|
COMPUTING
|
| abandonware+ |
computer software that is no longer sold or supported by the publisher |
| addy+ |
an email address. |
| adware+ |
a type of software that collects information about a user's browsing patterns. |
| alphameric |
of data, consisting of both letters and numbers. |
| alphanumeric |
of data, consisting of both letters and numbers: ALPHANUMERICS. |
| alphasort |
to sort into alphabetic order. |
| antispam+ |
intended to prevent SPAM. |
| antivirus |
(a piece of software) designed to counter viruses: ANTIVIRUSES(+). |
| app+ |
an application program. |
| applet |
a small add-on program written in Java language. |
| arpa+ |
a site concerned with internet infrastructure. |
| assembler |
a type of computer program that converts a program written in assembly language to machine code. |
| autotune+ |
a software package that manipulates a vocal track until it is in tune. |
| backslash |
a character consisting of a line sloping from top left to bottom right. |
| backup |
an archive kept for security purposes. |
| baud |
a unit of data transmission speed of one change of state per second. |
| binit |
a unit of computer information. [BINary + digIT]. |
| biochip |
a computer logic circuit whose components are formed from biological molecules or structures. |
| biocomputing+ |
the application of computers to problems in biology and biochemistry. |
| bioinformatics+ |
the branch of information science dealing with large databases of biochemical or pharmaceutical information. |
| bitmap |
a pattern of bits representing a graphical object; (verb) to represent as a bitmap: BITMAPS, BITMAPPING(+), BITMAPPED(+). |
| bitstream+ |
a sequence of digital data. |
| bloatware |
excessively large software. |
| blog+ |
a journal written on-line and accessible to users of the internet. |
| blogger+ |
one who BLOGS, keeps a weblog. |
| blogging+ |
the keeping of a weblog: BLOGGINGS. |
| boot bootstrap |
to prepare (a computer) for operation by causing an operating system to be loaded into its memory. |
| bootable |
capable of being booted. |
| bootloader+ |
a system program that takes a program close in form to machine code and loads it into memory. |
| botnet+ |
a network of infected computers. |
| broadband |
(transmission) across a wide range of frequencies: BROADBANDS(+). |
| brontobyte+ |
a very large unit of computer memory. |
| browser |
software for use in accessing the Internet. |
| bug |
a logical error in a piece of software. |
| bugginess+ |
the state of being BUGGY, full of errors. |
| buggy |
of a piece of software, full of errors. |
| byte |
a set of usu. eight binary digits (bits) considered as a unit. |
| callee+ |
a computer function being used. |
| cammie+ |
a WEBCAM award. |
| cardpunch |
a machine which perforates cards to record data. |
| chad |
a bit of paper punched out of paper tape or cards. |
| chatbot+ |
a computer program for answering emails. |
| chatroom+ |
a virtual room for computer conversation. |
| checksum |
in computing, an arithmetical process to detect errors. |
| chip |
an integrated circuit. |
| chipset |
a group of chips performing certain functions. |
| clickable+ |
that can be clicked e.g. a computer icon. |
| clickwrap+ |
of a computer button, consented to by user clicking. |
| clipart |
a file containing a graphic. |
| codable |
that can be coded. |
| code |
the instrucions given to a computer; (verb) to write code. |
| codec |
an integrated circuit. |
| codeless |
without code. |
| coden |
a coding classification. |
| coder |
one who writes computer code, the least rewarded and most important person in a computer company, after the guy who maintains the coffee machine. |
| computer |
a machine that computes automatically. |
| computerese |
the jargon used by people who deal with computers. |
| computernik |
a computer enthusiast. |
| conf |
an online conference. |
| cookie |
a small piece of persistent basic information
on a user, sent to a browser when a certain page is accessed. |
| coprocessor |
one of a pair of twin processors. |
| cyber+ |
involving computers. |
| cyberathlete+ |
a professional player of computer games. |
| cybercafe |
a cafe where computers can be used. |
| cybercast+ |
a broadcast over the Internet, a WEBCAST. |
| cybercrime+ |
the illegal use of computers and the Internet. |
| cybercriminal+ |
one who commits a CYBERCRIME. |
| cybernate |
to control by means of a computer. |
| cybernation |
control by means of computer. |
| cybernaut+ |
a person using the Internet. |
| cyberporn+ |
pornography on the Internet. |
| cyberpunk |
a genus of science fiction involving a computer-dominated society and usu. a gifted young hacker who rebels against this. |
| cybersecurity |
the state of being safe from electronic crime and the measures taken to achieve this. |
| cybersex+ |
