Computer Dictionary: Aby Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger 26 May 2007 10:24 AM Confused by all of those computer terms? Just check out this dictionary for explanations. You'll be talking like a techie in no time. Technical terms seem to change by the week. Even someone who is used to working with computers may not be able to keep up with all of the terminology that takes place in the offices of the information services department or even at the local Starbucks. In the spirit of understanding, or maybe curiosity, I'll be posting some of the more common computing terms and their definitions. Learn the terms, and while you may not be the life of the cocktail party, you'll certainly look pretty smart. You might even land a job working with computers. Abandonware: Computer software that is no longer made or distributed by the company that originally created it, although it is still widely used. You can usually get abandonware from some other source, usually offered as freeware or shareware. Abandonware can be any piece of software, such an operating system, a utility, a game, a word processor, etc. Sometimes a website or company will get permission from the original creators of the software to distribute it, sometimes not. Accelerated Graphics Port: Also known as AGP, this is an interface specification that enables great graphics, specifically 3-D ones, to display very quickly on a computer. People who play computer games where the action tends to be fast and furious need this port. Three dimensional video and sophisticated engineering software also need accelerated graphics. The AGP offers lightening speed data transfer to and from your computers random access memory, optimizing the use of that memory and minimizing the amount needed. Ad-Hoc Network: This tern usually refers to a temporary or spontaneous network that is set up for a specific use, rather than a permanent one, and usually uses wireless or temporary plug-in connections. The network devices are only part of the network for the duration of a communications session. For example, during a meeting, participates may tap in to a network to share their information and then disconnect when the meeting is completed. Bluetooth technology is often used for an ad-hoc network. Mary Ann Romans writes about her family's money saving secrets in the Frugal Living Blog here at Families.com Related Articles: Learn more about Mary Ann Romans  Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat. Relevantcomputers tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags accelerated graphics card, computer terms, technical terminology Discuss this article
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