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www.tekmom.com/buzzwords - a computer dictionary for all ages

Click on a Buzzword to get a Definition

backup binary bit browser byte cable CD-ROM cell chat chip (integr. circuit) computer CPU cursor database disk drive

download e-mail field floppy disk (diskette) gigabyte (GB) hard disk/hard drive hardware HTML icon initialize Internet kilobyte (K) megabyte (MB) memory modem

monitor network peripheral pixel processor (micro-) RAM RAM vs. Hard Disk record scanner software spreadsheet URL USB virus World Wide Web (or Web)

Can't find your word on the list? No problem - search for it below.

Puzzles & Game

Print out a puzzle, then test your familiarity with tech terminology.
Play Technology Buzzwords Hangman just for fun.

Crossword Puzzle

DoublePuzzle 1 The Web

DoublePuzzle 2 Computer Parts

Hangman

How to Use this Buzzwords Website

• Click on one of the Buzzwords above to learn about it.
• Explore the additional links found on each Buzzword page to extend your learning.
• Print out one of the puzzles (they aren't interactive) to see what you know. Print 2 pages for the Crossword; print only Page 1 for each DoublePuzzle.
• Explore TekMom's Credits & References page to discover Internet resources and printed books you can use to further your understanding of the words and related concepts.

Search for More Definitions At These Websites:

CMP's TechWeb TechEncyclopedia
Free Online Dictionary of Computing (FOLDOC),
ZDNet Webopedia
Education World Internet Glossary.

Ideas for Elementary/Middle Tech Teachers

• Print out TekMom's Tech Buzzword Crossword Puzzle for your students. Have students search the Buzzword definitions here on the Web for any words they don't know (the answers aren't posted). Don't forget the DoublePuzzles, just for fun!
• Have a "Buzzword of the Week" at your school. Print out the buzzword definition and use it as the center of a display. (From your browser, just print Page 1 rather than all the pages; scale down if needed.) To make your display meaningful, include pieces of hardware related to the buzzword or other visuals such as posters, relevant pages from books, or student work samples.
• Add a tech buzzword to your weekly spelling list.
• Try to use the words in your classroom as you get to know them. Make sure you and your students use the correct terminology when you use and talk about computer technology.

AWARD
Tech Museum of Innovation, San Jose

TekMom is a certified elementary school teacher, former computer programmer/systems analyst and a mom.

Credits, References and Notes

These terms are a great starting point for students of any age. Most terms were selected by TekMom because they are the ones she used in 4th through 6th grade classes, where students and staff used the Internet, e-mail, AppleWorks, multimedia and more. Additional terms (e.g.bit, binary) are now part of the state standards.

TekMom's Technology Buzzwords for Students last updated on February 20, 2006.

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