Glossary
A
- AGP
- Accelerated Graphics Port - A standard for connecting graphics cards, which has been replaced by PCI Express in newer computers.
- Anti-glare
- An LCD technology for displays to minimize the reflection of external light. By roughening the surface ambient light will reflect in different angles rather than in one direct angle. This is done either chemically, mechanically or by deposition though chemical anti-glare is most common.
- Apple
- Internationally renowned consumer electronics and software manufacturer with its roots in the United States. Apple sells anything from personal computers to mobile phones (the recently launched iPhone), computer hardware, accessories and the immensely popular Mp3-player iPod.
- AVI
- Audio Video Interleave, a multimedia container format that have both audio and video data. AVI was introduced by Microsoft and is very popular even though it has several limitations.
B
- Backlight
- Illumination in association with LCD (liquid crystal display) screens. Rather than from the front, back lights indicate screen illumination from the side or back and is used on both computers, LCD TV's and smaller displays.
- Backup
- This term refers to making duplicate copies of data in order to stay safe in case of malfunctioning hardware. If disaster strikes, having a backup will make it easier to restore the computer to its original operational state.
- Battery
- Capacity – The greater the number of cells, the longer the battery will last. Laptop batteries come in 4, 6, 8, 9, or 12-cell sizes. The charge capacity of a battery is defined as Amps per Hour (A/H), or milliamps per Hour (1,000 milliAmps = 1 Amp). The larger mAH rating, the longer the battery will last. Type – There are many different types of technologies that have been used to make laptop batteries. The oldest is NiCad (Nickel-cadmium), which offers relatively low performance at a heavy weight. A newer technology NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) offers much greater performance than NiCad with a little weight reduction. It can be recharged hundreds of times but to maintain peak capacity, it must be fully discharged occasionally and it also discharges while in idle up to 40% a month. The modern laptop battery uses Li-ion (Lithium-ion) technology, which offers the same performance as NiMH, but at a drastically reduced weight. Lithium-ion batteries pack in a higher power density to extend a longer battery life in a lighter form. Lithium-ion battery can be recharged anytime.
- Binary Code
- When it comes to languages a computer understands the binary code is the most basic one. It's composed of 0's and 1's which the computer interprets to letters, numbers, marks, punctuation and symbols.
- BIOS
- Stands for Basic Input/Output System - Runs before the system boots and is used to configure and probe the hardware.
- Bit
- Known as the smallest unit with capacity to carry information. The word Bit is short for Binary Digit and expresses a binary choice, a choice with two alternatives; 0 and 1. Depending how many bits there are different amounts of alternatives exists. 1 bit points out 1 of 2, 2 bits points out 1 of 4 etc. With 5 bits you have 1 of 32 which equals the number of words in the alphabet and with 1 extra bit small and big letters can be distinguished. With 8 bits all numbers and some special characters are included as well making it 1 byte - the standard unit for data.
- Blu-Ray
- A disc-format developed to store large amounts of data, holding up to 50 GB, and playing high-definition (HD) video. Blu-Ray technology uses blue lasers which enables the possibility to store more data than traditional (red) lasers.
- Bluetooth
- This is a standard for short-range (10m, 100m with power boost) wireless data transmission for use with Bluetooth enabled PDAs, laptops, cell phones, keyboards, and mice.
- Broadband
- Broadband connections are rapidly becoming a common occurrence in households. As opposed to dial-up (phone line) connections, broadband provides a higher bandwidth, which lets you transmit and receive data much faster. The fastest connections require fiber optic cables, but you can also get a broadband connection via copper (DSL, cable) or wireless (3G).
- Byte
- Base unit for the amount of computer memory/storage. 1 Megabyte (MB) is slightly more than 1,000,000 bytes, and 1 Gigabyte (GB) is slightly more than 1,000 MB. However, many hard drive companies like to use 1,000,000 bytes as their definition of a MB, and 1,000MB as their definition of a GB, in an effort to make their drives seem larger.
C
- Cache Memory
- Type of memory that is very close to the CPU, and usually built into the CPU. Cache does not contain large amounts of data, but it is very easy for the CPU to access it quickly. Due to the nature of programs, small amounts of cache memory can provide drastic performance increases. All CPUs have an L1 (level one) cache, and most of an integrated L2 (level two) cache. L1 cache provides the quickest access, and L2 cache has slower access but can store more data.
- CD
- Compact Disc - an optical disc used to store audio, video or data digitally.
- Centrino
- An Intel Corporation branding that certifies laptops to be equipped with a Pentium M or Core processor and Wi-Fi. A Centrino certified laptop also include certain Intel circuits optimized for power-savings.
- Clock Frequency
- This term refers to the speed of the computer component. Clock frequency uses “hertz” (Hz) as its base unit. Note that 1 Megahertz (MHz) refers to 1,000,000 hertz, while 1 Gigahertz (GHz) refers to 1,000 MHz. This number refers to the number of cycles the CPU can process per second. Hertz refers to the number of cycles per second the CPU operates at, similar to how a car engine runs at different RPM’s (Revolutions per Minute). Faster clock frequency usually suggests faster performance, but some processors and their components are designed to do more “work” every cycle.