sex available through computer communication channels. |
| cyberspace |
the virtual world of computers. |
| cybersquatter+ |
one who engages in CYBERSQUATTING. |
| cybersquatting+ |
the practice of registering an internet domain name that is likely to be wanted by another person or organisation: |
| cyberwar+ |
information warfare. |
| cyborg |
a robot made of biological and mechanical components. |
| cybrarian+ |
a person in charge of computer archives. [CYBer + libRARIAN]. |
| daisywheel+ |
a kind of printer. |
| databank |
a body of information (a collection of databases or large files of data) stored in a computer. |
| database |
a collection of data in a computer; (verb) to put data into a database: DATABASES, DATABASING(+), DATABASED(+). |
| databus |
a path for transferring data: DATABUSES or DATABUSSES. |
| datacard+ |
a smart card. |
| datacomms |
data communications. N.B. no DATACOMM*. |
| dataflow+ |
as in dataflow architecture. No -S. |
| dataglove |
an electrically wired glove-like device that transmits the wearer's movements to a virtual reality monitor. |
| datamation |
automatic data processing. |
| debug |
to remove the errors from a computer program. |
| debugger |
one who debugs. |
| defrag defragment |
to run a program which reduces or eliminates the fragmentation of (a file or disk) by bringing together parts of files stored in separate locations to a single location on the disk. |
| defragger+ |
a program that DEFRAGS. |
| descriptor |
in computing, a symbol identifying a particular subject in a storage area. |
| desknote+ |
a small computer. |
| desktop |
a computer system small enough to use at a desk. |
| digerati+ |
persons skilled in the use of computers. |
| digitalise digitalize digitise digitize |
to convert into digital form. |
| digitiser digitizer |
a device that converts analogue signals etc. to digital ones. |
| diskette |
a small flexible plastic disk with a magnetic coating used as an inexpensive data-storage device of moderate capacity. |
| dongle |
a security device on computers. |
| download |
to transfer data from a large computer to a smaller one. |
| downtime |
a period when e.g. a computer is out of action. |
| earcon |
an audio signal given by a computer. |
| ebayer+ |
one who sells on eBay, an Internet auction site. |
| ebaying+ |
selling on eBay: EBAYINGS. |
| ebook+ |
a book in electronic form. |
| elint |
electronic intelligence. |
| emacs+ |
a powerful computer program for editing text: EMACSEN. |
| email |
to send electronic mail over computer telephone lines. |
| emoticon |
an icon in an email intended to express feeling. |
| eniac |
an American pioneering electronic computer. |
| eprom |
a type of computer memory. |
| evernet+ |
a hypothetical form of the Internet. |
| exabyte+ |
a very large unit of computer memory. |
| executable |
(a piece of computer code) that can be executed: EXECUTABLES(+). |
| extranet |
a type of network like the internet. |
| facemail+ |
a computer program that delivers mail messages via an electronic face on screen. |
| feedhole |
one of a series of holes in paper tape. |
| fiche |
a card or strip of film containing miniaturized data. |
| filename |
the name of a computer file. |
| filmcard |
a FICHE, a card or strip of film containing miniaturized data. |
| firewall |
in computing software, a system protecting a network from unauthorised access. |
| firmware |
computer programs stored permanently on a microchip. |
| floppy |
given to flopping: FLOPPIER, FLOPPIEST; FLOPPILY; (noun) a floppy disk: FLOPPIES. |
| floptical |
denoting a type of read-write head using a laser device. |
| flowchart |
a chart pictorially representing the nature and sequence of operations to be carried out, e.g. in a computer program. |
| formatter |
a programme for formatting a disk etc. |
| freeware |
a program that can be copied but not sold. |
| gameplay+ |
the plot of a computer or video game or the way in which it is played. |
| gigabit |
a billion (thousand million) bits. |
| gigabyte |
a thousand million bytes. |
| gigacycle+ |
one billion hertz. |
| gigaflop |
a unit of processing speed. |
| gigahertz |
one billion hertz. |
| glitch |
an instance of imperfect functioning e.g. in a spacecraft or computer. |
| glitchy |
full of glitches. |
| glurge+ |
sentimental stories sent by email. |
| googlewhack+ |
an Internet search that produces one hit only. |
| groupware |
software that supports group activity. |
| hack |
a) to gain unauthorised access to a computer system; b) to knock up a piece of code |
| hackable+ |
that can be hacked e.g. of a computer system. |
| hacker |
one that hacks into a computer system. |
| handheld |
something, e.g. a computer, held in the hand and operated from there. |
| handshaking |
