Harvey and Press, Databases in historical research, pp. 283-96 provide a particularly useful glossary, while that which follows is more restricted and rather out of date, and is here included because it is not subject to copyright.

APPLICATIONS SOFTWARE

Refers to software which is designed to perform a specific function. Word processing packages and tutorials are examples of applications software, but operating systems and programming languages are not.

BACKGROUND

The terms 'foreground' and 'background' refer to the relative status of two or more operations which the computer performs at the same time. A background operation is one which the computer runs automatically while the user works with an operation in the foreground. For example, the computer might print out a letter in the background while a different letter is being edited in the foreground.

BACKUP

A duplicate copy of a file or an entire diskette which serves as protection against the accidental loss, destruction, or erasure of the data. Crucial data and programs should be backed up frequently.

BASIC

BASIC stands for Beginners' All-Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code, a common programming language which is easier to learn than many other programming languages. The advanced version of BASIC is called BASICA.

BREAK

A way to halt the program in progress. The program will usually return to DOS, BASIC, or else the main application program itself. Accomplished by using the Ctrl + Scroll Lock combination, or Ctrl + C, or on some machines, Fn + B.

BYTE A byte is the smallest unit of memory which the computer hardware can address. One byte can hold one character of information. The DIR command reports disk space information in bytes.

CABLE

A set of wires through which data passes. Cables link up various pieces of computer hardware. Ribbon cables are flat, with the wires laying side-by-side. Other cables look more like power cords.

CHIP An electrical component made of a wafer-thin slice of silicon (smaller than a fingernail) housed in a ceramic or plastic casing with metal contacts. Chips are designed for a specific purpose: there are micro-processor chips, memory chips, math chips, and more.

CLOCK/CALENDAR

A quartz or battery-powered feature which keeps track of the system date and time even after you turn the computer off. Clocks and calendars come standard on some PC's; for others, they are usually available on memory expansion cards and other add-on boards.

COPY COMMAND

A DOS command which copies one or more files at a time. This command allows many variations, including copying from one disk to another, using the same or different filenames, and even copying from the keyboard (console) to a file.

CURSOR

The display character (most often a flashing bar) which indicates where the next character will be typed.

DATABASE

A database is a file (or set of files) which stores information and allows updating and retrieval of that data. Database software provides a system for creating and working with such files. The simplest database programs are menu-driven and provide only standard applications such as mailing lists, while the more complex database programs provide a complete programming language for maximum flexibility and power.

DATE COMMAND

A DOS command which allows you to change the system date. You can also use DATE to see what the system date is without making any changes.

DEFAULT DRIVE

The drive on which the computer will look for data and/or instructions unless told otherwise. In DOS, the default drive letter will be indicated by the DOS prompt, as in A or C.

DESKTOP COMPUTER

One of three categories of microcomputers: desktop micros are larger than portables or lapsize and usually have separate pieces for the monitor, system unit, and keyboard.

DIR COMMAND

A DOS file management command which lists names of disk files onto the screen. Other information listed for each file includes the file size (in bytes), and the date and time the file was last changed.

DISKCOPY COMMAND

A DOS diskette management command which copies the contents of the diskette in the source drive to the diskette in the target drive.

DISKETTE

The most common type of disk storage for microcomputers. Consists of a round magnetic-coated vinyl disk enclosed in a square plastic cover. The most common type measures 3 and 1/2 inches across.

DISKETTE DRIVE

The motorized piece of hardware which rotates the diskette and reads from or writes to the diskette on command from DOS.

DISPLAY

The computer screen, also known as a monitor. Most programs output their results to the display for viewing. Common display types include monochrome (usually green or amber) or color. Most color displays can produce both graphics and text. Only certain monochrome displays can produce graphics.

DOS DOS stands for Disk Operating System, and is pronounced 'doss.' DOS is the program responsible for interfacing between you and the computer system, particularly the disk drives. Applications programs make use of DOS whenever they read to or write from a diskette or hard disk.

DOS PROMPT

DOS's way of telling the user it is waiting for you to enter a command. It consists of a drive letter (which indicates which drive is the default drive) followed by a , such as A: or C:.

