Basic Computer Terms
Software – Instructions executed by a computer –
Applications- Complete, self-contained programs that perform a specific function (ie. spreadsheets, databases)
Boot- The process of loading or initializing an operating system on a computer; usually occurs as soon as a computer is turned on
Browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Brave)- A program used to view website files much like a word processor allows you to view document files
Bug- A part of a program that usually causes the computer to malfunction; often remedied in patches or updates to the program
Click- Occurs when a user presses a button on a mouse which in turn, generates a command to the computer
Database- An index that compares files in the form of tables that contain numerous records and fields
Desktop- The first screen you come to when starting the computer where the icons live
Double Click- Occurs when a user presses a button on the mouse twice in quick succession; this opens a program or file.
Download- Transferring data from another computer (usually the internet) to your computer
Drag- Occurs when a user points the mouse at an icon or folder, presses the button and WITHOUT releasing the button, moves the icon or folder to another place on the computer where the button is released (drop)
Driver- Software program that controls a piece of hardware(keyboard, speakers, display, usb’s, or any extra devices)
FAQ- Frequently asked question; documents that answer questions common to a particular website or program
File- Namable unit of data storage; an element of data storage; a single sequence of information
Folder- A graphical representation used to organize a collection of computer files; as in the concept of a filing cabinet (computer’s hard drive) with folders containing “files”
Freeware- Software provided at no cost to the user
GUI- Graphical user interface; all the things you can click on a computer. Buttons, Icons, Files, Browsers, Desktop, Taskbar
Icon- A small picture used to open a file or program on the desktop
Internet- A network of computer networks encompassing the World Wide Web, email, and voice protocols
IP number- Internet protocol; a computer’s unique address or number on the Internet
Memory- Any device that holds computer data (Hard Drive for permanent storage or RAM for working memory)
Menu- A list of options available to the user of a program
Network- A collection of computers or devices that are connected
Peripheral- Any of a number of hardware devices connected to a computer.
RAM- Random access memory; when the computer is turned off, the RAM memory is erased
ROM(Hard Drive, USB drive, External backup)- Read-only memory; the type of storage that is permanent.
Scroll Bar- slider arrows on the side or bottom/top of a page that allow the user to view parts of the document not visible on the screen
Spreadsheet- A program arranged in rows and columns that manipulates numbers
Tab- a way to switch between pages of information either on a website or
Task Bar- A graphical representation of program activities; a row of icons used to perform tasks in a program
URL- Uniform resource locator; the address of a site on the internet; a standard way of locating websites
Virus- A deliberately harmful computer program designed to create annoying glitches or destroy data
Window- A screen in a software program that permits the user to view several programs at one time
Word Processor- A program that allows the user to create primarily text documents
Hardware – The physical parts of a computer –
CPU- Central processing unit; the brain of the computer; controls the other elements of the computer
Disk Drive- A peripheral device that reads and/or writes information on a disk
Hard Drive- A device (usually within the computer case) that reads and writes information, including the operating system, program files, and data files
Keyboard- A peripheral used to input data by pressing keys
Modem- A peripheral device used to connect one computer to another over a phone line
Monitor- A device used to display information visually
Mouse- A peripheral device used to point to items on a monitor
NIC- Network interface card; a board inserted in a computer that provides a physical connection to a network
Printer- A peripheral device that converts output from a computer into a printed image