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Glossary of Computer Terms and Definitions

May 26, 2025

Terms and Definitions from Course 1

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Key Concepts

A

  • Abstraction: Simplifying complex systems for usability
  • Address bus: Connects CPU to MCC, sends data location
  • Algorithm: Steps to solve specific problems
  • Android: Mobile OS based on Linux
  • Application: Specific use computer program
  • Application software: Software for specific needs (e.g., text editors, web browsers)
  • ARPANET: Early Internet version by US government (1960s)
  • ASCII: Oldest character encoding standard for English
  • Assembly language: Human-readable instructions for machine code
  • ATA: Common hard drive interface
  • ATX: Common motherboard form factor
  • Automation: Processes functioning automatically

B

  • Backward compatible: Older hardware works with newer hardware
  • Binary system: Computer communication; base-2 numeral system
  • BIOS: Software initializing computer hardware
  • BIOS/UEFI: Low-level software for hardware initialization
  • Block storage: Data stored in blocks for faster access
  • Boot: Starting up a computer
  • Bootloader: Loads the operating system
  • Browser: Interface for web page interaction
  • BYOD: Use of personal devices for work
  • Byte: Group of 8 bits

C

  • Cache: Storage for frequently accessed data
  • Character encoding: Assigns binary values to characters
  • Charge cycle: Full battery charge and discharge
  • COPPA: Regulates children's online privacy
  • Chipset: Manages component communication
  • Chrome OS: Google-designed Linux-based OS
  • Clients: Devices receiving data from servers
  • Clock cycle: Voltage to clock wire signals CPU start
  • Clock speed: Max clock cycles in given time
  • Coding: Language translation
  • CLI: Text command shell for OS interaction
  • Compiled programming language: Instructions compiled for machine
  • Computer: Data processing device
  • CPU: Central processing unit
  • Cryptography: Coding and hiding messages

D

  • DARPA: US project created early Internet
  • Data blocks: Divided data pieces on hard disk
  • Data sizes: Bit, byte, kilobyte, etc.
  • DDR SDRAM: Fast, low-power RAM
  • Decimal form: Base-10 numeral system
  • Desktop: Main screen for navigation
  • Digital divide: Skills gap in digital literacy
  • DIMM: Dual inline memory module
  • Display port: Audio and video output port
  • Domain name: Website URL name

E

  • Electrostatic discharge: Electric current flow between charged objects
  • Error message: Indicators for problem-solving
  • Ethernet cable: Physical network connection
  • .exe: Windows executable file extension
  • Expansion slots: Increase computer functionality

F

  • Factory reset: Returns device to factory settings
  • Fiber optic cable: Uses light pulses for data
  • File extension: Tells file type
  • File system: Manages files
  • Finder: Mac file manager
  • Firmware: Permanent software on a component

G

  • GIT: Version control system for files
  • Globalization: International communication and integration

H

  • Hard drive: Long-term data storage
  • Hardware: Devices for computer functions
  • HDD: Hard disk drive using mechanical parts
  • HDMI: Cable for video/audio output

I

  • Information technology: Digital technology for data processing
  • Input/Output device: Devices for data input/output
  • Internet: Worldwide network system
  • IPv4 & IPv6: Internet Protocol versions

K

  • Kernel: Core of the operating system

L

  • Linux OS: Open-source operating system

M

  • MAC address: Network interface identifier
  • Mb/s: Data transfer rate unit

N

  • Network: Interconnected computers
  • Networking protocols: Data transfer rules

O

  • Operating system: Manages computer resources

P

  • PC: Personal computer
  • Peripherals: External devices for functionality
  • Programming: Writing computer instructions

R

  • RAM: Random Access Memory
  • Remote connection: Accessing a network remotely

S

  • SATA: Drive for data transfers
  • Scalability: System performance adaptability

T

  • Terminal: Text-based computer interface
  • Troubleshooting: Diagnosing and resolving problems

U

  • Ubuntu: Popular Linux distribution
  • USB: Peripheral connection standard

V

  • VPN: Secure network connection method

W

  • Wireless networking (Wi-Fi): Radio-based network connection
  • WWW: System for web resource access over the Internet

Conclusion

  • This glossary covers key terms and definitions relevant to computer systems and networks, providing a foundational understanding of the concepts and technologies used in modern computing.