DOT MATRIX PRINTER

A type of printer whose print characters are formed from a pattern of dots on a matrix grid. The more dots in the grid, the smoother-looking the letters will be. Many dot matrix printers use the flexibility of the dot matrix pattern to produce graphics as well as text characters.

ERASE COMMAND

A DOS file management command which allows you to erase one or more disk files at a time. Use caution with this command: if you don't specify a filename DOS will erase everything.

FIELD

A database term. A typical database containing names and addresses of company employees will contain a name field, an address field, a city field, etc. for each employee's record.

FILE A collection of data stored under a single name on diskette or hard disk. A database file is made up of records containing related information.

FILE NAME

The complete name of a disk file. File name (two words) represents two parts: the filename (one word) and the extension.

FILENAME

'Filename' is a special computer term which refers to the first part of a file's name. The filename may be from 1 to 8 characters long. A well-chosen filename will indicate the contents of the file, as in FISCAL85 or JONESLTR.

FILESPEC

A filespec tells DOS the drive location and name of a file. It has three parts: the drive letter, the filename, and the extension.

FIXED DISK

See Hard Disk.

FOREGROUND

The terms 'foreground' and 'background' refer to the relative status of two or more operations which the computer performs at the same time. The foreground operation is the one which the user is able to interact with while another operation is running in the background. For example, a person using a word processor might edit one letter in the foreground while another one is being printed in the background.

FORMAT COMMAND

A DOS file management command which prepares blank disks for use. Use caution when formatting a non-blank disk: FORMAT will erase the entire disk.

FUNCTION KEY

One of ten keys (F1-F10) which can be set to produce different results in different programs. Function keys are usually used to simplify common operations by making it easier to type in commands.

HARD DISK

Also known as a fixed disk or Winchester disk, a hard disk can store thousands of files. Hard disk size is measured in megabytes, (1M=1,048,576 bytes) with the most common sizes being 10M and 20M.

I/O DEVICE

A hardware peripheral which can serve as both an input and an output device. A diskette drive is an I/O device because it can be read from (input) as well as written to (output).

INTEGRATED SOFTWARE

A type of software which combines two or more applications programs into a single package. Integrated software allows data from one program function to be used in another, and simplifies operations by using consistent commands and keystrokes throughout. A typical integrated software package might include word processing, database, and spreadsheet components.

K The abbreviation for 'kilobyte.' 1K = 1024 bytes.

LAN See Local Area Network.

LAPTOP COMPUTER

The smallest of three categories of PC's. Lapsize computers are lightweight and feature small, flat screens so that the entire system can fit inside a briefcase.

LASER PRINTER

Laser printers combine computer control with office copier technology. A laser-light beam writes the image onto a copier drum which then causes toner to be fused onto the paper.

LETTER QUALITY PRINTER

Letter quality printers use daisywheels, thimbles, or type balls to produce fully formed text characters. In most cases the output is almost impossible to tell from that produced by a good electric typewriter.

LOCAL AREA NETWORK

A set of PC's which are linked together for the purpose of sharing peripherals and/or data. LAN's are usually limited physically to a single office or building. Although the PC's share resources, each machine can operate independently as well.

M The abbreviation for 'megabyte.' 1M = 1,048,576 bytes.

MICROPROCESSOR

A chip which serves as the brain of the computer system. The microprocessor controls all computer operations.

MODEM

The hardware which changes computer signals to telephone signals and back, so that data and information can be sent from one computer to another over the phone lines. The word 'modem' comes from 'MOdulator / DEModulator.'

MONITOR

See Display.

MOUSE

A hardware device used for input. A mouse is a small object (smaller than your hand) which you roll around on a table top to position the screen cursor.

MULTI-TASKING

The ability of a computer to run more than one program at a time. Although a microprocessor can only perform one operation at a time, the high speed rotation between programs can make several processes appear simultaneous.

NETWORKING

Linking a system of computers so that they can communicate with each other and share peripherals.

NUMERIC KEYPAD

The section of the keyboard which contains both numeric entry and cursor control/editing keys.

OPERATING SYSTEM

The program which allows you to operate your computer. Examples include DOS and Unix.

