National Teaching and Learning Change ProgrammeInformation and Communication Technology:
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• comment
  One or more lines in a program which are not executed, but which provide part of the program documentation.
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• comment a program
  Adding lines, which are not executed, within a program to explain different parts of the program. Program: a series of coded software instructions to control the operation of a computer or other machine. By permission of Oxford University Press Inc. "Oxford English Dictionary" edited by Simpson, J & Weiner, E (1989) Free permission
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• comment box
  A note added to a document. Typically found in spreadsheets and word processors, in the form of a pop up box displaying the comment.
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• common gateway interface (CGI)
  This is a small script or program, which resides on a server and accepts input from a web page (e.g. when the user fills in a form) and processes it.
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• communications protocol
  A standard set of rules used to ensure the proper transfer of data between devices. Protocols exist which specify the format of the data, and the signals to start, control and end the transfer, e.g. transmission control protocol.
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• communications software
  This is used for connecting to the internet, sending and receiving email, fax/phone communications, etc., using a computer.
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• comparison operator
  An operator which compares expressions or values, e.g. <=, >, etc.
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• compatible (1)
  Pieces of equipment and/or software which are capable of being used together without special modification or adaptation.
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• compatible (2)
  Pieces of equipment and/or software which are capable of being used together without special modification or adaptation.
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• compilation error
  Errors detected during compilation, usually syntax errors.
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• compile
  The process of compilation, which translates a high-level language program, source code, into a computer
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• compile time
  This is the time when a compiler compiles code written in a programming language into executable code.
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• compiler
  A program that translates a high-level language program, source code, into a computer&rsquo;s machine code or some other low-level language. Generally each high-level language instruction generates several machine-code instructions. It produces an independent program which can be run.
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• compliant
  Operating in a way defined by a standard
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• component
  A part of a system.
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• composite key
  A key is the field within a record used to identify the record, for example a bank account number identifies a customer
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• computer
  A programmable machine that processes data.
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• computer aided design (CAD)
  Computer aided design (CAD) is a system that enables a designer use a computer screen instead of a drafting table to make plans and blueprints.
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• computer assisted manufacturing (CAM)
  The use of a computer system to control the production in a factory, including the supply of components, planning daily production and controlling the machinery involved.
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• computer generated image (CGI)
  The application of 3D computer graphics to special effects in films, etc.