2. Benchmark test
A set of tests used to measure
computer hardware or software
performance.
CIS 120
3. Level 1 cache (Ll cache)
Cache memory built into a
microprocessor chip. Ll cache can
typically be read in one clock cycle.
CIS 120
4. Level 2 cache (L2 cache)
Cache memory that is located in a chip
separate from the microprocessor chip.
CIS 120
5. 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
conventional RAM.
CIS 120
6. Controller
A circuit board in a hard drive that
positions the disk and read-write heads
to locate data.
CIS 120
7. DMA
Short for direct memory access, DMA
refers to specialized circuitry that
transfers data between drives and
RAM, bypassing the CPU.
CIS 120
8. EIDE
Short for enhanced integrated drive (or
device) electronics, EIDE is a disk drive
technology formally known as ATA.
CIS 120
9. SCSI (Small Computer
System Interface)
An interface standard used for attaching
peripheral devices such as disk drives.
Pronounced "scuzzy."
CIS 120
10. Ultra ATA
A disk drive technology that is an
enhanced version of EIDE. Also
referred to as Ultra DMA or Ultra IDE.
CIS 120
11. Touchpad
A touch-sensitive input device that
allows the user to control an on-screen
pointer by moving the fingertips over the
pad's surface.
CIS 120
12. Track point
A small pencil-eraser-shaped device
embedded among typing keys that
controls an on- screen pointer when the
user pushes the track point up, down,
left, or right.
CIS 120
13. Trackball
A pointing device consisting of a ball
that is rotated in a frame to move a
pointer around a computer screen.
CIS 120
14. Wavetable synthesis
A MIDI standard that creates music by
playing digitized sound samples of
actual instruments.
CIS 120
15. 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 vacuum tube, it
is often used to refer to the entire
monitor.
CIS 120
16. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
A type of flat panel computer screen,
typically found on notebook computers.
CIS 120
17. Viewable image size (vis)
A measurement of the maximum image
size that can be displayed on a monitor
screen.
CIS 120
18. Dot pitch
The diagonal distance between colored
dots on a display screen. Measured in
millimeters, dot pitch helps to determine
the quality of an image displayed on a
monitor.
CIS 120
19. Maximum resolution
The maximum number of pixels a
monitor can display, measured in
number of horizontal pixels x number of
vertical pixels.
CIS 120
20. Accelerated graphics card
A type of graphics card that contains
special circuitry to increase the speed at
which graphics can be displayed.
CIS 120
21. Active matrix screen
A type of LCD technology that produces
a clear, sharp image because each
pixel is controlled by its own transistor.
CIS 120
22. Color depth
The number of bits that determines the
range of possible colors that can be
assigned to each pixel. For example, an
8-bit color depth can create 256 colors.
CIS 120
23. Passive matrix screen
A display found on older notebook
computers that relies on timing to
ensure that the liquid crystal cells are
illuminated.
CIS 120
24. SVGA (Super Video Graphics
Array)
SVGA typically refers to 800 x 600
resolution.
CIS 120
25. 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
resolutions and color depth.
CIS 120
27. 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- side the case.
CIS 120
28. Internal bay
A location inside the system unit case
where devices that do not need to be
accessed from outside the case can be
installed.
CIS 120
29. PCMCIA card
A small credit card-sized circuit board
used to connect a modem, memory,
network card, or storage device to a
notebook computer.
CIS 120
30. PCMCIA slot
A PCMCIA (Personal Computer
Memory Card International Association)
slot is an external expansion slot
typically found on note- book
computers.
CIS 120
31. 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 keyboard.
CIS 120
33. Dpi
Dpi refers to the resolution of an image.
Images with more dots per inch (dpi)
appear more realistic than images with
fewer dots per inch.
CIS 120
34. Duty cycle
The amount of output that can be
expected from a printer, typically
measured in pages per month.
CIS 120
35. Ink jet printer
A non-impact printer that creates
characters or graphics by spraying
liquid ink onto paper or other media.
CIS 120
36. Laser printer
A printer that uses laser-based
technology, similar to that used by
photocopiers, to produce text and
graphics.
CIS 120
37. PostScript
A printer language, developed by
Adobe Systems, which uses a special
set of commands to control page layout,
fonts, and graphics.
CIS 120
38. Printer Control Language
(PCL)
The unofficial standard language used
to send page formatting instructions
from a PC to a laser or ink jet printer.
CIS 120
39. Dot matrix printer
A printer that creates characters and
graphics by striking an inked ribbon with
small wires called pins, generating a
fine pattern of dots.
CIS 120
40. Multifunction printer
An output device that combines printing
capability with other functions, such as
scanning, faxing, copying, and
answering machine.
CIS 120
41. Computer industry
The corporations and individuals that
supply goods and services to people
and organizations that use computers.
CIS 120
43. Alpha test
One of the first phases of software
testing, usually conducted by the
software publisher's in-house testing
team.
CIS 120
44. Beta test
A testing phase near the and of the
software development process in which
a software product is tested in real-
world computer environments, often by
and-users.
CIS 120
45. Revision
An updated form (indicated by x) of a
software program, incorporating minor
enhancements and eliminating bugs
found in the most recent version.
CIS 120
47. Version
A new or totally redesigned product (for
example, in the identifying number 6.1,
the 6 is the version number).
CIS 120
48. Competitive upgrade
A special price offered to consumers
who switch from one company's
software product to the new version of a
competitor's product.
CIS 120
50. Version upgrade price
A special price for a new version of a
software package, offered to owners of
an earlier version.
CIS 120
51. Computer retail store
A store that typically sells several
brands of computers from a store-front
location, such as a mall or shopping
center.
CIS 120
52. Mail-order supplier
A merchant that takes orders by
telephone or from an Internet site, then
ships orders by mail or other courier
service.
CIS 120
53. Manufacturer direct
The selling of products by hardware
manufacturers directly to consumers, by
means of a sales force or mail order.
create a system designed to meet the
needs of specific customers or
industries.
CIS 120
54. Computer-related jobs
Jobs in the computer industry that are
similar to jobs in other industries
(computer sales, high-tech recruiting,
etc.).
CIS 120
56. Computer-use jobs
Jobs that require the use of computers
to accomplish tasks in fields other than
computing (laboratory technician,
accountant, etc.).
CIS 120
57. Computer engineering
A career that focuses on the design and
development of computer hardware and
peripheral devices.
CIS 120
58. Computer science
A career field that focuses on
developing fast and efficient computers,
from their construction, to their
programming and operating systems.
CIS 120
59. 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
developing such systems.
CIS 120
