1. DICTIONARY OFCOMPUTING FIFTH EDITION

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Dictionary Titles in the SeriesSpecialist Dictionaries:Dictionary of Accounting 0 7475 6991 6Dictionary of Banking and Finance0 7475 6685 2Dictionary of Business 0 7475 9680 0Dictionary of Economics0 7475 6632 1Dictionary of Environment and Ecology0 7475 7201 1Dictionary of Hotels, Tourism and Catering Management1 9016 5999 2Dictionary of Human Resources and Personnel Management 0 7475 6623 2Dictionary of ICT0 7475 6990 8Dictionary of Marketing0 7475 6621 6Dictionary of Medical Terms0 7475 6987 8Dictionary of Military Terms 1 9038 5620 5Dictionary of Nursing0 7475 6634 8Dictionary of Science and Technology 0 7475 6620 8English Language:Easier English Basic Dictionary0 7475 6644 5Easier English Basic Synonyms0 7475 6979 7English Study Dictionary 1 9016 5963 1Easier English Student Dictionary0 7475 6624 0English Thesaurus for Students 1 9016 5931 3Check your English Vocabulary Workbooks:Business 0 7475 6626 7Computing1 9016 5928 3English for Academic Purposes0 7475 6691 7PET0 7475 6627 5FCE +0 7475 6981 9IELTS0 7475 6982 7TOEFL 0 7475 6984 3Visit our website for full details of all our books http://www.bloomsbury.com/reference 3. DICTIONARY OFCOMPUTING FIFTH EDITIONS.M.H. Collin 4. www.bloomsbury.com Originally published by Peter Collin PublishingFifth edition published 2004 Fourth edition published 2002Third edition published 1998 Second edition published 1994First published in Great Britain 1988Bloomsbury Publishing Plc38 Soho Square, London W1D 3HB Copyright S.M.H. Collin, 1988, 1994, 1998, 2002 This edition copyright Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2004 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the permission of the publishers. British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British LibraryeISBN-13: 978-1-4081-0225-1 Text processing and computer typesetting by BloomsburyPrinted and bound in Italy by LegoprintText Production and Proofreading Lesley Brown, Stephen Curtis, Howard Sargeant, Megan Thomson, Katy McAdam, Joel Adams, Daisy Jackson, Charlotte ReganAll papers used by Bloomsbury Publishing are natural, recyclable products made from woodgrown in well-managed forests. The manufacturing processes conform to the environmental regulations of the country of origin. 5. PrefaceThis dictionary provides the user with a comprehensive range of the vocabularyused in the field of computing. It covers all aspects of computing, includinghardware, software, peripherals, networks and programming, as well as manyapplications in which computers are used, such as the Internet or desktoppublishing. It also describes the latest developments in networks, the Internet,communications, programming, multimedia, processor design and storagetechnology.Each headword is explained in clear, straightforward English. Examples are givento show how the words and phrases can be used in context. General commentsabout particular items of interest, complex ideas or hardware or softwareapplications are given in separate boxes. Quotations from magazines and journalsare given to show how the words are used in real text.The dictionary includes a number of product names and company names. Thetrademarked names that are included are those that are judged to be of de factoimportance to users or important in the development of computer technology. 6. PronunciationThe following symbols have been used to show the pronunciation of the mainwords in the dictionary.Stress has been indicated by a main stress mark ( ) and a secondary stress mark( ). Note that these are only guides, as the stress of the word changes according toits position in the sentence.Vowels Consonantsback bbuck harm ddead stop otheratype djumpahowffarea hiregolda hour hhead course jyellowannoykcabe head lleaveefair mmixemake nnileosingword pprinti keep rresti happyssave aboutshop fitttakenear t changeu annual theftu pool vvalue book wworktour xlochshutmeasure zzone 7. Computing.fm Page 1 Friday, December 19, 2003 7:16 PMAA1 /e/ symbol the hexadecimal equivalentAaberration / b re()n/ noun 1. dis-aberrationof the decimal number 10tortion of a light beam or image caused byA2 /e/ abbr ampereAdefects in the optical system 2. distortionA: used in some operating systems to de-A:of a television picture caused by a corruptnote the first disk drive on the system signal or incorrect adjustment abbr angstrom ablation / ble()n/ noun a method of ablationabandon / b ndn/ verb to clear aabandonwriting data to an optical storage device indocument, file or work from a computerswhich a laser burns a hole or pit, represent-memory without saving it Once you ing digital bits of data, into the thin metalhave abandoned your spreadsheet, yousurface of the storage devicecannot retrieve it again. COMMENT: A laser burns a hole or pit (whichrepresents digital bits of data) into the thinabb. add. abbr abbreviated addressingabb. add.metal surface of the storage device.abbreviated address / bri vietid abbreviated addressabnormal end / b n m()labnormal endend/ dres/ noun (in a network) a user namenoun same as abendthat has fewer characters than the fullabnormal termination / b n m()labnormal terminationname, making it easier to remember ortype in or faster to decode t m ne()n/ noun same as abendabort / b t/ verb to end a process in theabortabbreviatedaddressing /abbreviated addressing bri vietid dres/ noun the use of ab-event of a malfunction occurs by switchingbreviated addresses. Abbr abb. add. the computer off manually or by an inter-abbreviatedinstallationabbreviated installation/nal feature The program was aborted by bri vietid nst le()n/ noun the in- pressing the red button.aborted connection / b td kaborted connectionstalling of new hardware or software with-out restoring the previous backup settings nek()n/ noun a connection to a net-of the operating system work or online service that has not beenabbreviation / bri vi e()n/ noun aabbreviationshut down correctlyabort sequence / b t si kwns/abort sequenceshort form of a word, command or instruc-tion Within the text, the abbreviationnoun a unique sequence of bits that indi-proc is used instead of processor.cates that the transmission will be termi-ABD abbr Apple Desktop BusABDnated because of a fault, error or powerabend / bend/ noun an unexpectedabendfailureAbout / bat/ a menu selection in theAboutstoppage of a program that is being run,caused by a fault, error or power failure SAA CUA front end that tells you who de-An interrupt from a faulty printer caused veloped the program and gives copyrightan abend. Also called abnormal end, ab- informationabove-the-fold / b v fld/ ad-above-the-foldnormal terminationabend code / bend kd/ noun a spe-abend codejective referring to the part of a webpagecial number, generated by the operating that is seen by all users who call up thesystem, that identifies the type of error thatpage, because they do not have to scrollhas caused a particular problem down to read it. Compare below-the-foldabend recovery program / bend rABR / e bi / noun a service providedabend recovery programABR k v()ri pr r m/ noun a piece of by an ATM network that tries to providesoftware that will reload a program or sys- the bandwidth requested by a customer,tem software and restart it at the point at though it cannot guarantee to do so. Fullwhich an abend occurred form available bit rate 8. Computing.fm Page 2 Friday, December 19, 2003 7:16 PMAB roll 2AB roll / e bi rl/ noun (in a multi- pletely describes the operation to be per-AB rollmedia application) a sequence of two vid- formed, requiring no other dataeo or music segments that are synchro-absolute loader / bslu t ld/absolute loadernised so that one fades as the second startsnoun a program that loads a section ofABS / e bi es/ noun a programming in-code into main memoryABSstruction that returns the magnitude of a absolutemaximumratingabsolute maximum ratingnumber without the numbers sign The/ bslu t m ksmm ret/ noun acommand ABS(-13) will return the answer statement of the maximum values or limits13. Full form absolute function of a systemabsolute address / bslu t dres/absolute positioning / bslu t pabsolute addressabsolute positioningnoun 1. a computer storage address thatz()n/ noun the position of an objectdirectly, without any modification, access- in relation to a point of origines a location or device Program execu-absolute priority / bslu t praabsolute prioritytion is slightly faster if you code only withrti/ noun (in the OS/2 operating sys-absolute addresses. Compare indexed tem) the priority of a process that cannotaddress 2. a computer storage address be changed by the operating systemthat can only access one location alsoabsoluteabsolute programprogram/ bslu tcalled actual address, machine ad- pr r m/ noun a computer programdress written in absolute codeabsolute addressing / bslu t absolute time / bslu t tam/ nounabsolute addressingabsolute time dres/ noun the locating of a data word (in CD-audio) the length of time that anstored in memory by the use of its absolute audio disc has been playingaddress absolute value / bslu t v lju /absolute valueabsolute assembler / bslu t absolute assemblernoun the size or value of a number, regard- sembl/ noun a type of assembly lan- less of its sign The absolute value of guage program designed to produce code62.34 is 62.34.that uses only absolute addresses and val-absorb /b z b/ verb to take in light,absorbues liquid or a signalabsolute cell reference / bslu tabsolute cell referenceabsorptance /b z ptns/ noun aabsorptancesel ref()rns/ noun a spreadsheet refer- measure of how completely an object orence that always refers to the same cell, substance absorbs radiant energy. Oppo-even when copied to another locationsite reflectanceabsolute code / bslu t kd/ nounabsolute codeabsorption /b z pn/ noun the pow-absorptionbinary code that directly operates the cen- er loss of a signal when travelling throughtral processing unit, using only absolute a medium, due to its absorptanceaddresses and values. Also called actualabstract data type / bstr kt detabstract data typecode, basic code tap/ noun a general data type that canabsolute coordinates / bslu tabsolute coordinatesstore any kind of informationk dntz/ plural noun coordinates A-bus /e b s/ noun the main internalA-busthat describe the distance of a point frombus in a microprocessorthe intersection of axesac abbr academic organisation (NOTE:acabsolute device / bslu t d vas/absolute deviceused in email and website addresses)noun an input device such as a tablet orAC abbr alternating currentACmouse that returns the coordinates of apointer within specified axes ACAP / e si e pi / noun an email sys-ACAPtem developed to work with the IMAP4absolute error / bslu t er/ nounabsolute erroremail protocol to provide extra featuresthe value or magnitude of an error, ignor-such as management of an address book.ing its signFull form application configuration ac-absolute expression / bslu t kabsolute expressioncess protocol (NOTE: It was originally spre()n/ noun (in assembly language) termed IMSP (Interactive Mail Supportthe value of an expression that is not af-Protocol).)fected by program