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If You Want To Be A "Geek"

• Access Time-The amount of time necessary for data to become available from a disk drive or memory area after the request has been made.
• Adapter-A device used between two pieces of equipment, such as a cable, to convert one type to another.
• Adapter Card-A plug-in card between the computer and an external piece of equipment. Example, Video Adapter Card.
• Add-in Card-Same as Adapter Card.
• Address-A location in memory or on a hardware "bus". (See "bus".
• Alt-key Codes-A combination of keystrokes using the "Alt" key plus another key to cause a program function.
• ANSI (American National Standards Institute)-Standards for coding and displaying computer information (See "txt" files.)
• Application-A computer program.
• ASCII(American Standard Code for Information Interchange)-A standard for "txt" files. See ".txt".
• ASPI Driver (Advanced SCSI Programming Interface)-Used to be loaded in the "config.sys" file but now normally a part of "BIOS".
• AT-Advanced Technology, normally associated with IBM "AT" computer standards.
• AT Compatible-Compatible with IBM PC standards.
• Attributes-a special subset of information or instructions. The file has a hidden "attribute". The attribute of the Internet Connection is TCPIP.
• Autoexec.Bat file-Automatically executed file at start-up to load programs that you want to always run. These programs are called "terminate-and-stay resident" (TSR) programs.
• Backup-The process of copying files from the hard drive to another type of drive such as a "floppy disk" so that information will not be lost forever if there is a hard drive failure.

• Base Address-The starting address of a devise or memory location.
• Base Memory-(Also called "DOS" memory)The beginning 640K of RAM memory used to store "boot" and operating system information. Not used in Windows 95.
• Batch File-A file that contains "DOS" commands that you design and want to execute. The file is "yourfile.bat" and will run first.
• Battery Backup-The battery on the "mother board" that keeps power to the chip that has system configuration information such as time and date.
• Baud rate-The speed in "bits" per second that data is transferred between two devices. The "baud" rate of my modem is 28.8. Or I have a 28.8 "Bps" modem.
• BBS (Bulletin Board Service)-A remote computer system that you may have access to via a modem. There are many in the Dayton Area. The telephone numbers are located in local pamphlets that you can find in computer stores.
• BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)-The first set of programs run when you turn on your computer. There are many different types and brands. The BIOS can determine the overall value of the "mother board" that you may purchase. You can have a really great "mother board" but with an outdated, or off-brand BIOS the "mother board" may not operate adequately.
• Bit-The smallest unit of information in a digital computer.
• Bootup-The process of starting up your computer.
• Bps-See "Baud".
• Break-See "control break".
• Buffers-A small area of memory used to temporarily store information before it goes to the disk drive.
• Built-In-Command-The first commands in a "disk operating

system". (See "DOS")

