To £20,000
A London-based financial organization requires an experienced person with a thorough knowledge of UNIX and 'C'. You will need excellent communication skills and be able to work effectively as a member of a team. This company offers excellent benefits and prospects to its employees.
Ref. P/256
Network manager £16,000 to £20,000
Well-known manufacturers seek ambitious candidate with one to two years' experience of using Lotus, Paradox, WordPerfect, and Harvard Graphics. A knowledge of Windows will be a definite advantage. Working within a small team, you will be solely responsible for the support and management of forty to fifty PCs running on a network.
Ref. N/80
Junior support £15,000 + benefits
A specific requirement has arisen in an international bank. A vacancy exists for a PC support professional to work within a small team. You will be the first point of contact for dealing with problems relating to software, hardware, and networks. Candidates should have a minimum of 18 months experience. Further training will be given on the job. Knowledge of mainstream PC software is essential, i.e. Windows, Excel, Lotus, WordPerfect. You should be well presented with excellent interpersonal skills. Very attractive position with much scope for career progression.
Ref. S/168
Analyst programmers £ negotiable
Analyst programmers with at least two years' C' or OS/2 experience looking to move into a truly dynamic development environment should call us NOW! The package is negotiable and promotion prospects are excellent for those prepared to work hard.
Ref. P/257
If you are interested in any of the above vacancies, contact Valerie Stevenson at:
FASTRECRUIT
Wolvercote Avenue Bolton
BCl2 6CT
Telephone
0204-112340
Appendix 2
Glossary of technical terms
and abbreviations
The definitions in this glossary refer to words only as they are used in this book. The meanings of certain words will vary according to context. As the texts in this book are authentic and come from a variety of sources, some inconsistency in hyphenation and spelling is inevitable.
access f wkises/ v [10] connect to, or get (information) from, a system or a database
access control / wkses kan,troul/ [7] a feature of a computer security system which prevents unauthorized users from accessing a system
access request iwkses ri.kwest/ [101 a user request for data from a database accumulator 4kju:mju,leita(r)/ [1]
a register that holds the results of operations performed by the arithmetic portion of the CPU
acoustic coupler /a,ku:stik 'kApla(r)/ [3] a device that converts the digital data of the computer into a sound signal that can be understood and transmitted by a telephone network. The connection is usually made by placing the handset of a telephone into rubber cups containing a microphone and a loudspeaker.
adaptor board /o'dwpto,b3:d/ [1]
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a circuit board put in a spare slot in a microcomputer to control an external device
A/D converter /,ei 'di: kan,v3:to(r)/ [81 analog-to-digital converter: an electronic circuit that changes analog signals to digital signals
address /3'dres/ [11 a location within the memory of a computer
address bus /3'dres,bAs/ [1] a signal route within a computer dedicated to sending address information. This may be a subset of the system bus.
address register /a'dres,red3ista(r)/ [1] a register which stores an address in memory
Al /,ei 'al/ [13] artificial intelligence ALGOL it✓lgul/ [4] algorithmic language:
a language developed for mathematical
and scientific purposes
algorithm Lulgoriom/ a prescribed set of well-defined rules or instructions for the solution to a problem
alphanumeric /,w1fonju:'merik/ adj used to describe data that contains numbers and letters
analog /'analog/ adj [3] describing a smoothly varying signal that has no discontinuities
analogue iwnolog/ see analog
analyst annalist/ [4] someone responsible for understanding a problem in a business environment and designing a computer system to solve it
android amdmicl/ [11] a mobile robot whose structure approximately resembles that of a human
ANSI it✓nzi/ American National Standards Institute: an industry-supported standards organization founded in 1918 that
establishes US industrial standards and their correspondence to those established by the International Standards Organization (ISO)
anti-glare shield /,),enti 'glea,Sidc1/ [B] a protective screen over the front of a computer screen to reduce the amount of reflected light
APL /,ei pi: 'el/ [4] a programming language: originally devised as a mathematical notation and later turned into a language
application(s) program /,),uplfkeiln(z),praugracm/ [2,4] a program written in a high-level language, designed to perform a specific function such as calculate a company's payroll
application software /,a2p1I'kelf n,softweo(r)/ applications programs (i.e. programs that directly meet the needs of the computer user). In contrast, systems software (part of the operating system), although essential, does not directly meet any specific user needs.
arithmetic-logic unit /a,n0motik '1Dd311(,ju:nit/ [1] the component of the CPU which performs the actual arithmetic and logic functions asked for by a program
arithmetic unit /aerielmatik,ju:mt/ [1] see arithmetic-logic unit
artificial intelligence /,a:tififl in'telicl3ms/ [4,13] the discipline concerned with the building of computer programs that perform tasks requiring intelligence when done by humans
ASCII f Leski:/ [3] American standard code for information interchange: a standard character encoding scheme introduced in 1963. It is a 7-bit code allowing 128 different bit patterns or characters.
