Unified Glossary
Complete Computer Glossary (Unified)
A
Access time: The amount of time it takes a computer to access stored information.
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ALGOL (Algorithmic Language): An algebraic high-level language.
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Algorithm: A sequence of precise and unambiguous instructions for solving a problem in a finite number of operations.
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Alphanumeric: A character set that contains letters, digits, and other special characters such as $, @, %, etc.
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ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): A digital circuit that calculates an arithmetic operation (e.g., addition, subtraction) and logic operations between two numbers.
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ANSI (American National Standards Institute): A USA-based national organization that establishes uniform standards in several fields of computers.
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ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode): High bandwidth, cell-switching technology designed to carry many different types of information, including voice, video, image, data, and graphics.
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AUTOSYS (Autonomous system): A collection of IP networks under the control of a single entity.
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B
BASIC (Beginners All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code): A popular programming language that enables people to write computer programs using English-like commands.
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Blog: A website that allows individuals to post entries, usually displayed in reverse chronological order. Entries can include text, images, videos, and links.
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Blue Ray: A high-capacity optical disk format used for storing large amounts of data (up to 25 GB on a single layer disc).
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Bluetooth: A wireless communication standard used to transmit data between devices over short distances.
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Byte: The sequence of bits that represents a character. Each byte has 8 bits.
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C
CD-ROM: Compact Disc Read-Only Memory. A form of permanent storage.
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Cell: A box or rectangle within a table or spreadsheet where a row and column intersect.
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Character: A single letter, number, or symbol.
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Character set: The complete set of characters, alphabetic, numeric, and symbolic, that a computer can recognize.
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Chip: A small piece of semiconductor material that contains a complete electronic circuit.
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A
Access time: The amount of time it takes a computer to access stored information.
ALGOL (Algorithmic Language): An algebraic high-level language.
Algorithm: A sequence of precise and unambiguous instructions for solving a problem in a finite number of operations.
Alphanumeric: A character set that contains letters, digits, and other special characters such as $, @, %, etc.
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): A digital circuit that calculates arithmetic and logic operations between two numbers.
ANSI (American National Standards Institute): A USA-based organization that establishes uniform standards in several fields of computers.
ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode): High-bandwidth cell-switching technology designed to carry many types of information.
Autonomous System: A collection of IP networks under the control of a single entity.
B
BASIC: A programming language that enables people to write computer programs using English-like commands.
Blog: A website that allows individuals to post entries, usually displayed in reverse chronological order.
Blu-ray: A high-capacity optical disk format used for storing large amounts of data.
Bluetooth: A wireless communication standard used to transmit data between devices over short distances.
Byte: A sequence of 8 bits that represents a character.
C
CD-ROM: Compact Disc Read-Only Memory. Permanent storage for data.
Cell: A box or rectangle within a table or spreadsheet where a row and column intersect.
Character: A single letter, number, or symbol.
Character Set: The complete set of characters that a computer can recognize.
Chip: A small piece of semiconductor material that contains a complete electronic circuit.
Control Menu: Allows the user the option of adjusting the size of the window, closing, reopening, or switching windows.
Cookie: Data sent to your computer when visiting a website, used to load preferences and information.
Cracker: A person who breaks into computer systems to steal or damage information.
Crash: A malfunction in hardware or software that causes a computer to stop functioning.
Crawler: A web spider or bot that searches the internet automatically, often used by search engines.
Cursor: A special character that indicates where the next typed character will appear.
D
Data: Information consisting of letters, numbers, symbols, sound, or images in a form that can be processed by a computer.
Database: A stored collection of information.
Database Management System: Software used to establish, maintain, and manage databases.
Debugging: Locating and eliminating errors in a program.
Defragment: A method of increasing performance by reorganizing files on a hard disk.
Default Settings: The pre-established settings that a program will follow unless changed.
DHTML (Dynamic HTML): A mixture of HTML, JavaScript, and CSS to create interactive web pages.
Delete: A command to erase information from storage.
Desktop: The primary screen that contains icons for files, folders, and applications.
Desktop Computer: A microcomputer larger than a laptop, designed for use on a desk.
Desktop Publishing: The process of using computers and software to design documents.
Dial-up Access: A method of connecting to the internet using a telephone line.