relocationACC / e si si / noun the most importantACCabsolutefunction/ bslu tabsolute functioninternal CPU storage register, containing f kn/ noun full form of ABS the data word that is to be processed absolute instruction / bslu t n Store the two bytes of data in registers Aabsolute instruction str kn/ noun an instruction that com-and B and execute the add instruction 9. Computing.fm Page 3 Friday, December 19, 2003 7:16 PM 3accession numberthe answer will be in the ACC. Full form She accessed the employees file stored onaccumulatorthe computer.accelerated graphics port /kaccess arm / kses m/ noun a me-accelerated graphics portaccess arm selretd r fks p t/ noun full chanical device in a disk drive used to po-form of AGPsition the read/write head over the correctacceleration time /k sel re()nacceleration time track on a disk The access arm moves totam/ noun 1. the time taken for a diskthe parking region during transport. access authority / kses rti/ access authoritydrive to spin a disk at the correct speed,from rest Allow for acceleration time in noun permission to carry out a particularthe access time. 2. the total time between operation on dataan access instructions issue to a peripheralaccess-barred / kses b d/ adjec- access-barredand the transfer of the data tive prevented from accessing particularaccelerator board /k sel ret dataaccelerator boardb d/, accelerator card /k sel ret access category / kses k t ()ri/ access categoryk d/ noun a circuit board that carries anoun a category that defines which files orfaster or more advanced version of the data a user can access and which he or shesame processor that runs your computer.cannotAdding an accelerator board to your com- access channel control / kses access channel controlputer makes it run faster.t n()l kn trl/ noun (in a Token-accelerator key /k sel ret ki /Ring network) the set of protocols thataccelerator keynoun a key that, when pressed together manage the data transfer between a stationwith another, carries out a function thatand a medium access controlwould otherwise have to be selected from access charge / kses t d / noun a access chargea menu using a mouse Instead of select-cost due when logging onto a system oring the File menu then the Save option, useviewing special pages on a bulletin boardthe accelerator keys Alt and S to do the access code / kses kd/ noun a se- access codesame thing and save the file.ries of characters or symbols that must beaccept /k sept/ verb to establish a ses-entered to identify a user before access toacceptsion or connection with another comput-a computer is permitteding device access control / kses kn trl/ access controlacceptable usepolicy/knoun a security device such as a passwordacceptable use policy septb()l ju z plsi/ noun a set of that only allows selected users to use arules that describe what a user can write or computer system or read filesdo on the Internet without offending other access control byte / kses kn access control byteusers. Abbr AUP trl bat/ noun (in a Token-Ring net-acceptance sampling /k septnswork) a byte following a start marker in theacceptance sampling s mpl/ noun the testing of a small ran-token that indicates if the station can ac-dom part of a batch to see if the wholecess the networkbatch is up to standardaccess controller / kses kn access controlleracceptance test /k septns test/acceptance testtrl/ noun (in CD-i) an electronic de-noun a test to check that a piece of equip-vice that transfers image data to the videoment will perform as required or will reachcontrollerrequired standards access control list / kses kn trl access control listacceptance testing /k septnsacceptance testing lst/ noun full form of ACL test/ noun the performing of an accept- access counter / kses kant/ access counterance testnoun counter access head / kses hed/ noun the access headaccess / kses/ noun 1. the fact of be-accessing able to reach or use something topart of a disk drive that moves to the cor-have access to the computer room 2. therect part of the disks surface and reads in-fact of being allowed to use a computerformation stored on the disk access hole / kses hl/ noun an access holeand read or alter files stored in it. This isusually controlled by a security deviceopening in both sides of a floppy diskssuch as a password. to deny access tocasing allowing the read-write head to berefuse access to a circuit or system for rea-positioned over the disks surfacesons of workload or security verb to callaccessionnumber /k se()n accession numberup data which is stored in a computer n mb/ noun a number in a record that 10. Computing.fm Page 4 Friday, December 19, 2003 7:16 PMaccess level4shows in which order each record was en-cording changes to an access path in casetered of malfunctionaccess level / kses lev()l/ noun aaccess levelaccess period / kses prid/ nounaccess periodpredefined access category (NOTE: The a period of time during which a user canlowest access level might allow the useraccess datato only view data, the highest access lev-access permission / kses paccess permissionel allows a user to do anything.)m()n/ noun a description of all the ac-access line / kses lan/ noun a per-access linecess rights for a particular usermanently connected communications lineaccess point / kses pnt/ noun aaccess pointbetween a terminal and a computer test point on a circuit board or in software,access log / kses l / noun a file onaccess logallowing an engineer to check signals ora website server computer that contains a datarecord of every visitor to the website, access privilege / kses prvld /access privilegeshowing when a person visited and which noun the status granted to a user that al-pages he or she viewed The access log islows him or her to see, read or alter filesinvaluable we produce graphs of the access provider / kses pr vad/access providerpages that are most popular using an ac-noun same as ISPcess log analyser program.access rights / kses rats/ pluralaccess rightsaccessmechanism / ksesaccess mechanismnoun the rights of a particular user to ac- meknz()m/ noun a mechanical devicecess a particular file or data objectthat moves an access arm over the surface access time / kses tam/ noun 1. theaccess timeof a disk total time that a storage device takes be-access method / kses med/access methodtween the moment the data is requestednoun 1. a means used for the internal and the return of the data The accesstransfer of data between memory and dis-time of this dynamic RAM chip is aroundplay or peripheral devices. Differences in200nS we have faster versions if yourthe methods used are often the cause of system clock is running faster. 2. the lengthcompatibility problems. 2. a set of rules of time required to find a file or program,that allows a device to send data onto a net- either in main memory or a secondarywork. Token passing and CSMA/CD are memory sourcetwo methods commonly used in a localaccess unit / kses ju nt/ noun (in aaccess unitarea network. Token-Ring network) a wiring concentra-access method routines / ksesaccess method routinestor med ru ti nz/ plural noun software accidental / ks dent()l/ adjectiveaccidentalroutines that move data between mainwhich happens by accident Always keepstorage and an output devicebackup copies in case of accidental dam-access name / kses nem/ noun aaccess nameage to the master file.unique name that identifies an object in aaccordion fold / k din fld/, ac-accordion folddatabasecordion fanfold noun method of foldingaccess number / kses n mb/access numbercontinuous paper, one sheet in one direc-noun the telephone number that a compu- tion, the next sheet in the opposite direc-ter dials up in order to be connected to an tion, allowing the paper to be fed into aInternet service provider or other networkprinter continuously with no action on theproviderpart of the user. Also called fanfoldaccessor / kses/ noun a person whoaccessoraccount / kant/ noun (in a networkaccountaccesses data or online system) a record of a usersaccessory /k sesri/ noun an extra,accessoryname, password and rights to access a net-add-on device, e.g. a mouse or printer, thatwork or online system If you are a newis attached to or used with a computer user, you will have to ask the supervisor toThe printer comes with several accesso- create an account for you. verb to keepries including a soundproof hood. (NOTE:track of how much time and resourcesThe plural is accessories.) each user of a network or online systemaccess path / kses p / noun a de-access pathusesscription of the location of a stored fileaccounting package noun a piece ofaccounting packagewithin the directory structure of a disksoftware that automates a businesss ac-access path journalling / ksesaccess path journallingcounting functions We now type in each p d nl/ noun the process of re-transaction into the new accounting pack- 11. Computing.fm Page 5 Friday, December 19, 2003 7:16 PM5acoustic delay lineage rather than write it into a ledger. AlsoACIA / e si a e/ noun a circuit that al-ACIAcalled accounts package lows a computer to transmit and receiveaccount name / kant nem/ nounaccount nameserial data using asynchronous access. Fullthe unique name of a user on a network or form asynchronous communicationsonline system John Smiths accountinterface adaptername is JSMITH. ACK / e si ke/ noun a signal that isACKaccountspackage / kantsaccounts packagesent from a receiver to indicate that a trans- p kd / noun same as accountingmitted message has been received and thatpackage it is ready for the next one The printeraccumulate / kju mjlet/ verb toaccumulategenerates an ACK signal when it has re-gather several things together over a peri- ceived data. Full form acknowledgeod of time We have gradually accumu-Ackermans function / kmnzAckermans functionlated a large databank of names and ad-f kn/ noun a recursive function useddresses. (NOTE: accumulates accumu- to test the ability of a compiler to copelating accumulated) with recursionaccumulator / kju mjlet/, accu-accumulatoracknowledge /k nld / noun fullacknowledgemulator register noun full form of ACCform of ACK verb 1. to tell a sender thataccumulatoraddress /accumulator addressa message or letter has been received 2. tokju mjlet dres/ noun an addresssend a signal from a receiver to show thataccessed by an instruction held in the ACCa transmitted message has been receivedaccumulator shift instruction /accumulator shift instruction(NOTE: acknowledges acknowledging kju mjlet ft n str kn/ noun aacknowledged)command to shift the contents of an ACCacknowledge character /k nldacknowledge characterleft or right by one bit k rkt/ noun a special code sent by a re-accuracy / kjrsi/ noun 1. the extentaccuracyceiver to indicate to the transmitter that theto which something is correct or true 2. themessage has been correctly receivedextent to which a person avoids errors 3.acknowledged mail /k nld dacknowledged mailthe total number of bits used to define anumber in a computer (NOTE: The more mel/ noun a function that signals to thebits allocated the greater the accuracy ofsender when an electronic mail messagethe definition.)has been read by the recipientACL / e si el/ noun a security systemACLaccuracyaccuracy