| filename |
the name of a file on a computer. Every file on a computer must have a unique name. |
| floppy disk |
a thin plastic disk with a special coating, on which computer information can be stored; diskette. |
| folder |
on a computer, something that serves the purpose of organizing and holding documents for the user, symbolized by an icon that looks like a paper folder. [1/3 definitions] |
| graphics |
(used with a singular or plural verb) the process of making drawings, charts, and other images on a computer screen. [1/2 definitions] |
| hacker |
(informal) someone who is expert at correcting computer programs and is seen as a person interested only in computers. [2 definitions] |
| hard disk |
a rigid, magnetized disk built into a computer that is capable of storing a large amount of data. |
| hard drive |
a device for storing information on a computer's hard disk. A hard drive can be built into a computer or can sit outside the computer and be connected to it by a cable. |
| hardware |
all the mechanical and electronic parts of a computer. [1/2 definitions] |
| html |
abbreviation of "hypertext markup language," a computer language used to create documents on the World Wide Web. |
| hypertext markup language |
a computer language used to create documents on the World Wide Web; html. |
| icon |
on a phone or computer display, a small drawing that is used as a symbol. Clicking on the symbol requests a certain action from the computer, such as opening a file, taking a user to a location, or playing an audio. [1/3 definitions] |
| input |
information that is put into a computer. [2/3 definitions] |
| interactive |
allowing two-way communication between a computer and a person. [1/2 definitions] |
| interface |
the equipment or programs used to communicate between different computer systems or programs. |
| internet |
the world's largest computer network, which is made of millions of computers that are linked together. Some parts of the internet are the World Wide Web, electronic mail, and chat rooms. |
| joystick |
(informal) the control stick for an airplane, computer, or game. |
| kilobyte |
a unit of measurement equal to 1,024 bytes. Kilobytes are used to measure the amount of electronic information that can be stored by a computer. (abbreviated: k) |
| laptop |
a short form of "laptop computer." A laptop computer is a computer that is small and that can easily be moved from place to place. A laptop computer can fold up so that it can become flat. |
| laptop computer |
a small computer that is easy to carry; notebook computer. |
| light pen |
an electronic device that can detect light and dark areas on a computer screen. It is used to select objects on the screen. |
| log on |
to enter a computer system with a password. |