Dictionary: A program that requests and provides information from the user.
Digital Camera: A device that captures and stores photographs electronically.
Directory: A list of files stored on a disk.
Disk: A storage medium coated with magnetic material used to store data.
DNS (Domain Name System): A system that translates domain names into IP addresses.
Dot Matrix Printer: An impact printer that uses pins to produce images on paper.
Double-Click: Quickly pressing and releasing a mouse button twice to execute a command.
Download: To transfer information from one computer to another, usually from server to client.
E
E-mail: Electronic mail, a method of exchanging digital messages across the internet.
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI): The exchange of business documents between organizations in a standard electronic format.
Encryption: The process of converting data into a coded format to prevent unauthorized access.
Ethernet: A widely used local area network (LAN) technology.
Extranet: A controlled private network allowing access to partners, vendors, or suppliers.
Excel: A spreadsheet application from Microsoft used to organize, calculate, and analyze data.
F
File: A collection of information stored electronically and treated as a unit by a computer. Every file must have a name.
Filename: The name assigned to a file stored on a disk.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP): A set of guidelines that establish the format in which files can be transferred between computers.
Firewall: Software that prevents unauthorized persons from accessing certain parts of a program, database, or network.
Flash Memory: A type of EEPROM used to store BIOS settings, also used in phones and devices.
Freeware: Copyrighted software that is available free of charge.
Function Keys: Keys on a keyboard that perform special tasks such as opening menus.
G
GIF (Graphics Interchange Format): A format used to store and display graphics, often seen on the internet.
GIS (Geographic Information System): A collection of tools that collect and interpret data related to Earth’s surface for maps and models.
GIGO (Garbage In, Garbage Out): Refers to the fact that a computer only processes what is input, so poor data produces poor output.
Google: A search engine widely used for finding and retrieving information on the internet.
H
Hard Disk Drive (HDD): Permanent storage device for computers, storing data magnetically.
Hardware: The physical components of a computer system.
HDTV (High Definition Television): A television system that has higher resolution than standard TV.
Header: Information at the top of a document or page.
Home Page: The main page of a website or the default start page in a browser.
Host: A computer that provides information or services to other computers on the internet.
Hotkey: A keyboard shortcut that allows quick access to a function or menu.
Hub: A device that enables multiple computers or devices to connect in a network.
I
Icon: A graphical representation of a program, file, or command.
Input: Data entered into a computer system.
Internet: A worldwide network that connects millions of computers for sharing information.
IP Address: A unique numeric identifier assigned to each computer on the internet.
ISP (Internet Service Provider): A company that provides internet access to users.
J
Java: A programming language used to develop applications for the web and other platforms.
JavaScript: A scripting language primarily used for adding interactivity to web pages.
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): A widely used format for compressing image files.
Junk Mail: Unwanted email, often advertising or spam.
Quick Navigation
Internet Community |
Internet Service Provider |
Intranet |
Java |
JPEG |
Justification |
Keyboard |
Kilobyte |
LAN |
Language |
Laptop Computer |
Laser Printer |
LCD |
Login |
Logout |
Megabyte |
MIDI |
Microcomputer |
Modem |
MPEG |
Multimedia |
Multitasking |
Network |
Newsgroup |
Newsletter |
Offline |
Off-screen |
Object |
Online |
Open |
Operator |
Operating System |
Output |
PDA
A group of individuals with common interests, who frequently exchange ideas on the Internet.
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
An organization that provides access to the Internet for a fee. Examples include AOL and CompuServe.
Intranet
A private network established by an organization for the exclusive use of its employees.
Java
A programming language designed for programs or applets used over the Internet. Example of OOPS.
JPEG (Joint File Experts Group)
A format for storing complex graphics in compressed form. File extension .jpg indicates this format.
Justification
Aligning lines of text at the left margin, right margin, both margins, or center. Both margins is fully justified.
Keyboard
A standard input device used to enter information into a computer.
Kilobyte
A measurement of storage capacity. One kilobyte represents 1024 bytes.
LAN (Local Area Network)
A computer network that covers small areas like a room, building, or campus.
Language
The characters and procedures used to write programs.
Laptop Computer
A portable computer slightly larger than a notebook computer.
