MULTIMEDIA TRAINING KIT Glossary: Using Older and Refurbished Computers
Developed by: Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and Bridges.org
Boot
Short for bootstrap, the starting-up of a computer, which involves loading the operating system and other basic software.
Source: Webopedia: http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/b/boot.html
Client Computer recycling
A computer or computer application which receives services from another computer/computer application, called a server. The term “computer recycling” covers all the ways of dealing with discarded computers in an environmentally friendly way, from recycling individual components such as glass and metal to refurbishing whole computers. The most common general purpose software, such as office productivity, e-mail, and web browsing tools. Otherwise known as a network card: a device that allows a computer to connect to an Ethernet network. Components of computers and other electronic equipment which are no longer useable. Some e-waste contains hazardous materials such as lead and mercury. Programme which prevents unauthorized external access to a computer or network. A trademark name for an open source version of the UNIX operating system. A free operating system used extensively for running servers and increasingly desktop PCs. Unit used to measure the speed at which the processor processes information internally. A motherboard is the physical arrangement in a computer that contains the computer's basic circuitry and components.
Source: Whatis.com: http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/0,,sid9_gci212594,00.html
Desktop applications Ethernet adapter E-waste
Firewall Linux
Megahertz (MHz) Motherboard
Network
A group of two or more computers linked together. A Local Area Networks (LAN) is a network which links computers which are in close physical proximity, e.g. in the same building. Software released under a license which gives users the right to both use the software and modify the underlying source code. Software which “manages” all other programmes on the computer, loaded automatically when the computer is turned on. Common operating systems include Linux, MacOS and Windows.
Open source software Operating system
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Packet
Information relayed on the Internet is broken up into smaller pieces called packets before being sent. Each packet is sent out individually - sometimes following different routes - and the packets are reassembled when they reach their destination. Processor introduced by Intel in 1993. Subsequent versions include Pentium II, Pentium III and Pentium 4. The term “Pentium class” and “Pentium compatible” are used to describe other processors which can perform the same functions. Hardware which is connected externally to the computer, such as printers, mice, scanners, keyboards and CD burners. Ports enable you to connect external devices such as printers and monitors (see “Peripherals”) to your computer. The processor (also called CPU or microprocessor) is the brain of your computer. It reads instructions from your software and tells your computer what to do. The speed at which the CPU processes information internally is measured in Megahertz (MHz) and Gigahertz (GHz). 1 GHz is equal to 1,000 MHz. Generally, processors with higher MHz or GHz enhance your ability to run creative, entertainment, communication, and productivity applications.
Source: Intel Canada: http://www.intel.com/ca/personal/resources/glossary/
Pentium
Peripherals Ports Processor
RAM
Random Access Memory – memory used for storing data which is currently being used. This data is erased when the computer is turned off. Older computer which has been reconditioned and restored to working order. A router is a device that forwards packets along networks. Computer which has been previously owned by other organizations or individuals. The term “server” is used to describe both computer programmes that provide services to other computers, and the computers which run the server programmes. For example, all computers on a network will direct printing requests to a central print server which relays the request to the printer. Under the “thin client” approach, a group of PCs (“clients”) are networked together, sharing programmes delivered from a central, more powerful “server” computer. The sum of all expenses directly related to the ownership and use of a product over a given period of time, usually a few years. For computers, these expenses can include maintenance, training, software, Internet connectivity, management and space.
Refurbished computer Router Second-hand computer Server
Thin client
Total cost of ownership
c43e826a-7762-4670-a65a-250a91355e75.doc Last updated 12 August 2008 Available online from http://www.itrainonline.org/itrainonline/mmtk/
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