• Burn-In-The process of testing a computer for an extended period of time.
• Bus-An internal wiring configuration between the "CPU" and the circuits that carries the information around the computer.
• Byte-Eight "bits" Two bytes to a word, 1000 bytes =one kilobyte(KB).
• Checksum-An error checking method to verify correct reception of data.
• CHS (Cylinder/Head/Sector)-Specific locations on a hard drive as determined by the "CMOS setup".
• Cluster-A cluster of "sectors" on your hard drive.
• CMOS Clock-A clock chip maintained by the battery.
• CMOS RAM-A special chip that stores system configuration information on the "mother board".
• CMOS setup-The process of setting up the CMOS RAM and CMOS Clock.
• Code Page-Defines the characters of your keyboard.
• Code Page Switching-Changing your keyboard characters.
• Command-A word or icon that represents a program or program function that you want to run.
• Command Line-Old term used in old DOS interfaces. Really the "data path" to the program.
• Communications Program-An application program enabling you to communicate with a remote computer.
• Config.sys-A file that contains initial DOS commands that runs as part of the "bootup" process. Tells your computer how to act after it gets going.
• Control-Alt-Delete-This will soon become your favorite way to "reboot" your computer. Hit Control-Alt-Delete on your keyboard at the same time.
• Control-Break-Hit "control" and "break" at the same time and the old DOS program that you are running will stop running. Don’t use this code with Windows.
• Control "C"-Same as Control Break for many older programs.
• Control Code-Examples are Control "C" and Control Break.
• Controller-See add-in card or Adapter.
• Conventional Memory-See base memory.
• CPU (Central Processing Unit)-The main chip on the mother board that runs your computer. For example, "I have a 486 CPU".
• Crash-What no one wants! The computer goes "bonkers" and you have to "reboot".
• CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check)-Another method of error checking.
• CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)- Your monitor.
• Current Directory-The folder that you are presently working in.
• Current disk drive-The disk drive that you are working with.
• Cursor-The black line that you move around and place on the page or spot that you are working on.
• Cylinder-See "CHS".
• D-Connector-The connectors on the back of your computer that are not round.
• Default-A value, attribute, or parameter that the computer reverts to when it isn’t told what to do, or when you cannot change what is happening.
• Defragment-This is the reorganization of your hard disk files into a more logical format. You run this program as part of the normal maintenance of your computer.
• Destructive Testing-Don’t do this. It destroys the data on your hard drive.
• Device-Any hardware attached to your computer.
• Device Driver-The software that runs your device.
• Diagnostics-Programs that test the computer components.

• DIN connector-The round connectors on the back of your computer.
• DIP switch-A very small switch found on some devices, and sometimes on a mother board. Actually, the switch may contain several tiny switches that when changed in a certain pattern give instructions to the device.
• Directory (Root Directory)-A place on a disk drive that gives the data path of the files.
• Disk-Any floppy, hard or CD disk.
• Disk-bound servo track-The track on your disk that knows where all of the information is stored and can verify this information.
• Disk Cache-When information is temporarily stored after it has been read from the disk. There are many types.
• Diskette-A floppy disk.
• Disk Drive Adapter/Controller/Add-in-This is the interface between your computer and the disk drive. There may be a primary one and a secondary one especially if you have a CD.
• Disk Label-No, not sticky paper. It is the name that you give your hard drive after you install and format a new disk. It is not he letter of the drive . The label also contains any information that you want to add to further identify the disk.
• Disk Operating System-The interface between the human and the computer system that enables you to run the computer.
• DLL (Dynamically Linked Library)-A part of a program.
• DMA (Direct Memory Access)-How data in "extended memory" is transferred to a disk.
• DOS diskette-A PC formatted diskette.
• DOS Memory-See "base memory".
• Download-The receipt of data from another computer. See., also, "upload".

• DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)-Must be refreshed to maintain contents.(See "RAM" and "SPRAM".
• Drive-The box that holds the disk storage media.
• Edge Connector-The edge of the add-in card that plugs into the mother board.
• EIA-Electronics Industries Association.
• EISA-Extended Industry Standard Architecture-This is the architecture of a PC compatible computer.
• EMM(Expanded Memory Manager)-In the good old days when we used expanded memory, this was a program to control this memory. Expanded Memory is not used in most modern computers. See "Extended Memory".
• Enhanced Mode-Same as multitasking.
• Enter Key-Sometimes called the "return" key on the keyboard.
• Environment-The BIOS, CMOS and configuration files.
• ESDI (Enhanced Small Device Interface)-An interface to the hard disk drive that is not used often. See "IDE" which is the current standard.
• Execute-Start a program.
• Executable File-A DLL file is an example.
• Expanded Memory-Memory between base memory (640K) and 1 MB of memory. Not used in most computers anymore.
• Extended Memory-All memory above 1MB of memory.
• External Commands-These are DOS commands that reside on a basic DOS boot disk that can be used to debug the computer, or to perform hard disk operations when installing a new hard disk.
• FDISK-An external command to partition a hard disk into specific usable areas such as bootable, active partition etc. Used to install a new hard drive.
• File-Where information or programs are stored.
• FAT (File Allocation Table)-Cross references files and keeps track of space availability on the hard drive.
• File Manager-A Windows program prior to Win 95 that enables you to examine all of the files on a disk. Win 95 uses "Explorer".
• File Name-The characters in the file name prior to the dot.
• File name extension-The three characters after the dot.
• Format-The process of preparing a disk to accept information in the PC format.
• GPF (General Protection Fault)-A Crash.
• Gigabyte-one thousand megaytes.
• Handshaking-Two computers getting to know each other in order to transfer data between them.
• Hardware Interrupt (IRQ)-A signal from a device to the CPU and program that enables them to coordinate with each other. Normally, devices cannot share the same "interrupt". In old Windows, the correct setting of the "interrupt" was critical in getting a new device to work. Win 95 plub and play features overcame most of the "interrupt" problems.
• Host Adapter-See add-in card/controller/adapter.
• IDC-The flat cable that connects disk drives, and some other devices.
• IDE-The current standard for PC compatibles.
• I/O (Input/Output)
• Interlaced Video-An older method of monitor display where alternate rows were scanned causing flickering. Non-Interlaced video is the best type.
• IPX-A network device driver connecting two or more computers.
• ISA-As opposed to IDE, the original IBM compatible standard.
• ISDN-The telephone switching network that is digital and which provides an extremely fast Internet connection.
• Kermit-One of several standards (protocols) which enable computers to handshake and pass information between them.
• KB-1000 bytes.

• LAN-Local area network.-Allows two or more computers to share files and programs.
• LBA (Logical Block Addressing)-It is a method that allows computers to recognize hard disks up to 2.5GB. If hard disks are over 2.5GB, they must be divided (or partitioned) into two or more hard drives.
• Local Bus-A product of the Video Electronics Association (VESA) that allows extremely fast data transfer to the monitor.
• Logged Drive-The disk drive that you are currently on.
• Logical Device-A letter or name assigned to a device by the BIOS. This can be different from a physical address of the device.
• Logical Drive-A letter assigned by the system to the partitioned part of the hard drive.
• Math Coprocessor-A chip designed to increase the efficiency of the CPU in math calculations. Current CPU’s have the math coprocessor built in.
• MCA (Microchannel Architecture)-Designed to speed up data transfer but didn’t work well.
• MB (Megabyte)-1000 KB
• MHz (Megahertz)-Not the big car rental company. It is the speed of the CPU clock.
• Microprocessor-The CPU.
• MIDI (Musical Instrument Devise Interface)-An industry standard for the input/output of musical instrument notes.
• Modem (modulator/demodulator)-A device that allows the computer to send and receive data over a telephone line. See UAR/T.
• MOSAIC-The original graphical interface for the Internet.
• Multi-Sync-A monitor that can display a variety of resolutions. This is the type that you want.

• Multi-tasking-When you can run multiple programs at the same time. For example, printing and writing a document at the same time.
• Nibble-1/2 byte, or 4 bits.
• NIC(Network Interface Card)-An interface to a LAN.
• NTX-Another way to connect two or more computers on a LAN.
• Ni-cad battery-A rechargeable battery used in portable computers.
• Non-Interlaced Monitor-The type of monitor that you want to buy because of less flicker.
• Online-When two or more computers are talking with each other.
• Online Service-An Internet Service Provider that allows you to dial into a "server" in order to gain access to the Internet.
• Operating System-See DOS.
• Overlays-Programs that are a slave to a master program and only load when needed.
• Parallel I/O (Port)-Basically, a printer (LPT) connection on the back of the computer.
• Parameter-Specifications on how a program executes such as data path, disk.
• Parity-Another way of data verification.
• Partition-A section of the hard disk.
• PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card Industry Association)-The type of add-in cards used in portable computers.
• Pentium-The current generation of Intel CPU’s.
• Peripheral-Any device not part of the "box".
• PCI-An add-in card slot designed to work with Intel CPU’s.
• Physical Drive-The actual physical drive designation such as "A", "B", or "C".

