Basic Computing Terms


  1. Computer: A device that processes data using programmed instructions and performs various tasks.
  2. Hardware: The physical components of a computer, including the CPU, memory, storage, and input/output devices.
  3. Software: Programs and applications that run on a computer, providing functionality and allowing users to perform tasks.
  4. CPU (Central Processing Unit): The brain of the computer that executes instructions and performs calculations.
  5. RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage that holds data and programs that are actively being used by the CPU.
  6. Hard Drive: A storage device that stores data on magnetic disks and retains it even when the computer is turned off.
  7. SSD (Solid State Drive): A storage device that uses NAND flash memory to store data and provides faster access times than traditional hard drives.
  8. Operating System: Software that manages computer hardware and provides a user interface for interaction.
  9. Desktop: The primary screen area where icons, windows, and applications are displayed in a graphical user interface.
  10. File: A digital object that contains data or information, such as a document, image, or program.
  11. Folder: A digital container for organizing and storing files.
  12. Mouse: An input device with buttons and a cursor that allows users to interact with the computer’s graphical interface.
  13. Keyboard: An input device with keys for typing text and issuing commands to the computer.
  14. Monitor: A display screen that shows visual output from the computer.
  15. Printer: A device that produces physical copies of digital documents or images on paper.
  16. Scanner: A device that captures digital images or text from physical documents and converts them into digital files.
  17. Motherboard: The main circuit board of a computer, containing the CPU, RAM, and other essential components.
  18. BIOS (Basic Input/Output System): Firmware that initializes and controls hardware components during the boot process.
  19. GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): A specialized processor that handles graphics and video rendering.
  20. USB (Universal Serial Bus): A common interface for connecting peripherals and external devices to a computer.
  21. Ethernet: A wired network technology for connecting computers and devices in a local area network (LAN).
  22. Wi-Fi: Wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to a network without physical cables.
  23. Browser: A software application used to access and browse the internet.
  24. URL (Uniform Resource Locator): A web address that specifies the location of a resource on the internet.
  25. Search Engine: A web-based tool that allows users to find information on the internet by entering keywords.
  26. Email: Electronic mail, a method of exchanging digital messages over the internet.
  27. Firewall: Security software or hardware that protects a computer or network by filtering incoming and outgoing traffic.
  28. Virus: Malicious software that can infect a computer and disrupt its normal operation.
  29. Malware (Malicious Software): A general term for software designed to harm or exploit computer systems.
  30. Encryption: The process of converting data into a secure format to protect it from unauthorized access.
  31. Backup: A copy of data made to prevent data loss in case of hardware failure or accidental deletion.
  32. Cloud Computing: The delivery of computing services, such as storage and processing, over the internet.
  33. Server: A powerful computer or software that provides services to other computers or clients on a network.
  34. Router: A network device that forwards data packets between computer networks.
  35. ISP (Internet Service Provider): A company that provides internet access to customers.
  36. HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): The standard markup language used to create web pages.
  37. CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): A stylesheet language used to control the presentation and layout of web pages.
  38. JavaScript: A scripting language used to add interactivity and functionality to web pages.
  39. Database: A structured collection of data organized for efficient retrieval and manipulation.
  40. SQL (Structured Query Language): A programming language used to manage and query relational databases.
  41. API (Application Programming Interface): A set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other.
  42. HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): The protocol used for transmitting web pages and data on the internet.
  43. HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure): A secure version of HTTP that encrypts data transmission on the web.
  44. FTP (File Transfer Protocol): A protocol used for transferring files between computers on a network.
  45. URL: A web address that specifies the location of a resource on the internet.
  46. IP Address (Internet Protocol Address): A numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network.
  47. DNS (Domain Name System): A system that translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses.
  48. Cookie: A small piece of data stored on a user’s computer by a website, often used for tracking and authentication.
  49. Cache: A temporary storage location that stores frequently accessed data to improve performance.
  50. Firewall: Security software or hardware that protects a computer or network by filtering incoming and outgoing traffic.
  51. Proxy Server: A server that acts as an intermediary between a client and a destination server, often used for anonymity and security.
  52. Router: A network device that forwards data packets between computer networks.
  53. LAN (Local Area Network): A network that connects devices in a limited geographic area, such as a home or office.
  54. WAN (Wide Area Network): A network that covers a larger geographic area, often connecting multiple LANs.
  55. Bluetooth: A wireless technology used for short-range communication between devices.
  56. Wi-Fi: Wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to a network without physical cables.
  57. Modem (Modulator-Demodulator): A device that converts digital data from a computer into analog signals for transmission over telephone lines or cable systems.
  58. Router: A network device that forwards data packets between computer networks.
  59. Ethernet: A wired network technology for connecting computers and devices in a local area network (LAN).
  60. Firewall: Security software or hardware that protects a computer or network by filtering incoming and outgoing traffic.
  61. ISP (Internet Service Provider): A company that provides internet access to customers.
  62. Server: A powerful computer or software that provides services to other computers or clients on a network.
  63. DNS (Domain Name System): A system that translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses.
  64. IP Address (Internet Protocol Address): A numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network.
  65. URL (Uniform Resource Locator): A web address that specifies the location of a resource on the internet.
  66. Browser: A software application used to access and browse the internet.
  67. HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): The standard markup language used to create web pages.
  68. CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): A stylesheet language used to control the presentation and layout of web pages.
  69. JavaScript: A scripting language used to add interactivity and functionality to web pages.
  70. HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): The protocol used for transmitting web pages and data on the internet.