Assembler /o'sembla(r)/ [4] a program that takes as input a program written in assembly language and translates it into machine code
assembly language /a'sembh laqgwic13/ [4] a human-readable representation of machine-code programs
assignment statement /a'sammant,steltmant/ [4] a fundamental statement of most programming languages that assigns a new value to variables
asynchronous /ei'smkranas/ [14] describing a form of computer control timing in which a specific operation is begun as soon as a signal is received to indicate that the preceding operation has been completed
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AT-compatible /, ei,ti: kam'pwtabl/ [14] describing a computer which can run the same software as the IBM PC model AT
audio board 3:chou,bo:d/ [14] a computer expansion hoard that allows sound to be recorded and played back by the computer
audio note /' 3:thou,nout/ [14]
in multimedia, a digitized audio message that can be attached to text or graphics auto-kerning /'::):tau,k3:nio/ [5] a wordprocessing feature that automatically adjusts the space between the characters of a typeface to give the best-looking lit
automate /' 3:tameit/ v [11] use automatic equipment and machines to perform an activity previously done by people
automaton /3Aumation/ 111] a machine capable of operating independently, such as a clothes drier
auto numbering /,D:tau 'nAmbarn3/ [5] a feature that automatically numbers
diagrams, paragraphs, etc., in a document
B /bi:/ [4] a programming language derived from BCPL
background /' kekgraund/ [2J describing processing which does not involve computeruser interaction. Such processes use spare computer resources to perform low-priority tasks.
backing storage /k✓li],sto:rid3/ [1] see secondary memory
backup /' bwkAp/ It a copy of a piece of data or a program taken in case something happens to the data or to the disk on which the original data is stored
back up /,bark 'Ap/ v [2] take a backup bandwidth /' bLendwit0/ [14] the difference between the lowest and highest frequency in a group of frequencies
bar code ibcrkoud/ [K] a machine-readable printed code that consists of parallel bars of varied width and spacing, usually used to code goods
bar code scanner ibu:kaud,sk✓n3(r)/ 1K] a scanning device that can read bar codes as input
BASIC /' beisik/ [4] beginners' all-purpose symbolic instruction code: a programming language developed in the mid-1960s to exploit the capability (new at that time) of the interactive use of a computer from a terminal
batch program ibwtS,prougnem/121
a program that runs without any terminal or user interaction. Typically such programs perform large scale updates, produce reports, or handle housekeeping functions. A high priority batch job may be run in foreground.
BCPL /,bi: si: pi: 'el/ [4] a programming language used for systems programming
binary adder /bainari,do(r)/ [L] the portion of the arithmetic-logic unit which performs binary addition and subtraction
binary arithmetic /,bamari o'nematik/ [4] arithmetic done to the base 2 using only 0 and 1 as its basic digits
binary number /minor',nAmba(r)/ [15] a number (0 or 1) used in binary arithmetic
bistable /,batsteibl/ [1] an electronic circuit whose output can have one of two stable states, i.e. on or off
bit /bit/ binary digit holding the value () or 1: the smallest unit of information in a computer system
bit-mapped ibitmwpt/ [6] describing the image displayed on a computer screen
whereby each pixel corresponds to one or more bits in memory
BIX /biks/ [3] Byte Information Exchange: an online service
block /bluk/ a physical group of records on a tape or disk. A number of blocks form a file. Records are blocked together to improve 1/0 throughput.
Boolean algebra /,bu:lian 'ald3abra/
an algebra closely related to logic in which the symbols do not represent arithmetic quantities
boot /bu:t/ v [2,7] reload the operating system of a computer
broadcast ibro:dku:st/ [61 a message-routing algorithm in which a message is transmitted to all nodes in a network
bug /bAg/ n an error in a program bulletin board fbulotin,bD:d/ [31
a teleconferencing system that allows users to read messages left by previous users on a variety of topics. All users can see all messages, unlike e-mail where the message is private.
bus /bAs/ [1] a signal route within a computer to which several items may be connected so that signals may be passed between them
bus network chAs,netw3:k/ 161
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a network topology which is non-cyclic, with all nodes connected. Traffic travels in both directions and some kind of arbitration is needed to determine which terminal can use the network at any one time.
