Technology / Computers Glossary

Browser: A browser is the software used for viewing pages on the web. Two examples are Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator.

Buffer: A block of memory used as something of a holding tank for the temporary storage of data, usually existing between a peripheral device and a computer. The buffer allows the data to be read fr . . . View Full Definition

Buffered Memory: Using a buffer to isolate the memory from the controller reduces the load on the chipset. This allows for more memory chips to be used.

Bug: A flaw, error, or defect in a program.

Bulletin Board Service (BBS): A program designed to bring people together where they can carry on discussions and download files where all of the other members of the service can monitor these transmissions in real time.

BUS: A bus is a grouping of wires that allow the flow of data from one area of the computer to another. It is thought of that a bus represents a highway that the data travels through in the compu . . . View Full Definition

Bus Mastering: A technique that allows certain advanced bus architectures to delegate control data transfers between the CPU and associated peripheral devices to an add-in board. This gives greater system . . . View Full Definition

Byte: A collection of 8 bits that make up a character. When referring to RAM (random access memory), it includes a 9th bit used for error checking.

Cable Modem: A cable modem is a type of Internet connection that is transmitted through a coaxial cable. The benefits of this technology are that you are able to achieve much faster speeds through a cabl . . . View Full Definition

Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS): Cable Modem Termination System. Typically, this system is found in a cable companies headend or distribution hub. Its purpose is to provide a high-speed data service to cable subscribers.

Cache: A very high speed type of memory that is similar to random access memory (RAM). The difference in RAM and Cache is that the Cache memory is on the server side and the RAM is stored in the co . . . View Full Definition

Cache RAM: Cache (commonly referred to as SRAM) is responsible for storing frequently requested instructions and data. It is a small block of high-speed memory located between the CPU and the main memo . . . View Full Definition

Capacitor: An electronic component that consists of two plates separated by insulation that is designed to store an electrical charge.

Cascade: A method of connecting circuits together in series to make the output of one, the input of the next. This kind of end-to-end connectivity is useful in extending the distance of a network.

Cascading Style Sheets (CSS): Stands for Cascading Style Sheets. This is a language designed to work with HTML documents on the Web. CSS is generally used to provide a specific appearance or style to a web page or site. . . . View Full Definition

Cathode Ray Tube (CRT): Among the first computer monitors, still occasionally found today. Works by creating a beam of electrons that strike the phosphor coating inside the display.

Central Processing Unit (CPU): Contains several million transistors and acts as the brain of the computer. All information and instructions are read and decoded by the processor which then sends signals to the rest of the . . . View Full Definition

Centronics: A 36-pin parallel port interface standard that most printer manufactures conform to.

Channel: A channel in computing is a specific bandwidth and frequency combination.

Character Set: All the letters, numbers, symbols, and other characters that a computer can use to present data. Also sometimes used to refer to the typeface of a font.

Chassis: The physical framework of a computer system that houses all of the internal devices, wiring, and power supplies.

Chipset: A chip or set of chips that integrates into the clock generator, bus controller, system timer, interrupt controller, DMA controller, CMOS RAM/clock, and keyboard controller on a motherboard. . . . View Full Definition

Circuit Board: A collection of circuits on a sheet of plastic with all contacts made through a strip of pins. Usually made by chemically etching metal-coated plastic. Circuit boards are used in many parts . . . View Full Definition

Client: A client is commonly referred to as a program or a process that requests information from other programs or processes. A web browser is a good example of a client. Another example would be a . . . View Full Definition

Client-Server: A network type where every computer is either a server with the role of sharing resources with clients or a client that can access the resources on the server.

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