Glossary Acceptable Use Policy (AUP): Policy which provides rules governing use of district technology. Access Fees: Fee charged to user for usage of services. Application: A program written to perform a task. Examples include: word processor, spread sheet, and database. Attributes - areas where we excel "available with effort" - accessible, but the user must go to the technology AYP (Annual Yearly Progress): a goal tied directly to the No Child Left Behind program. Backbone: The highest level of network wiring. Backbones are usually used to connect servers, workgroups, and networks. BD (Behavior Disorders): A special education program. Bits per Second (bps): a measure of data transfer speed. Boot: The process of starting a computer. Challenges areas where we under perform. Curriculum Advisory Committee (CAC): A group of teachers, board members, community members, and students who meet to evaluate and make recommendations on curriculum. CAD (Computer Aided Design): Software that enables user to design houses, tools, etc. CD-R (Compact Disk Recordable): a type of CD that allows an end user to write data to it. CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory): An optical disk used to store digital data. This disk can contain text, pictures, sound, motion video, or any other digital information. CD-RW (Compact Disk ReWritable): a type of CD that allows end users to write, erase, and rewrite data to it. Channelized T1: A T1 circuit broken up into twenty-four separate 56 Kbps or 65 Kbps channels. See T1, Kbps.
CLI (Command Line Interface): An operating system which forces the user to type commands rather than using windows, icons, mouse, and pull down menus. DOS and Novell Netware are examples of systems that use a CLI. Client: A network device that requests services from another network device. Communication Software: Software that allows a network device to communicate with another network device. Computer: An electronic device for processing information at high speeds. CPU (Central Processing Unit): Often referred to as the main processor. Examples include: Pentium, Celeron, Athlon, and G5. CSU/DSU (Channel Service Unit/Digital Service Unit): Connects a digital phone line to a network router. Data: Information. Singular form is datum. Database: A collection of records that can be sorted and searched. Dedicated Line: A line or circuit (often leased from the phone company) that creates a dedicated connection between two points. Dial-Up: A temporary link between two computers over standard telephone lines. Digital: A system in which all data is converted to numbers. Digital Modem: A modem that works over a digital circuit rather than a standard phone line. Digitizers: A device that converts pictures, motion video, and/or sound into digital data. Direct Connection: A connection to the Internet with full TCP/IP based applications. Electronic Mail (e-mail, email): A system by which users can send and receive messages to other users. Ethernet: A standard for network wiring which allow data transfer at 10, 100, or 1000 Mbps. Typical installations are in star formation where each network device connects to a network hub. Older networks may use a daisy chain system where all computers connect directly a backbone. Newer networks may take advantage of wireless Ethernet which allows radio signal rather than a cable between the device and the hub. E-Rate: A government program that subsidizes telecommunications. An approved technology plan is one of the requirements to qualify for E-Rate.
Fax/Modem: A device that allows the computer to send faxes to any standard fax machine or other fax modem. It also allows a computer to dial in to another computer or computer service. Speed is rated in Kilobits per second (Kbps). Gaps - areas where we are not living up to our goals or the state's recommendations Gifted: A special education program for students with high abilities. Graphics: A picture or pictorial representation. Graphics User Interface (GUI): Apple pioneered the use of the GUI with the popular masses via the Macintosh. A GUI allows users to work with the computer through windows, icons, mouse, and pull down menus. The GUI directly contrasts with the Command Line Interface (CLI) used by DOS, Netware, and Unix. Host: A network device that accepts requests from a client. See client. Hub: The center device in a network or workgroup designed in a star configuration. "immediately available" - technology is accessible where the person is Internet Access Provider (IAP): An organization that provides the on ramp for accessing the Internet. Also known as Internet Service Provider (ISP). Internet Service Provider (ISP): See Internet Access Provider. Intranet: A local area network resources shared using Internet standard methods. ISAT (Illinois Standards Achievement Test): a standardized test taken by students in our schools. LAN: See Local Area Network. LD (Learning Disabilities): A special education program. Leased Line: A dedicated line or circuit leased from a local carrier or other communications service provider. Line Costs: The installation costs and recurring charges associated with a leased line. See also leased line. Linux: A nonproprietary operating system for x86 series and PowerPC machines. Local Area Network (LAN): A network contained within one site.
Mail Server: A computer running a software package that allows it to negotiate e-mal transfers between local users and other systems. See also electronic mail. Mbps: Mega bits per second. See also bits per second. Network Interface Card (NIC): A device installed into a network device that allows it to participate on the network. Node: A device on a network. PDC (Primary Domain Controller): a role for a Windows server that allows it to be used to validate logins and access privileges to network resources.pdf (Portable Document Format): A document type popular for use in exchanging information. Adobe s free Acrobat Reader is the most common tool used for viewing.pdf file. Phase: A segment of time based on variables including funding, technology deployment, and professional development. Point of Presence (POP): The location at which a circuit (usually from the phone company) enter a site. Post Office Protocol (POP): A standard for exchange of e-mail. See also electronic mail and protocol. Protocol: A set of rules. RAM (Random Access Memory): One of several types of memory a computer can use. Information in RAM is editable, but is lost each time the computer is turned off. See also ROM. ROM (Read Only Memory): One of several types of memory a computer can use. Information in ROM can t be changed. See also RAM. Routers: A device that acts as a traffic copy between networks routing traffic. Scanner: A device much like a photocopies. Used to import/digitize images from paper. Serial Port: A port on a computer system or router that may be attached to a serial communications line. See router. Server: A computer that provides services on the network. Software: A set of instructions that are processed by the computer. Commonly referred to as programs, documents, data, and applications.
Software Piracy: Unauthorized copying or duplication of copyrighted software. Strategy: activities that lead to accomplishment of a goal. T1: A type of circuit (usually leased from a phone company) that can carry data between sites at a rate of 1.554 Mbps (both incoming and outgoing). TechWorks: A series of grade level appropriate activities, skills charts, and teacher resource material that provided the foundation for our technology curriculum. TCP/IP (Transmit Control Protocol/Internet Protocol): The set of rules that regulate data transmission over the Internet. Telecommunications: The use of a device to send or receive information from non-local sources. Twisted Pair: The type of cable in which pairs of conductors are twisted together to produce certain electrical properties. Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) is the most common cabling type in Ethernet networking. User Interface: See GUI and CLI. Web Browser: A piece of software used for viewing pages on the World Wide Web. See also World Wide Web. WIMP: Windows, Icons, Mouse, Pull down menus. See also GUI. Windows: a series of computer operating systems published by Microsoft. Word Processor: An application designed for easy input, manipulation, and output of text. World Wide Web (WWW): A hypertext based distributed information system. See also web browser. X Windows (X): A graphic user interface shell for Unix and Unix-like systems. Zip file: These are files that end with.zip. Running a file through a compressor to turn it into a Zipped file will usually result in having a smaller file. These smaller files travel across the Internet faster, but must be Unzipped before they can be used.