Whether you're learning about computers for the first time or you're a computer pro, an up-to-date computer dictionary is always a handy companion to help you read computer magazines or look at computer ads. The Computer Desktop Encyclopedia by Alan Freedman (American Management Association, 1996) is one of the best references available today. You'll find the Web version at www.techweb.com/encyclopedia. Another excellent Web-based compendium of computer terms is the Webopedia at www.webopedia.com.

Check your library for a more in-depth reference, Encyclopedia of Computer Science by Anthony Ralston (Van Nostrand Reinhold, 4th ed. 1999). Microsoft's Multimedia encyclopedia called Encarta also provides a good assortment of computer definitions.

Additional Links

At the Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing you can quickly look up any computer term you type at the "ever-expanding dictionary of computing." Users keep this Web dictionary up-to-date by adding new terms.

The Jargon File and the New Hacker's Dictionary   The Jargon File is the HTML version of the New Hacker's Dictionary (MIT Press, ). From abbrev and abend to zipperhead and zorkmid, you will find it here. The Jargon File also includes discussions of how jargon works, hacker writing and speech style, and hacker folklore.

Comparative CyberLexicon   The Comparative CyberLexicon is an English-to-Spanish dictionary of terminology, including idioms, expressions, acronyms and abbreviations, from computer culture and technology.

Butterfly Glossary of Internet and Data Communications Terms   This Web site from the Italian National Research Council presents a searchable glossary of networking, data communication, and Internet terminology. Read the site's preface to learn why it is called the "Butterfly Glossary."

Etymology of Computer   Have you ever wondered exactly where the term computer comes from? Have you wondered when the term appeared in common usage? Read this essay on the etymology of the term computer to find out.