computer parts

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An input device that allows the user to control a character or machine in a computer program. They look similar to the control device you would find on an arcade game. For example, a joystick allows an individual to move an object in a game; such as navigating a plane in a flight simulator. The picture shows the Logitech Freedom 2.4, an example of a Joystick.

Also see: Game terms, Game port, Input device, Paddle, Yoke

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Calc is the name of the spreadsheet program used in Open Office.

An electronic hardware device or software capable of performing mathematical calculations such as addition, multiplication, subtraction, or division. The picture is an example of the Microsoft Windows Calculator included in every version of Microsoft Windows.

Microsoft Windows users

Users running Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and above can access the Windows calculator by following either of the steps below.

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Windows Calculator Tips

By default, Microsoft Windows Calculator is set to basic mode, this can be changed by opening Calculator and clicking View and choosing Scientific. Scientific mode gives the user more options and abilities.

By default, Microsoft Windows Calculator digit grouping is disabled. Enabling this feature causes your long numbers to have commas. For example, instead of 10000000 it would display 10,000,000. To enable this feature click View and select Digit grouping.

For Windows 7 and above users, Microsoft has included a much more sophisticated calculator. As can be seen in the picture there are several new features that have been highlighted that are not available in previous versions of Windows. Additional information and tips on this calculator can be found on our Windows 7 Calculator tips page.

Linux users

Users running Linux and Unix can run the bc command or dc command to open the calculator.

Also see: Abacus, Add, Keypad, Software terms, Tabulator

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A container that holds something. For example, the picture to the right, is of a CD-ROM caddy, a container used with early Apple computer CD-ROM drives that would hold and protect the disc. This caddy is inserted into the drive with the CD instead of placing the CD on a tray or feeding it into a disc slot like most disc drives today. Today, the CD-ROM caddy is rarely used or found with computers.

Also see: Apple dictionary, CD terms

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Alternatively referred to as a line topology, a bus topology is a network setup where each computer and network device are connected to a single cable or backbone. Bus networks are useful in small networks (like those setup in a small offices) and have the advantage of using less cable. Their main disadvantage is that if any segment of the network fails, all transmissions do as well. Below is a visual example of a simple computer setup on a network using the bus topology.

Also see: Network terms, Topology