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Technology Terminologies (A to Z)

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

garbage

Unwanted or meaningless information in memory, on disk or on a tape.

gateway

An electronic door between one computer network and another. A device or set of devices that connects two or more networks, enabling data transfer between them. When the networks are similar, a gateway routes packets or messages. When the networks differ, a gateway also performs extensive protocol conversion.

GIF

Graphic Interchange Format. Compuserves non-platform specific format for low-resolution, compressed graphics interchange.

gopher

A client program available via the Internet that allows users to review and retrieve information on other host systems via easy-to-use menus.

graphic

A computer-generated picture produced on a computer screen or paper, ranging from simple line or bar graphs to colorful and detailed images.

Groupware

Software that serves the group and makes the group as a whole more productive and efficient in group tasks. Example: Group Scheduling.

GUI

Graphical User Interface. Defines a format for scroll bars, buttons, menus, etc., and how they respond to the user.

handshaking

A procedure performed by modems, terminals, and computers to verify that communication has been correctly established.

hang

When a computer freezes, so that it does not respond to keyboard commands, it is said to "hang" or to have "hung."

hard copy

A printed copy of machine output in a visually readable form.

hard disk

A data-recording system using solid disks of magnetic material turning at high speeds.

hardware

Physical computer equipment such as electrical, electronic, magnetic and mechanical devices.

hardwired

Circuits that are permanently interconnected to perform a specific function, as distinct from circuits addressed by software in a program and, therefore, capable of performing a variety of functions, albeit more slowly. Also used to describe a non-switched connection between devices.

header

The portion of a message, preceding the actual data, containing source and destination address and error-checking fields.

help

Users in need of help can often issue a command such as "?" to access on-line help and tutorial systems.

host

A computer that is made available for use by multiple people simultaneously.

host computer

In the context of networks, a computer that directly provides service to a user. In contrast to a network server, which provides services to a user through an intermediary host computer.

HTML

Hypertext Markup Language. A convention of codes used to access documents over the World-Wide Web. Without HTML codes, a document would be unreadable by a Web browser.

HTTP

HyperText Transfer Protocol. Extremely fast protocol used for network file transfers in the WWW environment.

hub

A device that is a center of network activity because it connects multiple networks together.

hyperlink

A pointer that when chosen displays the item to which it points. It typically takes the form of a button or highlighted text that points to related text, picture, video, or audio. Hyperlinks allow non-linear exploration of media that contain them.

hypermedia

Media (such as text, graphics, video, audio) that contains hyperlinks.

hypertext

A document which has been marked up to allow a user to select words or pictures within the document, click on them, and connect to further information. The basis of the World-Wide Web.

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