active window in a Mac or windows environment the foremost window on the desktop; the title bar of the active window is highlighted showing that this is the window currently being worked in. To make a window active, click on any exposed area of the window desired.

Anonymous (anonymous FTP) a frequently used account/user id for sites allowing people to log on and download files (shareware, games, utilities, updates, etc.). Typically you would use your e-mail address as the password.

Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) a low-speed serial bus with connectors on the back panel of the computer to which you attach the keyboard, mouse, and other Apple Desktop Bus devices, such as graphics tablets, hand controls, and specialized keyboards.

Apple HD SC Setup a utility program that you use to initialize and test SCSI hard disks

Apple Menu the menu farthest to the left in the menu bar, indicated by an Apple symbol, from which you choose desk accessories

AppleTalk network system the system of network software and hardware built into the computer and used in various implementations of Apple's communication networks

button a push-button-like image (icon) in dialog boxes where you click to designate, confirm or cancel an action. Compare Mouse button.

choose to pick a command by dragging through a menu. You often choose a command after you've selected something for the application to act on; for example, selecting a disk and choosing the Open command from the File menu.

Chooser a desk accessory that lets you configure your computer system to print on any printer for which there's a printing resource on the current startup disk. If you're part of an AppleTalk network system, you use the Chooser to connect and disconnect from the network and to choose among devices connected to the network. You can also specify a user name that the computer uses from time to time--when you're printing on a Laser Writer, for example.

click to put the pointer on something then press and quickly release the mouse button.

close box the small white square in the upper left corner of the window in the title bar; used to close the active window.

Command key on an Apple Macintosh the key that, when held down while another key is pressed, causes a command to take effect. The Command key is marked with a propeller-shaped symbol ("shamrock"). On some keyboards, the Command key has both the propeller symbol and an Apple symbol on it.

dimmed icon an icon that represents an opened disk or folder, or a disk that has been ejected. You can select and open dimmed disk icons, but you cannot open the documents on them.

double-click put the pointer on an object then press and release the mouse button twice very quickly

drag used to move objects around the window or to select commands from the pull-down menus. Put the pointer on an object then hold the mouse button down without releasing and move the mouse

Finder a program used to manage the desktop, documents and applications; used to get information to and from disks

folder a holder for documents and other folders on the desktop; used to organize information

pointer a shape on the screen that follows the movement of the mouse, usually it is the shape of an arrow or an I-beam

size box the small double-square box in the lower-right corner of the window; drag the box to change the size of the window

title bar the striped horizontal strip across the top of the window under the menu bar that gives the name of the document and also contains the close box and the zoom box

trash the icon on the desktop that looks like a garbage can used to throw out documents or to eject disks from the disk drive

window the area that displays your work on the desktop; documents are viewed through a window; windows are opened, closed and moved around on the desktop

zoom box the small box in the upper-right corner of the window in the title bar that expands the window to its maximum size when clicked on and if clicked on again returns it to its original size

.BAT typical extension for batch command file (will run by typing filename)

.COM typical extension for a file on an IBM/compatible (It will run by typing the filename)

.DBF typical extension for DBASE III data file on an IBM/compatible

.EXE typical extension for execute file on an IBM/compatible. (It will run by typing filename)

.PIC typical extension for Lotus 123 Graph file on an IBM/compatible

.TXT PRN, .ASC typical extension for files on an IBM/compatible. These are ASCII or Text files (can view with TYPE command)

.WKS typical extension for Lotus 123 Worksheet file on an IBM/compatible

.WRK typical extension for Lotus Symphony Worksheet file on an IBM/compatible

accelerator card An expansion card that contains another processor that shares the work normally performed only by the computer's main microprocessor. An accelerator card speeds up processing time.

Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) A binding document signed by all users that explains the rules of Internet use at an institution.

Address (e-mail or web) The identification of a physical or virtual distinct entity in a network. On the Internet, this network address is known as a URL, Uniform Resource Locator, e.g., http://www.gsh.org.

address (hardware) a number that specifies the location of a single byte of data in RAM

address bus The hardware path along which the addresses for specific memory locations are transmitted. The width of the path determines how much memory can be used (addressed) directly by the computer.

ADSL/DSL Asycronous Digital Services Line, a fast method of digital communication using standard telephone lines with enhancement hardware at the send and receive end. Speeds on the internet are currently up to 56 kilobits per second with a standard modem (actual speed is in the 30's) at a a cost of approximately $19 per month. ADSL offers a data-only service at speeds ranging from about 140 Kbps to more than 1 megabit per second, using a high-speed modem and a phone line. Current costs are about $150 a month, plus installation fees of several hundred dollars. See also ISDN, T1, TCI, DirecPC

AI artificial intelligence, the development of applications or the applications themselves that appear to have the qualities of human thinking processes (intuition, creativity, pattern recognition).

AIFF(Audio interchange File Format): Sound file format that can be played and edited with a number of sample editing programs.

alarm clock a desk accessory that displays the current date and time, and lets you set an alarm.

alert box a box that appears on the screen to give a warning or to report an error message. The warning is accompanied by an alert sound.

Alias, (Shortcut) a pointer to a document, application, diskdrive, server that is placed in a conveniant location to make it easier for a user

ALT a key used programmed to be used with another key to perform a particular task

Alta Vista, a popular search engine supported by Digital Equipment Corporation. Searches for single, multiple and boolian related terms.

analog data representation that shows change in a continuous way such as the position of the hands of a clock or watch to show time vs. the discrete time indication on a digital watch

ANARCHIE a share ware program that facilitates ftp file transfers with a graphic interface with folders taht can be dragged and droped and double clicked to open or download. Includes bookmarks that can be added to but currently contain access to the most popular ftp annonomouse sites for downloading shareware (see ARCHIE, FTP, FETCH)

API ...................................examples are NSAPI and ISAPI

application program a piece of software designed for a specific purpose/task. Examples of applications are word processors, data bases and spreadsheets.