control charactercontrol character/ kjrsi kn trl k rkt/ noun a that has a list of user names and passwordscode that indicates whether data is accu- that is checked by the operating system torate or whether the data should be disre- find out if a particular user is allowed togarded by a particular device access or use a resource or feature of theACD / e si di / noun a specialised tele-ACDshared computer or network. Full form ac-phone system that can handle lots of in-cess control listcoming calls and direct them to a particu-acoustic / ku stk/ adjective referringacousticlar operator according to programmed in-to soundstructions in a database. Full form acoustic coupler / ku stk k pl/acoustic couplerautomatic call distribution noun a device that connects to a telephoneACDI abbr asynchronous communica-ACDIhandset, converting binary computer datations device interfaceinto sound signals to allow it to be trans-ACF abbr advanced communicationsACFmitted down a telephone linefunction COMMENT: The acoustic coupler also convertsACH / e si et/ noun an automatedACH back from sound signals to digital signalsnetwork that links banks together and ena- when receiving messages. It is basically the same as a modem but uses a handset onbles them to handle payments made from which a loudspeaker is placed to send the sig-one bank to another through electronic nals rather than direct connection to thepoints of sale and withdrawals from cash-phone line. It is portable and clips over bothpoints. Full form automated clearing ends of a normal telephone handset. It can be used even in a public phone booth. Thehouseacoustic coupler has generally been replacedachromatic colour / ekrm tkachromatic colour by a direct cable link from the computers mo- k l/ noun a grey colour within the range dem to the standard telephone socket.acoustic delay line / ku stk d leacoustic delay linebetween black and white displayed by agraphics adapterlan/ noun an outdated data storage meth- 12. Computing.fm Page 6 Friday, December 19, 2003 7:16 PMacoustic feedback 6od that delays data in the form of soundActionMedia / kn mi di/ a tradeActionMediapulses as they travel across a medium name for a digital video system developedacoustic feedback / ku stkby Intel that uses its i750 video processoracoustic feedback fi db k/ noun feedback chip to allow a computer to record, playacoustic hood / ku stk hd/ noun aacoustic hoodback and manipulate digital videoaction message / kn mesd /action messagesoundproof cover put over a line printer tocut down its noisenoun a message displayed to inform theacousticacoustic memorymemory/ ku stkuser that an action or input is required mem()ri/ noun same as acoustic storeaction-object / kn b d ekt/ nounaction-objectacoustic panel / ku stk p n()l/acoustic panel(in a SAA CUA front end ) an object tonoun a soundproof panel placed behind a which a user specifies an action should bedevice to reduce noiseappliedactivate / kt vet/ verb 1. to start aactivateacoustic store / ku stk st / nounacoustic storean outdated form of regenerative memory process or to make a device start working Pressing CR activates the printer. 2. (inthat uses an acoustic delay line. Alsoan authoring tool or programming lan-called acoustic memoryguage) to make a button or menu option orACPI / e si pi a/ noun a software sys-ACPIfield on a screen layout available to a usertem that allows the operating system to If the button or field is not activated, it isconfigure compatible hardware automati- normally displayed greyed out and doescally. Full form advanced configuration not respond if a user selects it. (NOTE: ac-and power interface tivates activating activated)acquisition / kw z()n/ noun theacquisitionactive / ktv/ adjective busy, workingactiveaccepting, capturing or collecting of infor-or being usedmationactive application / ktvactive application plAcrobat Adobe Acrobatke()n/ noun (in a multitasking operat-AcrobatACS / e si es/ noun a computer linkedACSing system) an application currently beingto a network that controls several dial-upused by a usermodems and allows remote users to con-active area / ktv eri/ noun 1. (inactive areanect to the server using a modem link and a spreadsheet program) the area that con-gain access to the network. Full form tains data bounded by the top left handasynchronous communication server corner and the bottom right hand cell 2. (inaction / kn/ noun (in a SAA CUA a graphical window) an area that will startactionfront end ) a user event, e.g. pressing a spe-or select a function if the user moves thecial key, that moves the cursor to the action pointer into it with a mousebar at the top of the screenactive cell / ktv sel/ noun the spread-active cellaction bar / kn b / noun a top linesheet cell that is currently selected with aaction barof the screen that displays the menu namescursor or pointeraction bar pull-down / kn bactive code page / ktv kdaction bar pull-downactive code pagepl/ noun (in a SAA CUA front end ) a fea- ped / noun a code page currently in useture whereby the full menu is displayed by the systembelow the menu name when a user moves active database / ktv detbes/active databasethe cursor to a particular menu name on noun a database file currently being ac-the action barcessed by a database management pro-action code / kn kd/ noun (in a gramaction codeSAA CUA front end ) a single letter associ- active device / ktv d vas/ noun anactive deviceated with a particular menu option to electronic component that requires electri-speed up selection. When the letter actioncal power to operate and provides gain orcode is pressed, the menu option is select- a logical functioned. ActiveActive DocumentDocument/ ktvaction cycle / kn sak()l/ noun dkjmnt/ noun a standard Windowsaction cyclethe series of steps required to carry out a application that is accessed from within aprocess or operation on data, e.g. reading, web browser and controlled by specialprocessing, output and storagecommands in the webpageaction list / kn lst/ noun (in a SAA active file / ktv fal/ noun a file thataction list active fileCUA front end ) a list of choices is currently being worked on 13. Computing.fm Page 7 Friday, December 19, 2003 7:16 PM 7 actual data transfer rateactive gateway / ktvactive gatewayetwe/active storage / ktv st rd / noun active storagenoun (in a network) a gateway that ex- a main storage, fast access RAM whose lo-changes routing informationcations can be directly and immediatelyactive high / ktv ha/ noun an elec-active high addressed by the CPUtronic signal that is valid when it is high or active streaming format / ktv active streaming formatlogical one or at five voltsstri m f m t/ noun full form of ASFactive hub / ktv h b/ noun a hubactive video / ktv vdi s n()l/,active hub active videothat selectively directs packets of data ac- active video signal noun a part of a vid-cording to their address or contenteo signal that contains picture informationactive line / ktv lan/ noun a line inActiveVRML / ktv vi em el/active line ActiveVRMLa communications link or port that is beingnoun VRMLused to transfer data or carry control sig-active window / ktv wnd/ noun active windownals 1. an area of the display screen where theactive link / ktv lk/ noun a linkactive link operator is currently working 2. (in a GUIcurrently being used to transfer informa-or SAA CUA front end ) the window that istion currently the focus of cursor movementsactive low / ktv l/ noun an elec- and screen displays. windowactive lowtronic signal that is valid when it is low orActiveX / ktv eks/ a trade name for a ActiveXlogical zero or at zero voltsprogramming language and program defi-active menu / ktv menju / noun aactive menu nition used to create small applications de-menu selection currently displayed below signed to enhance the functionality of aa menu bar webpage. Java, VBScriptactive node / ktv nd/ noun aactive node COMMENT: ActiveX applications, called ap-node on a network connected to or availa-plets, are often used to add database or mul- timedia effects to a website that cannot beble to connect to another node supported with basic HTML commands.active pixel region / ktv pks()lactive pixel region When a user visits the web page that uses the ri d n/ noun an area of a computer ActiveX applet, the program is automatically downloaded by the users browser and run onscreen that can display graphic image in-the users computer.formation activities / k tvtiz/ plural noun jobs activitiesactive printer / ktv prnt/ noun aactive printer or tasks which are being performed on aprinter that is currently connected to the computercomputers printer port activity level / k tvti lev()l/ noun activity levelactive program / ktv pr r m/active program the maximum number of jobs that can runnoun (in a multitasking system) a pro- in a multitasking systemgram that is currently in control of the activity light / k tvti lat/ noun activity lightprocessor small light or LED on the front of a diskactive record / ktv rek d/ noun aactive record drive or computer that indicates when therecord that is being updated or accessed disk drive is reading or writing data to diskactive region / ktv ri d ()n/ nounactive region activity loading / k tvti ld/ activity loadingan area on a screen that will start an actionnoun a method of organising disk contentsor has been defined as a hotspot so that the most often accessed files or pro-Active Server Page / ktv s vActive Server Page grams can be loaded quicklyped / noun a webpage that is created activity ratio / k tvti rei/ noun activity ratioonly when accessed by a visitor, allowingthe website to display up-to-date informa- the number of files currently in use com-tion or information from a database Thepared to the total stored activity trail / k tvti trel/ noun a activity traildatabase search results page is imple-mented as an Active Server Page. Abbrrecord of activities carried out actual address / ktul dres/ actual addressASPactive star / ktv st / noun a net-active star noun same as absolute address actual code / ktul kd/ noun actual codework consisting of a central point withnodes branching out, in which a centralsame as absolute codeprocessor controls and routes all messages actual data transfer rate / ktul actual data transfer ratebetween devices det tr nsf ret/ noun the averageactive state / ktv stet/ noun an number of data bits transferred in a periodactive stateelectronic state in which an action occurs of time 14. Computing.fm Page 8 Friday, December 19, 2003 7:16 PMactual instruction8actual instruction / ktul nadaptive packet assembly /actual instructionadaptive packet assembly str kn/ noun the resulting instructiond ptv p kt sembli/ noun a methodexecuted after the modification of an orig- used by the MNP error correcting protocolinal instructionto adjust the size of data packets accordingactuator / ktet/ noun a mechani-to the quality of the telephone line. Theactuatorcal device that can be controlled by an ex- better the line, the bigger the packet size.ternal signal, e.g. the read/write head in aadaptive routing / d ptv ru t/adaptive routingdisk drivenoun the ability of a system to change itsACU / e si ju / noun a device that al- communications routes