| 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. |
| loop |
a set of instructions that a computer program repeats over and over again. [1/5 definitions] |
| mainframe |
a computer that is much bigger and more powerful than ordinary computers. Mainframes are used chiefly by large companies and other organizations. A mainframe can be connected to a number of computer terminals and used by many people at the same time. |
| megabyte |
a unit of measurement equal to 1,048,576 bytes. Megabytes are used to measure the amount of electronic information that can be stored by a computer. |
| memory |
the part of a computer that stores information. [1/4 definitions] |
| message |
to send a message to (someone), especially using a cell phone or computer. [1/4 definitions] |
| microcomputer |
a small computer that is designed for use by a single person. Microcomputers are used by small business and in homes. They are also known as personal computers. |
| modem |
an electronic device that allows information to be sent from or to a computer using telephone lines or other lines of communication. |
| monitor |
a screen for a computer that shows information. [1/5 definitions] |
| mouse |
a small tool used with personal computers. The person using the computer moves the mouse to select and move items on the computer screen. Most mice are connected to the computer by a cord that looks like a mouse's tail. [1/2 definitions] |
| newbie |
(informal) someone who is new to something, especially playing computer games or using the internet. |
| newsgroup |
a discussion group on a computer network such as the Internet in which people leave messages for each other on topics they are all interested in. |
| notebook computer |
a very small, light computer that is easy to carry; laptop computer. |
| online |
connected to or reached through a computer or computer network. [2 definitions] |
| output |
the information stored in a computer when it is transmitted to a screen or printer. [1/2 definitions] |
| personal computer |
a small computer used by one person or a few people; microcomputer. |