Glossary-3

compact disc (CD) – A circular piece of plastic that can store a maximum of 650 MB of digital data on one side using laser technology. Types of CDs include the following:

•CD-ROM (read only memory) – Contains read-only information.

•CD-RW (rewritable) – Information can be saved to the disc using a rewritable or recordable CD drive.

CD-ROM– See compact disc.

configure – To set up a computer or change program settings.

connector – A receptacle designed to accept the insertion of a specific cable plug, usually located on the back of the computer or device. Some connectors are built into the front of computers for easy access. See parallel port connector, PS2 connector, serial port connector, Universal Serial Bus.

CPU – See central processing unit.

Creativity Action Center – A set of easily accessible connectors situated on the front of select models of Compaq Internet PCs.

cursor – The blinking symbol on a computer screen that shows where the next typed character will be displayed.

daisy chain – To add a device to the last one in a chain of USB or IEEE-1394 devices. See Universal Serial Bus, IEEE-1394 High Performance Serial Bus.

database – An organized collection of data designed to facilitate the extraction of useful information.

DCIC – See Digital Creativity Imaging Center.

debug – To remove errors from computer program code.

dedicated line – A leased communication path that provides constant access to the Internet.

default – An automatic setting that a program uses unless alternative instructions are entered.

desktop – See Windows desktop.

desktop computer – A personal computer designed to be set up on a desk, as opposed to an easily-transportable notebook computer. Contrast laptop computer, notebook computer.