ARCHIE lets users search worldwide FTP sites and archives their resources. This can run overnight and will search and identify site locations based on a search request (see ANARCHIE)

arrow keys the four directional keys on the keyboard that, when pressed, move the insertion point (the cursor, the blinking line). Sometimes called the cursor keys

ASCII acronym for American Standard Code for Information Interchange, pronounced "ASK-e ". A standard used to represent text inside a computer and to transmit text between computers or between a computer and a peripheral device. Composed an 8 bit byte compination of 1 and 0 thus accounting for 256 characters

AT COMMAND SET: The standard commands used to send instructions to a modem. The letters AT stand for ATtention and are usually followed by one or more commands to the modem. Developed for modem use by Hayes Microcomputer Products. Modems that use the AT command set and a Hayes-patented modem-escape sequence are said to be Hayes compatible.

Attenuate: To reduce the level of an electrical audio signal, usually with a volume loudness control. Also, to reduce sound levels acoustically through the use of absorption material.

AUTOEXEC.BAT a batch file on an IBM/compatible that is created to perform a desired set of tasks each time the computer is started.

background task performing a task such as printing, copying files, calculating complex spreadsheets while allowing the user to perform other tasks. See also multitasking.

backup a copy of a document or application used if the primary copy is corrupted

backward enginnering a technique of seeing something work (e.g. a computer operating system or program) then designing a system/program to perform the same way without looking at the underlying programing code. Good examples are Quick Dos, a copy od CP/M thet became DOS on the first IBM PC in 1980s. CP/M in a way was a backward engineered version of the operating system running on the then current DEC computers. Lotus 123 was backward engineered version of Visicalc, the original spreadsheet which conceptually used the idea of 1960s planning programs.

baud a speed rating for communication speed developed with early teleytype communications. See BAUD bin communications/internet section

BAUD RATE: A measure of data-transmission speed. Baud equals the number of times per second the modem modulates the computer's signal. At low speeds such as 300 bps, 1 baud is roughly 1 bps. Baud rates are often used interchangeably with bps but are not exactly the same.

BBS Bulletin Board System, a computer or program used to allow users to add and access documents, add messages, read messages, comment on the massages and send group or individual messages

benign virus a virus thet is not intended to do damage but likely still takes up storage space and computer time

Bhourne Shell

binary characterized by having two different components, or by having only two alternatives or values available (see binary digit and binary system.

binary digit the smallest unit of information in the binary system; a 0 or a 1. Also called a bit.

binary system a numbering system analogous to the more familiar decimal system, but using only 0 and 1 instead of 0 through nine, with each digit representing successive powers of two instead of ten.

BIPS Billions of Instructions Per Second, a speed reference for computers

BIS A term taken form French, meaning "second." A CCITT standard number with bis appended to it, such as V.42bis, denotes the second version of that standard.

bit see binary digit

bit mapped display a display whose image is a representation of bits in an area of RAM called the screen buffer. With such a display, each dot, or pixel, on the screen corresponds, or is "mapped," to a pixel in the screen buffer. Bit map, for a printer, is when the printer prints "dot" to "dot" to form characters and graphics (see postscript)

BITNET an early 1980 academic computing network with a gateway to internet

booting (boot) taking the information (system) off the disk and putting it in the computer readying it for use

BPS Bits Per Second. A measure of communications speed. The number of data bits transmitted per second. See also baud rate.

Browser Browsers are programs that reside on a personal computer. They download (bring HTML and other files or files from a distant computer to your local computer) and display the text and pictures and allow one to see short animation and movies and hear sounds. The most common are Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Explorer both based on Mosaic.

bugs, a computer problem at an early Harvard computer was found to be a moth caught between relay points. Thus the use of bugs to mean problems in a program and debug to mean finding problems of logic or syntax in computer instructions and correcting them

byte typically a series of eight (8) bits. 1024 bytes equals one (1) kilobyte or 1K.

cache memory a temporary holding place in RAM used to bring in data from disk storage prior to need by the application thus making data access memory speed as opposed to disk speed.

CAD Computer Assisted Design; a using a computer to aid in traditional engineering, architectural, drafting.

CAI Computer Assisted Instruction; a program used as a tutorial, simulation, drill and practice, data resource in teaching

CD command on an IBM/compatible used to change directorys

CD redbook audio: Sound file format that will play on any audio CD of CD-ROM player.

CD-ROM Compact Disk--Read Only Memory, a data storage for computers using the same method as popular CD's but with more precise and controllable hardware

CGA Color Graphics Adapter; one of the first color and graphics systems for IBM and compatible PCs. By today's standards it had very limited color and resolution

CGI Common Gateway Interface, a mechanism for executing costume applications through a webpage. Generally C language code is placed in the server directory and when a user requests information the server starts the CGI process, open the database and get and send the information.

character a symbol that has meaning and conveys information -- examples are letters, numbers and punctuation marks.

chip a term for integrated circuit, an electronic circuit entirely contained in a single piece of semiconducting material, usually silicon.

CHKDSK command on an IBM/compatible used to check various aspects of a diskette (size, number of files, memory used, etc.) (e.g. CHKDSK A:)

CISC Complex Instruction Set Computer, a microprocessor designed to have as many operations as possible on the chip itself as opposed to being in software

client server the server (typically a mainframe or dedicated PC) provides data or services at the request of the client ( a terminal or personal computer)

clipboard computer memory used to temporarily hold information; typically one selection of information is held at a time using cut or copy commands.

clock speed the speed of the processor. megahertz: thousands of instructions per second, MIPS: millions of instructions per second, etc.

clone, compatable a computer manufactured under a different label or by a diffirent company but to diffirent degrees can use the same replacement parts, software and hardware components as that designed by the original manufacturer. (example, the Laser 128 is an Apple II clone; the Gateway and Compaq are IBM clones...)

