Glossary
# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
#
802.11 Wireless Standards – specifies an over-the-air interface between a wireless client and a base station, or between two wireless clients
Back to the TopA
Absolute Pathname – the pathname of a file or directory that starts at the root directory of the file system
Absolute URL – a direct web address, beginning with either “http://” or “https://”
Active Cell – any cell that is selected and highlighted in the spreadsheet
add – a command that will add a program shortcut to your terminal so that you can run it as a command of its own
Additive Color System – Any color that the screen can display, which is specified as a mixture of just red, green, and blue light
Address Bus – tells devices where the data should go or is coming from
Adware – any software application in which advertising banners are displayed while the program is running
AGP (Advanced Graphics Port) – a 32-bit parallel bus created to give a 3-D graphics card fast, direct access to the CPU
alt (alternate text) – a required attribute to the image tag that provides a readable description of the image should the image fail to load on the webpage
Anchor Tag – a tag that denotes the beginning and end of the clickable content for a link
Antivirus program/software – a program designed to protect your computer from possible virus infections
API (Application Programming Interface) – a set of protocols and tools used to build software applications
Attribute – specific additional information within a tag. Syntax: attribute=”value;”
Autofill – a functionality that allows the user to fill cells quickly with similar data and formulas
Back to the TopB
Backup – a separate storage location (like an external hard drive, or a cloud-based drive) to save copies of important files in case something were to happen to the files in their original location
Binary – the language used by computers to interpret information, read as zeros and ones, and is considered base-2 (two)
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) – Used for hardware initialization and provides runtime services for the OS and supplemental programs
Bits (b) – one unit of memory
Blind Carbon Copy (BCC) – To send others a copy of the mail without the recipients in the To: or Cc: fields knowing about it, enter their email addresses here.
Bluetooth – establishes a short ranged wireless network between devices and a computer, or a similarly controlled device
Body Tag – the section of the document that contains everything that will be visible in the browser window as the contents of the webpage
BPL (Broadband over Power Lines) – a method of communicating over power lines that allows data to transmit at a higher frequency
Bus Network – a set of clients are connected via a single shared connection line
Buyware – a software that can be purchased for the full software price, and, by opening it, you are the owner of the license
Bytes (B) – the smallest group of bits processed by a computer. One byte = 8 bits
C
Cache – a storage mechanism used to help programs access data or instructions more efficiently than searching and reading information from the disk itself
Carbon Copy (CC) – To send others a copy of the mail, enter their email addresses here
CardBus – an older PCMCIA standard laptop expansion slot
Cascade Style Sheets (CSS) – a way of overriding the browser’s default display style by importing or linking a stylesheet to an XHTML document
cd (change directory) – a command that changes the current working directory, or location, in the file system
Cell – the intersection of a row and a column in a spreadsheet
Cell Addressing – naming a cell by something other than its row/column cross-section
Cell Referencing – identifying a cell by its row/column cross-section, and calling it within a formula or function
Chaining – a method of executing multiple commands via one line in the terminal by separating the commands with a semicolon ;
Child Node – a file or directory housed within another directory
Class Selector – a selector within a stylesheet that selects items based on their assigned class, which is used for a collection of elements within an XHTML document
Classic Relationship – the client machine relies on information provided by the server
clear – a command that seemingly clears the terminal window by pushing everything previously printed up and out of the window pane
CLI (Command Line Interface) – an interface that works through a command line via a keyboard, and it generally does not display graphics or utilize the mouse
Client – the requesting agent that interacts with a server. It can be a PC, workstation, or another server
Coaxial Cable – a cable with a single copper conductor wire at its center, and a plastic layer that provides insulation between the center conductor and a braided metal shield that blocks outside interference
Command – short character combinations that a computer is programmed to understand and execute
Concentrator – manages and controls all functions of the network, and acts as a repeater for the network
Conditional Function – a function that uses logic to perform calculations on a cell or range
Continuous Range – a group of active cells that are all adjacent to each other
Control Bus – coordinates activity between various devices to prevent data collision
cp (copy) – a command that makes a copy of a file and saves it to another location
