Author Topic: Computer Terms Beginning with "I"  (Read 21252 times)

Offline MysteRy

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "I"
« Reply #15 on: April 02, 2014, 08:26:08 AM »
IMAP

Stands for "Internet Message Access Protocol" and is pronounced "eye-map." It is a method of accessing e-mail messages on a server without having to download them to your local hard drive. This is the main difference between IMAP and another popular e-mail protocol called "POP3." POP3 requires users to download messages to their hard drive before reading them. The advantage of using an IMAP mail server is that users can check their mail from multiple computers and always see the same messages. This is because the messages stay on the server until the user chooses to download them to his or her local drive. Most webmail systems are IMAP based, which allows people to access to both their sent and received messages no matter what computer they use to check their mail.

Most e-mail client programs such as Microsoft Outlook and Mac OS X Mail allow you to specify what kind of protocol your mail server uses. If you use your ISP's mail service, you should check with them to find out if their mail server uses IMAP or POP3 mail. If you enter the wrong protocol setting, your e-mail program will not be able to send or receive mail.

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "I"
« Reply #16 on: April 02, 2014, 08:27:06 AM »
Impact Printer

Example: "Dot matrix and daisy wheel printers are common types of impact printers."

An impact printer is a printer that strikes a print head against an ink ribbon to mark the paper. Common examples include dot matrix and daisy-wheel printers. Dot matrix printers strike the ribbon with a grid of metal pins, while daisy-wheel printers strike the ribbon with a "petal" from a wheel of characters and symbols.

Impact printers still exist, but they have been largely replaced by non-impact printers, such as laser and inkjet printers. These printers do not physically strike the paper and therefore are much quieter than impact printers. While dot matrix printers could be heard by everyone in the office, laser and inkjet printers allow you to print documents without distracting fellow employees.

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "I"
« Reply #17 on: April 02, 2014, 08:28:07 AM »
Impression

It is said that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Well, in the wonderful world of the World Wide Web, publishers have thousands of chances each day. An impression is counted each time a Web page is shown to a visitor. Advertisers measure the reach of their ads by tracking ad impressions, or the number of times their ads are shown. The revenue that publishers generate based on 1,000 impressions is called CPM.

Impressions are counted each time a page is visited by a user, so a single user can rack up numerous impressions for one website. However, publishers and advertisers are also interested in unique impressions, which count only the number of unique visits to a website. For example, if Greg views 3 pages on a website, while Mary views 4 and Kathy views 10, their visits would total 17 impressions, but only 3 unique impressions. Unique impressions are usually counted by sending a cookie to visitors' browsers that expire in 24 hours. This way, if Greg visits the site on Tuesday morning and Wednesday evening, it would could as two unique impressions.

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "I"
« Reply #18 on: April 02, 2014, 08:29:11 AM »
Inbox

An inbox is the main folder that your incoming mail gets stored in. Whether you check your mail through a webmail interface or use a program like Outlook or Mac OS X Mail, each downloaded message gets stored in your inbox.

If you check your mail from a POP3 account using an e-mail program, the messages are downloaded to the inbox on your local hard drive. However, if you use an IMAP mail server, your inbox is created on the server and therefore your messages are stored on the server as well.

Because most people receive more mail than they can manage in one folder, it is common to create other folders to store your messages. After reading your messages, you may move them to other folders you have created (such as "Family," "Friends," "Business," etc.) or delete them by moving them to the Trash. However you decide to manage you mail, it is a good idea to keep the number of messages in your inbox from growing too large. Otherwise, you just might have to file for E-mail Bankruptcy.

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "I"
« Reply #19 on: April 02, 2014, 08:30:11 AM »
Index

An index is a list of data, such as group of files or database entries. It is typically saved in a plain text format that can be quickly scanned by a search algorithm. This significantly speeds up searching and sorting operations on data referenced by the index. Indexes often include information about each item in the list, such as metadata or keywords, that allows the data to be searched via the index instead of reading through each file individually.

For example, a database program such as Microsoft Access may generate an index of entries in a table. When an SQL query is run on the database, the program can quickly scan the index file to see what entries match the search string. Search engines also use indexes to store a large list of Web pages. These indexes, such as those created by Google and Yahoo!, are necessary for quickly generating search results. If search engines had to scan through millions of pages each time a user submitted a search, it would take roughly forever. Fortunately, by using search indexes, Web searches can be performed in less than a second instead of several hours.

