BIM Key Terms

1. Computer An electronic device that accepts input, processes data, displays output, and stores data for retrieval later.

2. A collection of electronic and mechanical devices in a computer system.

3. device A component or equipment, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a or scanner, that expands a computer’s functionality.

4. Software The instructions that tell a computer how to perform tasks, such as system software and application software.

5. File extension A three- or four-letter sequence, preceded by a period, at the end of a filename that identifies the file as a particular type of document; such as .doc, .jpeg, .html, .pdf, .xls

6. A device, such as a monitor or printer, that displays, prints, or transmits the results of processing from the .

7. A hardware peripheral, such as a keyboard or a mouse, which you use to enter data and issue commands to the computer.

8. (CPU) or System Unit is the main in a computer that interprets and executes instructions. It is also described as the brain of the computer.

9. Application software Software that enables you to perform specific computer tasks, such as document production, spreadsheet calculations, management, and presentation preparation. Also called an app, application program, or program.

10. Memory The computer circuitry that holds data waiting to be processed, stored, or output.

11. Storage The area in a computer that holds data on a permanent basis when it is not immediately needed for processing.

12. USB flash drive A removable storage device for folders and files that you plug into a USB port on your computer; makes it easy to transport folders and files to other . Also called a pen drive, flash drive, jump drive, drive, thumb drive, USB drive, or flash drive.

13. Digitization is the process of converting text, numbers, sound, photos, and video into data that can be processed by a computer.

14. Cloud computing Work done in a virtual environment using data, applications, and resources stored on servers and accessed over the Internet or a company’s internal network rather than on users’ computers.

15. Server A computer on a network that acts as the central storage location for programs and provides for most of the data used on the network.

16. LAN (local area network) An interconnected group of computers and located within a relatively limited geographic area, such as a home office, building, or campus.

17. WAN (wide area network) A network of computers and peripherals interconnected over large distances.

18. Web browsers A program such as Internet Explorer, , or Safari that communicates with a Web server and displays Web pages. Also called browser

19. Digital revolution An ongoing process of social, political, and economic change brought about by digital technology, such as computers and the Internet.

20. Link Text or an image that you click to display another location, such as a Help topic, a Web site, or a device; can also open graphics or text files or play sound or video files. Also called hyperlinks.

21. Social networking An online networking activity that allows registered members to communicate with others in the network such as LinkedIn, and Facebook.

22. URL (Uniform Resource Locator) The unique address of a Web page.

23. Search engine An online tool that allows you to enter keywords or terms; the engine then presents a list of sites that match those terms.

24. Email (short for electronic mail) is a message sent electronically over the Internet. To send an email message, you must have an email account.

25. Blog Derived from the phrase “WeB LOG,” refers to a personal journal focusing on a single topic or covering a variety of issues posted on the Web for access by the general public.

26. Proprietary software Software program that has restrictions on its use that are delineated by copyright, patents, or license agreements.

27. Copyright A form of legal protection that grants certain exclusive rights to the author of a program or the owner of the copyright.

28. Intellectual property Refers to the ownership of certain types of information, ideas, or representations. Includes patents, trademarks, and copyrighted material, such as music, photos, software, books, and films.

29. Software license agreement A legal contract that defines the ways in which you may use a . 30. Public domain software Any software that is available for use by the public without restriction, except that it cannot be copyrighted.