CPU (Central Processing Unit) – also called the “processor”, is the brain of the computer – it controls all the logic for the computer or device
CSMA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access) – a collision detection and prevention method used to ensure proper data communication in a bus network
CTRL + C – press these two keys to abort an application or process running in terminal and return to the command prompt
D
Data – information stored in a cell
Data Bus – allows data to flow between devices
Data Cell Tag – a tag that creates a cell within a table row, which is intended to display as data
Decimal – the form in which numbers are usually written, read as zeros, ones, twos, threes, fours, fives, sixes, sevens, eights, and nines, and is considered base-10 (ten)
Deleted Text Tag – a formatting tag used to denote that certain words or phrases within a paragraph (or any chunk of text) have been replaced or are otherwise defunct. By default, the browser displays deleted text with a line through it
Device Drivers – individual pieces of software that control each piece of hardware, or device
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) – automatically assigns dynamic (changing) IP addresses from a list of available addresses
Display Port – a port that carries video, audio, and USB data
Div Tag – a structural tag used as a container for grouping sections of the webpage
DNS (Domain Name System) – a system that allows you to use words (domain names) to access a website instead of the actual IP address. Also known as Domain Name Server
DOCTYPE (Document Type Declaration) – a special instruction that warns the web browser that all the following text should be interpreted as HTML
DOS (Disk Operating System) – a 16-bit OS that does not support multiple users or multitasking
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) – a broadband internet service that provides the user with an Ethernet connection
DVI (Digital Visual Interface) Port – a port used for video on newer monitors
E
E-mail (electronic mail) – a form of communicating via the Internet. NC State uses Gmail for its email system
E-mail Address – the address used so the email servers know where things are going to and coming from – like a mailing address for the Internet. Your NC State email address is your UnityID@ncsu.edu
e-mail link – a link that allows the user to send an email to the assigned email recipient
Emphasized Text Tag – a formatting tag used to emphasize certain words or phrases within a paragraph or any chunk of text. By default, the browser displays emphasized text as italic
Ems – a unit of distance that approximates the width of the letter ‘M’ (the widest character in the English alphabet) in the font size of the containing element (or the browser’s default font size, if no font size is defined for the containing element)
Ethernet – (ether + network) a system for linking computers and other devices to a local area network
exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table) – a file system that is used primarily in flash storage applications and SD cards
Expansion Slot – an opening in a computer where a circuit board can be inserted to add new capabilities to the computer
ExpressCard – the PCMCIA standard laptop expansion slot
EXT# (Extended File System #) – a file system for Linux OS that uses journaling for file indexing, where the # indicates the version of EXT
F
FAT (File Allocation Table) – a file system for Windows OS that uses a file allocation table for file indexing
Fiber Optic – uses pulses of light that can travel at the speed of light for long distances inside small strands of translucent fibers. Around the translucent fibers is a plastic coating, then Kevlar fibers for protection, and an outer Teflon or PVC coating
File Extension – a set of characters located at the end of the file name that allow the computer’s operating system to know what application software should be used to open the file
File System – a methodology by which data and information are stored on storage devices, making them easily retrievable
File Tree – a system of directories (folders) and files
Firewall – Controls communication authorizations to or from a computer or network
Firewire (IEEE 1394) – an older port developed by Apple that supports high-speed data transfer and can connect up to 63 external devices
Format – style applied to change the appearance of the data, cells, and spreadsheet
Formatting Tags – XHTML tags that apply stylistic attributes to the content they surround
Formula – an equation made of data, operators, and occasionally a function
Freeware – a software written and distributed by an individual or company without the expectation or requirement of compensation
Function – a programmed equation preset into the spreadsheet software to calculate data more efficiently
G
Gmail – the official email server for the University, provided by Google
Gmail Filters – a function that allows you to automatically sort emails into different labels based on specific requirements
Gmail Labels – a folder system that allows you to sort and organize similar emails
Google Calendar – a virtual calendar associated with your Gmail account where you can create, invite, and share events
Google Docs – a word processing program connected to Google Drive account
Google Drive – a cloud-based drive used for storing files and making them accessible from virtually anywhere
Google Hangouts – a video chat application within Gmail
