Resources Page Nine

Resources: 9 of 10

Computer Glossary: Q-Z

QuickDraw: Proprietary Macintosh technology that creates a consistent visual appearance of the desktop at any monitor size or screen resolution, and allows images to be printed exactly as they appear on screen.

QuickTime: Remarkable industry-standard software technology created by Apple to display multimedia sounds and images.

RAM: (Random Access Memory) Memory space which temporarily holds instructions and data being processed. Measured in megabytes. Adding RAM allows your computer to hold more instructions and data, so it can "do" more at one time. All data stored in RAM is lost when the computer is powered off. (See also: DIMM)

RAM Disk: Macintosh ability to temporarily designate part of RAM space for use as an incredibly fast "hard drive." Useful for Powerbook owners who want to prolong battery life by turning off their hard drive while working.

Read Me File: Small word processing document usually displayed adjacent to an installer application on software distribution disks. Often contains essential information necessary to use or install the application without problems. Always read any Read Me files!

Removable Hard Drive: Data storage media (comprised of a solid magnetic disk enclosed in a protective case) which can be removed from the device which writes and accesses the data. Similar in function to hard disk drive, but operates at lower speeds. Requires a compatible drive to access data.

Resolution: Unit of measure for any device which accesses, stores, displays or prints data in a grid pattern. Measured in pixels-per-inch (ppi) for scanning, image data and monitor displays, or dots-per-inch (dpi) for printers. Always given as the number of grid "elements" wide by the number of grid "elements" high. Generally, the higher the resolution (ppi or dpi) the more clear and color-accurate the image will be. (Example: Macintosh monitors display images on screen using a grid which measures 72 x 72 ppi. Current printers place dots of toner or ink on a page using a grid which measures at least 600 x 600 dpi.) (See also: Screen Resolution, Line Screen)

Resources: Universal term for any file that is not accessible by the user, but required by the operating system or an application.

RIP: (Raster Image Processor) Any system designed to translate Postscript data and forward it to the printer's imaging device. Most laser printers have a built-in RIP. The term, however, usually applies to third-party Postscript translation software and is used to describe both the software, and the single-function computer it runs on.

RISC: (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) Modern form of computer processor that uses a series of smaller, simpler instructions to manipulate data. All modern Macs, and most high-performance computing systems use RISC processors. (See also: CISC)

ROM: (Read Only Memory) Memory space that permanently stores the information needed to start the computer and provide the BIOS. (Note: On the iMac, parts of the ROM information exist as software.)

Screen Resolution: Dimensions of the pixel grid used to display the monitor image. Resolution is "fixed" on older monitors, variable on most new "multisync" monitors. Always defined as the number of pixels WIDE by the number of pixels HIGH. Standard Macintosh resolutions are 640W x 480H on 14" monitors, 832x624 (or the PC standard 800x600) on 15" monitors. 1024x768 on 17" monitors. (See also: Resolution)

SCSI: (Small Computer System Interface, pronounced "scuzzy") Hardware and software specification used for communications between a computer and peripheral components, most often used to connect storage devices and scanners to the Macintosh. Due to be replaced by the new FireWire technology.

Serial: Hardware and software specification for communications between a computer and peripheral devices. Although not compatible with each other, both Macintosh and Wintel PCs utilize a Serial Bus.

Server: Computer which stores and transmits data to a Client

Shadow Mask: Technology used to assure that monitor screen phosphors are activated correctly by preventing the electron stream from straying off course. Consists of a metal panel pierced with millions of perfectly spaced holes, inside a monitor just behind the glass screen.

Shut Down: Correct term for turning off the computer by selecting "Shut Down" from the Finder's "Special" menu. (Note: Switching off the computer's power without properly "Shutting Down" can corrupt essential files and is a common cause of problems.)

SimpleText: Small word processing application included as part of the Mac OS used to create and read informational documents.

Slot: Cool technobabble word for a socket inside your computer into which specialized devices are inserted to expand or upgrade your system's abilities. (See also: PCI, NuBus, DIMM)

Software: (See: Application)

Spreadsheet: Software application that adds, subtracts and multiplies rows and columns of numbers like an electronic "ledger book."

Startup: The period of time beginning when power is first turned on and ending when all operating system files have been loaded and the computer is ready for use. For example, "Most extension conflicts become evident during Startup."

Startup Chime: Pleasant musical chord played by the computer when the user first turns the power on. The Startup Chime indicates that the machine has completed a basic component test and found no major hardware malfunctions. (See also: Crash)

System Bus: Primary electronic pathway inside your computer for moving data between RAM and the CPU. System Bus speed is measured in megahertz. Faster bus speeds provide better performance. Modern Macs use a System Bus Speed of 66 MHz or higher. (See also: Bus, Megahertz)

T-1: Type of dedicated digital network connection which provides extremely high-speed access to the Internet.

TCP/IP: (Transmission Control Protocal Internet Protocal) The accepted standard language for network communications used on the Internet, and in some local area networks.

Terabyte: (TB) Largest current measurement unit for computer data or space. One Terabyte equals 1,024 Gigabytes.