byte /bait/ [2] a character consisting of 8 binary digits or bits
C /si:/ [4] a highly portable programming language originally developed for the UNIX operating system, derived from BCPL via a short-lived predecessor B
C++ /,si: plAs 'plAs/ 141 a programming language combining the power of object-oriented programming with the efficiency and notational convenience of C
cabling fkeibln3/ [6] the wiring used to carry the signals for a network
CAL /k✓1/ Computer Assisted Learning: one of several terms used to describe the use of computers in training and education
CALL /kwl, ko:1/ [91 Computer Assisted Language Learning: the use of computers in the teaching of languages
capacity /ka'pwsati/ [2] the amount of free unused space left on a disk
CBT /,si: bi: 'ti:/ [9] computer-based training: see CAL
CD-ROM /,si: di: 'rnm/ [8] the predominant form of ROM optical disk. Both disk and drive are based on the product used for commercial music systems. The disk is 120mm in diameter, single-sided, and holds up to 600Mb of data.
cell /sel/ [A] a location in a spreadsheet capable of holding text, numeric data, or a formula
central processing unit /,sentral 'pratisesn3, ju:nit/ [1] the principal operating part of a computer, consisting of the arithmetic unit and the control unit
channel itf xnal/ [1] a specialized processor that consists of an information route and associated circuitry to control input/output operations. More than one I/O device may be attached to a channel for fast accessing and updating of information.
check point itf &point/ [2] a point in a series of programs at which a backup is taken, and the point at which the series of programs will be restarted
chip /tfip/ [F ] see microchip
circuit is3:1cit/ [11 a combination of electrical devices and conductors that form a conducting path
circuit board is3:lot,113:d/ [1] a board containing integrated circuits which make up the processor, memory, and electronic controls for the peripheral equipment of microcomputers
click /kik/ v [1] press the button on a mouse to initiate some action or mark a point on the screen
clipboard ficlipbp:d/ [2] see portable computer
clock /klnk/ [1] an electronic device that generates a repetitive series of pulses, used to control and synchronize the internal workings of a computer
cluster controller /11Asta kan,traula(r)/ [31 a device that controls a number of similar peripheral devices such as
terminals and links them up to the main computer
coaxial cable /1cou'wksial,kethl/ [6]
a type of network cable consisting of two wires, one of which is contained totally within the other
COBOL joubol/ [4] common business-oriented language: a high-level language designed for commercial business use
code /kaud/ n [7] the representation of information data in symbolic language or in a secret fashion
code /kaltd/ v write a computer program cold-boot /kauld bu:t/ v [71 load the operating system of a computer from `cold' (i.e. when the computer has to be switched on first)
command-based /ka'ma:nd,bust/ [11 a computer system which interacts with
the user by commands entered at a prompt on the screen. See command line interface. COMMAND.COM /ka,ma:nd 'knm/ [7] the main part of DOS
command line interface /ka,ma:nd lain 'intafeis/ a method of interaction with a computer whereby the user types specific commands in order to achieve his requirements. This is generally regarded as not very user-friendly, although it is often the most efficient way of communicating with the computer.
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comment /Inment/ [4] part of a program text included for the benefit of the human reader and ignored by the compiler compile /kam'pail/ v [4] interpret a source program or a list of instructions in
symbolic language
compiler /kam'paila(r)/ n [41 a program which converts source programs into machine code. Each high-level language has its own compiler.
compound document /,knmpaund 'dokjitment/ [141 an electronic document which may contain text, photographs, spreadsheets, audio, or graphics compress /kam'pres/ v [141 in
multimedia, to force digitized data into a smaller space for handling by the system CompuServe /1nmpju:s3:v/ [3]
an online service
computational psychology /,knmpju:,teif and sailnlad31/ [131
a discipline lying across the border of artificial intelligence and psychology concerned with building computer models of human cognitive processes. It is based on an analogy between the human mind and computer programs.
computer /kam'pju:ta(r)/ [1] put simply, a system that is capable of carrying out a sequence of operations in a distinctly and explicitly defined manner
computer centre /kam'pju:ta,senta/ [7] a place where there is a central computer facility usually containing mainframes
computer game /kam'pju:ta germ/ [1] an interactive game played against a computer
computerize /kam'pju:taraiz/ v [1]
provide a computer to do the work of/for something
computer language /kam'pju:ta Jwngwid3/ [5] see programming language conceptual schema /kan,septS ual 'ski:ma/ [10] the logical design of a database
conference ikonfrans/ [3] a computer-based system enabling users to participate in a joint activity despite being separated in space or time
configuration /kan,figu'reqn/ [6]
the particular hardware elements and how they are interconnected in a computer system or network
consultant /kan'sAltant/ [6] a (computer) expert brought in to give advice
control bus /kan'traul,bAs/ [1] a signal route within a computer dedicated to the sending of control signals
control flow construct /kan,traul flu 'konstrAkt/ [4] a syntactic form in a programming language to express the flow of control. Common structures are 'if... then... else...', 'while... do...', 'repeat... until...', and 'case'.