- Contrast
- Signifies the difference between the absolute white vs. absolute black pixel in light intensity in a display or screen.
- CPU
- This computer term stands for “Central Processing Unit.” This is a computer chip that acts as the “brain” of the computer. Just like the engine in your car, the more powerful a CPU in a computer, the faster it can complete what you are telling it to do.
D
- DDR
- Double Data Rate - a RAM memory standard superseded by DDR2 and DDR3.
- Dead pixel
- A defective pixel on an LCD screen that does not light up or displays the wrong color when the computer is turned on.
- Desktop
- A desktop environment most commonly refers to a style of graphical user interface (GUI) which is used by most computers of today. The old style, command line interface (CLI), is generally only used by computer professionals today. A modern desktop environment consists of for example icons, folders and a trash can for files that are to be deleted.
- Desktop Replacement (DTR)
- This is the most powerful type of laptop. DTR’s are usually more expensive ($1500+), have a large screen (15” to 17”), and offer performance equal to or greater than that of a desktop computer. These high-end machines are also usually heavy (7lbs-12lbs) and have below average battery performance.
- Directory
- A directory, also known as a folder, is a file that is created for organizing a collection of files. As it's a file organizing other files can one say that a directory contains other directories.
- DisplayPort
- A video interface for attaching external displays.
- Drive
- A drive is a device that stores and retrieves data. There are several different drives, such as hard disk drives, solid state drives, CD-Rom's and DVD-Rom's and they all differ when it comes to possibilities of having new data written to them.
- DVD
- Digital Versatile Disc - an optical disc used for storing video or data.
- DVI
- Digital Visual Interface ports are used instead of VGA (analogue) to connect to a monitor or projector.
E
- Ethernet
- A wired network technology.
- ExpressCard
- An expansion card standard for laptops. Replaces the older PC Card slot.
- External Storage
- When one talks about external storage it's any storage medium that isn't built within the computer. Popular external storage mediums are CDs, DVDs, memory cards and memory sticks, or external hard drives. These devices are a good choice if you're to transport information between different computers.
F
- Firewall
- A hardware (physical) or software firewall protects your computer from intrusion such as hackers and viruses.
- FireWire
- A high-speed port similar to USB 2.0, but the name is trademarked by Apple. Also known as IEEE 1394.
- Folder
- See "Directory"
- Front Side Bus
- also known as FSB - a technology used by Intel processors to connect via the north bridge to other system devices, most notably the RAM memory. Measured in MHz and directly related to both memory and processor speeds. Will be replaced by QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) in upcoming Intel systems.
G
- GHz
- One billion Herz or 1,000 MHz. Measures clock cycles and can be used to compare performance of similar CPUs and other components. Not an accurate measurement for comparing speeds between different processor models and brands.
- Graphics Card/GPU
- A graphics card, or Graphics Processing Unit, delivers visuals to the screen. Integrated graphics are nearly always much slower than dedicated varieties.
- GUI
- Graphic User Interface that displays software and application on a computer in a graphic environment. The Windows shell is an example of a GUI.
H
- Hard Drive
- A rotating platter where you store your files and folders. A higher rotational speed usually means that the drive is faster.
- Hardware
- When one talks about the hardware it could mean two things: the physical components of a computer system (for example chips, monitor and disks) and the physical artifacts of a technology.
- HDMI
- High Definition Multimedia Interface ports carry both audio and video to external displays - in most cases High Definition TV's (HDTVs).
- High Performance Addressing
- HPA is a technology that enhances contrasts and response rates on LCD displays compared to normal LCD screens.
- HSDPA/3G
- Mobile phone technology that allows connecting to the Internet at broadband speed. In order to use it in a laptop you need a 3G modem.
- Hyper-threading
- An Intel trademarked technology used for executing multiple tasks simultaneously. Hyper-threading does not involve dual cores, but acts as two virtual CPU cores.
- HyperTransport
- AMDs variant of Intel's QPI. Used instead of a Front Side Bus (FSB).
I
- IBM
- IBM is the abbreviation for International Business Machines Corporation. IBM started up already in 1888 as a tabulation company and is today one of the largest international computer companies. The company offers anything from hardware and software to hosting services.
- Infrared
- Abbreviated IR and constitutes a data transferring technology between two users. Common application in cell phones, computers and laptops the infrared feature uses radiation and wavelength to send data, longer than visible light but shorter than microwaves. Since its hype however, Bluetooth is pretty much dominating the market of data transmitting application in mobile devices.
L
- LAN
- Local Area Network - A wired networking technology used for local networking.
- Laptop
- Also called notebook, a laptop is simply a mobile computer, normally weighing 3 to 12 pounds. A laptop has all components and functions as its desktop siblings, however miniaturized for mobile use.