The term "index" can also be used as a verb, which not surprisingly means to create an index. It may also refer to adding a new item to an existing index. For example, Mac OS X 10.4 and later indexes the hard disk to create a searchable index for Apple's Spotlight search utility. Google's "Googlebot" crawls the Web on a regular basis, adding new Web pages to the Google index. While most database and hard disk indexes are updated on-the-fly, search engine indexes are only updated every few hours, days, or even weeks. This is why newly published Web pages may not show up in search engine results. While it may be a frustration for Web developers, it is a small price to pay for the convenience of super-fast Web searches.

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "I"
« Reply #20 on: April 02, 2014, 08:31:29 AM »
Infotainment

Infotainment is a combo word, like "fantabulous," that combines two words into one. It refers to television shows, movies, websites, and software that blend information and entertainment together. For example, shows on the Food Network and Animal Planet provide information to the viewer, but are also fun to watch. Certain news broadcasts can also be considered infotainment, since they strive to be as entertaining as they are informational.

Websites like Yahoo.com and CNET.com also have content that is both informational and entertaining. Software titles such as Grolier Encyclopedia and Encyclopedia Britannica serve primarily to inform, but are also geared to be entertaining, so they can be considered infotainment. While there is a blurry line between basic information and infotainment, if informational media makes an intentional effort to entertain, you can call it infotainment.

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "I"
« Reply #21 on: April 02, 2014, 08:32:31 AM »
Inkjet

Inkjet printers are the most common type of consumer printers. The inkjet technology works by spraying very fine drops of ink on a sheet of paper. These droplets are "ionized" which allows them to be directed by magnetic plates in the ink's path. As the paper is fed through the printer, the print head moves back and forth, spraying thousands of these small droplets on the page.

While inkjet printers used to lack the quality and speed of laser printers, they have become almost as fast as laser printers and some can even produce higher-quality images. Even low-budget inkjet printers can now print high-resolution photos. The amazing thing is, as the quality of inkjet printers has improved, the prices have continued to drop. However, for most people, refilling the inkjet cartridges a few times will often cost more than the printer.

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "I"
« Reply #22 on: April 02, 2014, 08:33:33 AM »
Input

Whenever you enter data into your computer, it is referred to as input. This can be text typed in a word processing document, keywords entered in a search engine's search box, or data entered into a spreadsheet. Input can be something as simple as moving the mouse or clicking the mouse button or it can be as complex as scanning a document or downloading photos from a digital camera.

Devices such as the keyboard, mouse, scanner, and even a digital camera are considered input devices. This is because they allow the user to input data into the computer (yes, the word "input" can also be used as a verb). While input generally comes from humans, computers can also receive input from other sources. These include audio and video devices that record movies and sound, media discs that install software, and even the Internet, which is used to download files and receive data such as e-mail or instant messages.

The opposite of input is output, which is what the computer produces based on user input. Input and output devices are collectively referred to as I/O devices.

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "I"
« Reply #23 on: April 02, 2014, 08:34:28 AM »
Input Device

An input device is any device that provides input to a computer. There are dozens of possible input devices, but the two most common ones are a keyboard and mouse. Every key you press on the keyboard and every movement or click you make with the mouse sends a specific input signal to the computer. These commands allow you to open programs, type messages, drag objects, and perform many other functions on your computer.

Since the job of a computer is primarily to process input, computers are pretty useless without input devices. Just imagine how much fun you would have using your computer without a keyboard or mouse. Not very much. Therefore, input devices are a vital part of every computer system.

While most computers come with a keyboard and mouse, other input devices may also be used to send information to the computer. Some examples include joysticks, MIDI keyboards, microphones, scanners, digital cameras, webcams, card readers, UPC scanners, and scientific measuring equipment. All these devices send information to the computer and therefore are categorized as input devices. Peripherals that output data from the computer are called output devices.

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "I"
« Reply #24 on: April 02, 2014, 08:35:22 AM »
Install

Most software programs require that you first install them on your computer before using them. For example, if you buy Microsoft Office, you need to install it on your computer before you can run any of the included programs such as Word or Excel. You can install software from a CD or DVD, an external hard drive, or from a networked computer. You can also install a program or software update from a file downloaded from the Internet.

Installing a software program writes the necessary data for running the program on your hard drive. Often the installer program will decompress the data included with the installer immediately before writing the information to your hard drive. Software updates, which are typically downloaded from the Internet, work the same way. When you run the update, the installer file decompresses the data and then updates the correct program or operating system.

