Computer Glossary
Computer Terms
Glossary & Definitions
Comprehensive glossary of computer terms, technical definitions, and IT terminology to help you understand technology better.
Understanding computer terminology can be challenging. This glossary provides clear, simple definitions of common computer terms and technical concepts to help you better understand technology and communicate with IT professionals.
A
Antivirus
Software designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software (malware) from computers.
API (Application Programming Interface)
A set of protocols and tools that allows different software applications to communicate with each other.
Application
A software program designed to perform specific tasks for users, such as word processing or web browsing.
B
Backup
A copy of data stored separately from the original to protect against data loss.
Bandwidth
The maximum rate of data transfer across a network connection, measured in bits per second.
Browser
Software application used to access and view websites on the internet (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari).
C
Cache
Temporary storage used to speed up data access by storing frequently used information.
Cloud Computing
Delivery of computing services (servers, storage, databases) over the internet instead of local hardware.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The main processor in a computer that executes instructions and performs calculations.
Cybersecurity
The practice of protecting computers, networks, and data from digital attacks and unauthorized access.
D
Database
An organized collection of data stored and accessed electronically.
Driver
Software that allows the operating system to communicate with hardware devices like printers or graphics cards.
E
Electronic mail - a method of exchanging digital messages over the internet.
Encryption
The process of converting data into a secure format to prevent unauthorized access.
F
Firewall
A security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic.
Firmware
Software permanently stored in hardware devices that provides low-level control.
H
Hardware
Physical components of a computer system, such as the monitor, keyboard, and hard drive.
HTML (HyperText Markup Language)
The standard markup language used to create web pages.
I
IP Address
A unique numerical identifier assigned to each device connected to a computer network.
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
A company that provides internet access to customers.
M
Malware
Malicious software designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems.
Motherboard
The main circuit board in a computer that connects all components together.
O
Operating System (OS)
Software that manages computer hardware and provides services for computer programs (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux).
R
RAM (Random Access Memory)
Temporary memory that stores data and programs currently in use by the computer.
Router
A networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks.
S
Software
Programs and applications that run on a computer, including operating systems and applications.
SSD (Solid State Drive)
A storage device that uses flash memory instead of spinning disks, providing faster data access.
Spyware
Malicious software that secretly collects information about a user's activities without their knowledge.
V
Virus
Malicious code that replicates itself and spreads to other computers, often causing damage.
W
WiFi
Wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to the internet without cables.
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