communication between a computer system and an external device, by which each tells the other that data is ready to be transferred, and that the receiver is ready to accept it. |
| hardboot |
a type of computer start-up. |
| hardware |
metal goods. |
| hardwire |
to program by hardware. |
| holddown+ |
a control function in a computer. |
| homepage+ |
the main page on a website. |
| homesite |
one's own site on the Internet. |
| hotlink+ |
an area on a website connecting to another site. |
| hyperlink |
a form of cross-reference in computer-readable text which allows instant access to related material; (verb) to connect by hyperlink: HYPERLINKS, HYPERLINKING(+), HYPERLINKED(+). |
| hypermedia |
a system linking information stored as text, graphics, audio and video. |
| hypertext |
computer software and hardware that allows users to create, store, and view text and move between related items easily and in a nonsequential way. |
| infobahn |
the information superhighway; the Internet. |
| infosphere |
the business of collecting (esp electronic) information. |
| inkjet |
denoting a kind of computer printer. No -S. |
| internet+ |
a worldwide computer network. |
| intranet |
a restricted network of computers such as within a company. |
| jobname |
a computer code for a job instruction. |
| joystick |
a lever by means of which the movement of a cursor on a screen may be controlled. |
| keyboard |
(verb) to enter data on a keyboard: KEYBOARDS, KEYBOARDING, KEYBOARDED. |
| keycard |
a coded card for operating a device. |
| keylogger+ |
a device or software application for covertly recording keystrokes on a remote computer. |
| keypad |
a small device with push-button controls, e.g. a TV remote control unit. |
| keypal |
a friend with whom one exchanges emails. |
| keypunch |
to transfer data on to punched cards. |
| keyring+ |
relating to a type of drive. No -S. |
| lapheld |
held in the lap. |
| laptop |
an easily portable computer. |
| laserdisc+ laserdisk+ |
a disc similar to a long-playing record on which data is stored by the use of a laser. |
| linux+ |
a nonproprietary computer operating system for personal computers. |
| listserv+ |
an Internet mailing service. |
| liveware |
all the people working on a computer system. |
| login logon |
access to a mainframe or server system. |
| logoff logout |
exit from a mainframe or server system. |
| lossless+ |
without loss, as in lossless compression of data. |
| lossy |
of a compression format, losing data: LOSSIER, LOSSIEST. |
| luggable |
of a computer, portable, but with some difficulty. |
| luser+ |
a user of a computer system as perceived by a technical support group. |
| macro macrocode |
an instruction in a computer language corresponding to more than one machine code instruction. |
| mailmerge |
a merge of a file of names and addresses with the text of a letter; (verb) to carry out a mailmerge. |
| mainframe |
a large computer serving others. |
| malware+ |
a computer program designed to cause damage or disruption to a system. |
| meatspace+ |
real physical space, as contrasted with the world of CYBERSPACE. |
| megabit |
one million bits. |
| megabyte |
one million bytes. |
| megacycle |
a million cycles; a million cycles per second. |
| megaflop |
a processing speed of 1 million operations per second. |
| megapixel+ |
one million pixels. |
| metatag+ |
an element of HTML describing the contents of a web page. |
| micro |
a microcomputer: MICROS. |
| microchip |
a chip of silicon. |
| microcircuit |
a compact electronic circuit. |
| microcode |
a microinstruction. |
| microcomputer |
a small computer usually equipped with a microprocessor. |
| microdrive+ |
formerly, a device used on some microcomputers for writing and reading data to and from a continuous loop of tape held in a cartridge; now a very small hard disk drive. |
| microfloppy |
a small floppy disk. |
| microprocessor |
a computer processor contained on an integratedcircuit chip. |
| microprogram |
a routine composed of microinstructions used in microprogramming. |
| microsite+ |
a website that is intended for a specific limited purpose. |
| minidisc+ minidisk |
a small recordable compact disk. |
| minifloppy |
a small floppy disk. |
| minitower+ |
a computer in a small vertical cabinet. |
| mips+ |
a million instruction per second. No MIP*. |
| miscompute |
to compute erroneously. |
| modem |
an electronic device which converts digital data from a computer into analogue signals that can be sent to another computer over a telephone system; (verb) to transmit or receive by modem. |
| morph |
to transform or animate a shape etc. |
| motherboard |
part of a computer. |
| mouse |
a computer pointing device: MICE; (verb) to catch mice: MOUSES, MOUSING, MOUSED. |
| mousemat+ |
a piece of material on which a computer mouse is moved. |
| mouseover+ |
on a web page, any item that changes or pops up when the pointer of a mouse moves over it. |
