Account - Your subscription to a networked computer system.

Backspace - A keyboard operation that moves the cursor one place to the left. A
destructive backspace erases characters as it goes, thus allowing users to modify
what has been typed (distinguished from the left- arrow key).
backup
n. A resource that is or can be used as a substitute when a primary resource fails or
when a file has been corrupted.
v. To save as in to make a copy in case of future failure or corruption.
bandwidth
A piece of the spectrum occupied by some form of signal, where it is television,
voice, fax data, etc.. Signals require a certain size and location of bandwidth in
order to be transmitted. The higher the bandwidth, the faster the signal
transmission, and thus allowing for a more complex signal such as audio or video.
Because bandwidth is a limited space, when one user is occupying it, others must
wait their turn. Bombarding the Internet with unnecessary information is referred to
as "taking up bandwidth."
byte
A group of adjacent binary digits, usually 8, on which a computer operates as a
unit; often used to represent a single character. (See bit. )
cable
A set of wires connecting pieces of computer hardware.
debug
To detect, trace and eliminate errors in computer programs.
default
A software function or operation which occurs automatically unless the user
specifies something else.
download
The transfer of information from a remote computer system to the users system.
Opposite of upload.
hard disk
A data-recording system using solid disks of magnetic material turning at high
speeds.
hardware
Physical computer equipment such as electrical, electronic, magnetic and
mechanical devices
hyperlink
A pointer that when chosen displays the item to which it points. It typically takes
the form of a button or highlighted text that points to related text, picture, video, or
audio. Hyperlinks allow non-linear exploration of media that contain them.
inbox
The mailbox that holds incoming e-mail.
Megabytes. 1,048,576 bytes, often used to mean one million bytes (1,000,000)
bytes.
microprocessor
Main computer chip that provides speed and capabilities of the computer. Also
called CPU.
assword
A string of characters that a program, computer operator, or user must supply to
meet security requirements before gaining access.
peripheral
Anything extra or added on for your computer, such as a modem, a mouse, or a fax
adapter. Peripherals can be added on externally or installed inside the machine.
pixel
Picture Element. In computer graphics, the smallest element of a display space that
can be independently assigned color or intensity.
port
That portion of a computer through which a peripheral device may communicate.
Often identified with the various plug-in jacks on the back of your computer. On a
network hub, it is the connector that receives the wire link from a node.
shareware
Protected by copyright; holder allows you to make and distribute copies under the
condition that those who adopt the software after preview pay a fee to the holder of
the copyright; derivative works are not allowed; you may make an archival copy.
smiley
Character combinations such as :-) to denote whether a message is being made in
jest with various modifications thereof ;-) to wink, etc. Also called emoticons, since
not all are smiling %-( .
soft copy
An electronic version of a file, usually in computer memory and/or on disk; as
opposed to hard copy, the paper printout.
software
Computer programs that perform various tasks. Word processing programs (like
WordPerfect or Microsoft Word), spreadsheet programs (like Lotus or Excel), or
database programs (like dBase III+, Foxbase, or FileMaker) are all software.
virus
A program that can make a copy of itself without you necessarily being aware of it;
some viruses can destroy or damage files, and generally the best protection is to
always maintain backups of your files
workstation
A general purpose computer that is small enough and inexpensive enough to reside
at a persons work area for his or her exclusive use. It includes microcomputers such
as Macintosh, and PCs running DOS, as well as high-performance desktop and
deskside computers.
BACKUP
BURN ENCRYPTION EMAIL FIREWALL HACKER SPAM -
Configuration

The way a program is set, most often by the user. This may include
window size and position, appearance on loading, usual font,
background colour, anything.
In Word, settings made in Tools > Options add to the configuration
of the program.
Database

A collection of records.
The records can be manipulated in various ways, eg, Find
all of the people who havent paid their electricity bill,
Find all of the books by Terry Pratchett, Add $20 to the
amount owed by all persons registered before 1999,
Calculate the total amount owed by all customers.
An address book is a simple database. Access seems to
me a rather overweight and over-rated database program.
There are those who disagree.

Computer Terms for Children
Here are some computer terms for children that most children need to
know. The list after this one covers the physical components of computers.
Backup - This is an extra copy of a file or document.
Browser - This is the program you use to browse files. A web browser will browse
internet files, like Firefox or Internet Explorer.
Burn a CD - This means to make a copy of data onto a CD. It is called burn
because it actually heats up the CD.
Cursor - Usually a small arrow on the screen that moves when you move the
mouse. The cursor is used to make a selection.
Caret or Insertion Point - This is that small blinking line that shows you where your
next typed letter or number will go.
Data - Any information stored by a computer. It can be files, E-mails, video games,
songs, pictures, etc.
Desktop - This is the screen that appears if you are not browsing the Internet,
reading a file, or playing a game. Your icons are on this screen.
Download - This is the process where you copy something from another computer
or the Internet, and save it on your computer.
Drag and drop - To do this, you click on something and hold the button down. This
will move the object you clicked on and will leave it where you let go of the button.
So it drags it and drops it.
E-mail - This is simply a way to send a message from one computer to another.
FAQ - This is an abbreviation for Frequently Asked Questions.
Graphic - This is a picture or an image.
Homepage - This is the first page you see when you open your browser. You can
make any page your homepage.
Icon - This is a small symbol or picture that represents a program or other things.
Internet - Many computers that are connected like a web so you can see what other
computer operators show you and you can show them things as well.
Logon - You have to do this to get access to a computer. You just type in a certain
name or code.
Memory - This is the data that a computer stores. Long term memory must be
saved to the hard drive.
Password - This is a secret code to protect your data and can keep others from
accessing your computer.
Right click - When you right click on the mouse, you are given a menu of options.
Screensaver - This is a picture that pops up when you are not using your computer.
Shortcut - When you click on an icon, it is a shortcut to a file or program.
Software - This is all the instructions for the computer or a program designed to do
different things. Examples are: Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer, and Windows.
Spam: This is an abbreviation for "sending particularly annoying messages"; it
stands for unwanted e-mail.
Task bar - The bar beside the Start button that shows what programs are open.
URL - The address of documents and resources on the internet.
User - Anyone using a computer.
Virus - Software that was written to do bad stuff to your computer.
Wallpaper - A picture or design on your desktop for decoration.
WWW or World Wide Web - Group of internet servers linking computers around
the world.