GLOSSARY

Agenda – a list of the subjects to be discussed at a meeting; be on top of the agenda/be high on the agenda – be very important to do.

Central unit (central processing unit, CPU) – the part of a computer that controls and organizes all its activities.

Chairperson – someone who is in charge of a meeting or directs the work of a committee or organization.

Database – a large amount of data stored in a computer system so that you can find and use it easily.

Fax – a letter or message that is sent in electronic form down a telephone line and then printed using a special machine.

Fax machine –a machine used for sending and receiving faxes.

For signature – to be signed by the boss, manager etc.

Hardware – computer machinery and equipment, as opposed to the programmes that make computers work.

Keyboard – a row or several rows of keys on a musical instrument like a piano or a machine like a computer.

Meeting – an event at which people meet to talk and decide things.

Memo – a short official note to another person in the same company or organization.

Notebook – a very small personal computer that is the size of a book.

Noticeboard (AmEbulletin board) –a special board on a wall which notices can be fixed to.

Open-plan office – an open-plan office, school etc does not have walls dividing it into separate rooms.

Overhead projector -a piece of electrical equipment used for making words, pictures etc look larger by showing them on a wall or large screen so that many people can see.

PC –an electronic machine that can store information and do things with it according to a set of instructions called a program.

Photocopier – a machine that quickly makes photographic copies of documents.

Printer – a machine which is connected to a computer and makes a printed record of computer information.

Secretary –1. someone who works in an office typing letters, keeping records, arranging meetings etc; 2. an official of an organization who keeps records, writes official letters etc.

Scanner – a piece of computer equipment that copies an image from paper onto the screen.

Shorthand –a fast method of writing using special signs or shorter forms to represent letters, words, and phrases.

Software – the sets of programs (instructions) that you put into a computer when you want it to do particular jobs.

Stationery – materials that you use for writing, such as paper, pens, pencils etc.

Word processor –small computer used especially for writing letters or storing information.

Workstation – the part of an office where you work, where your desk, computer etc are.

Whiteboard –a large board with a white, smooth surface used in classrooms and offices for writing on.

White-collar – white-collar workers work in offices, banks etc as opposed to people who work in factories, mines (blue-collar – workers do hard or dirty work with their hands).