PAUSE

A computer function which temporarily halts the program in use. A pause is performed by pressing Ctrl + Num Lock, Ctrl + S, or on some machines, Fn + Q. After a pause, pressing any key will cause the computer to continue on.

PERIPHERAL DEVICES

The pieces of hardware which are connected or attached to the computer itself. Disk drives, printers, and terminals are peripheral devices.

PORTABLE COMPUTER

The middle size category of computers. Portable computers feature monitors and disk drives which are built into the system unit. Most portables will fit under the seat in an aeroplane.

PRINT ECHO

A computer function which causes whatever is printed on the screen to print out (echo) on the printer as well. The simultaneous printing will continue until another print echo is executed. A print echo is performed by pressing Ctrl + PrtSc, Ctrl + P, or on some machines, Fn + E.

PRINT SCREEN

A computer function which causes a 'photograph' of your screen to print out on the printer. A print screen is performed by pressing Shift + PrtSc, or on some machines, Fn + P.

PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE

A program such as BASIC, Pascal, or Logo which allows you to combine commands (instructions) to the computer to create your own software.

RAM An abbreviation of Random Access Memory, also known as User Memory. This is the memory which is available to the user for use by the software. RAM is measured in bytes: typical amounts are 64K, 128K, 256K, and 512K.

RECORD

A database term. A typical database file containing names and addresses for company employees will have one record for each employee.

RGB MONITOR

A type of color monitor. The letters R, G, and B stand for Red, Green, and Blue.

ROM An abbreviation of Read Only Memory. This area of memory is used by the system, and cannot be written to by the user. Unlike RAM, ROM remains intact after the power is turned off.

SELF-BOOTING

Refers to a diskette which has the operating system on it, as well as other software. This allows the user to boot the system and go directly into the application without changing disks.

SOURCE DEVICE

When two drives are involved in a data transfer (COPY, DISKCOPY, etc.) one is known as the Source Drive and the other as the Target Drive. The Source Drive is the one which provides the data; the Target Drive is the one which receives it.

SPREADSHEET

Spreadsheets, also called electronic spreadsheets, are a popular type of PC software. Used for financial planning and calculations, these programs let you set up a spreadsheet (or worksheet) with labels, numbers, and formulas which can be easily changed during 'what if' experimentation.

SYSTEM RESET

A system function that restarts your computer, also known as a warm boot. A system reset is performed by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del. Three keys are used so that you can't reset the system by accident.

SYSTEM UNIT

The primary piece of hardware in a computer system, the system unit houses the microprocessor, the main memory, the hardware controller cards, and the power supply. It may also hold disk drives and the display.

TARGET DRIVE

When two drives are involved in a data transfer (COPY, DISKCOPY, etc.) one is known as the Source Drive and the other as the Target Drive. The Source Drive is the one which provides the data; the Target Drive is the one which receives it.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

The transfer of data and information from one computer to another via the phone lines. A modem at each end changes the computer signals to phone signals and back again. Telecommunications is a growing area which includes applications such as stock market reporting and home banking.

TEMPLATE

A pre-structured format for data. Applications software templates provide an organized set of formulas into which you enter your own data, so that you do not have to set the whole thing up from scratch. Templates are available commercially for most popular spreadsheet, accounting, and database software packages.

TIME COMMAND

A DOS command which allows you to change the system time. You can also use TIME to see what the system time is without making any changes.

TOGGLE KEY

Any key which causes a computer function to change state (ON/OFF/ON/etc.) each time it is pressed. Examples are the Num Lock key and the Caps Lock key.

TYPE COMMAND

A DOS command which prints the contents of a text file on the screen. Performing a TYPE on a non-text file will give you gibberish. If you do a Print Echo before the TYPE, the output will echo on the printer.

USER MEMORY

See RAM.

WINCHESTER DISK

See Hard Disk.

WINDOW

A rectangular portion of the screen set off from the rest. Windows are used to view more than one process or set of information at a time. In most cases the user can control the size and shape of the windows, and can create windows or make them disappear as appropriate.

WORD-PROCESSOR

A type of applications software used for creating and changing letters and other documents. Word processors allow you to type in text, review it, and make quick changes before printing it out. The same document can be printed over and over, with or without making changes to it.

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(c)R. Middleton 1997. Last modified 30 June 1998.