| mousepad+ |
a pad for a computer mouse. |
| multidisc+ |
involving more than one disc. |
| multiprocessing |
the processing of several computer programs at the same time especially by a computer system with two or more processors sharing a single memory |
| multisite |
having many sites. |
| multitasking |
another term for MULTIPROCESSING. |
| mung+ |
to process computer data: MUNGS, MUNGING, MUNGED. |
| nanodot+ |
a microscopic cluster of several hundred nickel dots used to store large amounts of data in a computer chip. |
| netiquette |
etiquette appropriate to the Internet. |
| netizen |
a member of a computer network. |
| netspeak+ |
the jargon of internet users. |
| nettie+ |
a habitual and enthusiastic user of the internet. |
| neurochip |
a microchip used in neural networks. |
| newsgroup |
a group on the Internet who subscribe to receive mail on a particular topic. |
| notebook |
a portable computer smaller than a LAPTOP. |
| nybble |
in computing, half a byte. |
| occam |
a programming language. |
| offline |
taking place when the computer is not connected to a network e.g. the Internet. |
| online |
in computing, under the control of the central processor. |
| onliner+ |
a person who uses the internet regularly. |
| onload+ |
to load files on to a computer. |
| opcode |
a code containing operation instructions for a microprocessor. |
| pageview+ |
an electronic page of information displayed at the request of a user. |
| palmtop |
a small hand-held computer. |
| parser |
a computer program that breaks down text into recognized strings of characters for further analysis. |
| pathname+ |
the name of a file or directory together with its position in relation to other directories. |
| petabyte+ |
in computing, 10 to the fifteenth bytes. |
| phishing+ |
the use of fraudulent emails and websites in order to extract personal details |
| pixel |
each of the small areas of uniform illumination of which the image is formed on a television or computer screen etc. |
| pixelation |
the state of being PIXELLATED. N.B. no PIXELATED* and no PIXELLATION*. |
| pixellated |
made up of pixels; displayed as enlarged pixels so as to distort or disguise. |
| poddie+ |
a user of an iPod. |
| policer+ |
a computer device controlling use. |
| precode |
to code in advance. |
| precompute |
to compute in advance. |
| printout |
the printed output of a computer. |
| printwheel+ |
another name for DAISYWHEEL, a kind of printer. |
| processor processer+ |
the part of a computer that processes. |
| program |
to write a program: PROGRAMS, PROGRAMING or PROGRAMMING, PROGRAMED or PROGRAMMED. |
| programer programmer |
one who programs a computer. |
| pseudocode |
instructions written in a symbolic language which must be translated into machine code before they can be executed. |
| pumpking+ |
a person involved in a web-based project who has temporary but exclusive authority to make changes to the master source code. |
| pushdown |
a store of computer data. |
| qubit+ |
in computing, a quantum bit. |
| qubyte+ |
in computing, a quantum byte. |
| realtime |
relating to a computer system. |
| reboot |
to boot again. |
| recode |
to code again. |
| recompute |
to compute again. |
| recursion |
the application or use of a recursive procedure or definition i.e. one that calls itself. |
| reprogram |
to program again: REPROGRAMS, REPROGRAMING or REPROGRAMMING, REPROGRAMED or REPROGRAMMED. |
| rewriter |
a device for rewriting. |
| rootserver+ |
a computer that acts as the main server for a whole service. |
| scambaiting+ |
the practice of pretending to fall for online scams in order to waste the time of the perpetrators. |
| scannable |
that can be scanned. |
| scanner |
a device for scanning documents. |
| screenie+ |
a SCREENSAVER. |
| screensaver+ |
a picture showing on a computer when in screen save mode. |
| screenshot+ |
a print of the contents of a computer screen. |
| scrollable |
that can be scrolled. |
| server |
on a computer network, a dedicated computer that stores communal files, processes electronic mail, provides printing etc. |
| servlet+ |
a small program that runs on a web server often accessing databases in repsonse to client input. |
| shareware |
a computer program available for use for a small payment made on trust. |
| smiley |
a set of characters representing a smiling face. |
| smurfing+ |
intentionally flooding a computer network with messages generated by a program. |
| software |
written or printed data used in computer operations. |
| soundcard |
the card in a computer that produces audio. |
| spam |
to send out electronic junk. [From Spam, a type of luncheon meat]. |
| spambot+ |
a computer program that identifies email addresses to send spam to. |
| spellcheck |
to check the spelling of something via computer. |