in response to var-ACUlows a computer to call stations or dial tel- ious events or situations such as line fail-ephone numbers automatically. Full form ure (NOTE: The messages are normallyautomatic calling unitsent along the most cost-effective pathad abbr Andorra (NOTE: used in emailadunless there is a problem with that route,and website addresses)in which case they are automatically re-A/D abbr analog to digitalA/D routed.)adaptive system / d ptv sstm/adaptive systemADA / e di e/ noun a high-level pro-ADAgramming language that is used mainly innoun a system that is able to alter its re-military, industrial and scientific fields of sponses and processes according to inputscomputing or situationsadaptor / d pt/ noun another spell-adaptoradapt / d pt/ verb to change, adjust oradaptmodify something so that it fits Can this ing of adapterADB abbr Apple Desktop BusADBcomputer be adapted to take 5.25 inchdisks?ADC / e di si / noun an electronic de-ADCadaptation / d p te()n/ noun the vice that converts an analog input signal toadaptationability of a device to adjust its sensitivity a digital form, which can be processed byrange according to various situations a computer. Full form analog to digitaladapter / d pt/, adaptornoun a de-adapterconverteradd / d/ verb 1. to put figures together toaddvice that allows two or more incompatibledevices to be connected togethermake a total 2. to put things together toadapter card / d pt k d/ noun aadapter cardform a larger group The software housecard that plugs into an expansion bus in ahas added a new management package toPC and adds a new function to the compu-its range of products.addend / dend/ noun the number add-addendter or allows it to communicate with anoth-er device (NOTE: A sound card is a type ofed to the augend in an additionadapter card that plugs into an expan-adder / d/ noun a device or routineaddersion connector and allows sound to be that provides the sum of two or more in-played back or recorded.) puts, either digital or analogadapter plug / d pt pl / noun aadapter plug COMMENT: A parallel adder takes one clock cy-plug that allows plugs with different num- cle to add two words, a serial adder takes abers or shapes of pins to be fitted into the time equal to the number of bits in a word to add.same socketadder-subtractor / d sb tr kt/adder-subtractoradaptive channel allocation /adaptive channel allocationnoun a device that can either add or sub- d ptv t n()l l ke()n/ nountractprovision of communications channels ac-add file / d fal/ noun a file in whichadd filecording to demand rather than a fixed allo-cationnew records are stored prior to updatingadaptive compression / d ptvadaptive compressionthe main databaseadd-in / d n/ noun, adjective some-add-inkm pre()n/ noun a data compressionsystem that continuously monitors the datathing that is added to something else ad-it is compressing and adjusts its own algo- jective that is added to something elseaddition / d()n/ noun an arithmeticadditionrithm to provide the most efficient com-pressionoperation that produces the sum of an ad-adaptive differential pulse codeadaptive differential pulse code modulationdend and augendmodulation / d ptv df ren()ladditional / d()nl/ adjective whichadditional p ls kd mdju le()n/ noun fullis added or extra Can we link three addi-form of ADPCM tional workstations to the network? 15. Computing.fm Page 9 Friday, December 19, 2003 7:16 PM9addressing methodaddition record / d()n rek d/addition recordaddress base / dres bes/ noun theaddress basenoun a record with changes used to update part of an address that defines the origin toa master record or file which the logical address is addedaddition time / d()n tam/ nounaddition timeaddress book / dres bk/ noun 1. (inaddress bookthe time an adder takes to carry out an ad- a network) a list of node addresses 2. (indition operationelectronic mail ) a list of the network ad-addition without carry / d()naddition without carrydresses of other users to which electronicw at k ri/ noun an addition opera- mail can be senttion without any carry bits or wordsaddress bus / dres b s/ noun a phys-address busadditive colour / dtv k l/ noun aadditive colourical connection that carries the addresscolour produced by mixing two or threedata in parallel form from the centralcolours from red, green and blueprocessing unit to external devicesadd-on / d n/ adjective added to aadd-onaddress code / dres kd/ noun aaddress codecomputer system to improve its perform- special code that identifies the part of aance The add-on hard disk will boost thedocument that is an addresscomputers storage capabilities. Opposite address computationaddress computation / dresbuilt-in noun a piece of software or kmpj te()n/ noun an operation onhardware that is added to a computer sys- address data in an instructiontem to improve its performanceaddress decoder / dres di kd/address decoderadd on board / d n b d/ noun sameadd on boardnoun a logical circuit that will produce aas expansion boardsignal when a certain address or range isadd register / d red st/ noun a reg-add registerplaced on the address busister that is an adderaddress field / dres fi ld/ noun 1. (inaddress fieldaddress / dres/ noun 1. a number al-addressa network) the part of a packet that con-lowing a central processing unit to refer-tains the address of the destination node 2.ence a physical location in a storage medi- (in programming) the part of a computerum in a computer system Each separate instruction that contains the location of thememory word has its own unique address. operand2. a unique number that identifies a deviceaddress format / dres f m t/ nounaddress formaton a network This is the address atwhich the data starts. verb to put the lo-the set of rules defining the way the oper-cation data onto an address bus to identify ands, data and addresses are arranged in anwhich word in memory or storage deviceinstructionaddress harvester / dres h vst/address harvesteris to be accessed A larger address wordincreases the amount of memory a compu- noun a computer program that collectster can address.email addresses from the Internetaddressability / dres blti/ nounaddress highway / dres hawe/address highwayaddressabilitythe control available over pixels on screen noun the set of physical connections thataddressable / dresb()l/ adjectiveaddressablecarry the address data in a parallel formwhich can be addressed With the new between the central processing unit andoperating system, all of the 5MB of in- memory or external devicesaddressing / dres/ noun the processaddressingstalled RAM is addressable.addressable cursor / dresb()laddressable cursorof accessing a location in memory k s/ noun a cursor which can be pro-addressing capacity / dres kaddressing capacitygrammed to be placed in a certain position p sti/ noun the largest location that aaddressable point / dresb()laddressable pointcertain program or CPU can directly ad- pnt/ noun a point or pixel in a graphics dress, without special features, e.g. virtualsystem that can be directly addressed memory or memory banksaddressable terminal / dresb()laddressing level / dres lev()l/addressable terminaladdressing level t mn()l/ noun a terminal that will onlynoun zero-level: operand is the addressaccept data if it has the correct address and part of the instruction; first-level: operandidentification number in the messagestored at the address of the instruction;headersecond-level: operand stored at the addressaddress access time / dres ksesaddress access timegiven in the instructiontam/ noun the total time which a storage addressingmethod/ dresaddressing methoddevice takes between the moment the data med/ noun the manner in which a sec-is requested and the return of the data tion of memory is located 16. Computing.fm Page 10 Friday, December 19, 2003 7:16 PMaddressing mode 10addressing mode / dres md/addressing mode adjacent domains / d es()nt dadjacent domainsnoun a way in which a location is ad- menz/ plural noun two domains linkeddressed, e.g. sequential, indexed or directby two adjacent nodesaddress mapping / dres m p/address mapping adjacent nodes / d es()nt ndz/adjacent nodesnoun the translation of a virtual address to plural noun two nodes connected by a pathan absolute real address that does not connect any other nodeaddress mark / dres m k/ noun aaddress mark adjunct register / d kt red st/adjunct registerspecial code on a disk that indicates thenoun a 32-bit register in which the top 16start of sector location databits are used for control information and only the bottom 16 bits are available foraddress mask / dres m sk/ noun aaddress mask use by a programpattern of binary data bits that is used toblock out parts of an address data word. Itadjustment / d stmnt/ noun theadjustmentis normally used to separate the network making of a slight change made to some-and subnet parts of an address within athing so that it works better, or a changelong Internet or IP address. The address made The brightness needs adjustment.mask 111000 will block off the last threeAdLib / d lb/ noun a type of sound cardAdLibbits of any address data.for a PC with basic sound playback and MIDI functionsaddressmodification / dresaddress modification mdf ke()n/ noun the changing of administrator /d mnstret/ noun aadministratorthe address field, so that it can refer to a person who is responsible for looking afterdifferent location a network, including installing, configur- ing and maintaining itaddress register / dres red st/address register Adobe Acrobat / dbi krb t/ aAdobe Acrobatnoun register in a computer that is able totrade name for a piece of software thatstore all the bits that make up an address converts documents and formatted pages,which can then be processed as a single into a file format that can be viewed on al-unit most any computer platform or using aaddress resolution/ dresaddress resolution web browser on the Internet (NOTE: For rezlu ()n/ noun the converting pf an example, if you publish a newsletter, youInternet address into the correct physical could lay out the pages using a desktopnetwork address that corresponds to thepublish system, print the pages for a pa-distant computer or resource per version and convert the files to Acro-address resolution protocol / bat format allowing you to distribute theaddress resolution protocol dres rez lu ()n prtkl/ nounsame formatted pages on CD-ROM orfull form of ARP over the Internet.)address space / dres spes/ noun theaddress space Adobe Systems / dbi sstmz/ aAdobe Systemstotal number of possible locations that cansoftware company that developed productsbe directly addressed by the program orincluding Acrobat, ATM, and PostScriptCPUAdobe Type Manager / dbi tapAdobe Type Manageraddress strobe / dres strb/ noun aaddress strobem nd / a trade name for a standard forsignal in the form of a pulse that indicates describing scalable fonts, used with Applethat a valid address is on the address bus System 7 and Microsoft Windows to pro- vide fonts that can be scaled to almost anyaddress track / dres tr k/ nounaddress track point size, and printed on almost any print-track on a magnetic disk containing the ad-er. Abbr ATMdresses of files or other data