cache A temporary storage space for frequently accessed program instructions.
cache memory A specialized chip used with the computer's memory to provide a storage area that keeps frequently used accessed data or program instructions readily available.
callback system A method of network control that serves as a deterrent to misuses of data and system sabotage by verifying the code and telephone number of the individual trying to access the system.
carpal tunnel syndrome A painful swelling of the tendons and the sheaths around them in the wrist, usually caused when the median nerve is pinched.
case A programming construct in which a complex set of decisions is based on a single item.
cathode-ray tube monitor (CRT) The large monitor connected to a desktop computer. The monitor's vacuum tube uses an electron gun to emit a beam of electrons that illuminates phosphorus on-screen as the beam sweeps across the screen repeatedly.
CD-Erasable (CD-E) CD-ROM technology that enables users to store, access, and reuse disks in the same way that floppy disks can be used.
CD-Recordable (CD-R) CD-ROM technology that enables users to write to as well as read a compact disk.
CD-ROM See Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM).
CD-ROM drive A read-only disk drive designed to read the data encoded on compact disks and to transfer this data to a computer.
cell A rectangle formed by the intersection of a row and column in a spreadsheet. You enter text or numbers into a cell.
cell address A letter and number combination, such as B4 or D7, that identifies by column and row a cell's location on a spreadsheet.
cell entry line An area or box usually located just above a spreadsheet.
cellular telephone system A system of transmitting data by means of portable computers and telephones.
central processing unit (CPU) The computer's processing and control circuitry.
character Any letter, number, punctuation mark, or symbol produced on-screen by the press of a key on the keyboard.
character printer A printer that produces only one character (a letter, number, punctuation mark, or symbol) at a time.
child element A lower-level segment, or group of fields, in a hierarchy.
client On a network, any computer that can access the server.
client program A program that runs on a computer and helps the user use File Transfer Protocol (FTP).
client-server architecture The structure of Web technology, consisting of two parts: a client and a server. The server is where information that a user accesses is stored; the client is software that enables a user to access the information.
client/server model A model that uses one or more computers on the network as servers and uses the other computers on the network as clients.
clip art A collection of graphic images stored on disk and available for use in a page layout or presentation graphics program.
clip art libraries Large collections of clip art.
Clipper chip A chip that automatically encrypts all data received or sent over digital communication lines.
clock speed The number of times that a computer's internal clock pulses in one second.
closed bus system A bus system that comes with established ports into which cables attached to peripheral devices can be plugged.
cluster The basic unit of storage on a floppy or hard disk; a cluster includes two or more sectors.
coaxial cable A high-bandwidth connecting cable in which an insulated wire runs through the middle of the cable.
column A vertical block of cells in a spreadsheet, usually identified by a unique alphabetical letter.
command-line interface An interface for which commands must be memorized and correctly typed.
command interpreter Another term for the user interface, the part of the system software that communicates with the user; also called the job control language (JCL).
common carrier Telephone companies such as AT&T, Sprint, and MCI that offer dedicated lines, microwave communications, and satellite services.
communication channel The physical link between two computers.
communications program A program that enables a computer to communicate with other computers through the telephone system.
communications satellite A satellite placed in a geosynchronous orbit and rotating with the earth so that the satellite is always in the same spot relative to the earth.
Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) A popular and inexpensive optical disk that comes prerecorded and is a read-only storage medium.
compatible The capability of a device, program, or adapter to function with or substitute for a given make and model of computer, device, or program.
competency A professional standard requiring a computer professional to keep up with the latest developments in the industry.
compiler A program that reads the statements written in a human-readable programming language and translates the computer-aided software engineering and complete program into a machine-readable executable program.
complex instruction set computer (CISC) A central processing unit that can recognize as many as 100 or more instructions and carry out most computations directly.
compucops Small computers, with 486 microprocessors and resembling ATMs, that are used on street corners in the Netherlands for reporting crimes.
computer A machine that can follow instructions to alter data and perform at least some operations without human intervention.
computer engineer A hardware-oriented professional who designs new computers and peripheral hardware.
computer fraud The access of a computer by an unauthorized individual. Examples of computer fraud include embezzling funds, stealing from customers, falsifying data, and gathering data to use for blackmail.
computer hobbyist An individual who enjoys pushing his or her computer skills to the limit.
computer information system (CIS) A computer system in which all the components are designed to work together.
computer literacy Sufficient computer knowledge to prepare an individual for working and living in a computerized society.
computer matching A method used by the federal government to cross-link the information stored in different computers.
computer network A system of two or more computers linked with a direct, high-speed connection.
computer operator A person who keeps computer equipment functioning smoothly.