Terminator: Device used to define the ends of a bus to prevent communication errors. Most often heard when discussing storage devices which communicate using a high-speed SCSI bus.

Tutorial: File or set of files provided by a software publisher to teach users how to operate a device or application.

UPS: (Uninterruptible Power Supply) Device which provides battery power for a limited amount of time (typically a few minutes) to give a user the chance to save work in progress and properly shut down the computer during power failures.

URL: (Uniform Resource Locator) The alpha-numeric "address" of data available on the Internet.

USB: (Universal Serial Bus) Relatively new hardware and software specification for peripheral communications. Found on both PCs and Macs. Uses special cables and connectors which are not compatible with any other bus architecture. The enhanced speed and abilities of USB will allow it to eventually replace the Mac's Serial Bus and Apple Desktop Bus (ADB), and both the PCs Serial Bus and Parallel Bus.

Vector Image: Picture file in which the image data is defined as a group of "objects" with specific numerical characteristics. Vector images are created using "drawing" programs. (See also: Bitmap Images)

Volume: Defined area of space on a data storage device. "Partitioning" allows devices to contain two or more volumes.

VRAM: (Video RAM, pronounced "Vee-RAM") Memory devoted exclusively to supplying screen image information to the monitor. Measured in megabytes. Insufficient VRAM can limit both Screen Resolution and Bit-Depth, and can reduce overall system performance.

Window: Visual representation of the contents of a storage space, created by the Finder application. For example, double clicking on the hard disk drive icon will cause the Finder to open a Window that displays the current contents of the drive. In addition, any document available to the user will be displayed in its own Window.

Windows: Bloated, complex, confusing and unstable computer operating system created by Microsoft to frustrate users, prevent hardware manufacturers from introducing new technologies, maintain employment for thousands of Microsoft-certified support technicians, and fill the pockets of Bill Gates.

Wintel: Slang term for any personal computer which uses the Microsoft Windows operating system and any Intel-compatible processor.

Word Processor: Software application for arranging words on a page. Some also allow placement of images in a document, although that capability is better handled by Page Layout Programs.

WYSIWYG: (What You See Is What You Get, pronounced "Whiz-ee-wig") Phrase used to define the Macintosh ability to display on screen exactly what you expect to see print out on paper, and vice-versa.

ZIF Socket: (Zero Insertion Force Socket) A type of socket designed to accept a replacement processor or other logic board component.