CLS command on an IBM/compatible used to clear the screen

COBOL Common Business Oriented Language, a language developed under the leadership of naval captain Grace Hopper in 1959 to standardize business, management, accounting programming languages.

codebook a document that describes a dataset (variables, names, values, formats and missing codes

command a word or phrase, usually in a menu, describing an action for the computer to perform.

command a specific instruction that controls the execution of an SPSS command

command file a file that contains a set of commands and sometimes data for SPSS

command file a file on an IBM/compatible that contains DOS commands and will execute them by typing the file name

command name the SPSS name for a data definition, data transformation or system task (e.g. DATA LIST, CROSSTABS)

COMP command on an IBM/compatible used to compare two files

compatable see clone

COMPATIBLE: In the general sense, the ability of different protocols or devices to work together. Differs from compliant in that compatible has been used by some manufacturers to denote devices that can coexist with, but not actually use, the CCITT V.32 9600-bps standard.

compressing, stuffing,zipping the process of taking out unneeded spaces, formatting or duplicate characters to shorten a file for storage or sending through phone communication. The file can be uncompressed when needed.

CON on an IBM/compatible the reference to the console/keyboard (input) and display (output)

config.sys a file on an IBM/compatible used to tell DOS how to do something such as use a device, communicate with a disk drive,, etc. You only change this file when adding a new hardware device (printer, modem, CD-ROM drive, etc) to your computer system.

conventional memory the first 640K of memory on an IBM/compatible PC

coprocessor an auxiliary processor designed to relieve the demand on the main microprocessor by performing a few specific tasks. Coprocessors may favor a certain set of operations, such as floating-point calculations. Generally, coprocessors handle tasks that could be performed by the main microprocessor running appropriate software, but which would be performed much more slowly that way. Other coprocessors allow you to run software that would otherwise be incompatible with the computer's main microprocessor . (e.g. math co-processor)

copy a command in the Edit menu that allows you to copy selected information and place it on the clipboard to be used elsewhere; the copy command does not remove the information from its original position.

COPY command on an IBM/compatible, will copy a file(s) (the original stays in tact) (e.g. COPY A:junk,txt B:junk.txt)

CPS Characters per second. A measure of communications speed; 1 cps is roughly 8 bps.

CPU central processing unit - the hardware "brain" of the computer that performs the computations (ALU arithmetic, logical functions and CU the controller of data movements)).

CRAY the fastest, commercially available US., super-computer--7200 million instructions per second (MIPS); used for weather predicting, census counting...large number crunching; has multi-processors

CRT Cathode Ray Tube; the monitor used to display computer output

CTRL the "control" key on the keyboard used usually in combination with other keys to perform a task (e.g. pressing the control key then the P key will cause the computer to switch back and forth between printing and not printing the screen as displayed

cursor (mouse) the pointer; an arrow, I-beam or other symbol that moves around as you move the mouse are arrow keys. (see insertion point )

cut a command in a menu (Mac see Edit) or with key commands that removes selected text from the document and places it on the clipboard for future use (to paste in another place or another document)

cut and paste removing text or graphics from one location and placing it in another place

DAT Digital Audio Tape; tape used typically as a backup for important files

data information, especially information used or operated on by a program.

data base information organized and stored on a computer (see DBMS)

data definition commands SPSS commands used to define the nature (format, missing values), location, and label (variables and values) a data set (e.g. DATA LIST, VAR NAMES, VAR LABELS, VALUE LABELS, MISSING VALUES, BEGIN DATA, END DATA, PRINT FORMATS, WRITE FORMATS)

data transformation and selection SPSS commands used to recode and combine old variables and calculate new variables. as well as and select variables (e.g. RECODE, COMPUTE, COUNT, WEIGHT, IF, SELECT IF, SAMPLE,)

DBMS data base management system. A program used to store, access, select, report information. Using the computer to create data files (e.g. a simple list of your commonly called phone numbers, a doctors patient records, a schools student transcripts, etc.) and then accessing, manipulating and using the data files for finding information, billing, creating mail labels, etc.

debugging see Bugs

decompression turning compressed (stuffed, compressed, zipped) data back into its original form

defragmenting restructuring files on a disk so that files or contiguous and not split into different places on the disk

DEL command on an IBM/compatible used to delete a file(s) (e.g. DEL A:NAME.EXT)

Descriptive statistics normally the first task in analysis of data. Describing single variables involves determining central tendency and distribution characteristics of the variables.

desktop publishing using computer programs for editing and design of newsletters, magazines, etc.

destination the duplicate, as opposed to the original (or source), in making a copy of a document, folder, or disk.

device IBM/compatible reference for aperipheral

Devorak a typewriter or computer keyboard designed for maximum speed by placing most frequently used keys at the most accessible locations (see also QWERTY )

DIR directory, command on an IBM/compatible will list all of the files on the drive listed after the command (e.g., DIR A: )

DirecPC/DirecDuo Thesesatellite-based services from Hughes Electronics

directory a pictorial, alphabetical, or chronological list of the contents of a folder or a disk.

disinfectant a shareware anti virus program created by John Norstad at Northwestern University for the Macintosh.

disk a flat, circular, magnetic surface (mylar coated with ferrous oxide - a powdered rust like substance) where information is stored--disk capacity is usually measured in kilobytes (K) or megabytes (MB). Currently 5.25 or 3.5" floppy disks are available for the Mac and IBM and range from 400K to 1.4 MB (DSHD).

disk directory an index of a disk's contents. It holds the names and locations of every file on its disk.

disk drive the device that holds a floppy or hard disk and is used to save and retrieve information from a disk

disk drive the hardware that reads a disk

DISKCOPY command on an IBM/compatible used to make a complete copy of a disk including hidden files) (e.g. DISKCOPY A: B:)

dithering combining different grays or colored dots on a computer screen or printed output to produce multiple shades of gray or colors

document a piece of work created with an application such as a word processor, data base or spreadsheet

DOS Disk Operating System; a computer system that could be loaded and operated from a disk originally a floppy but now typically on the hard disk

dot matrix printer a printer that creates characters and graphics by use of pens that place dots on the paper similar to the pixels on the computer screen.

dot pitch the distance between pixels (the dots) on a computer screen

download bringing a copy of a file from another computer to your local computer

dpi dots per inch; the number of dots per inch of the computer monitor display or printer quality. Tells the visual quality of the display (300 dpi is typical laser printer output while 2400dpi is typical magazine quality)

draw program a program used to create graphics that are stored and manipulated as mathematical formulas

driver a program used to control (connect the computer) a hardware device such as a printer, monitor, scanner, CD-ROM, etc.