stored on oth-er tracks ADP / e di pi / noun data processingADP done by a computer. Full form automaticaddress translation / dres tr nsaddress translation data processing le()n/ noun an address produced by ADPCM / e di pi si em/ noun aADPCMcalculating an expressionCCITT standard that defines a method ofaddress word / dres w d/ noun aaddress word converting a voice or analog signal into acomputer word that contains the addresscompressed digital signal. Full formdata. In a small micro it is usually made up adaptive differential pulse code mod-of two data words. ulationadd time / d tam/ noun a period ofADSL / e di es el/ noun high-speedadd timeADSLtime taken either by a CPU or adder to per-transmission standard that uses the sameform one addition operationcopper telephone wires as a normal tele- 17. Computing.fm Page 11 Friday, December 19, 2003 7:16 PM11 aggregate bandwidthphone service, but is much faster than a advanced wave modulation /d advanced wave modulationstandard modem or a digital system such v nst wev mdjle()n/ noun fullas ISDN. Full form Asymmetric Digitalform of AWMSubscriber Line (NOTE: As well as theadvisory lock /d vaz()ri lk/ noun advisory lockspeed, ADSL provides a user with an al- (in a multitasking system) a lock placedways on connection to the Internet on a region of a file by one process to pre-there is no need to dial an access vent any other process accessing the samenumber and no delay. Typically, compa- datanies provide ADSL for a fixed monthlyadvisorysystem/d vaz()ri advisory systemrental; data is usually transferred fromsstm/ noun an expert system that pro-the Internet to the users computer at vides advice to a user2Mbps but transferred from the usersaerial perspective / eril p aerial perspectivecomputer to the Internet at a slower rate spektv/ noun a view of a three-dimen-of 256Kbps.) sional landscape as if the viewer is aboveadvanced configuration and pow-advanced the sceneer interface /d v nst kn f jAFAIK abbr as far as I know (NOTE: used AFAIK re()n n pa ntfes/ noun fullin emails and text messages)form of ACPI affiliate marketing affiliate marketing/ flitAdvanced Micro Devices /dAdvanced Micro Devicesm kt/ noun a type of marketing that v nst makr d vasz/ full form ofuses a central website to advertise and sellAMDproducts and services from other sitesadvanced peer-to-peer network- affirmative / f mtv/ adjectiveadvanced peer-to-peer networking affirmativeing /d v nst p t p netw k/meaning yes the answer was in thenoun full form of APPN affirmative the answer was yesadvanced power management /dadvanced power management affirmative acknowledgement / affirmative acknowledgement v nst pa m nd mnt/ noun fullf mtv k nld mnt/ noun an ACKform of APMfrom the receiver that it has accepted theadvanced program to programadvanced program to program communications message and is ready for the next onecommunications/d v nst AFIPS abbr American Federation of In- AFIPSpr r m t pr r m k mju n formation Processing Societieske()nz/ noun full form of APPCAFP / e ef pi / noun a protocol used to AFPAdvanced Research ProjectsAdvanced Research Projects Agency Network communicate between workstations andAgency Network /d v nst ri s tservers in a network of Apple Macintosh prd ekts ed ()nsi netw k/ noun computers. Full form Appletalk Filingfull form of ARPANET Protocoladvanced run-length limited /dadvanced run-length limited afterglow / ft l/ noun afterglow persist- v nst r n le lmtd/ noun a meth- enceod of storing data onto a hard disk that isafter-image / ft md / noun a after-imagefaster and more efficient than RLL. Abbr copy of a block of data that has been mod-ARLL ifiedadvanced technology attachment AGC / e d i si / noun an electronic cir-advanced technology attachment AGC/d v nst tek nld i t tmnt/cuit that adjusts the level of an incomingnoun full form of ATAsignal so that it is suitable for the next partadvanced technology attachmentadvanced technology attachment packet interface of the circuit. Full form automatic gainpacket interface /d v nst tekcontrol nld i t tmnt p kt ntfes/agent / ed nt/ noun 1. a program or agentnoun a type of standard interface that ispiece of software that runs on a worksta-used for CD-ROMs. Abbr ATAPI. Also tion in a network and sends performancecalled ATA packet interfaceand statistical information about the work-Advanced Television SystemsAdvanced Television Systems Committee station to a central network managementCommittee /d v nst telv ()n console 2. a series of commands or actionssstmz k mti/ noun full form of that are carried out automatically on a par-ATSC ticular file or dataadvanced versionadvanced version/d v nst aggregate / r t/ noun a collection aggregate v ()n/ noun a program with more of data objectscomplex features for use by an experi- aggregate bandwidth / r t aggregate bandwidthenced userb ndwd/ noun the total bandwidth of a 18. Computing.fm Page 12 Friday, December 19, 2003 7:16 PMaggregate function 12channel carrying a multiplexed data about something The alert box warnedstreamme that I was about to delete all my files.aggregateaggregate functionfunction /r t alert condition / l t kn d()n/alert condition f kn/ noun a mathematical databasenoun a status of a particular object or de-function performed on a selected field in vice that triggers an alarmevery record in a selected database algebra / ld br/ noun the use of let-algebraaggregate line speed / r t lan ters in certain mathematical operations toaggregate line speed spi d/ noun the maximum speed at which represent unknown numbers or a range ofdata can be transmitted through a particu-possible numberslar channel algebraic language / ld brekalgebraic languageaggregateaggregate operatoroperator /r tl wd / noun a context-free language pret/ noun a command in a database ALGOL / l l/ noun a high-level pro-ALGOLmanagement program that starts an aggre-gramming language using algorithmicgate function methods for mathematical and technicalAGP / e d i pi / noun a dedicated busAGPapplications. Full form algorithmic lan-between a graphics controller and mainguagememory that allows data to be transferred algorithm / l r()m/ noun a set ofalgorithmvery quickly without using the main proc- rules used to define or perform a specificessor. Full form accelerated graphics task or to solve a specific problemport (NOTE: It is used with the Intel Pen-image processing algorithms are step by step pro-cedures for performing image processing opera-tium II processor to provide very high- tions [Byte]speed three-dimensional graphics andthe steps are: acquiring a digitized image, devel-video processing. This port does not re-oping an algorithm to process it, processing the im-place a PCI bus but works with it.) age, modifying the algorithm until you are satisfiedwith the result [Byte]AI / e a/ noun the design and develop-AIment of computer programs that attempt toalgorithmic / l rmk/ adjectivealgorithmicexpressed using algorithmsimitate human intelligence and decision-making functions, providing basic reason- algorithmic language / l rmkalgorithmic languageing and other human characteristics. Full l wd / noun full form of ALGOLform artificial intelligence. IKBSalias / elis/ noun a representative namealiasaiming symbol / em smb()l/,aiming symbol given to a file, port, device or spreadsheetaiming field noun a symbol displayed oncell or range of cells The operating sys-screen which defines the area in which atem uses the alias COM1 to represent thelight-pen can be detected serial port address 3FCh.aliasing / elis/ noun jagged edgesaliasingairbrush / e br / noun (in graphicsairbrushthat appear along diagonal or curved linessoftware) a painting tool that creates a dif- displayed on a computer screen caused byfuse pattern of dots, like an mechanicalthe size of each pixelairbrush We used the airbrush to createthe cloud effects in this image.alias name / elis nem/ noun anotheralias namename that is used on a network instead ofair gap / e p/ noun a narrow gap be-air gapthe user nametween a recording or playback head andalien / elin/ adjective not fitting thealienthe magnetic medium usual systemAIX / e a eks/ a trade name for a versionAIXalien disk / elin dsk/ noun a disk for-alien diskof UNIX produced by IBM to run on its matted on another system or containingrange of PCs, minicomputers and main- data in a format that cannot be read or un-frames. Full form advanced interactivederstood When you have an alien diskexecutive select the multi-disk option to allow you toA law / l / noun a method of encodingA lawturn the disk drive into an alien disk read-digital audio data so that an 8-bit dataer.word can contain a 13-bit audio samplealien disk reader / elin dsk ri d/alien disk readeralert / l t/ noun a warning messagealertnoun an add-on device that allows a com-sent from software to warn a person or ap-puter to access data on disks from otherplication that an error or problem has oc-computers or systemscurredalign / lan/ verb 1. to make sure thatalignalert box / l t bks/ noun a warning the characters to be printed are spaced andalert boxpanel displayed on screen to warn a userlevelled correctly, either vertically or hori- 19. Computing.fm Page 13 Friday, December 19, 2003 7:16 PM 13alphanumeric operandzontally 2. to arrange numbers into a col-alphabetic string / lfbetk str/alphabetic stringumn with all figured lines up against the noun a string that only contains alphabeticright hand side (right-aligned) or the left-charactershand side (left-aligned) 3. to ensure that aalphabetise / lfbetaz/, alphabet-alphabetiseread/write head is correctly positioned ize verb to put items into alphabetical or-over the recording medium der Enter the bibliographical informa-aligner / lan/ noun a device used toalignertion and alphabetise it. (NOTE: alphabet-make sure that the paper is straight in a ises alphabetising alphabetised)printer alpha blending / lf blend/ nounalpha blendingaligning edge / lan ed / noun analigning edgecontrol over the transparency of a graphi-edge of an optical character recognitioncal object, normally used to display com-system used to position a documentplex graphical objects such as glass andalignment / lanmnt/ noun the cor-alignmentwaterrect spacing and levelling of printed char- alpha channel / lf t n()l/ nounalpha channelacters in alignment correctly aligned (in 32-bit graphics systems) the top eightalignment pin / lanmnt pn/ noun aalignment pinbits that define the properties of a pixelpeg that fits in a hole to ensure that two de-(NOTE: The lower 24 bits define the pixelsvices are correctly aligned colour.)allocate / l ket/ verb to divide a pe-allocatealphageometric / lfd i metrk/alphageometricriod of time or a piece of work in variousadjective referring to a set of codes that in-ways and share it out between users The struct a teletext terminal to display variousoperating system allocated most of main graphics patterns or charactersmemory to the spreadsheet program.alphameric / lf merk/ adjective USalphameric(NOTE: allocates allocating allocated)same as alphanumericallocation / l ke()n/ noun the di-allocationalphamosaic / lfm zek/ adjec-alphamosaicviding of something such as memory, disktive (character set) used in teletext to pro-space, printer use, operating system time,vide alphanumeric and graphics charactersor a program or device in various waysalphanumeric / lfnj merk/ ad-alphanumericallocation routine / l ke()n ruallocation routinejective using the letters of the alphabet, the ti n/ noun a short program that dividesArabic numerals and punctuation marksthe memory resources of a system between(NOTE: The US term is alphameric.)the software and peripherals that use italphanumeric array / lfnjmerkalphanumeric arrayallocation unit / l ke()n ju nt/allocation unitnoun a sector or set of sectors on a hard re/ noun an array whose elements aredisk that is used to store a file or part of aletters and numbersalphanumeric charactersalphanumeric charactersfileall points addressable mode / lall points addressable mode / lfnjmerk k rktz/ plural noun pnts dresb()l md/ noun a Roman letters and Arabic numerals andgraphics mode in which each pixel can beother signs such as punctuation marks.individually addressed and its colour and Also called alphanumericsalphanumeric data / lfnjmerkalphanumeric dataattributes defined. Also called APA modealpha / lf/ noun 1. same as alpha testalpha det/ noun data that represents the let- The new software is still in an alpha ters of the alphabet and the Arabic numer-product stage. 