BACK

NEXT

HOME . SERVICES . HELP DESK . RESOURCES . WHY MAC . CREDENTIALS

Copyright 1998, 5-Minute Mac Consulting, Wampum, Pennsylvania, USA

Resources: 9 of 10
Computer Glossary: Q-Z QuickDraw: Proprietary Macintosh technology that creates a consistent visual appearance of the desktop at any monitor size or screen resolution, and allows images to be printed exactly as they appear on screen. QuickTime: Remarkable industry-standard software technology created by Apple to display multimedia sounds and images. RAM: (Random Access Memory) Memory space which temporarily holds instructions and data being processed. Measured in megabytes. Adding RAM allows your computer to hold more instructions and data, so it can "do" more at one time. All data stored in RAM is lost when the computer is powered off. (See also: DIMM) RAM Disk: Macintosh ability to temporarily designate part of RAM space for use as an incredibly fast "hard drive." Useful for Powerbook owners who want to prolong battery life by turning off their hard drive while working. Read Me File: Small word processing document usually displayed adjacent to an installer application on software distribution disks. Often contains essential information necessary to use or install the application without problems. Always read any Read Me files! Removable Hard Drive: Data storage media (comprised of a solid magnetic disk enclosed in a protective case) which can be removed from the device which writes and accesses the data. Similar in function to hard disk drive, but operates at lower speeds. Requires a compatible drive to access data. Resolution: Unit of measure for any device which accesses, stores, displays or prints data in a grid pattern. Measured in pixels-per-inch (ppi) for scanning, image data and monitor displays, or dots-per-inch (dpi) for printers. Always given as the number of grid "elements" wide by the number of grid "elements" high. Generally, the higher the resolution (ppi or dpi) the more clear and color-accurate the image will be. (Example: Macintosh monitors display images on screen using a grid which measures 72 x 72 ppi. Current printers place dots of toner or ink on a page using a grid which measures at least 600 x 600 dpi.) (See also: Screen Resolution, Line Screen) Resources: Universal term for any file that is not accessible by the user, but required by the operating system or an application. RIP: (Raster Image Processor) Any system designed to translate Postscript data and forward it to the printer's imaging device. Most laser printers have a built-in RIP. The term, however, usually applies to third-party Postscript translation software and is used to describe both the software, and the single-function computer it runs on. RISC: (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) Modern form of computer processor that uses a series of smaller, simpler instructions to manipulate data. All modern Macs, and most high-performance computing systems use RISC processors. (See also: CISC) ROM: (Read Only Memory) Memory space that permanently stores the information needed to start the computer and provide the BIOS. (Note: On the iMac, parts of the ROM information exist as software.) Screen Resolution: Dimensions of the pixel grid used to display the monitor image. Resolution is "fixed" on older monitors, variable on most new "multisync" monitors. Always defined as the number of pixels WIDE by the number of pixels HIGH. Standard Macintosh resolutions are 640W x 480H on 14" monitors, 832x624 (or the PC standard 800x600) on 15" monitors. 1024x768 on 17" monitors. (See also: Resolution) SCSI: (Small Computer System Interface, pronounced "scuzzy") Hardware and software specification used for communications between a computer and peripheral components, most often used to connect storage devices and scanners to the Macintosh. Due to be replaced by the new FireWire technology. Serial: Hardware and software specification for communications between a computer and peripheral devices. Although not compatible with each other, both Macintosh and Wintel PCs utilize a Serial Bus. Server: Computer which stores and transmits data to a Client Shadow Mask: Technology used to assure that monitor screen phosphors are activated correctly by preventing the electron stream from straying off course. Consists of a metal panel pierced with millions of perfectly spaced holes, inside a monitor just behind the glass screen. Shut Down: Correct term for turning off the computer by selecting "Shut Down" from the Finder's "Special" menu. (Note: Switching off the computer's power without properly "Shutting Down" can corrupt essential files and is a common cause of problems.) SimpleText: Small word processing application included as part of the Mac OS used to create and read informational documents. Slot: Cool technobabble word for a socket inside your computer into which specialized devices are inserted to expand or upgrade your system's abilities. (See also: PCI, NuBus, DIMM) Software: (See: Application) Spreadsheet: Software application that adds, subtracts and multiplies rows and columns of numbers like an electronic "ledger book." Startup: The period of time beginning when power is first turned on and ending when all operating system files have been loaded and the computer is ready for use. For example, "Most extension conflicts become evident during Startup." Startup Chime: Pleasant musical chord played by the computer when the user first turns the power on. The Startup Chime indicates that the machine has completed a basic component test and found no major hardware malfunctions. (See also: Crash) System Bus: Primary electronic pathway inside your computer for moving data between RAM and the CPU. System Bus speed is measured in megahertz. Faster bus speeds provide better performance. Modern Macs use a System Bus Speed of 66 MHz or higher. (See also: Bus, Megahertz) T-1: Type of dedicated digital network connection which provides extremely high-speed access to the Internet. TCP/IP: (Transmission Control Protocal Internet Protocal) The accepted standard language for network communications used on the Internet, and in some local area networks. Terabyte: (TB) Largest current measurement unit for computer data or space. One Terabyte equals 1,024 Gigabytes. Terminator: Device used to define the ends of a bus to prevent communication errors. Most often heard when discussing storage devices which communicate using a high-speed SCSI bus. Tutorial: File or set of files provided by a software publisher to teach users how to operate a device or application. UPS: (Uninterruptible Power Supply) Device which provides battery power for a limited amount of time (typically a few minutes) to give a user the chance to save work in progress and properly shut down the computer during power failures. URL: (Uniform Resource Locator) The alpha-numeric "address" of data available on the Internet. USB: (Universal Serial Bus) Relatively new hardware and software specification for peripheral communications. Found on both PCs and Macs. Uses special cables and connectors which are not compatible with any other bus architecture. The enhanced speed and abilities of USB will allow it to eventually replace the Mac's Serial Bus and Apple Desktop Bus (ADB), and both the PCs Serial Bus and Parallel Bus. Vector Image: Picture file in which the image data is defined as a group of "objects" with specific numerical characteristics. Vector images are created using "drawing" programs. (See also: Bitmap Images) Volume: Defined area of space on a data storage device. "Partitioning" allows devices to contain two or more volumes. VRAM: (Video RAM, pronounced "Vee-RAM") Memory devoted exclusively to supplying screen image information to the monitor. Measured in megabytes. Insufficient VRAM can limit both Screen Resolution and Bit-Depth, and can reduce overall system performance. Window: Visual representation of the contents of a storage space, created by the Finder application. For example, double clicking on the hard disk drive icon will cause the Finder to open a Window that displays the current contents of the drive. In addition, any document available to the user will be displayed in its own Window. Windows: Bloated, complex, confusing and unstable computer operating system created by Microsoft to frustrate users, prevent hardware manufacturers from introducing new technologies, maintain employment for thousands of Microsoft-certified support technicians, and fill the pockets of Bill Gates. Wintel: Slang term for any personal computer which uses the Microsoft Windows operating system and any Intel-compatible processor. Word Processor: Software application for arranging words on a page. Some also allow placement of images in a document, although that capability is better handled by Page Layout Programs. WYSIWYG: (What You See Is What You Get, pronounced "Whiz-ee-wig") Phrase used to define the Macintosh ability to display on screen exactly what you expect to see print out on paper, and vice-versa. ZIF Socket: (Zero Insertion Force Socket) A type of socket designed to accept a replacement processor or other logic board component.
BACK		NEXT

HOME . SERVICES . HELP DESK . RESOURCES . WHY MAC . CREDENTIALS
Copyright 1998, 5-Minute Mac Consulting, Wampum, Pennsylvania, USA