DSL/ADSL see ADSL

DSP: Digital signal processor.

DTD Document Type Definition--this is the formal specification of a markup language, written using SGML

EDT a simple editor included on IBM/compatible computers

EGA Enhanced Graphics Adapter; the middle quality of graphics display for the IBM/compatibles, between CGA and VGA

E-MAIL the exchange of letter like messages through computer networks

emulation the ability of a computer to run programs from a different computer design e.g. I can emulate the IBM on my Macintosh and run IBM programs.

EQ: Equalization, the professional term for bass and treble tone control.

erasable optical disk drives a relatively new device that uses optical (CD like) disks to read and writ data for storage

ERASE command on an IBM/compatible used to erase a file(s) (e.g. ERASE A:NAME.EXT)

ERROR CORRECTION: A technique for eliminating data-transmission errors, usually by embedding extra bits of data in the data stream. If the correction bits are garbled, the data is resent. Typical error-correction protocols are MNP Classes 2 through 4, and LAP-M. V.42 is the CCITT standard that includes these protocols.

ESC the "escape" key on the keyboard typically used to cancel a command

ethernet a technique for connecting computers and other hardware into a LAN. Works much faster then Apples Local Talk

expert system using a computer application and data base to make decisions based in using a data base designed to follow the process of experts in a filed (see AI )

extended memory memory beyond the original 1 meg limit of IBM/compatibles

fax a method of digitizing text and graphics and sending them over telephone lines to create a facsimile of the original at the receiving end

FDHD Floppy Drive High Density; a disk drive designed to read data from a disk that is stored in a dense format

FETCH a program designed for easyFTP of files between computers (see FTM, ANARCHIE)

fields/categories -variables, items of information you want in your data base or statistical analysis data(e.g. for a personal phone list you would likely have individual categories/fields like name, address, city state zip)

file any collection of information stored on a disk--a document, a folder, a system file or resource, an application. Specifically for a data base all records of your data base (e.g. all the individuals and their categories in a personal phone list, all student transcripts at a University.)

file management SPSS commands used to bring data into SPSS (e.g. GET, IMPORT, etc.), output the data or system file for future analysis on the same or another computer, (EXPORT, SAVE, WRITE CASES etc.) or to modify the structure of the file (SORT, AGGREGATE, etc.)

file server a combination of controller software and a mass-storage device that allows computer users to share common files and applications through a network.

filename.cmd a typical naming style used for an SPSS command file. (e.g. csurvy.cmd)

filename.dat the typical naming style used for a raw data file. (e.g. csurvy.dat)

filename.out naming style used for an output file from SPSS(e.g. csurvy.out)

filename.sys a file containing an SPSS system file, the file of choice for most runs (e.g. csurvy.sys)

firmware in between software and hardware; has a removable ROM chip containing software that is not modifiable or definable by the end user; it is permanent and unchangeable.

floppy drive a storage device that is a round flexable plastic coated with ferrous oxide and works pretty much like standard casset tape

font a complete set of characters in one design, size, and style.

Footer an area at the bottom of a wordprocessing document where on can place repeating or sequential information: the page number, time, date, or text.

format Initialize, to prepare a new disk for use by a particular computer; a pattern put on the disk, that is recognized by the computer, allowing it to keep track of the files on the disk; making a disk available to receive information. Formats are different for the Mac, the Apple and the IBM.

fragmented a disk where files have been split to different parts of the disk when documents have been added to and saved. It can slow disk access time.

freeware programs created and then shared at no cost with other users. There is often a copyright, restrictions on the use of the program

FTP File Transfer Protocol, procedures that allow/facilitate file exchanges between computers over the Internet. A software scheme for eliminating transmission errors when sending files. These schemes send data in small chunks called packets, then check each packet for errors. If the software detects an error, the protocol resends the packet. If no errors are detected, the next packet is sent. Common file-transfer protocols include Xmodem, Ymodem, Zmodem, and Kermit.

FULL DUPLEX a mode of transmission in which data is sent in both directions simultaneously. Full duplex is the usual mode for the majority of data transmissions.

full-duplex transmission of information from the source to the destination and back before appearing on the monitor. This allows a visual verification that the information did indeed get to the destination correctly (see full duplex )

function key the keys labeled F1, F2, ....F10

function keys the top or left side keys labeled F1, F2...F15, programmed to perform frequently used tasks such as obtaining help, saving, printing. The specific tasks may vary with different programs

GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) A compressed graphics file format common on the Internet. The most common graphic format used on the web, can be displayed by most graphic capable browsers

gigabit approximately 1 billion bytes (characters) of space or data

GIGO Garbage In Garbage Out; computer jargon for a situation where inaccurate data is used in an application which means the output is also inaccurate.