control function /kan'traul,fADkIn/
a function performed by the control unit of a computer co-ordinating the internal functions and passing commands to the processor
control signal /kan'traul,signal/ [2,12] an electronic signal sending a control message to another part of the computer or to a robot
control unit /kan'traul,ju:nit/ [1] one of the two main components of the CPU. It transmits co-ordinating control signals and commands to the computer.
counter ikaunte(r)/ [L] a component of the control unit which selects instructions one at a time from memory
CPU /,si: pi: 'ju:/ [1] central processing unit crash /krwls/ n [6] a severe failure of a computer system that causes the hardware or software to be restarted
cursor /13:sa(r)/ a symbol on a computer screen that indicates the active position, e.g. the position at which the next character to be entered will be displayed cut and paste /.kAt and 'peist/ [B]
a word-processing or desktop publishing software feature which allows the user to mark a piece of text and then move it to a different location, not necessarily in the same document
cyborg isatbD:g/ [11] an android with organic structures. Cyborgs have some physiological structures similar to human beings.
data /delta/ [1] information that has been prepared, often in a particular format, for a specific purpose. The term is used in computing to distinguish information from program instructions.
databank Tdeitabwijk/ [7] see database database ideitabeis/ [1,10] a file or group of files structured in such a way as to
satisfy the needs of various users and accessed using the facilities of a database management system
database management system /,deltabeis 'mwnid3mant,sistam/ [9,10] a software system designed to handle multiple requests for data access while at
the same time maintaining the integrity of the data
data bus /delta,bAs/ [1] a bus dedicated to sending data between different parts of a computer
data frame /delta freim/ [3] one of a number of predefined slices into which data may be broken for transmission
data-manipulation language /,delta ma,mpju'leifn,lwngwid3/ [10] a sublanguage of a database language providing facilities for storing, retrieving, updating, and deleting data records
data processing /delta,prousesnj/ [4] the handling or manipulating of information called data which is specially prepared to be understood by the computer
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DBMS /,di: bi: em 'es/ [9,10] database management system
debug /,di: 'bAg/ v remove bugs from a program
DEC /dek/ [4] Digital Equipment Corporation
decision support system /th,si3n sa'po:t,sIstam/ [8] (computerized) system designed to aid managers in day-to-day operational decisions
declaration statement /,dekla'reif n,steitmant/ [4] in C, the element of the program that introduces an entity, giving it a name and establishing its properties
dedicated idedikeitid/ [1] used exclusively for something
delete key,ki:/ [2] the key on a
keyboard which, when the cursor is placed over a character, deletes it
desktop publishing /,desktop tij/
[5] the use of a computer system to perform many of the functions of a printing shop, including page layout and design, choice of fonts, and the inclusion of illustrations. The output may be sent to a printer or to a high quality typesetter.
detonator Tdetaneita(r)/ [7] a device used to set off another process or event
device /di'vais/ [1] a piece of hardware that is attached to a computer and is not part of the main central processor (CPU)
device control /dtvais kantraul/ [3] the use of control characters to control external devices
dialling up /,daialnj 'Ap/ [8] using a modem to connect a terminal or PC to a remote computer
digit fdid3it/ a number which has only one character: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9
digital iclid3ital/ [3] the use of discrete digits to represent arithmetic numbers digital signal /,c1K13101'signol/ [3]
a wave form or signal whose voltage at any particular time will be at any one of a group of discrete values (generally a two-level signal)
digital transmission /,clid3itol trwnz'alif n/ [3] the sending of digital signals along a communications link
digitize idid3itaiz/ v [14] convert analog signals to digital representation
digitized sound /,did3itaizd 'saund/ [8] sound waves that have been converted into a series of bit strings for digital representation
DIP /dip/ [8] document image-processing directory /,dai-,,dfrektori/ [2] see disk directory
disk /disk/ [2] a storage device in the form of a circular magnetic plate in which the information is stored via magnetic encoding
disk directory /disk di,rektori/ [2]
an index to the contents of a disk
disk drive /disk draiv/ [2] a device which is capable of transmitting magnetic impulses representing data from the disk to the computer memory and vice versa
disk error /disk,ero(r)/ [2] a detected (or otherwise) error in the way that data is stored on the surface of a magnetic disk. Such errors are usually detected when reading from or writing to the disk. diskette /di' sket/ see floppy disk
display /dis'plei/ [8] see VDU
distributed (computer) system /th,stribjuad (kom'pju:to) 'sistom/ [6] the organization of processing whereby each process is free to process local data.