2. an item of data that de-alsalphanumericdisplayalphanumeric displayfines the properties of a pixel or part of animage / lfnjmerk d sple/ noun a displayALPHA / lf/ noun a 64-bit RISC proc-ALPHAdevice able to show characters as well asessor chip developed by Digital Equip-numbersalphanumeric key / lfnjmerkalphanumeric keyment Corporationalpha beta technique / lf bi talpha beta technique ki / noun a keyboard key which producestek ni k/ noun a free structure technique a letter, symbol or figurealphanumeric keyboardalphanumeric keyboardused in artificial intelligence for solvinggame and strategy problems/lfnjmerk ki b d/ noun a key-alphabeticalphabetic character setcharacter set board containing character keys as well as/lfbetk k rkt set/ noun the set ofnumerical keyscharacters, both capitals and small letters,alphanumericoperandalphanumeric operandthat make up the alphabet /lfnjmerk pr nd/ noun an oper- 20. Computing.fm Page 14 Friday, December 19, 2003 7:16 PMalphanumerics 14and which can contain alphanumeric char- alternating current1 / ltnetalternating currentacters, e.g. a string k rnt/ noun an electrical current whosealphanumerics/ lfnj merks/value varies with time in a regular sinusoi-alphanumericsplural noun same as alphanumeric char- dal way, changing direction of flow eachacters half cycle. Abbr ACalphanumeric string / lfnjmerkCOMMENT: The mains electricity supply usesalphanumeric string alternating current to minimise transmission str/ noun a series of alphanumericpower loss, with a frequency of 50 Hz in thecharacters that are manipulated and treatedUK, 60 Hz in the USA.as a single unit alternating current2 / ltnetalternating currentalpha-particle / lf p tk()l/ noun k rnt/ noun full form of ACalpha-particlean emitted alpha radiation particlealternation / lt ne()n/ noun aalternationalpha-particle sensitivity / lf logical function that produces a true outputalpha-particle sensitivity p tk()l sens tvti/ noun a problem if any input is trueexperienced by certain MOS memory de-alternative denial / l t ntv dalternative denialvices exposed to alpha radiation, causing nal/ noun a logical function whose out-loss of stored charge and so of data put is false if all inputs are true and true ifalphaphotographic / lfftany input is falsealphaphotographicr fk/ adjective which represents pic- Alt key / lt ki / noun a special key on aAlt keytures using predefined graphics characters,PCs keyboard used to activate specialfor teletext servicesfunctions in an application Press Alt andalphasort / lf s t/ verb to sort dataP at the same time to print your document.alphasortinto alphabetical orderCOMMENT: The Alt key has become the stand- ard method of activating a menu bar in anyalpha test / lf test/ noun the firstalpha test software running on a PC. For example, Alt-Fworking attempt of a computer product. normally displays the File menu of a program,Also called alpha. beta test Alt-X normally exits the program.alt / lt/ noun a type of newsgroup on thealt ALU / e el ju / noun a section of theALUInternet that contains discussions about al- CPU that performs all arithmetic and logi-ternative subjects. newsgroup (NOTE: cal functions. Full form arithmetic logicThese are not official newsgroups andunit. Also called arithmetic unit. CPUare not supported or monitored by anyalways on / lwez n/ adjective refer-always oncompany, and any user can write just ring to a feature of high-speed broadbandabout anything that he or she wants to communications devices such as cablesay. Some online service providers domodems and ADSL that link your compu-not allow their subscribers to view all of ter to the Internet whereby your computerthe alt newsgroups because they mayappears to be permanently connected tocontain offensive and pornographic ma- the net and you do not need to dial up aterial.) special numberalternate / ltnet/ verb to changeAM abbr amplitude modulationalternate AMfrom one state to another and back, over ambience / mbins/ noun the sum ofambienceand over again (NOTE: alternates alter-acoustic properties of a room that gives thenating alternated) listener a sense of space, creating echoesalternate character set / l t nt due to the size of the roomalternate character set k rkt set/ noun a second set of spe-ambient / mbint/ adjective referringambientcial characters that can be accessed from ato normal background conditionskeyboard We can print Greek characters ambient noise / mbint nz/ nounambient noiseby selecting the alternate character set.normal background noise that is present allalternate key / l t nt ki / noun a the time, usually given a reference pres-alternate keykey in a database file that is not the prima-sure level of 0.00002 pascal in SI unitsry key ambient temperature / mbintambient temperaturealternate mode / l t nt md/alternate modetemprt/ noun the normal averagenoun an application for multi-user use, in temperature of the air around a devicewhich two operators can access and share ambiguity / mb ju ti/ noun some-ambiguitya single file at the same time thing which is not clearly definedalternate route / l t nt ru t/ noun aambiguity error / mb ju ti er/alternate route ambiguity errorbackup path in a communications system,noun an error due to incorrect selection ofused in case of a fault or breakdown ambiguous data 21. Computing.fm Page 15 Friday, December 19, 2003 7:16 PM 15analog recordingambiguous / m b jus/ adjectiveamplitudequantisationambiguous amplitude quantisationwhich has two or more possible meanings / mpltju d kwnta ze()n/ nounambiguous filename / m b jusconversion of an analog signal to a numer-ambiguous filename falnem/ noun a filename which is not ical representationunique to a single file, making it difficultanalog/ nl /,analoganalogueto locate the file/ n()l / noun the representation andAMD a company that develops and pro-measurement of numerical data by contin-AMDduces processor components including auously variable physical quantities, as forrange of processors that are compatible the size of electrical voltages. Comparewith Intel processors and are used in manydigitalPCs. Full form Advanced Micro Devic-analog channel / nlanalog channel t n()l/esnoun a communications line that carriesamendment record / men(d)mntamendment recordanalog signals such as speech rek d/ noun a record containing new in- analog computer / nl kmanalog computerformation used to update a master record pju t/ noun a computer which processesor file data in analog form, represented by a con-American National Standards In-American National Standards Institutetinuously varying signalstitute/ merknn ()nlanalog data / nl det/ nounanalog datast nddz nsttju t/ noun full form ofdata that is represented as a continuouslyANSIvariable signal. Speech is a form of analogAmerican Standard Code for In-American Standard Code for Information Interchangedata.formation Interchange / merknanalog display / nl d sple/analog display st ndd kd fr nfme()n nttend / noun full form of ASCII noun a display or monitor that can displayan infinite range of colours or shades ofAmerica Online / merk nlan/ aAmerica Onlinegrey, unlike a digital display that can onlycompany that is the largest Internet servicedisplay a finite range of colours. VGAprovider in the world. Abbr AOL monitors are a form of analog display.amount / mant/ verb to amount toamountanalog gate / nl et/ noun a log-analog gateto make a total of The total keyboardedcharacters amount to ten million. ic gate whose output is proportional to aninput signalamp / mp/ noun same as ampereampanalog input card / nl nptanalog input card(NOTE: used with figures: a 13-amp fuse) k d/ noun all circuitry on one PCB re-ampere / mpe/ noun the base SI unitamperequired for amplifying and converting ana-of electrical current, defined as the current log input signals to a digital formflowing through an impedance of one ohmanalog line / nl lan/ noun aanalog linewhich has a voltage of one volt across it.Abbr Acommunications line that carries analogamplificationamplification/ mplf ke()n/signals, e.g. a telephone lineanalog loopback / nl lu pb k/analog loopbacknoun the output-to-input signal strengthratio Increase the amplification of the noun a test mode on a modem used to testinput signal. the serial port of the local computer or ter-amplifier / mpl fa/ noun an elec-amplifierminal analog loopback with selftest atronic circuit that magnifies the power of atest mode on a modem used to test the se-signalrial port of the modemanalog monitor / nl mnt/analog monitoramplify / mpl fa/ verb to magnify aamplifysignal power or amplitude The receivednoun a display screen that uses a continu-signal needs to be amplified before it canously variable input signal to control thebe processed. (NOTE: amplifies amplify- colours display so that it can display a nearing amplified)infinite range of coloursamplitude / mpl tju d/ noun theanalog output card / nl atanalog output cardamplitudestrength or size of a signal pt k d/ noun all circuitry on one PCBamplitude modulation / mpltju damplitude modulationrequired to convert digital output datamdju le()n/ noun a method of carry- from a computer to an analog formanalog recording / nl r k d/analog recordinging data by varying the size of a carrier sig-nal of fixed frequency according to the noun the storing of signals in their naturaldataform without conversion to digital form 22. Computing.fm Page 16 Friday, December 19, 2003 7:16 PManalog representation16analog representation / nlanalog representationAND gate / nd et/ noun electronic AND gate reprzen te()n/ noun a value or varia-gate that performs a logical AND functionble in analog formon electrical signals. Also called AND cir-analog signal / nlanalog signal s n()l/cuit, AND element. Compare coinci-noun a continuously varying signaldence gateanalog to digital / nltAND operation / nd pre()n/analog to digitalAND operation dd t()l/ adjective referring to chang-noun the processing