ABSP - Computing

Computing

Words

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.
alphatest	to carry out an alpha test of an experimental product, such as computer software.
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.
autoreply	a facility which allows a previously-written response to be sent automatically in reply to incoming e-mail; a message sent by this.
autosave	a facility which automatically saves newly-recorded data at regular intervals; (verb) to save data automatically at regular intervals.
autotune	a software package that manipulates a vocal track until it is in tune.
awk	a computer-programming language used for data processing.
backslash	a character consisting of a line sloping from top left to bottom right.
backup	an archive kept for security purposes.
badware	malicious computer software, aka MALWARE.
bakeoff	a test of rival computer products to see which performs best.
barcode	an arrangement, readable by computer, of thick and thin parallel lines, eg printed on, and giving coded details of, goods at a point of sale, library books, etc > BARCODES, BARCODED.
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.
blit	to transfer a large array of bits between different locations in a computer's memory > BLITS, BLITTING, BLITTED.
bloatware	excessively large software.
blog	a journal written on-line and accessible to users of the internet.
blogger	one who BLOGS, keeps a weblog.
bloggerati	those considered to be important or influential in the world of blogging.
blogging	the keeping of a weblog > BLOGGINGS.
blogosphere	the part of the World Wide Web that contains weblogs.
blogring	a number of blogs joined in a ring.
blogroll	a list of blogs.
blogstream	the alternative news and information network growing up around weblogs.
blook	a book serialized on a blog platform.
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.
cancelbot	a computer program that identifies and deletes unwanted articles sent to an Internet newsgroup.
cardpunch	a machine which perforates cards to record data.
careware	computer software that is made available in exchange for making a donation of one's services or money to a charity.
casemix	a database system for storing information about medical patients.
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	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.
cuspy	of a computer program, well written and easy to use > CUSPIER, CUSPIEST.
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.
darknet	the collection of networks and other technologies that enable people to illegally share copyrighted digital files with little or no fear of detection.
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.
datagram	a communication channel that uses information routed through a packet-switching network.
datamation	automatic data processing.
dataveillance	the monitoring of a person's activities by studying the data trail created by actions such as credit card purchases, cell phone calls, and Internet use.
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.
demoscene	a computer art subculture that specializes in producing demos.
dequeue	to remove from a (computing) queue > DEQUEUES, DEQUEUING or DEQUEUEING, DEQUEUED..
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.
digipack	a storage case for a CD or DVD with a paperboard outer binding.
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.
emailer	one who sends emails.
emoticon	an icon in an email intended to express feeling.
eniac	an American pioneering electronic computer.
enqueue	to add (a data-processing task) to a list of tasks awaiting processing in a buffer > ENQUEUES, ENQUEUING or ENQUEUEING, ENQUEUED.
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.
exergaming	the playing of video games that require rigorous physical exercise and are intended as a work-out > EXERGAMINGS.
extranet	a type of network like the internet.
facemail	a computer program that delivers mail messages via an electronic face on screen.
fansite	a website devoted to fans of a particular celebrity, TV programme, etc.
favicon	a 16x16 pixel square icon associated with a particular website or webpage.
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; (verb) to instal a firewall.
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.
inbox	on a computer, a folder in a mailbox in which incoming messages are stored and displayed.
infobahn	the information superhighway; the Internet.
infosphere	the business of collecting (esp electronic) information.
infotech	an informal short form of information technology.
inkjet	denoting a kind of computer printer. No —S.
internet	a worldwide computer network.
interweb	a facetious name for the Internet, used to imply that the speaker has little understanding of or interest in the subject.
intranet	a restricted network of computers such as within a company.
jobname	a computer code for a job instruction.
joypad	a device consisting of a pad with buttons on it, used for controlling the motion of objects in a computer game.
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.
keylogging	the logging of keystrokes on a 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.
leetspeak	a jargon used by some internet groups, in which standard English is translated into a mixture of letters, numerals, and symbols found on a computer keyboard.
lifehack	a productivity trick used by programmers to cut through information overload and organize their data.
linkrot	The condition of a website link not being updated, with the result that the host website is no longer hyperlinked to the desired website.
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.
machinima	the use of real-time three-dimensional graphics rendering engines to generate computer animation.
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.