The processes exchange information with each other over a network.
document Alokjumont/ v [4] produce the material that serves to describe a program and make it more readily understandable
document image-processing /,dokjamont,prousesi1J/ [8]
a system which takes scanned images of documents and stores them on computer for access, rather than filing the paper copies of the document
document processing idokjumont,prousesig/ [14] the machine-processing, reading, sorting, etc., of documents that are generally readable both by humans and computers, e.g. bank cheques
DOS /dos/ [2] disk operating system: the
generic term for the operating system
developed for IBM PCs and their clones download iclaunloud/ v [3] send
programs or data from a central computer to a remote terminal or PC
DR/DOS /,di: a: 'dos/ [1] Digital Research disk operating system
DTP /,di: ti: 'pi:/ [5] desktop publishing dump /dump/ v [2] in a system handling large numbers of users' files stored on magnetic disk, to take a periodic record of the state of the disks that are made on magnetic tape, in order to protect against accidental overwriting or mechanical failure of the disks
EBCDIC /' ebsidik/ [3] extended binary coded decimal interchange code: a proprietary IBM character encoding scheme based on eight bits allowing 256 characters
electronic circuit /,elektronik 'sa:lut/ [1] a combination of electrical devices and semiconductors that form a conducting path
electronic mail /,elektronik 'meal/ [3,8] messages sent between users of computer systems, where the system is used to hold and transport messages. Sender and
receiver need not be online at the same time.
electronic publishing /,elektronik 'pAblif iq/ [E] the publishing of text in an electronic format
e-mail [3,8] electronic mail
ergonomic /,3:go'nomik/ adj [8] describing something which is designed to take into account the human who is to use it
execute /' eksikju:t/ v [2] run a program in a computer
expansion /ik'spwnfn/ [6] the addition of extra facilities or features
expansion board /ik'spwri.j.n,ba:d/ [6] a printed circuit board that may be
inserted into a computer to give it extra functionality
expansion slot /ik'spwnfn,slot/ [2] a spare space on the system board of a
computer to which expansion boards can be fitted
expert system /' ekspa:t,sistom/ [13]
a system built for problem solving which tries to emulate the skills of a human expert. The result of study in the field of artificial intelligence.
external schema /ik,sta:nol 'ski:mo/ [10] a user's permitted view of data in a database
facsimile machine /fwk'simoli mo,fi:n/ a machine which will provide electronic transmission of documents over telephone lines
fault-tolerant ifo:It,toloront/ [6] of a computer system, having the ability to recover from an error without crashing
fax /forks/ n 1 [8] facsimile machine 2 the output from a facsimile machine
fax board ifEeksbo:d/ 1E] an adaptor board which can be put into a computer and linked to a telephone line to replicate the functions of a facsimile machine directly from the computer
FDD /,ef di: 'di:/ 12] floppy disk drive feature ifi:tf o(r)/ [1] facility provided by an application
fibre optics ifalbar,optiks/ [6] data transmission using cable made of optical fibres instead of copper wire
field /fi:Id/ [10] an item of data consisting of a number of characters or bytes to form a number, a name, or an address
firmware /13:mwea(r)/ [1] system software (part of the operating system) that is held in ROM
file /falai/ [2] information held on disk or tape in order for it to exist beyond the time of execution of a program. Files may hold data, programs, text, or any other information.
file encryption Jam] en,kripfn/ [7]
a security method whereby an algorithm is used to scramble the data before it is written to disk to prevent unauthorized users reading the data directly from the disk
fixed-format record /fikst 'fb:mwt,reko:d/ [10] a record whose data items are fixed in nature, in contrast to records whose layout may change according to the data being held
flicker ifliko(r)/ [14] on a screen, the rapid increase and decrease of brightness floppy (disk) /,flopi ('disk)/ [2] a flexible magnetic disk which can be removed from the computer. The two most common sizes are 3-inch and 5-inch.
flowchart iflautfa:t/110] a diagram or a sequence of steps which represent the solution to a problem. Arrows are used to show the sequence of events.
footprint ifutprint/ [8] the amount of desk or floor space taken up by a computer foreground /13:graund/ [2] describing high-priority processing involving interaction with the user, in an environment that allows background tasks
format ifo:mwt/ v [2] prepare a disk for use by a computer whereby the structure of the pattern of information to be held on the disk is written to the disk surface
FORTRAN (77) fib:tn.:en (sevann,sevn)/ [4] formula translation: a programming language widely used for scientific computation. The '77' defines the year in which the official standard (to which the language conforms) was issued.