GOPHER a hierarchial menu driven server that helps one access the wide range of services on the Internet. A small animal the mascot of the University of Minnesota, the developer of the computer GOPHER. (see earlier definition)

GOPHER a program created at the University of Minnesota that aids access to Internet services by acting as a pointer to resources. A campus, government agency as well as specific groups can set up a GOPHER to aid access to specific resources

group ware applications that co-ordinate and facilitate people working together on a project

GUI Graphical User Interface, the use of graphic icons (characters/pictures) to represent hardware and tasks to simplify the use and understanding of computers, e.g. Mac Finder, Microsoft Windows, X-Windows.

hacker originally used by computer people to refer to innovative and creative uses of computer technology (hardware and software), the ability to figure out how to fix something make something work or make something perform in a way it was not designed. Current use is more focused on the creative, innovative use of computer programs (viruses, worms, trojan horses, etc.) to create grief for users.

HALF DUPLEX a mode of transmission in which data is sent in only one direction at a time. Most commonly used in fax transmission.

half-duplex transmission of information from the source to the destination (see full duplex )

HANDSHAKE the sequence of signals that two modems exchange in order to establish the common speed and format used by the modem for data transmission.

hard drive or disk a disk made of metal and sealed into a drive or cartridge, may be internal or external to the computer box. A hard disk can store very large amounts of information compared with floppy disks.

hardware the physical components of the computer; the machinery that makes up a computer system.

HAYES COMPATIBLE: See AT command set.

HDTV High Density TeleVision. Digital television that works like a computer monitor rather then traditional analog television. Characterized by higher resolution and lack of ghosting and fuzzy images.

head crash when the read mechanism of a disk drive fails to float above the disk and hits the disk potentially destroying data at the crash site

Header in the Document menu; you choose the Open Header command when you want to place the page number, date, text, etc. at the top of each page of your document

helper, plugin Small programs used to add functions to a larger program such as sound or graphic helpers used to add functionality (play sounds or display particular graphic formats) to browsers

Hertz (see also. MIPS and BIPS) a measurement of computer processing speed rated in 1000's of operations per second

hi mem memory beyond the original 640k design for IBM/compatible computers. This is necessary for most new applications

high level language a computer language understandable in varying degrees by human users through expression of tasks in formulas or even graphical representations. Requires the computer to convert to low level (machine language prior to performing the operations)

high memory the 64K of memory beyond 1meg in an IBM/compatible machine

highlight ,select, to make something visually distinct from its background, usually to show that it has been selected or chosen.

HTML editor an application (PAGEMILL, HOTMETAL, HOTDOG, etc.) or add on to an application (Word 6, Clarisworks, etc.) that aids in creating an HTML document by adding HTML commands to a document automatically or providing easy ways to add HTML.

HTML Hypertext Markup Language, a simple nonproprietary text-based generic markup language for representing the design and contents of documents that World-Wide Web browsers can display. Formats are specified by tags. HTML+ is a set of modular extensions to HTML and has been developed to meet needs of information providers. The extensions include text flow around floating figures, fill-out forms, tables and mathematical equations, etc. HTML was invented by Tim Berners-Lee while at CERN, the European Laboratory for Particle Physics in Geneva.

HTTP (Hypertext Transport Protocol) A fast, stateless information-retrieval protocol designed to distribute information quickly to as many users as possible. Addresses for documents on the World-Wide Web usually begin with http:// before the server computer's name, as in:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/

HYPERLINK a statement in your document, which allows readers to jump to any file on the Web that you choose. You specify the file and even the location within the file you are jumping to (1) absolute link, which gives the file's full network address (called a uniform resource locator, or URL). Whenever you have no control over the location of the file you are jumping to, you use an absolute link. (2) relative link, which gives the location of the file you are jumping to as it is located in relation to your document. You only use a relative link when you can control where the file you are jumping to is located. Generally that means you use relative links to jump to files you have published yourself

hypertext, hypermedia text that allows one to go through material in a nonlinear fashion, for example one might click on a term and get an explanation, picture, sounds, demonstration or go to a different section of the material

Icon a graphical, picture representation of hardware, file (application or document, etc.) or a function (cut, paste, print, etc.)

Inferential statistics: Inferring is the process of making a guess (hopefully educated) about a population based on information collected in a sample. There are many different possible statistics that could be use

initialize see format

ink jet printer a printer that prints by squirting small dots of ink on paper (see dot matrix)

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol, currently Version 4) a newer standard for e-mail that enables you to access and manage e-mail on a server. Also see POP3

input information put into the computer from an external source such as the keyboard, the mouse, the disk drive, etc.

input device a device that sends information to the microprocessor; examples are the mouse and the keyboard.

insertion point the place in a document where the next action (entering text, graphic....etc.) will take place. To change or set the insertion point, point to the place where you want to be and press the mouse button; you will see the blinking vertical line appear

install putting a new application on your hard disk and making sure it is configured to work with your hardware (printer, scanner, etc.). This may be relatively automatic as on the Mac or may require one changing the config.sys file on an IBM/compatible

integrated package a program that contains more than one application such as Clarisworks, Microsoft Works and Appleworks. Typically contains at least a word processor, a data base and a spreadsheet in one software package

interactive a computer operating system or program that operates with the user in a dialog fashion to complete the task

interface the way the computer or application is programmed to appear to a user e.g. minus, icons, command lines or......

Internet, the info superhighway, an international network connecting military, research, academic and business institutions, etc. that provides communication, textual and numeric information, travel reservations, file transfer of shareware, etc.

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) A fast digital technology designed to replace less efficient analog telephone lines and modems. ISDN "modems" are actually 64 thousand to 128 thousand bits per second (128 kilobits). This can be divided into two voice lines, making it especially suitable for the communication needs of small businesses. You can call out on one line while surfing the Internet on a second line at 64 Kbps. In California only 56 kilobits per line is possible. See also ADSL, T1, TCI, DirecPC

ISDN TA (Terminal Adapter) An interface between your computer and an ISDN connection. TAs can be internal or external devices. Think of a TA as a cross between a network interface card and a modem.

