CTIS Terminology (M-Z)

Measurements (summary) -
*a bit = one binary digit (1 or 0) *”bit” is derived from the contraction b’it (binary digit) -> 8 bits = one byte
*1024 bytes = one kilobyte
*K = kilobyte
*Kb = kilobit
*MB = megabyte
*Mb = megabit
*MB/s = megabytes per second
*Mb/s = megabits per second
*bps = bits per second
i.e., 155 Mb/s = 19.38 MB/s
MB – short for megabyte.

megabyte – 1024 kilobytes.

memory – the temporary holding area where data is stored while it is being used or changed; the amount of RAM a computer has installed.

menu – a list of program commands listed by topic.

menu bar – the horizontal bar across the top of the Mac¹s screen that lists the menus.

multi finder – a component of System 6 that allows the Mac to multi task.

multi tasking – running more than one application in memory at the same time.

nanosecond – one billionth of a second. ( or, the time between the theatrical release of a Dudley Moore film and the moment it begins to play on airplanes).

native mode – using the computers original operating system; most commonly used when talking about the PowerPC can run software written for either the 80×0 systems, or the PowerPC¹s RISC code.

NuBus – expansion slots on the Mac which accept intelligent, self-configuring boards. NuBus is a different bus achitecture than the newer PCI bus and the boards are not interchangable.

operating system – the system software that controls the computer.

optical disk – a high-capacity storage medium that is read by a laser light.

palette – a small floating window that contains tools used in a given application.

partition – a subdivision of a hard drives surface that is defined and used as a separate drive.

paste – to insert text, or other material, from the clipboard or copy buffer.

PC – acronym for personal computer, commonly used to refer to an IBM or IBM clone computer which uses DOS.

PCI – acronym for Peripheral Component Interchange – the newer, faster bus achitecture.

peripheral – an add-on component to your computer.

point – (1/72″) 12 points = one pica in printing.

pop-up menu – any menu that does not appear at the top of the screen in the menu bar. (may pop up or down)

port – a connection socket, or jack on the Mac.

Power PC – a processing chip designed by Apple, IBM and Motorola (RISC based).

Power Mac – a family of Macs built around the PowerPC chip.

print spooler – a program that stores documents to be printed on the hard drive, thereby freeing the memory up and allowing other functions to be performed while printing goes on in the background.

QuickTime – the Apple system extension that gives one the ability to compress, edit and play animation, movies and sound on the Mac.

RAM – acronym for Random-Access Memory.

reset switch – a switch on the Mac that restarts the computer in the event of a crash or freeze.

resize box – the small square at the lower right corner of a window which, when dragged, resizes the window.

RISC – acronym for Reduced Instruction Set Computing; the smaller set of commands used by the PowerPC and Power Mac.

ROM – acronym for Read Only Memory; memory that can only be read from and not written to.

root directory – the main hard drive window.

save – to write a file onto a disk.

save as – (a File menu item) to save a previously saved file in a new location and/or with a new name.

scroll – to shift the contents of a window to bring hidden items into view.

scroll bar – a bar at the bottom or right side of a window that contains the scroll box and allows scrolling.

scroll box – the box in a scroll bar that is used to navigate through a window.

SCSI – acronym for Small Computer System Interface.

SCSI address – a number between zero and seven that must be unique to each device in a SCSI chain. Fast and Wide SCSI devices will allow up to 15 SCSI Ids (hexidecimal); however, the length restriction (3 meters) is such that it is virtually impossible to link 15 devices together.

SCSI port – a 25 pin connector on the back of a Mac (native SCSI port); used to connect SCSI devices to the CPU. Some SCSI cards (like the ATTO) have a 68 pin connector.

SCSI terminator – a device placed at the end of a SCSI chain to complete the circuit. (some SCSI devices are self-terminating, or have active termination and do not require this plug).

serial port – a port that allows data to be transmitted in a series (one after the other), such as the printer and modem ports on a Mac.

server – a central computer dedicated to sending and receiving data from other computers (on a network).

shut down – the command from the Special menu that shuts down the Mac safely.

software – files on disk that contain instructions for a computer.

spreadsheet – a program designed to look like an electronic ledger.

start up disk – the disk containing system software and is designated to be used to start the computer.

surge suppressor – a power strip that has circuits designed to reduce the effects of surge in electrical power. (not the same as a UPS)

System file – a file in the System folder that allows your Mac to start and run.

System folder – an all-important folder that contains at least the System file and the Finder.

32 bit addressing – a feature that allows the Mac to recognize and use more than 8MB of memory.

title bar – the horizontal bar at the top of a window which has the name of the file or folder it represents.

upload – to send a file from one computer to another through a network.

Uninterruptible Power Source (UPS)- a constantly charging battery pack which powers the computer. A UPS should have enough charge to power your computer for several minutes in the event of a total power failure, giving you time to save your work and safely shut down.

UPS – acronym for Uninterruptible Power Source.

vaporware – “software” advertised, and sometimes sold, that does not yet exist in a releasable for.

virtual memory – using part of your hard drive as though it were “RAM”.

A computer worm is a self-replicating computer program. Unlike a virus, it does not need to attach itself to an existing program. Worms almost always cause harm to the network, if only by consuming bandwidth.

zoom box – a small square in the upper right corner of a window which, when clicked, will expand the window to fill the whole screen.