Benchmark test.  A set of tests used to measure computer hardware or software performance. 256
Level 1 cache (Ll cache).  Cache memory built into a microprocessor chip. Ll cache can typically be read in one clock cycle. 256
Level 2 cache (L2 cache).  Cache memory that is located in a chip separate from the microprocessor chip. 256
SDRAM.  Short for synchronous dynamic RAM, it is a type of RAM that synchronizes itself with the CPU, thus enabling it to run at much higher clock sspeeds than conventional RAM.257
Controller.  A circuit board in a hard drive that positions the disk and read-write heads to locate data. 258
DMA.  Short for direct memory access, DMA refers to specialized circuitry that transfers data between drives and RAM, bypassing the CPU. 258
EIDE.  Short for enhanced integrated drive (or device) electronics, EIDE is a disk drive technology formally known as ATA. 258
SCSI (Small Computer System Interface).  An interface standard used for attaching peripheral devices such as disk drives. Pronounced "scuzzy." 258
Ultra ATA.  A disk drive technology that is an enhanced version of EIDE. Also referred to as Ultra DMA or Ultra IDE.258
Touchpad.  A touch-sensitive input device that allows the user to control an on-screen pointer by moving the fingertips over the pad's surface. 260
Track point.  A small pencil-eraser-shaped device embedded among typing keys that controls an on- screen pointer when the user pushes the track point up, down, left, or right. 260
Trackball.  A pointing device consisting of a ball that is rotated in a frame to move a pointer around a computer screen. 260
Wavetable synthesis.  A MIDI standard that creates music by playing digitized sound samples of actual instruments. 261
CRT (cathode ray tube).  A display technology that uses a large vacuum tube, similar to that used in television sets. Although CRT technically refers to the vacuum tube, it is often used to refer to the entire monitor. 262
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).  A type of flat panel computer screen, typically found on notebook computers. 262
Viewable image size (vis).  A measurement of the maximum image size that can be displayed on a monitor screen. 262
Dot pitch.  The diagonal distance between colored dots on a display screen. Measured in millimeters, dot pitch helps to determine the quality of an image displayed on a monitor. 263
Maximum resolution.  The maximum number of pixels a monitor can display, measured in number of horizontal pixels x number of vertical pixels. 263
Accelerated graphics card.  A type of graphics card that contains special circuitry to increase the speed at which graphics can be displayed. 264
Active matrix screen.  A type of LCD technology that produces a clear, sharp image because each pixel is controlled by its own transistor. 264
Color depth.  The number of bits that determines the range of possible colors that can be assigned to each pixel. For example, an 8-bit color depth can create 256 colors. 264
Passive matrix screen.  A display found on older notebook computers that relies on timing to ensure that the liquid crystal cells are illuminated. 264
SVGA (Super Video Graphics Array).  SVGA typically refers to 800 x 600  resolution. 264
Video memory.  Memory chips located on a graphics card that store images as they are processed. More video memory allows a computer to display images at higher resolutions and color depth. 264
XGA (Extended Graphics Array).  XGA usually refers to 1024 x 768 resolution. 264
External bay.  An opening in the computer case that allows the user to install a device, such as a floppy disk drive, that must be accessed from out- side the case. 265
Internal bay.  A location inside the system unit case where devices that do not need to be accessed from outsidde the case can be installed.265
PCMCIA card.  A small credit card-sized circuit board used to connect a modem, memory, network card, or storage device to a notebook computer. 265
PCMCIA slot.  A PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) slot is an external expansion slot typically found on note- book computers. 265
Part replicator.  A device that connects to a note- book computer, by means of a bus connector plug, and contains a duplicate of the notebook computer's ports for connecting devices such as an external monitor, mouse, or keyboard. 266
Hot swap.  Switching batteries or other plug-in devices while the computer is on. 267
Dpi.  Dpi refers to the resolution of an image. Images with more dots per inch (dpi) appear more realistic than images with fewer dots per inch. 268
Duty cycle.  The amount of output that can be expected from a printer, typically measured in pages per month. 268
Ink jet printer.  A non-impact printer that creates characters or graphics by spraying liquid ink onto paper or other media. 269
Laser printer.  A printer that uses laser-based technology, similar to that used by photocopiers, to produce text and graphics. 270
PostScript.  A printer language, developed by Adobe Systems, which uses a special set of commands to control page layout, fonts, and graphics. 270
Printer Control Language (PCL).  The unofficial standard language used to send page formatting instructions from a PC to a laser or ink jet printer. 270
Dot matrix printer.  A printer that creates characters and graphics by striking an inked ribbon with small wires called pins, generating a fine pattern of dots. 271
Multifunction printer.  An output device that combines printing capability with other functions, such as scanning, faxing, copying, and answering machine. 272
Computer industry.  The corporations and individuals that supply goods and services to people and organizations that use computers. 273
Vaporware Software.  that is announced but not produced. 273
Alpha test.  One of the first phases of software testing, usually conducted by the software publisher's in-house testing team. 275
Beta test.  A testing phase near the and of the software development process in which a software product is tested in real-world computer environments, often by and-users. 275
Revision.  An updated form (indicated by x) of a software program, incorporating minor enhancements and eliminating bugs found in the most recent version. 275
Software publisher.  A company that produces computer software. 275
Version.  A new or totally redesigned product (for example, in the identifying number 6.1, the 6 is the version number). 275
Competitive upgrade.  A special price offered to consumers who switch from one company's soft- ware product to the new version of a competitor's product. 276
Street price.  The average discounted price of a product. 276
Version upgrade price.  A special price for a new version of a software package, offered to owners of an earlier version. 276
Computer retail store.  A store that typically sells several brands of computers from a store-front location, such as a mall or shopping center. 278
Mail-order supplier.  A merchant that takes orders by telephone or from an Internet site, then ships orders by mail or other courier service. 278
Manufacturer direct.  The selling of products by hardware manufacturers directly to consumers, by means of a sales force or mail order. 279
Computer-related jobs.  Jobs in the computer industry similar to jobs in other industries (computer sales, high-tech recruiting, etc.). 283
Computer-specific jobs.  Jobs that are unique to the computer industry (computer programmer, Webmaster, etc). 283
Computer-use jobs.  Jobs that require the use of computers to accomplish tasks in fields other than computing (laboratory technician, accountant, etc.). 283
Computer engineering.  A career that focuses on the design and development of computer hard- ware and peripheral devices. 284
Computer science.  A career field that focuses on developing fast and efficient computers, from their construction, to their programming and operating systems. 284
Information system.  Refers to a computer system that stores data and supplies information, usually within a business context. Also refers to the career field that focuses on developing such systems. 284