JAVA A programming language capable of running on many platforms and used to add actions, to a web page

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) The second most common web graphic/picture format, can be displayed by most browsers. A compression format designed to compress either full-color or gray-scale digital images.

JUGHEAD a hierarchical GOPHER

justification the format of text or graphics on a page, left (like typical typewritten page -smooth left side uneven right side), right (smooth right, uneven left side), centered (all lines centered between margins), full (text characters spaced to make a smooth left and right margin

Kb (kilobits) A measurement that represents 1,024 bits of information in computer applications.

KB (kilobytes) A measurement that represents 1,024 bytes of information in computer applications. There are 8 bits to a byte.

Kbps (kilobits per second) A measurement that represents 1,024 bits of information per second. However, in telephone applications such as modem communications and ISDN, Kbps represents 1,000 bits per second.

kerning changing the spacing between characters to give a more pleasing look

kilobyte (K) 1024 bytes but frequently is given rounded off as 1000 or 1 K; 8 bits is 1 byte; 4K is approximately one page of text (the number of characters on a page is 4000)

LAN local area network (within one site); a connection of computer hardware (computers, printers, disk drives). Data typically is transmitted over wires. It allows information and hardware sharing. See network.

laptop computer any computer one can carry around and use sitting on one's lab. Generally refers to older portable computers in the range of 8-12 lb..

laser printer a printer that operates in a much like a copy/zerox machine buy placing small dots to represent characters and graphics (see dot matrix )

LCD Liquid Crystal Display, a display for computers that is composed of a flat screen composed of thousands of crystals that can be turned on or off to create characters and images

Leading the vertical space between text lines that includes the text and space above the characters

log on a step of identifying a user (account and password) to a mini or mainframe computer for verification as to legitimacy before one can use the computer

LOGO a programming language created by Seymore Papert of MIT. It is a subset of LISP (the AI programming language used most frequently in the US) and is capable of a visual representation of a "turtle" who can make graphics based on the programming steps or the programmer. Used to teach structured processes, programming, geometry, mathematics and list processing to k-college students

Looping: The act of repeating short sound samples to create a longer sound.

low level language an assembly level or machine language that requires little translating by the computer to run. Somewhat difficult and picky for most people to use but fast and allows one to use all the attributes of a particular processor

LPT1, LPT2,... the names IBM/compatible DOS assigns to line printers

LYNX A very primitive browser by current standards. It was designed for slow modem speed and only for text display and linking. LYNX will not display pictures, movies or sounds.

mail merge the process of merging information from a database with a word-processing document creating the appearance of a personalized message

mainframe computer large, powerful, computers requiring special cooling and generally running interactive, multi-user operating systems

malevolent virus, a virus that causes problems ranging from simple distractions to software, documentation and even hardware distruction.

megabyte a unit of measurement; 1024 kilobytes, 1,048,546 bytes (characters)

megahertz a speed reference for computers, thousands of instructions per second

memory a computer chip(s) in the computer that can store information (see RAM, ROM ).  Current mempory you might buy to enhance your computer include: (1) Extended Data Out (EDO) dynamic RAM chips mounted on single inline memory modules, better known as SIMMs.  (2) Synchronous Dynamic RAM (or SDRAM), used by newer machines.  These are often mounted as  (3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMMs). Check your manual, or on some PCs your start-up screen, to find out what type of memory and module you now have and need for your upgrade. You usually can't mix the two types on the same motherboard.

memory data space withen the computer, determines the size of documents and applications one can use on a compuiter (see RAM and ROM )

menu a list from which you can make choices

menu bar the upper-most strip across the monitor screen of a windows operating system that includes the titles of the menus available to you such as File, Edit, Format.........

microcomputer computer that contains the brains a microprocessor (CPU ) on one computer chip

microprocessor a microprocessor (CPU ) on one silicon chip, used in home computers, cars, microwaves, etc.

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface): Standard protocol that allows computers and digital musical instruments to communicate.

MIDI interface: Link form Mac to MIDI sound module or synthesizer.

minicomputer small to medium computers compared to their bigger more capable mainframe siblings. Typically requiring special cooling and generally running interactive, multi-user operating systems or on occasion being dedicated to a specific use

MIPS Millions of Instructions Per Second, a speed reference for the faster, super computers

Mixer: A device or system that combines two or more signals to feed to another device or part of the audio system.

MKDIR command on an IBM/compatible used to make a new subdirectory

modem modulate/demodulate, the device that allows one to use the phone line to communicate with other computers by converting computer data representation to and from a form that can be sent and received through phone lines

MODULATION SPEED: The raw speed of a data transmission; does not take into account error correction or data compression. Expressed in bps.

MOSAIC, NETSCAPE NAVIGATOR, MICROSOFT EXPLORER: graphical interface to the World Wide Web. These browsers are all derivations of the MOSAIC browser developed at the University of Illinois. With the proper Helper files connected these browsers can download and display pictures, movies, sounds and virtual reality files. The newest versions allow an ever increasing variation in formatting of displays.

motherboard the major mounting board/device for the components of a personal computer. The CPU, power supply, etc. are typically mounted to this board

mouse the input device that controls the actions of the pointer on the screen when it is moved around on a desk (or surface) by the user

mouse cursor the icon on the computer monitor that moves when the mouse is moved

MTBR Mean Time Between Failure, the estimated time between failures or problems with a computer, printer, etc.

multimedia integration of more then one media source e.g. sound, text, graphics, animation (also using/controlling sound generation equipment and CD's with computers)

multiprocessor more then one CPU under the control of a single operating system

multitasking a computer performing more then one task at a time. See also background task

nanosecond a billionth of a second, the distance it electricity and light to travel 1 nanosecond is 11 inches (???check this out)

natural language a concept of communicating with the computer by using standard language and syntax as opposed to programming in a high or low level language

network Interconnected computer hardware (computers, printers, disk drives); data transmission over wires allowing information and hardware sharing.