- LCD
- Liquid Crystal Display is a technology used for TV and computer screens or other smaller displays. There are two types of the LCD technology. Reflective LCD is known for its usage in calculators and digital watches. Transmitive LCD however is used for displays with HD (High Definition)
M
- Mainstream/All-Purpose Laptop
- This is the standard laptop. Going between $600 and $1500 usually, mainstream notebooks offer reasonable performance (less than that of a desktop computer in most cases) at an acceptable weight (about 4-7lbs), being about 1.5 inches thick or less. Battery life generally goes up to about 4 hours, depending on processor, and feature 14â
- MHz
- MHz is an abbreviation for Megahertz that measures the speed of a computers microprocessor. One MHz stands for one million clock cycles per second. The more cycles a computer can execute per second - the faster its program will run.
- Modem
- A device for sending and receiving data via the phone line (dial-up or ADSL) or wireless (over 3G).
N
- Netbook
- Term for describing a small, low-end, and cheap laptop. Usually measuring 9 or 10 inches.
- Northbridge
- A part of Intel chipsets used to connect with the RAM memory and video cards. Will be phased out in later generations.
- Notebook
- Mobile computer. Synonymous with laptop. See laptop
O
- Operating System
- An operating system instructs a computer on how to work when turned on. Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux are operating systems. The most basic operating system uses only a command line.
- Optical Drive
- Used for reading or writing CDs, DVDs or Blu-Ray discs.
P
- Parallel Port
- An old interface for connecting peripherals, primarily printers. If your computer has one, it's probably time for an upgrade.
- PATA
- Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment - An older standard for connecting hard drives and optical drives. Replaced by SATA in most new computers.
- PCI Express
- An PC expansion card standard that replaces both the older PCI and AGP standards.
- Pointing Stick
- A pointing device used on small laptops, where there isn't sufficient space for a trackpad.
- Processor
- Also known as the CPU, or central processing unit - the most important piece of hardware in your compute that does all the basic calculations that your computer needs to function. It greatly affects the speed of your computer.
Q
- QuickPath Interconnect
- or QPI. Used by Intel Core i7 CPUs to replace the Front Side Bus.
- Qwerty
- The most common keyboard layout, represented by the row of keys in the top left of the keyboard.
R
- RAID
- Redundant Array of Inexpensive (or Independent) Disks: Two or more hard drives working in unison to provide better performance and/or improved reliability. Rarely available in laptops due to lack of space.
- RAM
- Random Access Memory is what allows the computer user to directly access parts of the computers stored data in any, random order without having to run through the whole computer memory.
S
- S-Video
- A video port used for connecting a computer to a TV.
- SATA
- Serial Advanced Technology Attachment - Standard for attaching hard drives and optical drives.
- Serial Port
- An old interface for connecting peripherals.
- Shareware
- Shareware is software that is created by people that are willing to share it at a low - or no cost at all. This type of software could be freestanding as well as an adding functionality to an already existing software.
- SLI
- Serial Link Interface - Nvidia's name for using two graphics cards in unison. Provides better performance in games.
- SSD/Solid State Drive
- A Solid State Drive is a storage device much like the hard drive. Compared to hard drives, SSDs have no moving parts and are usually much faster. The technology is likely to replace the old hard disc drive eventually, as prices drop and capacities increase.
T
- Touchpad
- The most common pointing device for laptops. The buttons below it correspond to the left and right mouse buttons.
- Toughbook
- A laptop to withstand the toughest of conditions. Popular amongst hikers and trekkers a toughbook is built to resist water and substantial trauma. Toughbook is a trademarked brand by Panasonic.
U
- Ultraportable
- This is the smallest and lightest version of the laptop. The overall focus of this laptop is having a light weight (less than 5lb), around 1" thick or less, with 9" to 12" displays. Due to the cost of making components smaller and fitting them into tighter spaces, the price is usually more expensive, ranging from $1000 for a very basic machine to $2000+ for mid-range features. Although the Ultraportable has respectable standard performance, it is usually inadequate for any graphics-intensive programs, due to the common use of Integrated Graphics. Ultraportables usually have longer battery life (~5+ hours) due to the common usage of lower voltage processors. Other than the smaller screen and integrated graphics, the other major tradeoff usually found with Ultraportables is a lack of an optical drive. These are usually not built into the laptop to save space and weight, but instead are often provided as an external option. Ultraportables are intended for highly mobile users who need basic computing power with ultimate portability.
- USB
- USB stands for Universal Serial Bus and it is used to connect different compatible devices such connecting a computer to a printer and digital camera. Thanks to the easy plug-and-play convenience you won't have top turn off or restart the computer when connecting the various devices.
V
- VGA
- Most laptops ship with a VGA out port, used for connecting to an external monitor.
- Virus
- A computer code that without authorization copies itself from one computer to another by for example a shared disc or over the cable line. A virus can destroy information on a computer and even destroy its usability. Most computers use anti-virus protection software to stay safe.
W
- Wi-Fi
- Also known as wireless LAN or just wireless; Wi-Fi is included with most laptops and lets you connect to a wireless network.
- WiMax
- A standard for long-range wireless broadband that has yet to catch on.
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