Laser Printer
A non-impact printer that produces sharp text and graphics.
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
A type of monitor commonly used in laptops or portable computers.
Log Off / Logout
To exit or leave a computer system.
Login
To access a computer system.
Megabyte
1 Megabyte is equal to 1 million bytes.
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface)
A standard format for communication between musical instruments and computers.
Microcomputer
A small computer that uses a microprocessor as its CPU.
Modem
A device that converts digital signals to analog for transmission over telephone lines.
MPEG
A format for compressing motion video, sound, and animation.
Integration of text, audio, graphics, video, and animation into one presentation.
Multitasking
The ability of an operating system to run more than one program at a time.
Network
Any system of interconnected computers that share information and resources.
Newsgroup
An electronic discussion group on the Internet.
Newsletter
An online newsletter published periodically and sent by email.
Offline
Refers to temporarily not being connected to the Internet.
Off-Screen
Storage space in memory used for holding images not being displayed on screen.
Object
An independent software module that can interact with other modules.
Online
When a computer or device is connected to a network or the Internet.
Open
To transfer a file from a storage medium into memory.
Operator
A symbol that tells the computer to perform a specific mathematical or logical operation.
Operating System (OS)
Software that manages computer hardware and software resources.
Output
The information a computer produces and delivers to the user.
PDA
Personal Digital Assistant – a small handheld device used as an organizer.
P
Password: A secret identification code required to access stored material and prevent unauthorized access.
Paste: A command that transfers information from the clipboard and inserts it at another location.
PDF (Portable Document Format): A file format used to view a document from a range of applications on any computer.
PDA (Personal Digital Assistant): A small-sized handheld computer.
PHP: An open-source programming language mainly used for web development.
Port: A socket at the back or front of a computer for connecting external devices like a mouse, keyboard, or printer.
Print Preview: A feature that shows how a document will look when printed.
Printer: A device that produces a paper copy of documents.
Program: A set of instructions known as software that tells a computer how to perform tasks.
Protocol: A set of rules that govern communication between computers.
Q
QBasic: A simple programming language based on BASIC, often used in learning programming concepts.
QuickTime: A multimedia framework from Apple for handling video, sound, and interactive content.
R
RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage used by a computer while running programs.
ROM (Read Only Memory): Permanent memory that contains essential instructions, usually non-erasable.
Runtime Error: An error that occurs while a program is running, often due to invalid input or memory issues.
S
Scanner: An input device that copies a printed page into a computer’s memory.
Screen Saver: A moving image or pattern displayed when a computer is idle for a period of time.
Search Engine: Software that helps find information on the internet by entering keywords.
Shareware: Software distributed free for a trial period but requires purchase for continued use.
Software: A set of programs that control computer operations.
Spam: Unwanted email, often sent in bulk for advertising purposes.
Spreadsheet: An application used to organize data in rows and columns for calculation.
Surfing: Moving from one website to another by clicking hyperlinks.
T
Telecommunications: Sending and receiving messages through electronic means.
Teleconferencing: A conference held between people at different locations via telecommunications systems.
Terminal: A device used to input and output data to a computer system.
Touchpad: A pointing device found on laptops used to control the cursor.
Trojan Horse: A malicious program disguised as useful software.
U
URL (Uniform Resource Locator): The address of a website on the internet.
USB (Universal Serial Bus): A standard port for connecting external devices to a computer.
Upload: Transferring information from a client computer to a host computer.
Quick Navigation
User Name |
Usenet |
User-friendly |
Virus |
Webcam |
Web Browser |
Wi-Fi |
Wizard |
Worm |
Word Processing |
WWW (World Wide Web) |
WYSIWYG |
Zip |
Zombie |
VoIP |
Abbreviations
User Name
The name that you use to “sign on” with an Internet Service Provider. Usually combined with a password.
Usenet
A giant “bulletin board” on the Internet that carries numerous newsgroups focused on various topics.
User-friendly
Describes hardware or software that is easy to use.
Virus
A piece of malicious code designed to spread from one computer to another, often causing damage or disruption.
Webcam
A video camera that sends live images over the Internet to a website.
Web Browser
Software that permits a user, with a click of a mouse, to access, display, and download text, video, audio, and graphics stored on the Internet. Examples: Google Chrome, Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer.
Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity)
A process that permits high-speed wireless transmission of data.
Wizard
A feature of Microsoft Word and other software that helps users create a customized document by asking questions and using the answers to complete the document.
Worm
A destructive computer virus that spreads itself and destroys data on a user’s hard drive.
Word Processing
The electronic processing of text, including formatting, editing, and printing documents.
WWW (World Wide Web)
A system of interlinked hypertext documents accessible through the Internet, usually via browsers.
WYSIWYG
What You See Is What You Get – an acronym describing software where the screen display matches the printed output.
Zip
A compressed file format that reduces file size for storage or transmission.
Zombie
A computer controlled by a hacker without the user’s knowledge, often used in denial-of-service attacks.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
Transmission of voice conversations over the Internet instead of traditional telephone lines.
Abbreviations
- Abend: Abnormal End
- DBMS: Database Management System
- ACL: Access Control List
- DDL: Data Definition Language
- ADC: Analog-to-Digital Converter
- DAC: Digital-to-Analog Converter
- ADSL: Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
- ARP: Address Resolution Protocol
- API: Application Program Interface
- DRM: Digital Rights Management
- CAD: Computer-Aided Design
- CAM: Computer-Aided Manufacturing
- CRT: Cathode Ray Tube
- CPU: Central Processing Unit
- GUI: Graphical User Interface
- HTML: HyperText Markup Language
- URL: Uniform Resource Locator
- GPS: Global Positioning System
Quick Navigation
User Name |
Usenet |
User-friendly |
Virus |
Webcam |
Web Browser |
Wi-Fi |
Wizard |
Worm |
Word Processing |
WWW (World Wide Web) |
WYSIWYG |
Zip |
Zombie |
VoIP |
Abbreviations
User Name
The name that you use to “sign on” with an Internet Service Provider. Usually combined with a password.
Usenet
A giant “bulletin board” on the Internet that carries numerous newsgroups focused on various topics.
User-friendly
Describes hardware or software that is easy to use.
Virus
A piece of malicious code designed to spread from one computer to another, often causing damage or disruption.
Webcam
A video camera that sends live images over the Internet to a website.
Web Browser
Software that permits a user, with a click of a mouse, to access, display, and download text, video, audio, and graphics stored on the Internet. Examples: Google Chrome, Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer.
Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity)
A process that permits high-speed wireless transmission of data.
Wizard
A feature of Microsoft Word and other software that helps users create a customized document by asking questions and using the answers to complete the document.
Worm
A destructive computer virus that spreads itself and destroys data on a user’s hard drive.
Word Processing
The electronic processing of text, including formatting, editing, and printing documents.
WWW (World Wide Web)
A system of interlinked hypertext documents accessible through the Internet, usually via browsers.
WYSIWYG
What You See Is What You Get – an acronym describing software where the screen display matches the printed output.
Zip
A compressed file format that reduces file size for storage or transmission.
Zombie
A computer controlled by a hacker without the user’s knowledge, often used in denial-of-service attacks.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
Transmission of voice conversations over the Internet instead of traditional telephone lines.
Abbreviations
- Abend: Abnormal End
- DBMS: Database Management System
- ACL: Access Control List
- DDL: Data Definition Language
- ADC: Analog-to-Digital Converter
- DAC: Digital-to-Analog Converter
- ADSL: Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
- ARP: Address Resolution Protocol
- API: Application Program Interface
- DRM: Digital Rights Management
- CAD: Computer-Aided Design
- CAM: Computer-Aided Manufacturing
- CRT: Cathode Ray Tube
- CPU: Central Processing Unit
- GUI: Graphical User Interface
- HTML: HyperText Markup Language
- URL: Uniform Resource Locator
- GPS: Global Positioning System
Quick Navigation
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SKU
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V
VRML
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SLI
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W
WAIS
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SMART
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WAN
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SNMP
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WEP
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SO-DIMM
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Wi-Fi
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SOA
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WPA
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SOAP
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WYSIWYG
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SRAM
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X
XHTML
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sRGB
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XML
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SSH
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XSLT
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SSID
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Y
Y2K
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SSL
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Z
ZIF
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PNG
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TCP/IP
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TECH TALENTS
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