Graph – a graphical representation of a set of data
GUI (Graphical User Interface) – an interface that displays full graphics and allows fully use of the mouse and keyboard
H
Hard Drive – stores the computer’s operating system, individual applications, and stored files internally, rather than loading data from discs each time the computer is started
Hardware – the tangible, physical aspects of computers
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) Port – a higher-end video port that also handles audio input/output
Head Tag – the section of the webpage used to define biographical data about the webpage
Header Cell Tag – a tag that creates a cell within a table row, which is intended to display as a title
Heading Tag – a text tag that creates headers and sub-headers to define the sections of the webpage
Hexadecimal (hex) – a positional number system of base 16, which can be used to represent colors
HFS Plus (Hierarchical File System) – a file system for Apple OS X that uses a B-Tree for file indexing
Horizontal Rule – a text tag that inserts a horizontal rule, or line, across the current line of text
Host Name – the name of a computer system that can be accessed at a remotely
href (hyperlink reference) – a required attribute to the anchor tag that represents the URL destination of the link
HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) – a markup language used for describing web documents
Html Tag – the first real tag of the html file that says which version of HTML is used in the file, and is not closed until the very last line of the document.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) – the protocol used by the World Wide Web to transmit information and commands between servers and browsers
Hub – Central node that connects multiple devices, but cannot pinpoint another single device
I
ID Selector – a selector within a stylesheet that selects an item based on its assigned ID, which is used for one specific element within an XHTML document
IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) – a type of hard drive interface
IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) – group that organizes wireless communication standards
Image Tag – a tag that embeds a digital photograph or visual graphic into the webpage
In-Line Styling – a type of styling applied directly to an element by adding it as an attribute to the element’s tag in an XHTML document
Inserted Text Tag – a formatting tag used to denote certain words or phrases within a paragraph (or any chunk of text) that have been inserted into a document (often to denote recent changes). This tag is often used as a way of displaying underlined text, because that is how most browsers display inserted text by default
IP (Internet Protocol) – routes other computers to a particular machine so that other computers can locate and send information to that machine
IPv4 (IP version 4) – an older standard protocol. Uses a 32-bit address (supports 232 addresses)
IPv6 (IP version 6) – the current standard protocol. Uses a 128-bit address (supports 2128 addresses)
ISP (Internet Service Provider) – a telecommunication company that provides services for accessing and using the Internet
J
JVM (Java Virtual Machine) – an abstract computing machine that converts Java code into a language the machine can understand
K
Kernel – a program at the core of the OS that sits between the user interface and the hardware and manages many tasks that happen within the computer
L
LAN (Local Area Network) – a geographically small network consisting of nodes, computers, or other devices, usually found within the same building
Leaf – a directory not housing another file nor directory, or a file; an end of the file system
Line Break Tag – a text tag that inserts a break in the current line of text
Link – a stand of text used to redirect the browser to a new webpage
List Item Tag – a tag that enters the item information for the list
ls (list contents) – a command that prints the contents of your current working directory, or the directory specified
M
man (manual) – a command that displays the manual pages for the command specified
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) – a network connected with a combination of routers and specialized switches normally owned by an ISP like a WAN, but has many features like a LAN
Meta Tag – a section within the head tag used to define various properties of the webpage
MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) – a wireless method that uses multiple antennas on both the receiving and transmitting ends of a connection to boost communication performance
Mini-Display Port/Thunderbolt 2 – ports used by Apple computers to transmit video signals, audio signals, and high-speed data transfer
mkdir (make directory) – a command that creates a new directory
Modem (modulator-demodulator) – a device that converts data from one technology to another
Modem (RJ-11) – an older port that connects the computer to a network via a dialup connection
Monolithic Kernel – an OS architecture that entirely operates the OS
mv (move) – a command that moves a file and saves it to another location
N
NAT (Network Address Translation) – allows all the computers connected to a router to share a public IP address, and assigns unique private IP addresses to all the connected computers that are translated to the public address on the Internet
Network – allows computers and other devices to exchange data via telecommunication