metadata	information about information already supplied, eg details about a site on the Internet.
metafile	graphical information capable of being transferred between systems or software.
metatag	an element of HTML describing the contents of a web page.
metaverse	a 3D virtual world, esp in an online role-playing game; the universe as portrayed in a given work of fiction.
micro	a microcomputer > MICROS.
microblog	a blog in which there is a limitation on the length of individual postings.
microblogger	one who keeps a microblog.
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.
middleware	computer software that has an intermediary function between the various applications of a computer and its operating system.
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.
mod	to modify (a computer or piece of software) > MODS, MODDING, MODDED.
modder	one who mods (a computer or piece of software).
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.
munge	to create a strong, secure password through character substitution.
myspace	to search for a person's space on the MySpace website.
nanodot	a microscopic cluster of several hundred nickel dots used to store large amounts of data in a computer chip.
nerdic	another name for GEEKSPEAK.
netiquette	etiquette appropriate to the Internet.
netizen	a member of a computer network.
netroot	a political activist who promotes his or her cause via the internet.
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.
noob	an Internet novice, a newbie.
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.
overclock	To run a computer component at a higher clock rate than it was designed for or was specified by the manufacturer.
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.
pel	an earlier, now less common, word for a pixel.
permalink	an internet hyperlink that is intended to be permanent.
petabyte	in computing, 10 to the fifteenth bytes.
petaflop	a unit of processing speed equal to 2 to the power of 50 floating-point operations per second.
pharm	to redirect computer users from legitimate websites to counterfeit sites in order to gain confidential information about them.
phishing	the use of fraudulent emails and websites in order to extract personal details.
photoshop	to manipulate a digital image using editing software.
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.
readme	as in readme file, a text file supplied with computer software that contains information about the software, such as advice on installation and bugs.
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.
rootkit	a set of programs used to gain unauthorized access to a computer's operating system, esp in order to destroy or alter files, attack other computers, etc.
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.
scrobble	of an online music service, to record a listener's musical preferences and recommend similar music that he or she might enjoy.
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.
shopbot	A website that offers price comparisons for particular products.
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.
splog	a spam blog, an artificially created weblog site which the author uses to promote affiliated websites or to increase the search engine rankings of associated sites.
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.
timestamp	of a computer, to add a record of the time of an event or transaction to (data).
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.
transcode	to convert data from one digital format to another.
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.
undelete	to undo the deletion of a computer file.
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.
vlog	a blog using the medium of video.
vlogger	one who keeps a VLOG.
vlogging	the act of keeping a VLOG.
vodcast	a video podcast; (verb) to make a video podcast.
vodcaster	one who makes a VODCAST.
voip	a system for converting analogue signals to digital so that the telephone calls may be made over the internet.
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.
webcaster	one who broadcasts over the Internet.
webify	to put a piece of (possibly already existing) material on the Web.
webisode	a short episode which airs initially as an Internet download or stream as opposed to first airing on broadcast or cable television.
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.
weblog	a Web journal.
webring	a collection of websites from around the Internet joined together in a circular structure.
webzine	a magazine published on the Internet.
wetware	the living human brain, viewed as part of a computer system.
whitelist	to place a name, e-mail address, Web site address, or program on a list of items that are deemed spam- or virus-free.
whizzy	using sophisticated technology to achieve vivid effects > WHIZZIER, WHIZZIEST.
wireframe	a basic visual guide used in interface design to suggest the structure of an interface and relationships between its pages.
workgroup	a group of computer users linked by a network.
worksafe	of an internet link,etc., suitable for viewing in the workplace because of an absence of pornographic content.
yottabyte	a unit of computer memory, 10 to the 24 bytes.
zettabyte	a unit of computer memory, 10 to the 21 bytes.

Data Protection Act: In joining the ABSP I accept that personal information relating to Scrabble, including my rating and my photograph, may appear on the ABSP website and in ABSP publications. I accept that the ABSP will not be responsible for use or misuse of personal information.

SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. by Hasbro Inc., in Canada by Hasbro Canada Inc. and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Ltd. of Maidenhead SL6 4UB, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro or Hasbro Canada.