Glossary

 

binary            : the base-2 numbering system that most computer use

bit                   : binary digit; smallest possible unit of information that a

                           computer can process

brightness    : amount of whit or black in a color

byte                : common unit of computer storage ; a byte is 8

CCD               : charge-coupled device ; a light - sensitive chip - mounted

               device used in scanners  to convert light into an electrical

               change

CD                  : compact disc, a standard medium for storing digital data

clipboard      : area of a computer's memory that holds what you last cut or

                           copied ; paste inserts a copy of the current contents of  the

                           clipboard

contrast        : the relationship between the lightest and darkest areas in an

                           image

cursor            : Latin word sometimes used to describe the pointer or the

                           insertion point

dpi                  : dots per inch : measurement of the density of information in an

                           image ; also the measurement of the resolution of printers

                           and image setters . See ppi

greyscale      :  depiction of grey tones between black and white ; usually

                           composed of 256 greys

image             : graphic , photograph or illustration

interpolation    : estimation of values between two known values ;

                               assignment of an intermediate color to pixel based on the

                               color of  the surrounding pixels

justification      : alignment of text at both sides of a paragraph through the

                               adjustment of word spacing

margin           : outer area of the page surrounding the principal text and

                           image areas

pixel               : picture element ; the smallest distinct unit of a bitmap image

plug-in           : program which extends the functionality of application

                           programs

RAM               : random access memory : memory that a computer uses to

                           store information it's processing at any given moment

RGB               : red , green , blue ; the color model used by scanners and

                           monitors

scroll bars    : bars equipped with a scroll box and scroll arrows which enable

                           you to scroll vertically or horizontally within windows

spine              : binding edge of a document ; part of a document's cover which

                           is visible when placed on a shelf

style sheets    :  stored grouping of text formats used to format paragraphs

                               quickly and accurately

virtual memory    : a means of using storage memory on a disk to

                                   supplement  RAM

 

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