network operating system, NOS the application/system software that controls a computer network

notebook & subnotebooks--computers much smaller then today's typical portable/laptops but with the same or more capability in terms of speed, memory and operating system. Weight typically is 4 to 8 lb. for a notebook and 4 lb. are less for a subnotebook. An example of this type of computer is the NCR 3125 which has the power of a desktop PC but weighs only 3.9 lb..

on-line being accepted after log on by another computer and thus able to perform tasks on that computer

OOP Object Oriented Programming, a high level language method of programming involving giving programming objects characteristics that can be transferred to, added to and combined with other objects to make a complete program (Check this out???)

open to make available for use; you open files in order to work on your documents

operating system the software "brain" of the computer. A program that interfaces with a user, organizes and directs the computers internal activities and its hardware devices and accessories.

output device a device that receives information from the microprocessor. The monitor is one example of an output device, the printer is another

output, output device information that goes from the computer to some external (output) device such as the monitor screen, disk drive or printer

paint program a program that creates a graphic by directly turning individual bits (pixels) of a screen off or on (bit mapped) as opposed to a draw program that uses formulas to control the pixels

parallel processing computers with multiple processors that allow the same task to be performed on different data at the same time by different processors

paste a command menu (Mac in the Edit menu) or key commands that allows you to take information that has been cut or copied to the clipboard and put it in a document

path a list of directory names that defines a defines the location of file, application or another directory

PDA (personal digital assistant) also called palmtops or pocket computers--These are just now gaining in availability and popularity. Examples include HP 95LX which weighs in at 11 ounces and Apples Newton just released.

peer to peer a connection between computers that creates equal status between the computers

peripheral device a piece of computer hardware used in conjunction with a computer and under the control of the computer. Disk drives, modems, printers...for example

PERL Practical Extraction and Report Language, a language used to add database functionality to a web page

pixel picture element, the individual "dots" on the monitor screen; the visual representation of a bit on the screen that is white when the bit is 0 and black when 1.

plotter a printer using pens to output large graphics (maps, charts, pictures)

POP3 (Post Office Protocol, Version 3), the most common Internet standard for e-mail. When you use POP3, all new messages are downloaded from the server at once whenever you check your e-mail. See also  IMAP.

portable computer a computer that one can carry around and has it's own power supply

postscript a technique of storing and presenting data on a computer screen or printer. Characters and graphics are stored as formulas . The printer or screen "draws from "point A" to "point B" to create a character or graphic. Quality is limited by the monitor or screen not the computer technique for character storage as in bit map

PPP Point to Point Protocol, lets a computer connect to the internet with a modem via TCP/IP over a phone line

primary drive the top drive, the internal drive, Drive 1 or Drive A; the "boot" drive

PRINT command on an IBM/compatible used to print a file(s) while you continue other tasks (e.g.PRINT A:NAME.EXT)

print spooler a printing technique that allows simultaneous peripheral operation on-line, that is it stores the output to be printed in RAM and prints as the printer is available without intervention from the user who continues with other computer tasks

printer drivers software that must be placed on your IBM/compatible in order to use a particular printer

procedure SPSS commands used to perform a data display or statistical task (e.g. LIST CASES, FREQUENCIES, DESCRIPTIVES, EXAMINE, CROSSTABS, MEANS, T-TEST, PLOT, CORRELATIONS, ONEWAY, ANOVA NPAR CORR, NPAR TESTS, REGRESSION, MANOVA etc)

program a set of directions for the computer that enables you to accomplish a specific task; programs are also called software or applications.

PROTOCOL a set of rules or standards on how to communicate. They define common data structures for sending and receiving information. Protocols define such things as error-checking conventions and how data is formatted (e.g. FTP, SLIP, PPP)

public domain software programs created and then shared at no cost with other users. There is no copyright or restrictions on the use of the program

pull-down menu a menu that is hidden until you put the pointer on its title and click the mouse button

QWERTY a typewriter or computer keyboard designed to slow speed and thus preventing typewriter keys from jamming. It is the standard keyboard configuration --look at the top row of alphabetic keys.

RAM random-access memory; the part of memory available for the users applications a data

record case, the complete set of categories/fields for one unit of your data base or statistical data, e.g. the information on one person in data base such as the fields of name, address, phone and birthday.

Relational data bases a set of different databases sharing common information. The library, dorms and student records could be made relational because they share common information (e.g. students name, address, etc.). This relational aspect could be used to identify any delinquents in either data base at registration time (e.g. low GPA, owe fees at the dorms, owe fines at the library)

REN command on an IBM/compatible used to rename a file (the original is renamed) (e.g. REN A:OLDNME.EXT NEWNME.EXT)

require a special dish antenna to download data and a separate dial-up Internet account to send data out. Hardware prices start at about $300 for the antenna and PC adapter card, or several hundred dollars more for satellite TV hardware bundled with DirecDuo. Monthly plans start at $19.95 for 200-Kbps service during off-peak hours (evenings and weekends). But the separate dial-up Internet account will add another $20 a month to the service. See ISDN, ADSL, T1, DirecPC

review an editor contained in SPSS that allows you to edit SPSS input and output files. Somewhat limited compared to word processor programs

RGB Red, Green, Blue color monitor uses the colors singly and in combination to produce graphs

RISC Reduced Instruction Set Computer, a microprocessor designed to have only the most frequently uses operations on the chip itself, thus allowing faster operation, cheaper construction and lower heat levels

RMDIR command on an IBM/compatible used to remove a subdirectory

ROM read-only memory; a part of memory put in the computer by the manufacturer that contains programing code thought essential for all users of the computer. It can only be read, not written to, and it is not erased when the computer is turned off

root directory the top or the main directory an IBM/compatible will boot to this directory when started

Sample: A digital recording of an analog sound.