of two or more inputing a signal from an analog form to a dig-signals, outputting their AND functionitally coded form. Abbr A/D, A to D anechoic chamber / nekk anechoic chamberanalog to digital convertertemb/ noun a perfectly quiet room inanalog to digital converter/ nl t dd t()l kn v t/ noun which sound or radio waves do not reflectfull form of ADCoff the wallsanalogtransmission / nlanalog transmissionangle / l/ noun a measure of the angletr nz m()n/ noun data transmission inchange in direction, usually as the distancewhich the data is sent as a series of chang-turned from a reference linees in a continuously varying signal angled line / ld lan/ noun a line angled lineanalyser / nlaz/ noun a piece ofanalyserwith three or more points, e.g. a zig-zagelectronic test equipment that displays var-angstrom / strm/ noun a unit of angstromious features of a signal (NOTE: The US measurement equal to one thousand mil-spelling is analyzer.)lionth of a metre. Abbr analyst / nlst/ noun a person whoanalyst ANIANI / e en a/ noun a telephone systemcarries out an analysis of a problemwhich displays the telephone number ofanalyticalanalytical engine engine / nltk()l the caller. Full form automatic number end n/ noun a mechanical calculatingidentificationmachine developed by Charles Babbage in animated GIF / n metd d i a animated GIF1833 that is generally considered the firstef/ noun a simple animation effect creat-general-purpose digital computered by saving several small graphic imagesanamorphic / n m fk/ adjectiveanamorphicwithin one file so that they can be repeat-referring to an image that has unequal ver- edly displayed in sequence giving an im-tical and horizontal scaling, making it ap- pression of animation. It is often used topear squashed or taller than the original create animated buttons or other effects onancestral file / n sestrl fal/ noun aancestral filea webpage. transparent GIFsystem of backing up files based on a son animation / n me()n/ noun the animationto father to grandfather file, where the soncreation of the illusion of movement byis the current working file displaying a series of slightly different im-anchor cell / k sel/ noun a cell in aanchor cellages on screen very rapidly to give the ef-spreadsheet program that defines the startfect of smooth movement. Also calledof a range of cells computer animationancillary equipment / n slri ancillary equipmentanimation software / n me()n animation software kwpmnt/ noun equipment which is sftwe/ noun software that allows youused to make a task easier but which is not to draw several separate frames, eachabsolutely necessaryslightly different, and then display themAND / nd/ noun an operator, often usedANDone after another in rapid succession toin searches, that matches text that containsgive the impression of movement. Eachboth search words. Compare OR (NOTE:frame is called a cel and the objects thatFor example, searching for cat AND dogmove are normally called actors.finds all entries that contain both the animatronics / nm trnks/ noun animatronicswords cat and dog)a technology that uses computers and aAND circuit, AND element noun sameAND circuitform of radio control to make puppets oras AND gate other models appear to move in a lifelikeAND function / nd f kn/ noun aAND functionway, e.g. in filmslogical function whose output is true ifannotation / n te()n/ noun a annotationboth its inputs are true. Also called coin- comment or note in a program which ex-cidence functionplains how the program is to be usedCOMMENT: If both inputs are 1, results of theannotation symbol / n te()n annotation symbolAND will be 1. If one of the input digits is 0,then AND will produce a 0. smb()l/ noun a symbol used when mak- 23. Computing.fm Page 17 Friday, December 19, 2003 7:16 PM 17 anti-tinkle suppressioning flowcharts, to allow comments to be ANSI screen control / nsi skri nANSI screen controladded kn trl/ noun a set of standard codesannounce / nans/ verb to publicise adeveloped by ANSI that control how col-announcenew or updated website by registering the ours and simple graphics are displayed ondomain name with the main search en-a computer screengines; (NOTE: announces announcing answer / ns/ verb to reply to a signalanswerannounced)and set up a communications link The COMMENT: Each search engine allows a per-first modem originates the call and the son to add a new website and enter a descrip-second answers it. tion and category. Because there are now several hundred search engines, special soft-answer back / ns b k/ noun a sig-answer back ware utilities are available to automaticallynal sent by a receiving computer to identi- register the website with each engine. fy itselfannunciator / n nsiet/ noun a sig-annunciatoranswering machine / ns()r manswering machinenal which can be heard or seen in order to i n/ noun an application software thatattract attention runs on a PC and controls a modem thatanode / nd/ noun a positive electri-anodehas voice-mail functionalitycal terminal of a deviceanswer mode / ns md/ noun theanswer modestate of a modem that is waiting to receiveanonymiser / nnmaz/, ano-anonymisera telephone call and establish a connectionnymizer noun a website that allows a per-son to browse the World Wide Web with-answer modem / ns mdem/answer modemout leaving any traces of his or her identity noun the state of a modem that emits ananswertone before establishing a connec-anonymous FTP / nnms ef tianonymous FTPtion with an originate modem pi / noun a method commonly used onanswer/originate, answer/originateanswer/originatethe Internet that allows a user to connect to device noun a communications device,a remote computer using the FTP protocole.g. a modem, that can receive or send dataand log in as a guest to download publiclyaccessible files. FTP (NOTE: If you are answer time / ns tam/ noun theanswer timeusing the FTP protocol to connect to a re-time taken for a receiving device to re-mote computer and you are asked for a spond to a signallogin name and password, you can nor- answertone / nstn/ noun a toneanswertonemally gain access to the remote compu-an answering modem emits before the car-ters public areas by entering anony-rier is exchangedmous as the login user name and your anthropomorphicanthropomorphic softwaresoftwarefull email address as the password.)/nrpm fk sftwe/ noun artifi-ANSI / nsi/ a US organisation whichANSIcial intelligence software that appears tospecifies computer and software stand-react to what a user saysards, including those of high-level pro-anti-aliasing / nti elis/ noun 1. aanti-aliasinggramming languages (US) Full form method of reducing the effects of jaggedAmerican National Standards Institute edges in graphics by using shades of greyto blend in along edges. Also called de-ANSI C / nsi si / noun a standard ver-ANSI Cjagging 2. a method of adding sound sig-sion of the C programming languagenals between the sound samples to create aANSI driver / nsi drav/ noun aANSI driversmoother soundsmall resident software program in a PC anticoincidence circuit / ntikanticoincidence circuitthat interprets ANSI screen control codesnsdns s kt/, anticoincidenceand controls the screen appropriately function noun a logical function whoseANSI escape sequence / nsi ANSI escape sequenceoutput is true if either of two inputs is true, skep si kwns/ noun a sequence of and false if both inputs are the sameANSI screen control characters that con-anti-static mat / nti st tk m t/anti-static mattrols the colours and attributes of text on noun a special rubberised mat which dissi-screen (NOTE: The sequence must begin pates static electricity charge through anwith the ASCII character Esc (ASCII 27) electrical earth connection (NOTE: An op-and the character [ (ASCII 91).)erator touches the mat before handlingANSI keyboard / nsi ki b d/ noun sensitive electronic components thatANSI keyboarda standard for a keyboard that provides ei- could be damaged by static electricity.)ther uppercase or upper and lowercase anti-tinkle suppression / ntianti-tinkle suppressioncharacters on a typewriter-style keyboardtk()l s pre()n/ noun a switch that 24. Computing.fm Page 18 Friday, December 19, 2003 7:16 PManti-virus program18prevents other telephones on a line ringingbe appended to the end of file A. 2. to addwhen a modem dials out a file or data to the end of an existing fileanti-virus program / nti varsApple Computer Corporationanti-virus program Apple Computer Corporation pr r m/ noun a software program that/ p()l km pju t k pre()n/ alooks for virus software on a computer and company, formed in 1975, that has devel-destroys it before it can damage data or oped a range of personal computers in-filescluding the Apple II, Apple Lisa and, moreanti-virus software / nti vars recently, the Apple Macanti-virus software sftwe/ noun software that removes a Apple Computer has fleshed out details of a migra- tion path to the PowerPC RISC architecture for its 7virus from a filemillion Apple Macintosh users. Developments in theanycast / enik st/ noun a type of com-anycast pipeline include PowerPC versions of the AppleTalkmunication in which a single computerRemote Access networking protocol. [Computing]user sends data across a network to theApple Desktop Bus / p()l Apple Desktop Busnearest of a group of receivers desktp b s/ a trade name for a serialAOL abbr America OnlineAOL bus built into Apple Macs that allows low- speed devices, e.g. the keyboard andAPA abbr all points addressableAPA mouse, to communicate with the proces-Apache HTTPD / p ti et ti tiApache HTTPD sor. Abbr ADBpi di / noun a popular piece of web serv-Apple file exchange / p()l fal ks Apple file exchangeer software that provides the basic func- tend / a trade name for a software pro-tions required to operate a web server on agram that runs on an Apple Mac allowingcomputer it to read disks from a PCaperture / pt/ noun an opening in aaperture Apple filing protocol / p()l fal Apple filing protocoldevice that allows a certain amount of lightprtkl/ a trade name for a method ofor a signal to pass through it storing files on a network server so thataperture mask / pt m sk/ nounaperture mask they can be accessed from an Apple Mac.a mask used in colour monitors to keep the Abbr AFPred, green and blue beams separate Apple Key / p()l ki / a trade name for Apple KeyAPI / e pi a/ noun a set of standardAPI a special key on the keyboard of an Appleprogram functions and commands that al-Mac that, when pressed with another key,low any programmer to interface a pro- provides a short-cut to a menu selectiongram with another application If I followApple Mac / p()l m k/ , Apple Mac- Apple Macthe published API for this system, my pro- intosh computer a trade name for any ofgram will work properly. Full form appli-a range of personal computers developedcation programming interface by Apple Computer Corporation that has aAPL / e pi el/ noun a high-level pro-APL graphical user interface and uses thegramming language used in scientific and 68000 family of processorsmathematical work. Full form A pro-AppleScript / p()lskrpt/ a trade AppleScriptgramming languagename for a script language built into theAPM / e pi em/ noun a specification operation system of an Apple Mac that al-APMthat allows an operating system such aslows a user to automate simple tasksolder Windows to control the power man-Appleshare / p()le/ a trade name Appleshareagement features of a computer. Full formfor software that allows Apple Macs toadvanced power management. ACPIshare files and printers using a file server(NOTE: This standard has been replaced Apple System / p()l sstm/ a Apple Systemby the ACPI standard in Windows 98 and trade name for a version of the operatingWindows NT 5.0.) system for the Apple Mac that introducesAPPC / e pi pi si / noun a set of pro-APPC multitasking, virtual memory and peer-to-tocols developed by IBM that allows peer-peer file sharingto-peer communication between worksta- applet / plt/ noun 1. a small utility applettions connected to an SNA network. Fullwithin Microsoft Windows, originally anyform advanced program to program of the icons in the Control Panel window,communication. Also called LU 6.2 pro- but now any piece of software that is usedtocols to configure the computer There are ap-append / pend/ verb 1. to add data to plets to help format your disk and config-appendan existing file or record If you enter theure your keyboard. 