Network/Ethernet (RJ-45) – a port used for networking on most modern computers
Network License – a special licensing scheme that allows network owners to use a network software, as opposed to one designed for an individual user, provided by the software company
Node – a directory or file in the file system
Nomad System – the NC State wireless network
Non-continuous Range – a group of active cells that are not all adjacent to each other
NTFS (New Technology File System) – a file system for Windows OS that uses binary tress for file indexing
O
OS (Operating System) – a piece of software that controls the internal hardware of the computer
Operator – a symbol used in a formula or function to calculate data
Ordered List Tag – a tag that presents a list of items denoted by a series of numbers in order from smallest to largest
P
P2P (Peer-to-Peer) Relationship – one machine acts as both the client and the server in relation to another machine
Paired Tag – a tag that surrounds the content it is defining by demarcating it with both opening and closing tags. Syntax: <tag> content </tag>
Paragraph Tag – a text tag that represents a single, self-contained paragraph
Parallel (DB-25) – an older port primarily used for printers and scanners
Parent Node – a directory housing a file and/or directory
Pathname – the specific location of a file or directory within a file system
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Express – an expansion slot standard that uses a high-speed serial bus to transmit small pieces of data
Percentage – a unit of distance based off the containing element’s font size (or the browser’s default font size, if no font size is defined for the containing element)
Phishing – falsely claiming to be a legitimate company to scam the consumer
Pixel – a unit of distance based on a mathematical approximation of the smallest dot a computer screen can display
Plain-text – text that does not contain any implied formatting
Platter – the physical discs of a hard drive where data is stored
Power Port – a port that allows power to flow from a grounded power outlet, through a cord, to the computer
Process – an instance of a running program
Processor – short for “microprocessor”, is a silicon chip that contains a CPU
PS/2 – an order port used for the keyboard and mouse
pwd (print working directory) – a command that prints the absolute pathname of the current working directory to the terminal window
Q
Quota – the amount of storage space reserved per unity account
R
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) – a type of hard drive configuration (not interface)
RAM (Random Access Memory) – provides a storage location for data that the CPU can access and manipulate quickly, and it loses content when the computer is turned off
Range – a group of active cells
RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) – a protocol that enables the graphical user interface of the operating system of a remote machine to display on the actual machine in use
Relative Pathname – the pathname of a file or directory that starts at a directory specified by the shortcut used and/or your current directory
Relative URL – a path to a file relative to the current webpage location
Removable Disks – drives that allow data to be accessed from external and mobile sources
Repeater – a device that strengthens the signal of the communications as it travels over the appropriate medium
Ring Network – each node has two neighbors and are arranged in a circular configuration so that data can travel either clockwise or counterclockwise (but all in the same direction) around the ring
rm (remove) – a command that removes/deletes the file(s) and/or folder(s) specified
ROM (Read-Only Memory) – it does not lose content when the computer is turned off
Root – the beginning of the file system
Router – Controls the movement of data between networks
Rule – a property followed by list of values for that property within a stylesheet
S
SATA (Serial ATA) – a type of hard drive interface
script – a command that logs everything that is typed/printed to the terminal window in a text file
SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) – a type of hard drive interface
Sectors – wedges that group together to form a track and contain a fixed number of bytes
Selector – a way of defining the scope of rules within a stylesheet
Self-Closing Tag – a tag where the start and end are the same tag, and the tag itself is the information being defined in the web document. Syntax: <tag/>
Serial (DB-9) – an older port primarily used to connect mice, joysticks, and modems
Server – a powerful computer dedicated to managing virtual resources
Shareware – a software distributed with a limited license before being required to purchase a full version of the software
Sound Port – a port, or set of ports, used for connecting headphones, speakers, and microphones
Span Tag – a structural tag used as an in-line container for grouping text
Spreadsheet – an interactive array of rows and columns used for organization and analysis of data
Spyware – programming that is put in someone’s computer to secretly gather information about the user and relay it to advertisers or other interested parties
src (source) – a required attribute to the image tag that identifies the source of the image file by providing the file path
SSDs (Solid-State Drives) – use solid-state memory that emulates a hard disk drive interface to store data.