| spim+ |
spam received via an instant messaging system. |
| spooler |
a device for transferring data to a memory store for later printing or processing. |
| spreadsheet |
a program with which data, formatted in rows and columns of cells, can be viewed on a screen and manipulated to make projections, calculations etc. |
| spyware+ |
software installed on a user's computer via the internet for purposes of gaining information. |
| stiffware |
software that is no longer flexible. |
| stopword+ |
a common word not used in computer search engines. |
| subcode |
part of a code. |
| subfile |
part of a file. |
| submenu |
a subordinate menu. |
| subnet |
a system of interconnections within a communications system. |
| subprogram |
a subpart of a program. |
| subroutine |
a subordinate routine. |
| subsite |
a subordinate site. |
| subtask |
a subordinate task. |
| supermicro |
a very small micro computer. |
| sysadmin+ |
a computer systems administrator. |
| sysop |
systems operator. |
| taskbar+ |
an area of a computer screen showing what programs are running. |
| telematic |
relating to TELEMATICS, the transmission of computerized data over long distances. |
| telematics |
the transmission of computerized data over long distances. |
| teleprocessing |
remote-controlled computer processing. |
| telnet |
a system of remote access to computers by telecommunications; (verb) to use such a system: TELNETS, TELNETING(+) or TELNETTING(+), TELNETTED(+). |
| terabyte+ |
a large unit of computer memory. |
| timeout |
the expiry of a set period of time. |
| tonepad |
an electronic device that allows data to be input into a computer from a distance. |
| toolbar |
a set of tools, as on a computer screen. |
| toolset+ |
a set of predefined tools associated with a particular computer. |
| touchpad+ |
part of a laptop computer functioning like a mouse. Aka TRACKPAD. |
| trackball |
a spherical ball mounted in a box structure that can be used to control a computer cursor. |
| trackpad+ |
part of a laptop computer functioning like a mouse. Aka TOUCHPAD. |
| transputer |
a special computer chip able to process in parallel rather than sequentially. |
| trialware+ |
computer software that can be used without charge for a limited evaluation period. |
| tuple+ |
in computing, a row of values in a relational database. |
| uninstall |
to remove a program from a storage device. N.B. No UNINSTAL*, though there is INSTAL or INSTALL. |
| upgradable |
that can be upgraded e.g. of computer equipment. |
| upgrade |
to raise to a higher grade or standard. |
| upgrader |
one who upgrades. |
| uplink |
a transmitter which sends signals up to a communications satellite; (verb) to transmit by uplink: UPLINKS, UPLINKING(+), UPLINKED(+). |
| uplinking |
the act of transmitting by UPLINK: UPLINKINGS. |
| upload |
to transfer computer information by modem. |
| uptime |
a period when e.g. a computer is available for use. |
| username+ |
a name given by a computer user to gain access. |
| vaporware vapourware |
a computer-related product that has been widely advertised but has not and may never become available. |
| voxel |
a point in a three-dimensional computer image like a PIXEL. |
| warchalker+ |
one who engages in WARCHALKING. |
| warchalking+ |
the activity of drawing chalk symbols in public places in order to indicate the location of wireless Internet access points: WARCHALKINGS. |
| warez+ |
illegally copied computer software which has had its protection codes de-activated. |
| webbie+ |
a person who is well versed in the use of the World Wide Web. |
| webcam+ |
a camera that transmits messages over the Internet. |
| webcast+ |
a broadcast of an event over the Internet; (verb) to broadcast over the Internet: WEBCASTS, WEBCASTING, WEBCASTED. |
| webcaster+ |
one who broadcasts over the Internet. |
| webinar+ |
an interactive seminar conducted over the World Wide Web. |
| weblog+ |
a Web journal. |
| weblogger+ |
one who keeps a WEBLOG, a Web journal. |
| webmail+ |
a system of electronic mail that allows users to access their mail via a website. |
| webmaster+ |
a person responsible for the maintenance of a WEBSITE. |
| webpage+ |
a page on a website. |
| website |
in computing, a location on a network of internet documents. |
| wetware |
the living human brain, viewed as part of a computer system. |
| whizzy+ |
using sophisticated technology to achieve vivid effects: WHIZZIER, WHIZZIEST. |
| workgroup |
a group of computer users linked by a network. |
| wysiwyg |
of a display generated by word-processing or desktop-publishing software that exactly reflects the appearance of the printed document: 'what you see is what you get'. |
| yottabyte+ |
a unit of computer memory, 10 to the 24 bytes. |
| zettabyte+ |
a unit of computer memory, 10 to the 21 bytes. |
