analog

adjective

Unit 3 — IT Lesson

Definition
Information that has been translated into electrical pulses of varying strengths.

Example
In the past, analog signals were commonly used for long-playing records, but now digital signals are becoming more popular for recorded music.

bar code

noun

Unit 3 — IT Lesson

Definition
Information that has been encoded as black-and-white striped labels on packages.

Example
In the United States, the first bar code used for selling products was put on a package of gum.

bar-code scanner

noun

Unit 3 — IT Lesson

Definition
A device that can read a bar code and determine what information it contains.

Example
It is very common to see a bar-code scanner used in retail stores; it helps businesses keep track of their products.

compress

verb

Unit 3 — IT Lesson

Definition
To shrink digital information so it takes up less space.

Example
It is better to compress large files so that you will have more room to store other files on your hard drive.

digital

adjective

Unit 3 — IT Lesson

Definition
Information that has been translated into on and off signals.

Example
Computers work with digital information.

digital device

noun

Unit 3 — IT Lesson

Definition
A machine that works with digital information.

Example
A music player is a common type of digital device.

global positioning satellite (GPS) receivers

phrase

Unit 3 — IT Lesson

Definition
A device that uses satellite signals to determine your location.

Example
Some cars are equipped with global positioning satellite receivers. Drivers can use them to locate a specific address and drive there easily.

invasion of privacy

phrase

Unit 3 — IT Lesson

Definition
When information about you is used without your permission.

Example
It is considered an invasion of privacy to have your personal information sold to a business or put on the Internet without your permission.

personal digital assistant (PDA)

noun

Unit 3 — IT Lesson

Definition
An electronic day planner that helps you keep track of addresses, phone numbers, appointments, and other notes.

Example
Peter has a personal digital assistant that keeps track of his business and personal telephone numbers and addresses.

privacy

noun

Unit 3 — IT Lesson

Definition
The ability to control who gets to see information about you, such as your buying habits.

Example
Having privacy means being able to control the personal information in your life, such as your banking information.

privacy policy

phrase

Unit 3 — IT Lesson

Definition
An organization’s guidelines describing how it will use the information you give it.

Example
When you apply for a credit card, it is possible to sign a privacy policy that guarantees your personal information will not be sold to other businesses.

radio frequency identification (RFID) systems

phrase

Unit 3 — IT Lesson

Definition
A set of machines that work together to identify packages and other things using radio signals.

Example
A radio frequency identification system is used in toll booths so that the drivers can pay in advance and not have to stop at the toll booth. The RFID tag sends out a signal to the transceiver in the toll booth saying that the driver has already paid the toll.

transceiver

noun

Unit 3 — IT Lesson

Definition
The part of an RFID system that receives radio signals.

Example
The transceiver receives signals from the transponder. They work together as a team to keep track of specific items.

transponder

noun

Unit 3 — IT Lesson

Definition
The part of an RFID system that sends out radio signals.

Example
The transponder sends out signals so the transceiver will know when an item is near. So, for example, a transponder hidden in a software package will send out a signal if a thief tries to walk out of a shop without paying for the item.