SSH (Secure Shell) – a program for logging into a network computer remotely, executing commands on a remote machine, and moving files from one machine to another
SSID (service set identifier) – a name used to identify a wireless network
Star Network – Network by which computers are connected by one central device known as a concentrator
Strong Text Tag – a formatting tag used to denote that certain words or phrases within a paragraph (or any chunk of text) are strongly important. By default, the browser displays strong text as bold
Student ID Number – the unique group of numbers designated for each student, staff, and faculty member – similar to a SSN for each person at the university
Subscript Tag – a typographical tag used to render text, which is slightly smaller with a lowered baseline
Superscript Tag – a typographical tag used to render text, which is slightly smaller with a raised baseline
Switch – Central node that connects multiple devices and can distinguish between devices
System Bus – the method by which data is communicated between all the internal pieces of a computer
System Call API – the abstraction that the kernel provides to allow software developers to build applications that are capable of running on different types of hardware
T
Table Row Tag – a tag that creates a row within a table, which can be filled with cells
Table Tag – a tag that defines a container, which can have rows and cells to form a table of data
Tag – a keyword, or tag name, surrounded by angled brackets to describe the contents of a web document
target – an optional attribute to the anchor tag that allows the browser to open the URL in either a new tab or window
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) – allows two hosts to establish a connection and exchange information
Title Tag – a section within the head tag used to specify the title of your webpage, which the browser will use to label the browser tab
Tracks – concentric circles that surround the entire platter
Tree Network – a collection of star networks arranged in a hierarchy (like a tree)
Trojan horse – a program that does not replicate nor copy itself, but relies on other “manual” methods of distribution
TUI/TLI (Text-based User Interface/Text Line Interface) – an interface that displays text only (usually with different colors) but allows mouse input instead of relying on a command language
Twisted Pair Cable (CAT#) – two independently insulated copper wires twisted together to form a cable, like the older telephone cables
Type Selector – a selector within a stylesheet that selects all XHTML tags on a page, which are of a certain type
U
Unity ID – the unique username assigned to each student, staff, and faculty member
Unity Password – the password for the unity account
UNIX – an operating system designed to be used exclusively by programmers
Unordered List Tag – a tag that presents a list of items denoted by a series of bullet points
USB (Universal Serial Bus) Port – a port used to connect most external devices and drives to the computer
USB Type-C Port – a new port used to support a smaller, reversible connector
User Interface (UI) – the interface between the user and the computer that determines the way an individual interacts with the computer
V
VCL (Virtual Computing Lab) – a method of remotely accessing and using an NC State University machine
VGA (Video Graphics Array) Port – a port used exclusively for displaying video to a screen/monitor
Video Processor – a microprocessor focused on producing graphical output to a monitor
Virus – a program that replicates itself, usually by attaching itself to other files and programs
VLAN (Virtual LAN) – a network that allows nodes to be attached virtually to the LAN instead of physically
VPN (Virtual Private Network) – a network that uses the Internet to connect devices to a private internal network and securely transmit data between the user and the network
W
W3C (World-Wide Web Consortium) Compliance – a standards organization tasked with developing standardized practices for web development
WAN (Wide Area Network) – a geographically larger network usually owned/maintained by a larger company
WEP (Wireless Equivalent Privacy) – a protocol used to authenticate and encrypt a home network
Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) – the method of communication that uses the 802.11 wireless standard
Wi-Max (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) – a form of broadband internet operated over cell phone towers and is defined under the IEEE protocol 802.16
WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) – a protocol used to authenticate and encrypt a home network
Worm – a program that makes copies of itself, but does not infect other programs
X
X Protocol – a display protocol that primarily displays and manages UNIX graphical information
XFS – a high-performance file system for Linux OS that uses metadata journaling for a quicker crash recovery, and is the default file system for RHEL7
XHTML (eXtensible Hyper Text Markup Language) – a variant of HTML, used to define the document structure of text, images, and other elements for the web
XHTML Comment – a way to annotate the code of a web document without visually affecting the result in the web browser. Syntax: <!– Comment Text –>