Computer Glossary – Page 2
I
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Icon – A small image representing a program, file, or function.
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IDE (Integrated Development Environment) – A tool for coding and testing software.
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IMAP – An email protocol for accessing mail stored on a server.
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Import – Bringing data into a program from another source.
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Indexing – Organizing files for faster searching.
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Inkjet Printer – A printer that sprays ink directly onto paper.
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Input Device – Hardware used to enter data into a computer (e.g., keyboard).
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Installer – A program that sets up software on your computer.
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Interface – The way a user interacts with software or hardware.
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IP Address – A unique number identifying a device on a network.
J
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Java – A popular programming language for apps and web software.
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JavaScript – A scripting language for creating interactive web pages.
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JPEG (JPG) – A common image file format.
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Joystick – A control device often used in gaming.
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JSON – A lightweight data format for exchanging information.
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JVM (Java Virtual Machine) – Runs Java programs on different systems.
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JTAG – A standard for testing and debugging electronic circuits.
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Jitter – Variability in data transmission speed over a network.
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Job Queue – A list of tasks waiting to be processed.
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Jump Drive – Another name for a USB flash drive.
K
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Kernel – The core of an operating system controlling resources.
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Keylogger – Malicious software that records keystrokes.
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Keyword – A reserved word in programming or a search term.
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Kilobyte (KB) – About 1,000 bytes of digital data.
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KVM Switch – Lets one keyboard, video, and mouse control multiple computers.
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Knowledge Base – A collection of articles, FAQs, or documentation.
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Keystroke – One press of a key on a keyboard.
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Kickstart – A method for booting or installing Linux.
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Kernel Panic – A critical OS error that forces a restart.
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Key Pair – Two keys (public and private) used in encryption.
L
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LAN (Local Area Network) – A small network covering one location.
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Latency – Delay between sending and receiving data.
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LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) – A flat-panel screen technology.
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Linux – An open-source operating system.
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Load Balancing – Distributing tasks across multiple servers.
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Log File – A file that records system or program activity.
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Login – The process of entering a username and password.
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Loop – A repeated sequence of instructions in programming.
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Lossless Compression – File compression that doesn’t lose data.
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Low-Level Language – A programming language close to machine code.
M
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Machine Learning – AI that improves through data and experience.
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Macro – A shortcut that automates a series of commands.
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Malware – Software designed to harm or steal information.
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Mainframe – A large, powerful computer for bulk data processing.
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Mbps (Megabits per second) – A measure of internet speed.
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Memory Leak – When software fails to release unused memory.
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Metadata – Information describing other data.
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MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) – Security using more than one verification method.
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Motherboard – The main circuit board connecting all components.
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Mounting – Making a drive or file system accessible.
N
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Nanotechnology – Technology at the scale of atoms and molecules.
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NAS (Network Attached Storage) – A storage device connected to a network.
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Native App – Software built for a specific operating system.
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Net Neutrality – The principle that all internet traffic is treated equally.
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Network – A group of connected computers sharing resources.
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NIC (Network Interface Card) – Hardware that connects a device to a network.
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Node – A device or point in a network.
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Notebook – Another term for a laptop computer.
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NTFS – A file system used by Windows.
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Null – A special value in programming meaning “no data.”
O
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OCR (Optical Character Recognition) – Converts scanned text into editable text.
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OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) – A company making parts for other brands.
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OLED – A display technology with vivid colors and thin screens.
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Open Source – Software with freely available source code.
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Operating System (OS) – Software that manages hardware and software.
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Overclocking – Running a CPU or GPU faster than factory speed.
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Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) – A coding method based on objects.
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Office Suite – A package of productivity apps like Word and Excel.
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On-Premises – Software or servers installed locally instead of in the cloud.
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Overflow – An error when data exceeds storage limits.
P
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Packet – A small unit of data sent over a network.
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Patch – An update to fix software bugs or add features.
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Password Manager – A tool for storing and generating secure passwords.
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PDF (Portable Document Format) – A file format for documents.
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Peripheral – External devices like printers, mice, and keyboards.
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Phishing – A scam tricking users into giving personal data.
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Pixel – The smallest element of an image on a screen.
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Plug-in – Software that adds features to another program.
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Port – A virtual or physical point for data entry/exit.
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Proxy Server – A server acting as an intermediary for requests.
Q
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QoS (Quality of Service) – Controls network traffic priority.
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Query – A request for data from a database.
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Queue – A list of tasks or processes waiting.
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Quick Access – A feature in Windows for easy access to files.
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Quick Format – A fast way to erase a drive without full cleanup.
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Quota – A storage or usage limit on a user’s account.
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Quantum Computing – Computing using quantum physics principles.
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Quick Response (QR) Code – A scannable code that links to digital info.
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QuickTime – Apple’s multimedia framework for video and audio.
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Quarantine – Isolating infected files detected by antivirus.
R
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RAID – A way of storing data across multiple drives for speed or safety.
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RAM (Random Access Memory) – Temporary memory for active programs.
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Raster Image – An image made of pixels, like a photo.
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Reboot – Restarting a computer system.
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Registry – A Windows database storing settings and configurations.
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Remote Desktop – Accessing a computer from another location.
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Resolution – The sharpness of an image, measured in pixels.
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Restore Point – A backup of system settings in Windows.
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ROM (Read-Only Memory) – Permanent memory storing essential data.
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Root User – The highest-level account with full permissions.
S
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SAN (Storage Area Network) – A high-speed network for storage devices.
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SaaS (Software as a Service) – Cloud-based software delivered online.
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Scanner – A device that digitizes documents or images.
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Screenshot – A captured image of the computer screen.
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Script – A file containing commands to be executed.
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Search Engine – A tool like Google that finds information online.
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Server – A computer that provides services to other devices.
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SMTP – The protocol used to send emails.
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Software – Programs that run on a computer.
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SQL – A language for managing databases.
T
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Tablet – A portable computer with a touchscreen.
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TCP/IP – The protocols that power the internet.
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Terabyte (TB) – About 1 trillion bytes of data.
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Thread – A unit of work handled by a CPU.
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Token – A digital key used in authentication.
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Trojan Horse – Malware disguised as legitimate software.
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Tunnel – A secure channel for transmitting data.
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Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – A login process requiring two verifications.
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Typeahead – A feature that predicts what you’re typing.
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Typography – The style and appearance of text on screens.