• Pixel-one dot on the display monitor.
• Pointing device-The mouse.
• Port Address-The memory address of the port according to information supplied during bootup.
• POST (Power On Self Test)-This is the second thing that happens when you turn your computer on. It tests your system in preparation for bootup.
• RAM (Random Access Memory)-A memory area that data can be sent to and received from in any order at any time. It is controlled by specific address locations in the memory.
• RAM disk (drive)-A portion of memory that acts like a disk drive on a temporary basis.
• Read Only-An "attribute" that you can assign to a file to prevent deletion of the file.
• Refresh-Used to describe the recharging of memory or pages so that contents are retained during operation.
• ROM (Read Only Memory)-A pre-programed chip used for specific applications. This type of chip is commonly found in industrial applications.
• ROM BIOS-A read only chip that is commonly used when you power up a computer. See "BIOS".
• Root Directory-The first directory on any disk media.
• SCSI (Small Computer System Interface)-An interface specification for connecting devices to a computer. Normally used for high speed devices.
• Segments-A method of grouping memory locations in 64K increments.
• Serial I/O-A method of transferring data between two devices one bit at a time. See "serial mouse".
• Serial Port-The port on the back of your computer with a serial connection. It is a D-connection. The serial port can also the "com" port.

• Shadow RAM-A special memory configuration that contains BIOS and/or ROM information. Not used anymore.
• Shareware-Programs that you can try out before you pay for them. Freeware is software that you don’t have to pay for.
• Shell-A name for any program control application that simplifies access to the system’s files, applications or any other resources.
• SIMM (Single Inline Memory Module)-The memory cards in your computer.
• SIP (Single Inline Package)-Another type of memory card.
• Software Interrupt-A non-hardware IRQ. See "Interrupt".
• SRAM (Static Random Access Memory)-A fast access memory that does not require refresh and normally used in memory cache on the mother board.
• Start Bit-The first data bit in a serial data stream.
• Stop Bit-The last data bit in a serial data stream. Both the start and stop bits are associated with data transfer between two computers via modem.
• Subdirectory-Folder.
• Sysop-The systems operator of a BBS.
• TSR (Terminate and Stay Resident program)-See "autoexec.bat" files.
• Track-A specified ring of magnetic data storage area on a single disk platter surface.
• Twisted-pair cable-A pair of wires bundled together and twisted around each other.
• UAR/T Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter)-The chip on your modem that drives data transfers.
• Upload-Sending data to another computer.
• UMB (Upper Memory Blocks)-The memory between 640k and 1meg where TSR programs are running.

• Utilities-Software programs that assist in maintaining the computer. Examples are backup programs, and disk scan programs.
• Variable-A parameter in a software program.
• VGA (Video Graphics Array)-A high resolution monitor. The most recent models of monitors are SVGA or Super VGA.
• Video Adapter Card-See "add-in" cards.
• Video memory-Memory on the video adapter card that speeds up data transfer to the display screen.
• Virtual disk-See RAM disk.
• Volume Label-See disk label or label.
• Wait States-A predetermined time interval between addressing a part of memory and when data may be reliably read from or written to memory.
• Win.INI-The Windows program that tells how windows is to be run.
• Write Protected-An attribute that you can give a file so that it cannot be deleted.
• WXMODEM-A file transfer protocol between two computers. See KERMIT.
• XMODEM-Another file transfer protocol between two computers.
• YMODEM-Yet another file transfer protocol.
• ZMODEM-Yet another file transfer protocol.
• XMS (Extended Memory Specification)-This is the standard that defines how the memory in your computer behaves.

Reference Books Recommended

• "The Complete Idiot’s Guide To Your PC"
• "The Complete Idiot’s Guide To Windows 95"
• "The Complete Idiot’s Guide To Office 97 Pro"
• "PC’s for Dummies"