A/D convertor ('ADC'),Analog to digital convertor. A device that encodes an analog signal into a series of digital numeric values for processing by a computer. In the case of audio, each value represents the amount of signal present at a particular moment. See also- Sample Rate
Algorithm,The process by which a computer works to solve a particular problem.
Aliasing,Distortion created by the conversion of analog signals into digital form. In audio, the distortion takes the form of unwanted noise and harmonics. In graphic images, a common form of aliasing is the stairstep edge found on type and diagonal lines, often referred to as the 'jaggies'. Aliasing results from not having enough resolution to cleanly represent media as the human eye and ear expects.
Anti-Aliasing,Refers to methods used for minimizing the perceived distortion caused by aliasing. In graphics, anti-aliasing uses gradual blends between foreground colors and background colors to minimize the appearance of the 'jaggies'.
ASCII,American Standard Code for Information Exchange. ASCII is a standardized system for encoding characters, numbers, punctuation, and other special symbols into digital form for use in computers.
Backup,Backups are copies of original data, including both software programs and user files, to ensure against losing the originals. Backups are important for having the ability to manage large amounts of data that are constantly changing, re-use original data at a later time, to restore operation of systems that lose data when they fail, and many other purposes.
Binary,A numbering system that uses only two digits, 0 and 1, for representing all numbers. Binary is used internally in computers because the electrical circuits they are made of adapt well to a dual state (0 implies 'off' or grounded electrical state; 1 implies 'on' or positive electrical state) numbering system. End users rarely have to deal with binary, however, since computer software generally translates these codes into more familiar and convenient terms, such as decimal numbering and standard language character sets (English, Arabic, Japanese, etc.).
Bit,Abbreviation for the amount of data associated with a binary digit. Can have either the value 0 or 1. In performance and capacity terminology, bits are represented by a lower-case 'b' in terms such as Kb (Kilobits) or Mb (Megabits).
Byte,A binary number consisting of 8 total bits. Can represent numbers from 0 to 255 decimal. In performance and capacity terminology, bytes are represented by an upper-case 'B' in terms such as KB (Kilobytes) or MB (Megabytes).
CD-ROM,Compact-Disc Read-only Memory. A laser-based, removeable storage medium for computers that is capable of storing up to 680 megabytes of data. Originally successful as a replacement for phonograph records and audio tapes, CD-ROM has become a standard way of delivering full multimedia content in a world where computers are rapidly becoming a standard audio-visual device in homes and business.
CPU,Central Processing Unit. This is the central operating component of computers, where programs are executed and data is processed. It is connected by other circuitry to control, input/output (I/O), and data storage devices such as hard drives, modem cards, RAM, ROM, CRTs, keyboards, mice, etc.
CRT,Cathode Ray Tube. Also referred to as monitors or screens, CRTs are a dominant form of display technology used for controlling computers and observing the results. Basically the same technology is used in both computer monitors and television sets.
Cut and Paste,Refers to standard capability of modern computer systems to remove data, and place it in a different location under user control.
DAC,Digital-to-analog convertor. This type of circuit accepts a digital data stream and converts it into analog voltages as an output. Used, for example, in converting digital audio data into the voltages that can drive speakers to produce audible sound.
Database,A collection of related computer data that is organized for convenient retrieval according to specific need. Can be something as simple as a collection of data files organized in a directory, or as complex as a large client-server system consisting of multiple computers communicating across networks to provide sophisticated search and access capabilities.