save the process of storing information for future retrieval on a disk or tape; information in the memory disappears when the computer is turned off (except ROM)

scaleable font a font that is stored as a formula and is thus possible of viewing or printing at a variety of sizes at the highest possible quality of the printing device

scanner a hardware device that digitizes text, graphics or bars from a bar code directly into a computer

scratch. a file used by SPSS on a temporary basis to keep track of temporary calculations and data changes. You cannot and do not need to access these files, but SPSS does need the disk space to create it.

screen saver a program created to run when the screen of a computer is not changing in order to keep an image from being etched into the phosphorus of the monitor

SCSI Small Computer Systems Interface, a standard for connecting computers and hardware together on personal computers

secondary drive the bottom drive, the external drive, Drive B or Drive 2; usually used with your data disk to retrieve and save data and documents you have created with an application

select to choose where the next action (e.g. cut, format change) is going to take place; (Mac and Windows to select/highlight something click once on an icon, click and drag across text or graphics)

Server A web server is a computer and software set up to send files to browser when requested. Servers must be directly connected to the web is anyone trying to see its files (see also server defined earlier)

server, a computer (PC or Mainframe) used to store applications and documents for use by other computers connected to it, see LAN. Also used to for storage and access of web documents. Usually the hardware is maximized for communication though a workstation can perform the server tasks less efficiently.

SGML Standard Generalized Markup Language, a metaformat that allows one to specify a wide range of document formats.

shareware programs created and then shared with other users. There is often a copyright, restrictions and a small charge on the use of the program

Shortcut, (Alias), a pointer to a document, application, diskdrive, server that is placed in a conveniant location to make it easier for a user

significance, if a distribution could have occurred by chance (randomly or accident) then the distribution is not significant. If a distribution is not likely to have occurred by chance it is significant e.g. you are rolling dice for real bucks and your opponent gets his points every time (that is significant, probably he/she is cheating). Typical significance levels for attitude studies would be .10 or less meaning that what occurred in the table could be chance in only 10 out of 100 replications.

SLIP Serial Line Internet Protocol, a PPP with more limited features

snd: A Mac sound resource file format that can be played back from a variety of Mac applications and presentation programs.

software (application, program) the program that makes a computer perform a task that is frequently modifiable and definable by the user e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, data base.

Sound module: A synthesizer without a keyboard that can generate sounds when sent MIDI files by a computer.

spreadsheet a computerized Matrix composed of cells that can contain labels, values, formulas or functions and is used for calculations (e.g. budgets, simple check balancing, calculations for decision charts, grade calculations, what if computations, etc.)

SPSS Statistical Package for the Social Social Sciences, a statistical analysis program originally designed at the University of Chicago for use with social science data but now arguably the most used general statistics program

spss.lis, spss.log a file containing the output from an SPSS procedure and error listing if the procedure did not work. Can be listed to the screen, sent to the printer or copied to a wordprocessing document (e.g. csurvy.lis)

SQL Structured Query Language, a computer language designed to facilitate getting specific data from a data base e.g. Oracle.

start-up disk the disk with the programs (generally the operating system) necessary to get the computer ready for you to be able to use it

storage device for storing information such as tape, hard disk or floppy disk

style sheet a function of higher level word processing programs that facilitates the use and copying of frequently used formats

subdirectory a directory contained within another directory

super computer --faster using parallel and massive multi processing (MMP), more memory and sophisticated operating systems

Super VGA enhanced version of Video Graphics Array the highest quality of graphics display for the IBM/compatibles

SYS command on an IBM/compatible used to transfer the operating system to a diskette for boot-up (SYS B:).

system file an SPSS file created after running the command file and data file and creating an easy to use and faster running file containing data and data definitions (e.g. csurvy.sys)

system management SPSS commands used to control screen output (set, show, display)

T1 the standard communication method for large businesses, government, military and education

tags Formatting commands included in a web document to tell the browser how to display the page material

TCIa data transmission method using a cable and modem connection that will move data to your computer at speeds of one to four megabits per second. That means you can download a 10 megabyte software program in 20 seconds instead of more than an hour by ordinary modem. This makes it possible to listen to CD-quality music via the internet. Current cost is approximately $40 a month after installation and special modem costs. See also ISDN, ADSL, T1, DirecPC

TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol, the standard used on the internet for connecting different types of networks and computers

telecommunications the use of computers with telephones to communicate and possibly do one's work as in to telecommute.

Telenet/3270 facilitates using a site (e.g. LEXUS/NEXUS) that assumes an IBM 3270 terminal ????

THROUGHPUT: The actual speed of a computer system at starting and completing a task. For example a communications channel can be higher or lower than the modulation speed, depending on line conditions and whether error correction and/or data compression is in use.

time share the ability typically of a mini or mainframe computer operating system to handle multiple users by swapping them in and out of ROM on a fast basis that under the best of circumstances appears to the user as if he/she is the only user of the computer.

toggle keys, combination of keys are a mouse selection that flips a user back and forth between status's of a program e.g. from a page print view of a document to an input status for the document

touch screen a computer monitor with a fine grid over the screen that can be touched and input into the computer identifying a choice or action to be performed

Trojan horse a probable malevolent program placed/hidden within a useful program

TYPE command on an IBM/compatible used to list a file to the screen (e.g. TYPE A:NAME.EXT)

UNIVAC the first commercial computer

UNIX an operating system created by Bell Labs in 1969. It contains many of the functions included or planned for PCs, mini and mainframe operating systems e.g. multitasking, remote terminal support, time sharing, background operations, etc.

URL Universal Resource Locator, the world wide web address of a home page, gopher site or e-mail address. A pointer to a file or resource available on the Internet; the Internet's shorthand for directions to Internet-bound resources, used most often with World-Wide Web browsers such as Mosaic and Netscape. A typical URL is a web address such as: http://www.csubak.edu