C

C, C+, C++
programming language originally created for writing system software. C has evolved into C+ and C++. All three are widely used by programming professionals for all sorts of programs
capacity (disk)
amount of data that can be stored
cathode ray tube (CRT)
device which displays computer output. From the physical mechanism used for the screen.
CD-R
recordable compact disk. Disk can be written to by a user with the proper kind of CD drive. Cannot be erased to be written on again. Once time write only!
CD-ROM
Compact Disk-Read Only Memory. The most common size of optical disk. Laser used to read bumps on disk as 0 or 1 for digital data. Made from mold of original disk in a factory. Data can only be read, not written.
CD-RW
rewritable CD disk. User can save data to the disk, erase data, write new data to the same disk. Made of different materials than CD-ROM or CD-R disks.
cel
A single image in an animation sequence
 
cell
intersection of row and column in a table or on a spreadsheet.
CGA
Color Graphics Adapter, an old video type with maximum 320 x 200 resolution
chain printer
Uses characters on a chain that is moved into place before striking the characters onto the paper.
chart
a graphical representation of data
chat
IRC = Internet Relay Chat - a program that lets you exchange messages with other people who are online. Everyone in a particular conversation can read all the messages.
 
client server
a server which processes a request and returns the results to the requesting computer
clip art
pre-drawn pictures to add to documents
clipboard
a section of computer memory used to temporarily hold data that has been cut or copied for transfer to another document or location within a document. The clipboard can only hold one thing at a time
cluster
a set of track sectors which is the minimum space used by a read or write.
CMYK color system
Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. These ink colors are all that are needed to create all the printed colors.
coaxial cable
round insulated wire with single wire in center. Tightens down with collar.
COBOL
Common Business Oriented Language Written about 1960 with business applications in mind. It has a very English-like structure, using sentences and paragraphs.
cold boot
computer is shut down completely, hard disk stops spinning, several seconds elapse at least before a restart is attempted.
columns
columns of text side by side, as in a newspaper
command language interpreter
program that translates your keystrokes into the 0's and 1's that the processor understands.
command.com
the name of the command language interpreter in DOS and Win95
commands
special codes or keywords that tell the computer to perform a task, like RUN "SALES"
communications
programs that temporarily connect computers to each other to exchange information.
communications channel
is the path that the data follows as it is transmitted from one computer to another. Also called a communications line or link,
communications link
see communications channel
communications line
see communications channel
compiler
rewrites the program into machine language that the CPU can understand. The program is then saved.
computer
an electronic device that executes the instructions in a program. A computer has four functions: inputs data, processes data, produces output, and stores results
computer output microfilm (COM)
device that generates microfilm direct from the computer
computer language
language with which we can communicate with the computer
conditioning
smoothes out variations in power by pumping up the voltage when it drops and stepping it down when it's too high
config.sys
a file that the computer uses to learn what devices are connected to the computer and where the drivers for them are. DOS and Win95
contact manager
an advanced kind of Personal Information Manager which allows you to keep track of when you had a conversation or a meeting with someone and what was done or said.
context-sensitive
what happens depends on exactly what is going on at the moment, or exactly where the cursor is. A right click in Win95 will open up a context-sensitive menu, which has different options depending on where the mouse is.
continuous speech recognition
a voice input system in which the speaker may use normal conversational flow.
continuous-form paper
paper for track-feed printers. Must be separated at perforations.
control unit
part of the CPU that controls the Machine Cycle
controller card
See expansion card. Especially one used to control a drive
copy
duplicate selection onto Clipboard
core
memory device consisting of small metal rings. Magnets tip a ring to left or right, which represents on and off. Relatively slow
cps
characters per second. Measures printer speed.
CPU
Central Processing Unit. Composed of Control Unit and Arithmetic/Logic Unit.
CPU utilization
measures the time the CPU is working and idle
create (document)
start a new document
crippleware
shareware which has important function disabled
cursor
symbol marking where text will appear when you type
cut
remove selection from document and store temporarily on the Clipboard, which is a section of computer memory.
cylinder
a set of matched tracks from storage disk surfaces.