Computer Terms Glossary

Application Program

A software program that accomplishes specific tasks, such as word processing, spreadsheet management, or graphic design. Examples include Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe Photoshop.

Anti-Spyware

Software that prevents, detects, and removes spyware, malware, and other unwanted programs. Modern anti-spyware often includes real-time protection and integrates with antivirus software for comprehensive security. Examples: Malwarebytes, Windows Defender.

Antivirus Program

Software designed to detect and eliminate computer viruses and other malicious software. Many antivirus programs now include features like ransomware protection and phishing filters. Examples: Norton Antivirus, McAfee, Bitdefender.

Bandwidth

The maximum data transfer rate of a network or internet connection, measured in Mbps (megabits per second). Modern broadband connections often provide speeds of 100 Mbps or more, with fiber-optic services offering up to 1 Gbps (1,000 Mbps).

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)

A system-level program attached to the motherboard that initializes hardware components during the boot process. Modern computers use UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) as a successor to BIOS for enhanced functionality.

Bit and Byte

• Bit: The smallest unit of digital information, represented as 0 or 1.
• Byte: A group of 8 bits. Modern data sizes are often measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB):
  • 1,000 bytes = 1 kilobyte (KB)
  • 1,000 KB = 1 megabyte (MB)
  • 1,000 MB = 1 gigabyte (GB)
  • 1,000 GB = 1 terabyte (TB)

Browser

Software used to access the internet. Modern examples include Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Mozilla Firefox. Browsers now support extensions, ad-blockers, and secure browsing protocols like HTTPS.

Cache

A small, high-speed memory located close to the CPU, used to store frequently accessed data. Modern processors use multiple levels of cache (L1, L2, L3) to optimize performance.

Cloud Computing

A method of delivering services and storage over the internet. Examples: Google Workspace, Microsoft OneDrive, AWS, Dropbox. Cloud computing allows users to access data and applications anywhere with internet connectivity.

Compression

The process of reducing file sizes to save storage space and facilitate faster transmission. Modern formats include ZIP, RAR, and the more efficient 7z.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The “brain” of the computer, responsible for executing instructions. Modern CPUs have multiple cores (e.g., dual-core, quad-core) and hyper-threading technology for improved multitasking.

Firewall

Software or hardware that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic. Modern firewalls often include intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS).

Firmware

Specialized software embedded in hardware devices that provides low-level control. Examples include firmware in SSDs, routers, and IoT devices.

GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

A dedicated processor designed to handle rendering graphics. Modern GPUs, like NVIDIA RTX and AMD Radeon, also support AI and machine learning applications.

Hard Drive (HDD) and Solid-State Drive (SSD)

• HDD: Traditional storage with spinning disks. Larger capacity but slower.
• SSD: Faster, more reliable storage with no moving parts. Modern laptops often come with NVMe SSDs, which are even faster than traditional SSDs.

IP Address

A unique identifier for devices on a network. Modern networks use IPv4 (e.g., 192.168.1.1) and IPv6 (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334) addressing standards.

Operating System (OS)

The software that manages hardware and software resources. Examples include Windows 11, macOS Ventura, Linux distributions, and Chrome OS.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Temporary memory used to store data for active processes. Modern computers typically come with 8GB to 32GB of RAM, with higher speeds (e.g., DDR5) offering better performance.

Resolution

The clarity of a display, measured in pixels (e.g., 1920×1080 for Full HD, 3840×2160 for 4K). High refresh rates (e.g., 120Hz, 144Hz) are now common for gaming monitors.

Wi-Fi

Wireless networking technology for connecting devices to the internet. Modern Wi-Fi standards include Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E, offering faster speeds and better efficiency in crowded areas.

Browser Extensions

Small software modules that customize browsing experiences. Examples include password managers, ad-blockers, and productivity tools like Grammarly.

Virtualization

The use of software to simulate hardware functionality, enabling one machine to act as multiple virtual machines. Common in cloud computing and enterprise environments.

USB-C

A versatile and reversible port used for charging, data transfer, and video output. USB-C is quickly replacing older USB standards due to its speed and compatibility.