2. a small applicationsDOS command COPY A+B, the file B willon the Internet designed to enhance the 25. Computing.fm Page 19 Friday, December 19, 2003 7:16 PM 19 applications programmerfunctionality of a webpage. ActiveX,application layer / pl ke()napplication layerJava, VBScript (NOTE: For example, ifle/ noun the seventh and top layer in anyou want to add multimedia effects to ISO/OSI network, which allows a user toyour webpage, you cannot carry outrequests functions such as transfer files,these functions with standard HTMLsend mail and use resources. The othercommands, but you could write a small layers are not normally accessed by users.ActiveX program, called an applet, that isapplication orientated languageapplication orientated languageautomatically downloaded by the users/ plke()n rintetd l wd /browser and run on the users computer.)noun a programming language that pro-AppleTalk / p()lt k/ a trade nameAppleTalkvides functions which allow the user tofor a communications protocol developed solve certain application problemsby the Apple Computer Corporation thatapplication package / pl ke()napplication packagecarries data over network hardware be- p kd / noun a set of computer pro-tween two or more Apple Macs and pe-grams and manuals that cover all aspectsripherals (NOTE: AppleTalk is similar toof a particular task, e.g. payroll, stock con-the seven-layer OSI protocol model. Ittrol or tax. Also called applicationscan link up to 32 devices, uses a CS- packageMA/CA design and transmits data at 230application program / pl ke()napplication programKbps.) pr r m/ noun a piece of applicationAppleTalk Filing Protocol / p()lAppleTalk Filing Protocolsoftware The multi-window editor ist k fal prtkl/ full form of AFP used to create and edit applications pro-appliance computer / plans kmappliance computergrams. pju t/ noun a ready-to-run computer application programming inter-application programming interfacesystem that can be bought in a shop, takenface / plke()n pr r mhome and used immediately for a particu-ntfes/ noun full form of APIlar purpose. turnkey systemapplicationservice elementapplication service elementapplication / pl ke()n/ noun aapplication/plke()n s vs elmnt/ noun atask which a computer performs or a prob- part of a program in the application layerlem which a computer solves of an OSI environment that interacts withapplication configuration accessapplication configuration access protocolthe layers beneath itprotocol / plke()n kn f japplicationapplication service provider service providerre()nkses prtkl/ full form of/plke()n s vs pr vad/ noun aACAPspecialist company that installs, config-application developerapplication developerures and manages software on its own/ plke()n d velp/ noun a pro-server and then allows any business to usegrammer who designs the look of an appli- the software via the Internet or a privatecation and defines its functionsnetwork. Abbr ASP (NOTE: The user doesapplication file / pl ke()n fal/ not realise that the software is located onapplication filenoun a binary file stored on disk that con- a distant server, and the business doestains the machine code instructions of anot need to buy or support the software,program just rent it.)application form / pl ke()n f m/ application software / plke()napplication softwareapplication formnoun a form to be filled in when applyingsftwe/ noun software designed tofor something to fill in an application make the computer do what is required andform for an account on the system perform particular tasks. Also called ap-application generatorapplication generator / plplications software ke()n d enret/ noun a piece of applications package / plapplications packagespecial software that allows a programmer ke()nz p kd / noun same as appli-to define the main functions and look of an cation packageapplication. The generator then automati- application specific integratedapplication specific integrated circuitscally creates the instructions to carry out circuits / plke()n sp sfkthe defined application.nt retd s kts/ noun full form ofapplication icon / pl ke()n ASICapplication icon akn/ noun a small image or graphical applications programmer / plapplications programmersymbol that represents an application pro- ke()nz pr r m/ noun a pro-gram in a graphical user interfacegrammer who writes application software 26. Computing.fm Page 20 Friday, December 19, 2003 7:16 PMapplications software 20applicationssoftware/ plarchival quality / kav()l kwlti/applications softwarearchival quality ke()nz sftwe/ noun same as ap- noun the length of time that a copy can beplication software stored before it becomes illegibleapplication terminal / pl ke()napplication terminal archive / kav/ noun storage of data archive t mn()l/, applications terminal over a long period verb to put data in/ pl ke()nz t mn()l/ noun a ter- storage (NOTE: archives archiving ar-minal, e.g. at a sales desk, which is spe- chived)cially configured to carry out certain tasks archive attribute / kav trbju t/, archive attributeapplication window / pl ke()napplication window archive bit noun a special attribute at- wnd/ noun an application program tached to a file that indicates if the file hasrunning in a window displayed in a graph-been archived since it was last changed.ical user interface such as MicrosoftsAlso called archive flagWindowsarchived copy / kavd kpi/ noun a archived copyAPPN / e pi pi en/ noun an extensionAPPN copy kept in storageto the IBM SNA protocol that allowsarchive file / kav fal/ noun a file archive fileworkstations to share information on a containing data which is out of date butpeer-to-peer basis without the need for awhich is kept for future referencecentral mainframe. Full form advanced archive flag / kav fl / noun same archive flagpeer-to-peer networking (NOTE: It is of-ten used to route information around a as archive attribute archive site / kav sat/ noun one archive sitenetwork and dynamically adjusts theroute if part of the network is damaged.)computer on the Internet that provides aapproximationapproximation errorerror / prksvast collection of public-domain files and me()n er/ noun an error caused by programs, copied from other computersrounding off a real number around the Internet, that a user can down- loadA programming language / eA programming language archive storage / kav st rd / archive storage pr r m l wd / noun full formof APL noun storage of data for a long period ofAPT / e pi ti / noun a programmingAPTtime area / eri/ noun a section of memory or arealanguage used to control numerically con-trolled machines. Full form automatical- code that is reserved for a certain purpose area fill / eri fl/ noun (in graphics) an area fillly programmed toolsArabic figures / rbk f z/ nounArabic figures instruction to fill an area of the screen orsame as Arabic numbers an enclosed pattern with a colour or pat-Arabic numbers / rbk n mbz/,Arabic numbers ternArabic figures / rbk f z/, Arabicarea graph / eri r f/ noun a line area graphnumerals / rbk nju mrl/ noun graph in which the area below the line isfigures such as 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. (as opposed filled with a pattern or colourto the Roman numerals I, II, III. IV, etc.) area search / eri s t/ noun a area searchThe page numbers are written in Arabic search for specific data within a certainfigures. section of memory or filesarbitration software / b tre()narbitration software arg arg / / noun same as argument sftwe/ noun software that is responsi-argument / jmnt/ noun a variable argumentble for allocating resources to devices, of- acted upon by an operator or function Iften used to manage the way Plug and Play you enter the words MULTIPLY A, B, theadapters use other resources in a computer processor will recognise the operator,Archie / ti / noun a system of serversArchie MULTIPLY, and use it with the two argu-on the Internet that catalogue the publicments, A and B. operand. Abbr argfiles available on the Internetargument separator / jmnt argument separatorarchitecture / ktekt/ noun thearchitecturesepret/ noun a punctuation mark orlayout and interconnection of a computers symbol that separates several argumentsinternal hardware and the logical relation-on one line The command MULTIPLYships between CPU, memory and I/O de-A, B uses a comma as the argument sepa-vicesrator.Software giant Microsoft is also interested in usingXerox Glyph technology as part of its Microsoft At arithmetic capability / rmetk arithmetic capabilityWork architecture that seeks to unite office comput-kep blti/ noun the ability of a deviceers with fax machines and copiers. [Computing]to perform mathematical functions 27. Computing.fm Page 21 Friday, December 19, 2003 7:16 PM21 ascenderarithmetic check / rmtk tek/ array / re/ noun an ordered structurearithmetic check arraynoun a further arithmetic operation carriedcontaining individually accessible ele-out to ensure that a result is correct ments referenced by numbers, used toarithmetic functions / rmtk store tables or sets of related dataarithmetic functions f knz/ plural noun calculations car- array bounds / re bandz/ plural array boundsried out on numbers, e.g. addition, subtrac- noun limits to the number of elementstion, multiplication and divisionwhich can be given in an arrayarithmetic instruction / rmetkarray dimension / re da men()n/arithmetic instruction array dimensionn str kn/ noun an instruction to per- noun the number of elements in an array,form an arithmetic operation on data rathergiven as rows and columnsthan a logical functionarray element / re elmnt/ noun array elementarithmetic logic unit / rmetkarithmetic logic unit one individual piece of data within an ar- ld k ju nt/ noun full form of ALUrayarithmetic operation / rmetkarray processor / re prses/arithmetic operation array processor p re()n/ noun a mathematical func- noun a computer that can act upon severaltion carried out on data arrays of data simultaneously, for very fastarithmetic operator / rmetk mathematic