A text-only interface where you type commands to the computer
one line at a time.
Compiler
A program that takes instructions written in a human-readable
programming language and translates them into a form that can
be directly executed by a computer.
File Server
A computer system functioning as a repository for files which will be
delivered over a network. Also used to refer to the software that
provides such a service.
Graphical User Interface
Abbreviated as GUI, this is an interface in which resources
on the computer (files, printers, programs, etc.) are represented
as graphics which you maniuplate with a mouse. The GUI as we
know it today was first pioneered by Doug Engelbart, implemented
in projects at Xerox Palo Alto Research Center, and popularized
by Apple Computer with its Macintosh computer.
Multiuser
A multiuser system is one where more than one user
has access to the resources of a single computer.
Multitasking
In a multitasking system, each of the computer's users can be running more
than one program at a time. If one of the programs crashes, it doesn't affect any
of that person's other programs, nor those of other users.
Plug and Play
When you buy a new peripheral for your computer, such as
a printer, scanner, disk drive, etc. You should be able to just
plug it in and have the system recognize it and figure out how to
work with it rather than having to go through a lengthy
configuration process. The Apple Macintosh does a very good job
of plug and play. Other systems advertise it but don't do a
very good job of implementing it.
Shell
A shell is a program that lets you enter commands for the
operating system to process. Most shells let you type commands one line at a
time, and are said to have a command line interface.
There are three major shells
which share a great deal in common, so in theory it is
not difficult for Linux users to switch from one to another. In practice,
shell preference appears to be a major theological issue among Linux folks.
Web Server
A computer system functioning as a repository for files which will be
delivered over the World Wide Web. Also used to refer to the software that
provides such a service.
WYSIWYG
Acronym for What You See Is
What You Get, usually used in reference to
word processing programs. As you type your text or change its
characteristics, it changes immediately on screen, and the screen
image mirrors what you will see on your printout.
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