Archive - A technique of compressing multiple files into a single file to enable easier backup, handling or transmission.

Backup - (v.) In computing, to create a "safe" extra copy of data recorded on floppy disk, magnetic tape, or other storage medium. The actual copy of data recorded in the process described above.

BIOS (Basic Input-Output System) - A fundamental part of any personal computing system, the BIOS contains basic system control instructions.

Bug - A flaw in a computer program or system.

Bytes - A generic term developed by IBM to indicate a measurable number of consecutive binary digits, which are usually operated upon as a unit. Bytes of eight bits ("by eight") usually represent either one character or two numerals. A computer's storage capacity or memory is figured in kilobytes (K or KB): one K is actually 1,024 (2 to the 16th power) bits.

CD (Compact disc or compact audio disc) - A 4.75 inch (12cm) optical disc that contains information (usually musical) encoded digitally in the CLV format. Popular format for high fidelity music, offering 90 dB signal/noise ratio, 74 minutes of digital sound, and no degradation of quality from playback. The standards for this format (developed by NV Philips and Sony Corporation) are known as the Red Book. The official (and rarely used) designation for the audio-only format is CD-DA (compact disc-digital audio). The simple audio format is also known as CD-A (compact disc-audio). A smaller (3") version of the CD is known as CD-3.

CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) - A 4.75 inch laser encoded optical memory storage medium with the same constant linear velocity (CLV) spiral format as compact audio discs and some videodiscs. CD-ROMs can hold about 650 megabytes of digital data. CD-ROMs require additional error-correction information than the standard prerecorded compact audio disc. The standards for this format (developed by NV Philips and Sony Corporation) are known as the Yellow Book.

CD-ROM drive - The drive needed to retrieve data from a CD-ROM format disc.

CD-RW - Short for CD-ReWritable disk, a type of CD disk that enables you to write onto it in multiple sessions. One of the problems with CD-R disks is that you can only write to them once. With CD-RW drives and disks, you can treat the optical disk just like a floppy or hard disk, writing data onto it multiple times.

The first CD-RW drives became available in mid-1997. They can read CD-ROMs and can write onto today's CD-R disks, but they cannot write on normal CD-ROMs. This means that disks created with a CD-RW drive can only be read by a CD-RW drive. However, a new standard called MultiRead, developed jointly by Philips Electronics and Hewlett-Packard, will enable CD-ROM players to read disks create by CD-RW drives.

Disc or Disk - Flat, circular rotating medium that can store and replay various types of information, both analog and digital. "Disc" often is used in reference to optical storage media, while "disk" refers to magnetic storage media. Often used as short form for videodisc or compact audio disc. (CD)

Disk operating system (DOS) - A computer operating system designed for use with a disk. Languages, application and utility programs can be transferred quickly between CPU memory and disk storage.

Drive - That part of a computer-based system (such as a personal computer) into which floppy disks, tapes, CD-ROM's, videodiscs, other optical or magnetic media are inserted when they are being used to input, process, or output information.

Driver - A program that controls (or drives) a device.

Ethernet - A very common method of networking computers in a LAN. Ethernet will handle about 10,000,000 bits per second and can be used with almost any kind of computer.

GIF (Graphic Interchange Format) - A common format for image files, especially suitable for images containing large areas of the same colour. GIF format files of simple images are often smaller than the same file would be if stored in JPEG format but GIF format does not store photographic images as well as JPEG.

Gigabyte - 1,000 or 1,024 Megabytes, depending on whom is measuring.

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) - JPEG is most commonly mentioned as a format for image files. JPEG format is preferred to the GIF format for photographic images as opposed to line art or simple logo art.

LAN - A group of computers that are located in one area and are connected by fewer than 1,000 feet of cable. A LAN might interconnect a number of computers and printers on a single floor or in a single building. LANs can be connected together, but if two or more LANs are connected by modems and telephone lines, the larger network is called a WAN. LANs make it possible for computers to share files and peripherals such as printers and servers.

Megabyte - A million bytes. Actually, technically, 1,024 kilobytes.

Memory - The location in which computer-based equipment stores recorded information, either permanently or temporarily. Usually measured in kilobytes or megabytes.

Modem (Modulator, DEModulator) - Modems are used to link computers together through telephone lines. Modulation is the process of changing computer data into tones that can be sent through a telephone line, and demodulation is the process of changing the tones back into computer data. Basically, modems do for computers what a telephone does for humans.

Monitor - A CRT - RGB screen which accepts video signals, computer display information, or both.

OS - Operating System

Parallel - Simultaneous computer data processing of the individual parts of a whole. Parallel ports on microcomputers often connect with printing devices.

Port - The socket at which cables connecting the computer and its peripherals are attached.

RAM (Random Access Memory) - That part of a computer's memory which can both read (find and display) and write (record) information, and which can be updated or amended by the user; the largest part of a computer's memory, used to house and execute active program code.

ROM (Read Only Memory) - A computer storage medium which allows the user to recall and use information (read) but not record or amend it (write). The smaller part of a computer's memory, in which essential operating information is recorded in a form, which can be recalled and used (read) but not amended or recorded (written).

RGB (Red-Green-Blue) - A type of computer colour display output signal comprising separately controllable red, green and blue signals; as opposed to composite video, in which signals are combined prior to output. RGB monitors typically offer higher resolution than composite.

SYSOP (System Operator) - Anyone responsible for the physical operations of a computer system or network resource. A System Administrator informs the System Operator when backup and maintenance should be performed.

UNIX - A computer operating system (the basic software running on a computer, underneath things like word processors and spreadsheets). UNIX is designed to be used by many people at the same time (it is "multi-user") and has TCP/IP built-in. It is the most common operating system for servers on the Internet.

Windows NT - Abbreviation of Windows New Technology, a 32-bit multitasking operating system developed by Microsoft Corporation and released at the end of 1992. Windows NT is scalable and designed for use on a broad range of platforms, including high-end workstations. Windows NT consists of two versions - the basic product and the Windows NT Advanced Server. As such, the operating system has been positioned by Microsoft for client-server computing over networked systems.