Glossary Of Computing Terms

The world of computers is fast-moving, and keeping up-to-date with the terminology involved is a daunting task. The ninth edition of this well established, authoritative glossary has been updated and now provides extensive coverage of the internet. The book assumes no previous knowledge and uses simple language and numerous illustrations throughout. The glossary provides explanations for over 2400 computing terms. All aspects of computing are covered from programming languages to personnel, from architecture to applications, from storage to systems software. The text is structured around three themes: how computer systems are used, what computer systems are made up of, and how computer systems work. It includes over 40 essays as introductions to sections, which illustrate how terms may be used in a written context as well as provide background information for each section. Features now includes comprehensive coverage of the internet allows quick and easy reference guides the reader to other related terms where applicable includes a comprehensive index contains a list of common abbreviations and acronyms some current A-levels refer explicitly to the Glossary as a reference source for definitions of terms A Glossary of Computing Terms has been compiled by a working party of The British Computer Society's Education Committee and provides a standardized interpretation of computing terms to use on Information Systems, Information Technology and Computing courses at GCSE level and upwards. It is also a useful reference source for any other courses where computers are used. For anyone requiring a simple painless introduction to computer technology this book will prove invaluable. TABLE OF CONTENTS: Part A How Computer Systems Are Used Al Data Processing A2 Word Processing A3 Spreadsheets A4 Databases and Information Retrieval A5 Graphics and Design A6 Modelling and Simulation A7 Virtual Reality A8 Internet A9 Communications A10 Control All Numerical and Scientific Computing A12 Sound A13 Hypermedia Systems A14 Computer Assisted Learning and Training A15 Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems A16 User Interface A17 User Documentation A18 Computer Personnel A19 Computer Abuse, Security and Related Law Part B What Computer Systems Are Made Of B1 Types of Computer B2 Peripherals B3 Memory B4 Display Devices B5 Printers B6 Networks B7 Communications Devices and Control Devices Part C How Computer Systems Work C1 Systems Design and Life Cycle C2 Systems Documentation C3 Management and Manipulation Of Data C4 Programming Concepts C5 Programming (Flow of Execution) C6 Programming (Subprograms) C7 Program Syntax C8 Program Documentation C9 Developing, Testing and Running Programs C10 Programming Languages C11 Data Representation C12 Numeric Data Representation C13 Systems Software C14 Machine Architecture C15 Interfaces and Buses C16 Physical Components C17 Communications Technology C18 Truth Tables and Logic Gates Part D Appendices D1 Acronyms and Abbreviations D2 Units Tables and figures Index

This authoritative glossary provides explanations for over 2,400 computing terms, covering all aspects of computing from programming languages to personnel, from architecture to applications, from storage to systems software.

Reviewers Comments from Earlier Editions

"very highly recommended to all those whose activities bring them anywhere within spitting distance of computers." Physics Bulletin

"A most useful work." University Computing

"A thoroughly useful publication." School Science Review

"should be available in all schools and teritiary institutions teaching courses in computing or information technology." Physics Education

The world of computers is fast-moving and filled with jargon, so keeping up to date with the terminology involved can be a daunting task. The tenth edition of this well-established authoritative glossary assumes no previous computing knowledge and uses simple language and numerous illustrations to guide the reader.

The glossary explains over 3000 computing terms. Its unique structure links related terms together in such a way that the definitions are always placed in context to help understanding. The text is structured around four themes:

• how computer systems are used;
• what they are made of;
• how they are developed; and
• how they work.

It includes over 40 detailed introductions to sections, illustrating how terms may be used in a written context and providing background information for each section.

Features

• over 3000 terms explained
• a new section drawing together general computing terms
• allows quick and easy access to terms
• guides the reader to related terms where applicable
• comprehensively indexed
• contains lists of common abbreviations and acronyms

A Glossary of Computing Terms has been compiled by a working party of The British Computer Societys Schools Committee and has provided a standardised interpretation of computing terms for use on Information Systems, Information Technology and Computing courses at GCSE level and upwards. It will also be a useful reference for any courses where computers are used, and will be invaluable for anyone needing a painless introduction to computer technology.

How to use this glossary (inside front cover)

Introduction

PART A. HOW COMPUTER SYSTEMS ARE USED

A1. General Computing Terms

A2. Data Processing

A3. Word Processing

A4. Spreadsheets

A5. Databases and Information Retrieval

A6. Graphics and Design

A7. Modelling and Simulation

A8. Internet

A9. Communications

A10. Control

A11. Specialist Computer Applications

A12. Networking

A13. Sound

A14. Multimedia

A15. Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems

A16. User Interface

A17. User Documentation

A18. Computer Personnel

A19. Computer Abuse, Security and Related Law PART B. WHAT COMPUTER SYSTEMS ARE MADE OF

B1. Types of Computer

B2. Input

B3. Memory

B4. Output

B5. Communications Components PART C. HOW COMPUTER SYSTEMS ARE DEVELOPED

C1. System Design and Life Cycle

C2. Describing Systems

C3. Programming Concepts

C4. Programming (Flow of Execution)

C5. Programming (Subprograms)

C6. Program Syntax

C7. Describing Programs

C8. Implementing, Testing and Running Programs

C9. Programming Languages

C10. Data Representation

C11. Numeric Data Representation

C12. Managing Data PART D. HOW COMPUTERS WORK

D1. Systems Software

D2. Machine Architecture

D3. Interfaces and Buses

D4. Physical Components

D5. Communications Technology

D6. Truth Tables and Logic Gates PART E. APPENDICES

E1. Acronyms and Abbreviations

E2. Units

Tables and figures

Index