| program |
a sequence of instructions that allows a computer to perform a task or a set of operations. [2/7 definitions] |
| programmer |
a person who writes programs for a computer. |
| RAM |
the information a computer stores for a short time and can recall quickly. "RAM" stands for "random access memory." |
| ROM |
computer memory that can only be read, not written to. "ROM" stands for "read-only memory." |
| scan |
the use of a machine that scans something. Medical scanners make pictures of living tissue. Computer scanners copy pictures or writing from a book into a computer. [1/5 definitions] |
| scanner2 |
a device that scans printed material and changes it into an electronic signal that can be read by a computer. |
| screen saver |
a small program that takes over a computer's screen if it has not been used for a set length of time. Screen savers were first used to prevent computer screens from being damaged, but now they are mainly used for decoration. |
| scroll |
to move the text up, down, or sideways on a computer screen so that new parts of it appear as other parts disappear. [1/2 definitions] |
| silicon |
a hard, dark gray substance that is a chemical element. It is found in silica, a compound that makes up one fourth of the earth's crust. Silicon is used in making glass, concrete, bricks, and computer chips. (symbol: Si) |
| software |
any of the programs that are written to operate a computer. |
| system unit |
the main part of a computer, which houses its essential components. |
| tablet |
a small, flat computer with a touch screen. [1/4 definitions] |
| telecommuting |
the doing of work at home by using a computer and sending this work back to the office by electronic means. |
| terminal |
a monitor and keyboard connected to a computer. [1/5 definitions] |
| type |
to write using a computer or other device with a keyboard. [1/5 definitions] |
| uniform resource locator |
an address identifying the location of a file on the Internet, commonly called a URL. A URL consists of the computer on which the file is located and the file's location on that computer. |
| upload |
to send information from a smaller computer to a larger computer or computer network. [2 definitions] |
| user |
one who uses a computer. [1/2 definitions] |
| video game |
a game played on a television or computer in which players control what happens. |
| virtual reality |
a space created by software such as a computer game that resembles the physical world in sight and sound; cyberspace. |
| virus |
see "computer virus." [1/3 definitions] |