Computer Key Terms Letter C
Code
Writing a program using the appropriate computer language.
Coding
Writing of a computer program, using a programming language.
Cloud Computing
Data stored at a server on the Internet and available anywhere the Internet can be accessed.
Communication Device
Computer systems that communicate with other computer systems using modems. It modifies computer output into a form that can be transmitted across standard telephone lines.
Connectivity
Data and information can be sent over telephone or cable lines and through the air so that computers can talk to each other and share information.
Clip Art
Graphic Illustrations representing a wide variety of topics.
Cold Boot
The process of starting the computer after it has been turned off.
Cable
Cords used to connect input and output devices to the system unit.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The part of the computer that holds data and program instructions for processing the data. The CPU is the brain of the computer.
Computer Technician
Specialist who installs hardware and software and troubleshoots problems for users.
Control Unit
Section of the CPU that tells the rest of the computer how to carry out program instructions.
Coprocessor
Specialized processing chip designed to improve specific computer operations, such as the graphics coprocessor.
Card Reader
A device that interprets the encoded information contained on credit, debit, access, and identification cards.
Cloud Printer
A printer connected to the Internet that provides printing services to others on the Internet.
Combination Key
Keys such as the Ctrl key that perform an action when held down in combination with another key.
Capacity
Capacity is how much data a particular storage medium can hold and another characteristic of secondary storage.
CD (compact disc)
Widely used optical disc format. It holds 650 MB (megabytes) to 1 GB (gigabyte) of data on one side of the CD.
CD-R (CD-recordable)
Stands for CD-recordable. This optical disc can be written to only once. After that it can be read many times without deterioration but cannot be written on or erased. Used to create custom music CDs and to archive data.
CD-ROM (compact disc–read-only memory)
Optical disc that allows data to be read but not recorded. Used to distribute large databases, references, and software application packages.
CD-RW (compact disc–rewriteable)
A reusable, optical disc that is not permanently altered when data is recorded. Used to create and edit large multimedia presentations.
Cable Modem
Allows all digital communication, which is a speed of 27 million bps.
Computer Network
Communications system connecting two or more computers and their peripheral devices to exchange information and share resources.
Computer Fraud and Abuse Act
Law allowing prosecution of unauthorized access to computers and databases.
Copyright
A legal concept that gives content creators the right to control use and distribution of their work.
Cyberbullying
The use of the Internet, a cell phone, or other device to deliver content intended to hurt or embarrass another person.
Cybercrime
Any criminal offence that involves a computer and a network. Criminals may be employees, outside users, hackers and crackers, on organized crime members.
Character
A single letter, number, or special character, such as a punctuation mark or $.
Company Database
Also called shared database. Stored on a mainframe, users throughout the company have access to the database through their microcomputers linked by a network.
Writing a program using the appropriate computer language.
Coding
Writing of a computer program, using a programming language.
Cloud Computing
Data stored at a server on the Internet and available anywhere the Internet can be accessed.
Communication Device
Computer systems that communicate with other computer systems using modems. It modifies computer output into a form that can be transmitted across standard telephone lines.
Connectivity
Data and information can be sent over telephone or cable lines and through the air so that computers can talk to each other and share information.
Clip Art
Graphic Illustrations representing a wide variety of topics.
Cold Boot
The process of starting the computer after it has been turned off.
Cable
Cords used to connect input and output devices to the system unit.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The part of the computer that holds data and program instructions for processing the data. The CPU is the brain of the computer.
Computer Technician
Specialist who installs hardware and software and troubleshoots problems for users.
Control Unit
Section of the CPU that tells the rest of the computer how to carry out program instructions.
Coprocessor
Specialized processing chip designed to improve specific computer operations, such as the graphics coprocessor.
Card Reader
A device that interprets the encoded information contained on credit, debit, access, and identification cards.
Cloud Printer
A printer connected to the Internet that provides printing services to others on the Internet.
Combination Key
Keys such as the Ctrl key that perform an action when held down in combination with another key.
Capacity
Capacity is how much data a particular storage medium can hold and another characteristic of secondary storage.
CD (compact disc)
Widely used optical disc format. It holds 650 MB (megabytes) to 1 GB (gigabyte) of data on one side of the CD.
CD-R (CD-recordable)
Stands for CD-recordable. This optical disc can be written to only once. After that it can be read many times without deterioration but cannot be written on or erased. Used to create custom music CDs and to archive data.
CD-ROM (compact disc–read-only memory)
Optical disc that allows data to be read but not recorded. Used to distribute large databases, references, and software application packages.
CD-RW (compact disc–rewriteable)
A reusable, optical disc that is not permanently altered when data is recorded. Used to create and edit large multimedia presentations.
Cable Modem
Allows all digital communication, which is a speed of 27 million bps.
Computer Network
Communications system connecting two or more computers and their peripheral devices to exchange information and share resources.
Computer Fraud and Abuse Act
Law allowing prosecution of unauthorized access to computers and databases.
Copyright
A legal concept that gives content creators the right to control use and distribution of their work.
Cyberbullying
The use of the Internet, a cell phone, or other device to deliver content intended to hurt or embarrass another person.
Cybercrime
Any criminal offence that involves a computer and a network. Criminals may be employees, outside users, hackers and crackers, on organized crime members.
Character
A single letter, number, or special character, such as a punctuation mark or $.
Company Database
Also called shared database. Stored on a mainframe, users throughout the company have access to the database through their microcomputers linked by a network.