English, baby!

Computer Slang A B C

Date: Oct 02 2007

Lesson

A
ActiveX New technology that improves video and audio output.
Add-on Hardware added to a computer after purchase to enhance ability.
Archive To remove old files either by storeing them on other disks, tapes, or computers
Archive Compressing them into smaller zip files.

B
Bandwidith data flow
Beta Program or system that has been written, and is in the process of being tested and fine tuned.
Browse Same as Surf - to get on the internet and look at different areas.
Buffer A holding area (memory) that stores information, keystrokes, commands, print pages, etc. until the processor or device is ready for it.
Bug Program code that causes a computer to malfunction or doesn't work as intended
Burn Usually refers to creating a CD-ROM
Bus The boards and wiring inside a computer that the information travels on
Byte A single character or instruction of computer language.
Backdoor A hidden or undocumented login account or access level to a program or system

C
Cache (Memory) Special area of memory that stores recent commands so they can be executed faster than calling the information back from the Hard Drive again
Cache (Disk) There is also disk cache that is more software related, it basically hold information in memory as it is writing to the disk, and allows the user to continue without waiting until the writing is done.
Cascade (interrupts) Refers to one IRQ keeping the information it needs, then releasing remaining info to another device so 2 thing share a portion of an interrupt.
Cascade (menu) Menu system that lists a handful of options, then each option pops out more options when highlighted, or clicked on
Cascade (windows) Method of displaying 'Windows' so that edges of each are displayed with one on top of the other.
CD writer Hardware that will put information / files on to a CD-ROM disk
Chips Little 'blocks' of silicon with embedded transistor material that process information (CPU)
Cold Boot Start a computer by turning the power off and then turning it on.
Consoles The little 'extra' boxes that pop up when you go to a web site
Control Alt Delete 3 keys often pressed at the same time to 're'-start a computer (Ctrl+Alt+Del)
Corrupted (files / download) Means the entire file is not in tact or proper order.
Crash Hard Drive fails -or- program locks up
Cursor It usually refers to where the mouse pointer is, or area of program where typing will occur.
Cursor In DOS it is the blinking line or box after the C:>,
Cut and Paste A Process of removing something (picture, text, etc.) from one program or file and putting it into another. Cut differs from copy in that you remove the original when you cut, and you make a duplicate when you copy.
Cyber The internet (ie cybersex=look at XXX-pics, cybersurf=check out web sites)
Cyber junkie A person addicted to surfing the net
Cybersex View or download pornographic video, or graphics from the internet.
Cybershop Purchase items over the internet.
Cyberspace The internet