frame-grabber /'freim,grwba(r)/ [14] a device for capturing a still video image and converting it into a digital form that
can be viewed on a computer screen. By capturing a sequence of still images, it can effectively create a moving picture
free-format /' fri:,f3:mwt/ [10] describing data whose structure is not pre-defined full-motion video /,ful,maufn
[14] captured and digitized video images displayed on a computer screen giving the viewer the impression of watching a television picture.
functional language ifnukSnal Jwiggwid3/ [4] a programming language whose programs consist typically of sets of unordered equations that characterize functions and values. The values that are characterized by the equations include the desired results, and these values are calculated by executing the program.
function register ifAi3kfn,red3isto(r)/ [1] a register used to control the processing of a function
gateway igeitwei/ [3] a device that links two networks in a way that is usually visible to the network users (as opposed to a bridge which is not visible). Gateways may deal with differences of protocol and naming convention when converting between the two networks.
grammar check ignema tfek/ [5] software that attempts to correct the grammar of a piece of text, or offer advice on its structure
graphical (user) interface /,gnefikal (,ju:zor) 'intafels/ [1] a style of interaction between the user and the computer involving a graphics screen, icons, and some form of pointing device such as a mouse. See command line interface and window.
graphics igrwfiks/ [3,15] a non-character based method of displaying information on a screen, usually used for displaying pictures. The basic unit from which the display is built up is the pixel.
grid /grid/ [2] used for touch-screen and pen-based computers. Voltage is sent across the glass in horizontal and vertical lines forming a grid.
GUI /.(131: ju: [1] graphical user
interface
hacker ihwka(r)/ [7] a person who attempts to breach the security of a computer system by access from a remote point. This may be for amusement or for a more sinister purpose.
hard disk /,ha:d 'disk/ [2] a fixed disk inside a computer which may not be removed
hardware iha:dwea(r)/ [1] the computer equipment and its peripherals
hardware interrupt /,ha:dwear Into'rApt/ [2] see interrupt
HDD Lettf di: 'di:/ [2] hard disk drive hexadecimal Lhekso'destmal/ [B] arithmetic to the base 16
high-level language /ha' Jevl 'hew-1/.7_03/ [4] a language in which each instruction represents several machine code instructions, making the notation more easily readable by the programmer
home-shopping service /houm,s3:vis/ [3] an online service that allows one to purchase items by placing an order over the network, usually by credit card
IAL /,ai ei 'el/ [4] international algebraic language: former name for ALGOL
IBM /,ai bi: 'em/ [1] International Business Machines
IBM-compatibility /,ai bi:,em kom,pwta'bilatt/ [1] describing computers that conform to the hardware specification of the IBM PC and will run all the
hardware that an IBM PC will run
icon adcnn/ [1] a visual symbol or picture
used in a menu to represent a program
or a file. The program is usually
initiated by using a mouse and clicking the mouse's button when the cursor is over the icon.
image compression /Irntd3 kom,pref n/ [10] a technique for reducing the amount of space that a graphics image will take to store in computer storage
index /' Indeks/ n [8] a set of links that can be used to locate records in a data file index generation /' mdeks d3eno,reqn/ [5] the facility to automatically generate a sorted alphabetical index for a document
'infected /In'fekticl/ [7] of a computer, being inhabited by a computer virus infector /In'fekta(r)/ [7] something that transmits a computer virus
inference engine /Informs,end3m/ [13] within the context of expert systems, the part of the expert system that operates on the knowledge base and produces inferences
information technology Linfo.meif n tek'nulac131/ [9] any form of technology, incorporating computing, telecommunications, electronics, and broadcasting, used by people to handle information
inference tree /Informs,tri:/ [13]
the structure of a set of inferences which show how a conclusion was reached
information separators /,Infa'metSn,separettaz/ [3] control characters used to
delimit the boundaries of pieces of information
Information Services Manager /,Info,meif n,s 3:VISIZ mamd3o(r)/ [8] the head of the computer department
information system /,Infa'meif n sistann/ [8] a computer-based system with the defining characteristic that it provides information to users in one or more organizations
ink jet printer /113k d3et,printa(r)/ [1] a printer that produces an image by squirting a fine jet of ink onto specially absorbent paper
input /'input/ n [1] the information which is presented to the computer
input /Input/ v put information to a computer for storage or processing input device /Input duals/ [1] any device that allows data to be passed into the computer
input-output /,Input 'autput / [12] the part of a computer system or the
activity that is primarily dedicated to the passing of data into or out of the central processing unit
input port /Input,p3:t/ [1] the socket into which an input device may be plugged on a computer
input tagging /'input,twgn3/ [5]
a feature of word-processing software that allows text to be pre-coded with tags so that the correct format can be applied automatically
instruction An'strAkfn/ [2] part of a computer program which tells the computer what to do at that stage
integrated circuit /nntagrettid 's3:krt/ an implementation of a particular electronic-circuit function in which all the individual devices required to realize the function are fabricated on a single chip of semiconductor
interactive nnta'rwktw/ [D] describing a system or a mode of working in which there is a direct response to the user's instructions as they are input
interactive video /,Intar;,ektiv 'Inc:113u/ [9] a computerized video system used for learning or play, in which the user interacts with the video.
