tools that helps you perform information-related tasks.
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| Computer virus (virus) | Computer virus (virus) is a piece of software designed intentionally to cause annoyance or damage.
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| Desktop computers | Desktop computers are the most popular choice for personal computing needs, with prices ranging from about $500 to several thousand dollars.
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| Ethics | Ethics is the set of principles and standards we use in deciding what to do in situations that affect other people.
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| Graphical user interface (GUI) | Graphical user interface (GUI) is a graphic or icon-driven interface on which you use your mouse to start software (such as a Web browser), use that software, and initiate various other functions.
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| Hardware | Hardware includes the physical devices that make up your computer system.
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| Icon | Icon is a graphic representation of something that you click on twice or double-click.
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| Input device | Input device captures information and translates it into a form that can be processed and used by other parts of your computer.
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| Link | Link (the technical term is hyperlink) is clickable text or an image that allows you to move from one Web site to another or move to different places within the same Web site.
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| Mainframe computer | Mainframe computer (sometimes just called a mainframe) is a computer designed to meet the computing needs of hundreds of people in a large business environment.
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| Minicomputer | Minicomputer (sometimes called a mid-range computer) is designed to meet the computing needs for several people simultaneously in a small to medium size business environment.
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| Notebook computer | Notebook computer (sometimes called a laptop computer) is a small, portable, fully-functional computer designed for you to carry around and run on battery power.
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| Output device | Output device takes information within your computer and presents it to you in a form that you can understand.
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| Personal digital assistants (PDAs) | Personal digital assistants (PDAs) or “palm-top” computers are small hand-held computers that help you surf the Web and perform simple tasks such as note taking, calendaring and appointment scheduling, and maintaining an address book.
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| RAM (random access memory) | RAM (random access memory) is temporary memory that holds software instructions and information for the CPU.
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| Software | Software is the set of instructions that your computer hardware executes to process information for you.
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| Storage device | Storage device stores information so you can recall and use that information at a later time.
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| Supercomputers | Supercomputers are the fastest, most powerful, and expensive type of computer.
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| System software | System software is the software that details how your computer carries out technology-specific tasks.
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| Telecommunications device | Telecommunications device helps you communicate information to people in other locations.
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| Web browser software (Web browser) | Web browser software (or a Web browser) is software that allows you to surf the Web.
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| Web site | Web site is a specific location on the Web where you visit, gather information, and perhaps order products.
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| Web site address (or site address) | Web site address (or site address) is a unique name that identifies a specific Web site on the Web.
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2002 McGraw-Hill Higher Education