Appendix D: Computing Terms

This glossary contains some of the more common computing terms.

A

Application

The name given to software packages which perform the tasks such as word processing, Desktop Packaging, CAD, etc.

ASCII

The American National Standard Code for Information Interchange. A code which sets bits for characters used in computing.

Attribute

Text appearing in a drawing, sometimes linked to a block.

Autodesk

The American company which produces AutoCAD and other CAD software packages.

B

Baud rate

A measure of the rate at which a computer system can receive information (measured in bits per second).

Bios

Basic Input Output System. The chip in a PC that controls the operations performed by the hardware (e.g. disks, screen, keyboard etc.).

Bit

Short for binary digit. Binary is a form of mathematics that uses only two numbers: 0 and 1. Computers operate completely on binary mathematics.

Block

A group of objects or entities on screen that have been linked together to act as one unit.

Booting up

Starting up a computer to an operating level.

Bus

An electronic channel that allows the movement of data around a computer.

Byte

A sequence of 8 bits.

C

C

A computer programming language.

Cache

A section of memory (can be ROM or RAM) which holds data that is being frequently used. Speeds up the action of disks and applications.

CAD

Computer-aided design. The term should not be used to mean computer-aided drawing.

CAD/CAM

Computer-aided design and manufacturing.