interface fintafets/ [B] a common boundary between two systems, devices, or programs
interface cable fin-tale's [B]
the logic cable between the computer and a device. Signals and data are passed over this link.
interlaced video /,Intaleist 'vichau/ [14] in narrow-band PAL systems, a method of transmitting all 625 lines of a single TV image in a fiftieth of a second, whereby each frame of the image is split into two fields of 312.5 lines
internal memory /rn,t3:nl'memarr/ [1] memory held within the CPU. The main storage or primary memory of the computer.
internal modem /rn,t3:nl'maudem/ [8] a modem which can be fitted inside a computer rather than a separate piece of equipment
internal schema /m,t3:n1 'ski:ma/ [10] the way that the data is physically held in a database
internal storage /m,t3:nl'sto:ric13/ see internal memory
Internet /' mtanet/ [8] an informal shared public network linking UNIX and other computers world-wide using the Internet protocol (IP)
interrupt fintarApt/ n [2] a signal to the processor that a higher priority event has occurred and must be serviced, causing the current sequence of events to be temporarily suspended
I/O /.ai 'au/ input/output
I/O device /,ar 'au di,vars/ any device that allows input or output to a computer
IP /,ar 'pi:/ [8] Internet protocol
ISDN Lar es di: 'en/ [3] Integrated Services Digital Network: a concept developed by PTTs providing one network to transmit all forms of signal traffic, e.g. voice and data over the same lines
ISO /,ar es 'art/ International Standards Organisation
IT /,ar 'ti:/ [9] information technology
joy stick fdpistik/ [1] an input device used in computer games for controlling the cursor or some other symbol in its movement around a screen
junction box /' cl3A13kS n,bilks/ [6] a box attached to a network which attaches a device to the network
K /ker/ [1] kilobyte: unit of measure of memory or disk space in thousands of bytes. 1 kilobyte is 1024 bytes.
keyboard Tki:b:d/ [1] an input device like a typewriter for entering characters. The depression of a key causes a signal to be transmitted to the computer.
keyboard lock / ki:bo:d lok/ [7]
a security method whereby the screen is cleared and the keyboard is locked after a pre-set period of inactivity to prevent unauthorized use
key number /' ki:,nAmba(r)/ [8] a unique number generated to identify a record knowledge base /' nohd3,bens/ within the context of expert systems, a collection of knowledge that has been formalized into
the appropriate representation with which to perform reasoning, usually a set of rules about the subject
LAN /hen/ [5] local area network
laptop ilwptop/ [2] see portable computer laser printer /lerza,printa(r)/ [1] a nonimpact printer in which the paper is charged electrostatically with an image of the whole page to be printed. This attracts dry ink powder which is then baked on to the paper.
LaserWriter flerza,rarta(r)/ [5] a laser printer manufactured by Apple Corporation
LCD /,elsi: 'di:/ [2] liquid crystal display linkage editor flmluct3,edrta(r)/ [4]
a systems program which fetches
required systems routines and links them to the application program object
module
liquid crystal display /jrkwid,krtstal dis'pler/ [2] one type of technology that is used to produce flat monochrome computer screens. Such screens do not have their own internal illumination.
LISP /lisp/ [4] list processing: a programming language designed for the manipulation of non-numeric data. It is commonly used in artificial intelligence research.
