The computer industry has created new terms, given new meanings to existing terms, and established capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and syntax guidelines for terms. Table 5-2 lists some troublesome computer terminology and provides usage guidelines for these terms. Also refer to Table 6-1 in Chapter 6.
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Word or Phrase Usage
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Allen wrench Note capitalization.
appendixes Do not use "appendices."
baud rate Often incorrectly assumed to indicate the number of bits per
second (bps) transmitted, baud rate actually measures the
number of events, or signal changes, that occur in one second. In
most instances when "baud rate" is used, the correct term is
"bps." (For example, a so-called 9600-baud modem actually
operates at 2400 baud, but it transmits 9600 bits per second, and
thus should correctly be called a 9600-bps modem.) Check your
source material before using the term "baud rate."
Boolean Note capitalization.
CD-ROM Use to refer generically to CD-ROM media; for example, "The
software comes on CD-ROM discs." If referring to a specific
compact disc for installation or other purposes, "CD" is
acceptable; for example, "Put the CD into the caddy." Add the
adjective "audio" if referring to CD-ROM media that contain
wholly or mostly music.
CD-ROM drive Do not say "CD drive" or "CD player." If a drive will only play
audio CDs, refer to it as an "audio CD-ROM drive."
disc Use for optical discs.
disk Use for any disk other than an optical disc.
diskette State the size (3.5 or 5.25 inches), and don't use the modifier
"floppy."
email [added by Lee] lowercase "e" and no hyphen, as recommended in
"Wired Style: Principles of English Usage in the Digital Age."
Ethernet Note capitalization.
indexes Do not use "indices."
input Use as a noun only, not as a verb.
interface Use as a noun or modifier, not as a verb.
internet Use lowercase when referring to a collection of networks that
function as a single large virtual network.
Internet Use an initial capital when referring to a large internet
comprising large national backbone nets and various regional
and local networks worldwide. The Internet uses the Internet
Protocol suite.
output Use as a noun only, not as a verb.
Phillips screwdriver Note capitalization and spelling.
press Use to indicate the action of pressing a key that does not echo
to the screen; the Control key is one such example.
type Use to indicate the entering of information: "Type the following
command."
UNIX Note capitalization.
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