Installing software is usually a simple process. It involves double-clicking an installer icon and then clicking "I Agree" when the license agreement pops up. You may have to choose what directory on your hard disk you would like to install the software in, but often the installer will even choose that for you. Some software can be installed by simply dragging a folder or application program onto your hard drive. Either way, installing software is a rather simple process and should not be intimidating. If you can cook you dinner in the microwave, you can install your own software.

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "I"
« Reply #25 on: April 02, 2014, 08:36:15 AM »
Installer

In order to install new software on your computer, you often need to run an installer program. This program unpacks compressed data included with the installer and writes new information to your hard drive. While some installers do not use compressed data, most use some level of compression since it reduces the size of the files included with the installer. This is especially helpful when downloading programs or software updates from the Internet.

An installer can either install a new program on your computer or can update a program currently on your hard drive. It can also update or add files to your operating system. Most installers can be run by simply double-clicking the installer icon and then choosing the folder you want to install the software into. The nice thing about installers is that they do all the work for you, decompressing and writing the data on the hard drive. Once the installer is finished, you can often use the new or updated software right away. If any system files were installed, you will be asked to restart your computer before using the new software. This is because system files can only be loaded during the computer's boot process.

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "I"
« Reply #26 on: April 02, 2014, 08:37:09 AM »
Integer

An integer is a whole number (not a fraction) that can be positive, negative, or zero. Therefore, the numbers 10, 0, -25, and 5,148 are all integers. Unlike floating point numbers, integers cannot have decimal places.

Integers are a commonly used data type in computer programming. For example, whenever a number is being incremented, such as within a "for loop" or "while loop," an integer is used. Integers are also used to determine an item's location within an array.

When two integers are added, subtracted, or multiplied, the result is also an integer. However, when one integer is divided into another, the result may be an integer or a fraction. For example, 6 divided by 3 equals 2, which is an integer, but 6 divided by 4 equals 1.5, which contains a fraction. Decimal numbers may either be rounded or truncated to produce an integer result.

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "I"
« Reply #27 on: April 02, 2014, 08:38:05 AM »
Integrated Circuit

An integrated circuit, or IC, is small chip that can function as an amplifier, oscillator, timer, microprocessor, or even computer memory. An IC is a small wafer, usually made of silicon, that can hold anywhere from hundreds to millions of transistors, resistors, and capacitors. These extremely small electronics can perform calculations and store data using either digital or analog technology.

Digital ICs use logic gates, which work only with values of ones and zeros. A low signal sent to to a component on a digital IC will result in a value of 0, while a high signal creates a value of 1. Digital ICs are the kind you will usually find in computers, networking equipment, and most consumer electronics.

Analog, or linear ICs work with continuous values. This means a component on a linear IC can take a value of any kind and output another value. The term "linear" is used since the output value is a linear function of the input. For example, a component on a linear IC may multiple an incoming value by a factor of 2.5 and output the result. Linear ICs are typically used in audio and radio frequency amplification.

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "I"
« Reply #28 on: April 02, 2014, 08:39:01 AM »
Intellectual Property

Intellectual property refers to the ownership of intangible and non-physical goods. This includes ideas, names, designs, symbols, artwork, writings, and other creations. It also refers to digital media, such as audio and video clips that can be downloaded online.

Since intellectual property is intangible, it is more difficult to protect than other types of property. For example, tangible property, such as a car, can be recovered or replaced if it is stolen. However, if intellectual property is stolen, it may be difficult to recover. Say for example, a person comes up with a great idea for a new invention. If someone else steals the idea, the potential profit of the invention may also be taken away. Similarly, if a digital recording of a new song is "leaked" on the Internet, thousands of people may download it and redistribute it to others. If this happens, the profit potential of selling the music may be substantially diminished.

Because of its monetary implications, intellectual property it is often used as a legal term to safeguard the rights of creators and inventors. It has also become increasingly important to media production companies who need to protect the distribution of their digital media. By defining and establishing intellectual property rights, innovators and creators can have legal protection of their ideas and creations. This may be done by copyrighting written works, applying for patents for inventions, and trademarking brands, names, and logos. Of course, the sooner these legal steps are taken, the better. After all, it is much easier to protect an idea before it is stolen than after someone else takes it!

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Re: Computer Terms Beginning with "I"
« Reply #29 on: April 02, 2014, 08:39:59 AM »
Interface

Example: "Most digital cameras use a standard USB interface to connect to a computer."

An interface is a port on a hardware device that allows it to connect to another device. Common hardware interfaces found on computers include USB, Firewire, and Ethernet connections. Other electronic devices may use different interfaces, such as HDMI connections on a TV or MIDI ports on a digital piano. The term "interface" may also refer to a user interface.