load module /laud,modjual/ [4]
the program which is directly executable by the computer
local area network /1aukal,earn 'netw3:k/ [5,6] a network linking a number of nodes in the same area, limited usually to a building or sites up to a kilometre apart
logical operation /Jodykal opa'rerf n/ [1] an operation on logical values producing a Boolean result of true or false
logical record Rodykal 'reko:d/ [10] the collection of data in a database relating to one subject
logical unit /Jodykal 'ju:rut/ [1] see arithmetic logic unit
LOGO flaugau/ [4] a programming language developed for use in teaching young children
log on /,log 'on/ [2] identify oneself to a computer system in order to gain access to it
loop /lu:p/ n [4] a sequence of instructions that is repeated until a certain condition is reached
low-level language /Jou Jevl '1wwwx13/ a language such as assembly language in which each instruction has one corresponding instruction in machine code
Mac /mwk/ [5] Apple Macintosh computer machine code /ma'Si:n,kottd/ [4] the code actually executed by the computer, not easily readable by the programmer machine translation /ma,fi:n trwnileif n/ [13] the use of computers to translate natural languages
magnetic card reader /mwg,nettk 'ku:d,ri:da(r)/ [1] a device for reading the data held on the magnetic strip on a card such as a credit card
magnetic tape /mxg,nettk 'tell)/ [4] a strip of plastic coated with magnetic oxide used to store information
sequentially. Tapes may be hundreds of feet long.
mail analyst /melt,wrialist/ [8] someone who is responsible for directing mail, which has been scanned using a DIP system, to the correct recipient
mail merge /melt m3:d3/ [5] a software feature which allows the user to read in a file of names and addresses and create personalized' letters for mail shots
mainframe (computer) imeinfreim (kom,pju:ta(r))/ [1] a large computer which requires a special environment for temperature and humidity in order to run it. This is in contrast to minicomputer or microcomputer.
main storage /,mein 'stoxic-13/ [1] see internal memory
management information system /,mxmd3mant,mfo'meif n,sistam/ [8] a (computerized) system for providing information to management
maths function itriOs,fAt3kf n/ [5] a software feature which allows simple
mathematical functions to be carried out (such as totalling columns)
Mb /megabatt/ [1] megabyte
megabyte /' megabatt/ [1]one million bytes: unit of measure for the amount of memory or disk storage on a computer
megaflop imegaflnp/ [12] a million floating point instructions per second. Floating point notation is a representation of real numbers that allows both very large and small numbers to be conveniently represented. A floating point instruction is an arithmetic operation on two floating point numbers.
memory /memon/ [1] a device or medium that can retain information for later retrieval. It is usually used to refer to the internal storage of a computer that can be directly addressed by operating instructions.
memory board imemart,b3:d/ a circuit board which contains additional memory for a computer
menu-driven imenju:,drivon/ [14] describing a program that obtains input by displaying a list of options (the menu) from which the user indicates his choice
message-base posting imestd3,bets,poustiti/ [3] another form of e-mail MHz imegah3:ts/ [1]MegaHertz: a
measure of the speed of a computer's CPU. In millions it measures the number of processing cycles performed by the CPU.
micro /maikrau/ [4] see microcomputer microchip /Thaikrautf ip/ [1]
a semiconductor device used to build the hardware of a computer
microcomputer /,maikraukam'pju:ta(r)/ [2] a computer whose CPU is a microprocessor semiconductor chip
microprocessor /,maikratf prousesa(r)/ [1] a semiconductor chip that forms the central processor of a computer
Microsoft imatkrousoft/ [4] a computer software company
minicomputer /rninikam,pju:13(r)/ [B] originally a computer contained within a single equipment cabinet. Compared with mainframes they are usually smaller and slower. The word is no longer used very
specifically since the advent of microcomputers.
Minitel iminite1/131 a French online system originally provided by the PTT to provide access to French telephone directories. The service has been expanded since its original introduction.
modem imaudem/ [3] modulator and demodulator: a device that converts the digital bit stream used by the computer into an analog signal suitable for transmission over a telephone line (modulation), and then converts it back to digital (demodulation)
monitor imnnita(r)/ [8] see VDU monochrome imnnaukraum/ FBI describing a screen with a single-colour display
mouse /maus/ [1] a device used to point at a location on a computer screen. It is moved around by hand on a flat surface. The movements on the surface correspond to movements on the screen. The mouse has one or more buttons to initiate an action on the screen.
MPC /,em pi: 'si:/ [14] multimedia personal computer: Microsoft's minimum specifications for hardware to be used for multimedia purposes
MS/DOS /,em es 'dos/ [1] Microsoft disk operating system
MT /,em 'ti:/ [13] machine translation multimedia /,mAltfmi:dia/ [5,14]
an application of computer technology that allows the capture, manipulation, and presentation of different types of data, e.g. text, graphics, video, animation, sound, etc.
multiple rulers /,mAltipl 'ru:loz/ [5] rulers to define margins and tab settings multiplexor imAlti,plekso(r)/ [3] a device that merges information from several communications channels into one channel. It is a two-way device and is also used to separate out the combined signal into the individual channels.
multiprogramming /,inAlti'prougrwmu3/ [2] see multi-tasking
