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COMPUTER CONCEPTS
Vocabulary
Chapter 6
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Benchmark test
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Level 1 cache (Ll cache)
Cache memory built into a
microprocessor chip. Ll cache can typically be read in one clock
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Level 2 cache (L2 cache)
Cache memory that is located in a chip separate from the
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SDRAM
Short for synchronous dynamic RAM, it is a type of RAM that
synchronizes itself with the CPU, thus enabling it to run at much higher clock speeds than
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Controller
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DMA
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EIDE
Short for enhanced integrated
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SCSI (Small Computer
System Interface)
An interface standard used for
attaching peripheral devices such as disk drives. Pronounced
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Ultra ATA
A disk drive technology that is an enhanced version of EIDE. Also
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Touchpad
A touch-sensitive input device that allows the user to control an
on-screen pointer by moving the
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Track point
A small pencil-eraser-shaped
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Trackball
A pointing device consisting of a ball that is rotated in a frame to
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Wavetable synthesis
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CRT (cathode ray tube)
A display technology that uses a large vacuum tube, similar to that used in television sets. Although CRT technically refers to the
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LCD (Liquid Crystal
Display)
A type of flat panel computer screen, typically found on
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Viewable image size (vis)
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Dot pitch
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Maximum resolution
The maximum number of pixels a monitor can display, measured in number of horizontal pixels x
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Accelerated graphics card
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Active matrix screen
A type of LCD technology that produces a clear, sharp image
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Color depth
The number of bits that
determines the range of possible colors that can be assigned to
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Passive matrix screen
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SVGA (Super Video
Graphics Array)
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Video memory
Memory chips located on a
graphics card that store images as they are processed. More video
memory allows a computer to display images at higher
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XGA (Extended Graphics
Array)
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External bay
An opening in the computer case that allows the user to install a
device, such as a floppy disk drive, that must be accessed from out-
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Internal bay
A location inside the system unit case where devices that do not
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PCMCIA card
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PCMCIA slot
A PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International
Association) slot is an external
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Part replicator
A device that connects to a note- book computer, by means of a bus connector plug, and contains a
duplicate of the notebook computer's ports for connecting devices such as an external monitor, mouse, or
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Hot swap
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Dpi
Dpi refers to the resolution of an image. Images with more dots per inch (dpi) appear more realistic
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Duty cycle
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Ink jet printer
A non-impact printer that creates characters or graphics by spraying liquid ink onto paper or other
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Laser printer
A printer that uses laser-based
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PostScript
A printer language, developed by Adobe Systems, which uses a
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Printer Control Language
(PCL)
The unofficial standard language used to send page formatting
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Dot matrix printer
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Multifunction printer
An output device that combines printing capability with other
functions, such as scanning,
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Computer industry
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Vaporware
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Alpha test
One of the first phases of software testing, usually conducted by the software publisher's in-house
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Beta test
A testing phase near the and of the software development process in
which a software product is tested in real-world computer
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Revision
An updated form (indicated by x) of a software program,
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Software publisher
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Version
A new or totally redesigned product (for example, in the
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Competitive upgrade
A special price offered to
consumers who switch from one
company's software product to the new version of a competitor's
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Street price
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Version upgrade price
A special price for a new version of a software package, offered to
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Computer retail store
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Mail-order supplier
A merchant that takes orders by
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Manufacturer direct
The selling of products by hardware manufacturers directly to consumers, by means of a sales force or mail
order.
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Computer-related jobs
Jobs in the computer industry that are similar to jobs in other
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Computer-specific jobs
Jobs that are unique to the
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Computer-use jobs
Jobs that require the use of
computers to accomplish tasks in fields other than computing
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Computer engineering
A career that focuses on the design and development of
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Computer science
A career field that focuses on developing fast and efficient
computers, from their construction, to their programming and
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Information system
Refers to a computer system that stores data and supplies
information, usually within a
business context. Also refers to the career field that focuses on
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