  71. HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure): A secure version of HTTP that encrypts data transmission on the web.
  72. FTP (File Transfer Protocol): A protocol used for transferring files between computers on a network.
  73. Database: A structured collection of data organized for efficient retrieval and manipulation.
  74. SQL (Structured Query Language): A programming language used to manage and query relational databases.
  75. API (Application Programming Interface): A set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other.
  76. Operating System (OS): System software that manages hardware resources and provides services to software applications.
  77. GUI (Graphical User Interface): A user interface that uses graphical elements such as icons and windows to interact with a computer.
  78. CLI (Command Line Interface): A text-based interface where users enter commands to interact with a computer’s operating system.
  79. Desktop: The primary screen area where icons, windows, and applications are displayed in a graphical user interface.
  80. Taskbar: A bar at the edge of the desktop that displays open applications and provides access to system functions.
  81. Shortcut: A quick way to access a file, folder, or program on a computer, often represented by an icon.
  82. File Extension: A suffix added to a filename to indicate the file type or format (e.g., .jpg for images, .docx for documents).
  83. File Path: The specific location of a file or folder within a file system, typically expressed as a series of directories and subdirectories.
  84. File Format: The structure and organization of data within a file, often determined by its extension (e.g., PDF, MP3, TXT).
  85. Copy: The action of duplicating a file or data from one location to another.
  86. Cut: The action of removing a file or data from one location and placing it in another.
  87. Paste: The action of placing copied or cut data into a new location.
  88. Drag and Drop: A method of moving or copying files and data by selecting them and then dragging them to a new location.
  89. Save: The action of preserving changes made to a file or document.
  90. Save As: The action of saving a copy of a file with a different name or in a different location.
  91. Undo: A command that reverses the last action taken, restoring the previous state.
  92. Redo: A command that repeats the last action that was undone.
  93. Backup: A copy of data made to prevent data loss in case of hardware failure or accidental deletion.
  94. File Compression: The process of reducing the size of a file to save storage space and facilitate faster transmission.
  95. Archive: A file or collection of files that have been bundled together and compressed for storage or distribution.
  96. Folder: A digital container for organizing and storing files.
  97. File Explorer: A file management tool in Windows operating systems for navigating and managing files and folders.
  98. Finder: The file management application on macOS that allows users to browse, organize, and access files and folders.
  99. Task Manager: A system utility that provides information about running processes and allows users to end tasks or programs.
  100. Control Panel: A system utility in Windows that allows users to configure and control various aspects of the operating system.
  101. Desktop Background: The customizable image or pattern displayed on the computer desktop.
  102. Screen Resolution: The number of pixels displayed on a screen, determining the clarity and sharpness of visuals.
  103. Cursor: A graphical symbol, such as an arrow or hand, that indicates the position and movement of the mouse or touchpad.
  104. Font: A specific typeface and style used for text in documents, websites, and applications.
  105. Clipboard: A temporary storage area where copied or cut data is held before being pasted elsewhere.
  106. Taskbar: A bar at the edge of the desktop that displays open applications and provides access to system functions.
  107. Start Menu: A menu in the Windows operating system that provides access to programs, files, and system settings.
  108. Notification Center: A system for displaying notifications and alerts from various apps and services.
  109. Shortcut: A quick way to access a file, folder, or program on a computer, often represented by an icon.
  110. File Extension: A suffix added to a filename to indicate the file type or format (e.g., .jpg for images, .docx for documents).
  111. File Path: The specific location of a file or folder within a file system, typically expressed as a series of directories and subdirectories.
  112. File Format: The structure and organization of data within a file, often determined by its extension (e.g., PDF, MP3, TXT).
  113. Copy: The action of duplicating a file or data from one location to another.
  114. Cut: The action of removing a file or data from one location and placing it in another.
  115. Paste: The action of placing copied or cut data into a new location.
  116. Drag and Drop: A method of moving or copying files and data by selecting them and then dragging them to a new location.
  117. Save: The action of preserving changes made to a file or document.
  118. Save As: The action of saving a copy of a file with a different name or in a different location.
  119. Undo: A command that reverses the last action taken, restoring the previous state.
  120. Redo: A command that repeats the last action that was undone.
  121. Backup: A copy of data made to prevent data loss in case of hardware failure or accidental deletion.
  122. File Compression: The process of reducing the size of a file to save storage space and facilitate faster transmission.
  123. Archive: A file or collection of files that have been bundled together and compressed for storage or distribution.
  124. Folder: A digital container for organizing and storing files.
  125. File Explorer: A file management tool in Windows operating systems for navigating and managing files and folders.
  126. Finder: The file management application on macOS that allows users to browse, organize, and access files and folders.
  127. Task Manager: A system utility that provides information about running processes and allows users to end tasks or programs.
  128. Control Panel: A system utility in Windows that allows users to configure and control various aspects of the operating system.
  129. Desktop Background: The customizable image or pattern displayed on the computer desktop.
  130. Screen Resolution: The number of pixels displayed on a screen, determining the clarity and sharpness of visuals.
  131. Cursor: A graphical symbol, such as an arrow or hand, that indicates the position and movement of the mouse or touchpad.
  132. Font: A specific typeface and style used for text in documents, websites, and applications.
  133. Clipboard: A temporary storage area where copied or cut data is held before being pasted elsewhere.
  134. Taskbar: A bar at the edge of the desktop that displays open applications and provides access to system functions.