Glossary

Backspace
A key on the keyboard used to delete characters to the left of the cursor.

blogShort for “web log.” A website with a personal journal that is usually updated often.

Caps LockA key on the keyboard that capitalizes all letters when pressed.
computer virusA destructive program that spreads from computer to computer which may be capable of damaging software and/or erasing your files.

DeleteA key on the keyboard used to delete characters to the right of the cursor.

e-mailE-mail is short for electronic mail, the transmission of messages over communications networks.

e-mail addressAn electronic postal address with a username and domain name. (Example: username@aol.com) 

e-mail clientSoftware that allows you to create an account to send and receive e-mail messages. (Examples: Microsoft Outlook, Yahoo!, AOL, or Gmail).

e-mail serverA computer used to send e-mail that works as an Internet post office.

emoticonA symbol made using characters from the keyboard to express feelings online.

EnterA key on the keyboard used to complete a command or move down to the next line.

input deviceA device used to enter information into the computer.

instant messagingMessages that are electronically exchanged with another person in real time, often using nicknames. 

InternetA worldwide network connecting millions of computers.

LANLocal area network, a group of computers/devices that share a common wireless link to a server. 
multimediaThe integration of text, graphics, sound, and animation using a computer.
peripheral deviceA piece of computer hardware that is connected to a computer. 

plagiarismTo use someone else’s writing and label it as your own. 

podcast (term comes from "iPod" and "broadcasting")Audio and video files that are downloaded from a website to be played on a computer or a mobile device.

search engineA website designed to search the Internet for a particular topic.

ShiftPress and hold this key, then press another key to make a capital letter.

softwareA program designed for use on computers. For example, Microsoft Word.

spamAn unwanted message that is considered junk mail.

storage deviceA device that reads and writes data to media such as magnetic disks, optical discs, or flash drives. For example, a thumb drive or an external hard drive.

TabA key on the keyboard that indents a line of text when pressed.

videoconferencingA real-time video and audio communication over the Internet with two or more people in different locations.

virtual field tripA visit to websites to learn about a particular topic through unique online experiences. 

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)A real-time transmission of voice signals over the Internet.

web browser. Software that allows you to locate and view web pages on the World Wide Web, such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft® Internet Explorer.

websiteA location on the World Wide Web maintained by a group, company, or individual that includes a home page and various links containing information.

World Wide WebA network of web pages that can be viewed using a web browser.

© 2004 International Society for Technology in Education

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