Computer Output Microfilm/Microfiche (COM) A cost-efficient and fast means of producing and storing computer output by using microfilm or microfiche.
computer professional An individual who has taken intermediate and advanced courses in computer education. Computer professionals apply their training to improve the performance, ease of use, and efficiency of computer systems.
computer repair technician An individual who deals with breakdowns in computers and other related equipment.
computer scientist A computer professional who develops systems software and personal productivity software.
computer virus A program designed to alter or destroy the software or data stored on a computer system. Computer viruses can be passed from one computer to another on floppy disks, over networks, and over remote modem connections.
computer vision syndrome (CVS) Vision problems that result from focusing closely on a computer screen for long periods of time, from poor lighting, or from glare.
computerized infrared reflectoscopy A technique using infrared light to inspect drawn art and gain insight into the artists painting process.
computer-aided design (CAD) Software used to create architectural drawings, product designs, landscaping plans, and engineering drawings.
computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) Software used in the manufacturing of products.
computer-aided software engineering (CASE) Software that provides tools to help with every phase in systems development and enables developers to create data flow diagrams, data dictionary entries, and structure charts; also a methodology that uses microcomputers and software, as well as procedures to aid the systems developer.
computer-aided systems engineering (CASE) Software that provides tools to help with every phase in systems development and enables developers to create data flow diagrams, data dictionary entries, and structure charts; also a methodology that uses microcomputers and software, as well as procedures to aid the systems developer.
computer-aided software engineering and computer-aided systems engineering (CASE) Software that provides tools to help with every phase in systems development and enables developers to create data flow diagrams, data dictionary entries, and structure charts; also a methodology that uses microcomputers and software, as well as procedures to aid the systems developer.
computer-based tutorial (CBT) A type of intelligent tutoring program that is tailored to the student's level of subject mastery and can provide immediate feedback.
computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) The integration of computer technology with manufacturing processes.
computing process Everything and everyone necessary for a computer to perform a useful task.
condition A programming construct in which one set of instructions is executed if a condition is true, and a different set of instructions is executed if the condition is false; also called a decision.
Conference on Data Systems Languages (CODASYL) A conference that led to the development of the network database.
configuration file A file, created for an application program, that stores the choices you make when you install the program so that they are available each time the program starts.
connectivity The extent to which a computer or program can function in a network.
contact management software Software designed to help keep track of contacts by maintaining a list of addresses, phone numbers, and fax numbers. Information is also maintained through the use of a notepad, automatic telephone dialing with a modem, and search and sort capabilities.
control module The top module (or box) in a structure chart used to indicate tasks a program must accomplish. The control module oversees the transfer of control to the other modules.
control panel In Lotus 1-2-3, a special area at the top of the screen that contains the main menu and the edit line.
control unit A component of the central processing unit that obtains program instructions and sends signals to carry out these instructions.
conversion utility A special translation program that enables word processing programs to read files.
copyrighted software Software legally protected against copying or being used without paying for it.
cost/benefit analysis An analysis of the cost of something and the benefits, both tangible and intan-gible.
CRT See cathode-ray tube (CRT) monitor.
cracker Someone who tries illegally to break into a secure computer system.
crash conversion The changing over of existing data files to the format of a new system by abruptly stopping the old system and starting the new system. See also direct conversion.
credit card fraud The use of a credit card or its number by an unauthorized individual to purchase items or acquire funds.
crop To trim an image to show only part of the original image. Cropping may involve determining the amount of white space to include around the image, as well as wrapping text around it.
current cell The cell in which the pointer is positioned.
customer support technician A person who works help lines in order to answer customer questions and solve problems.
cutting and pasting Moving text by deleting it from one location and inserting it in another.
cyberphobia An extreme and irrational fear of computers.
cyberporn Online pornography.
cyberspace The virtual space created by computer systems.
cylinder All the tracks and sectors in the same relative location on a disk pack.