TERMINOLOGY OF COMPUTER

Terminology -Terminology is a general word for the group of specialized words or meanings relating to a particular field, and also the study of such terms and their use. This is also known as terminology science.

 hardware -The physical, touchable components of a computer system, such as the CPU, keyboard, and monitor.

Software -It is a set of instructions, data or programs used to operate computers and execute specific tasks . Software is a generic term used to refer to applications, scripts and programs that run on a device.

software - All the instructions for the computer or a program designed to do different things; Microsoft Word and Windows 10 are examples of software program.

peripheral - An accessory that you use with your computer; not part of the computer itself, but it connects to the computer via a cable or wireless access; for example: printers and scanners.

keyboard - where all the letters, numbers and other buttons are located; when you type on it, the symbols appear on the monitor.

monitor - screen that shows you what you are doing; a viewer that displays what the computer sends to it.

mouse - A little device you move with your hand, which then moves the cursor on the screen.

printer - Device that prints out data sent from the computer onto paper.

scanner - Device that scans something that is flat and sends the image to the computer.

speaker - Devices that the sounds come out of; they are sometimes built into the monitor.

touchpad - An area on a laptop that substitutes for a mouse; you move your finger around on it to move the cursor.

trackpad - Another term for touchpad; part of a laptop that functions as a mouse would function; you control the cursor on the screen by moving your finger on the device.

modem - A device that allows a computer to connect to the internet. 

Router - Networking that allows computers to send and receive data via networks.

Application-An application is a software and  type of computer program that creates and processes data.Also called application.

Boot -To start up a computer by loading the operating system into memory.

Communications program -It is a Software that lets you send and receive messages, such as e-mail and faxing programs.

Compression utility -An application used to reduce the amount of storage space required for files or data.

Database -An application Software used to create databases.

Disk defragmenter - A utility software that attempts to reorganize the data stored on a disk so that it is more efficiently arranged and takes up less space.

Firewall -An application that prevents an outsider from accessing a computer over a network such as the Internet.

graphics application Software that is used to create, display, and store pictures.

Macintosh® OS The operating system  that runs on machines built by Apple®Computer, Inc.

multimedia application Software used to create video and sound such as music.

operating system (OS) The control program that provides an interface for users to communicate with the computer.

presentation application Software used to create slide show presentations and reports.

software A list of instructions that a computer can execute (carry out) to perform a task. Also called a program.

spreadsheet application Software used to create documents to manage and organize numerical data.

utility An application that performs a specific task in maintaining or enhancing the operating system.

word processing application Software used to create word-based documents that can be easily edited and store

backup - an extra copy of a file, document or all data stored on a computer.

browser - a program you use to browse files; web browsers like Firefox, Chrome or Edge will browse internet files.

caret or insertion point - that small blinking line that shows you where your next typed letter or number will go

computer virus - software that was written to do bad stuff to your computer.

cursor - a small arrow on the screen that moves when you move the mouse and is used to make a selection.

data - any information stored by a computer; for example: files, emails, apps, video games, songs, and pictures.

download - process where you copy something from another computer or the internet, and save it on your computer.

drag and drop - when you click on something and hold the mouse button down, it moves the object you clicked on and leaves it where you let go of the button (it drags it and drops it)

E-commerce - shopping and buying things online

email - a way to send a message from one computer to another

FAQ - an abbreviation for frequently asked questions

graphic - a picture or an image quality.

homepage - first page you see when you open your browser (You can make any page your homepage.)

icon - a small symbol or picture that represents a program or other things

internet - many computers connected like a web so you can see what other computer operators show you and you can show them things.

log on - how you get access to a computer by typing in your username and password

malware - malicious code that cyber criminals launch to try to damage other people’s computers

memory - where a computer stores data; temporary memory, called random access memory and permanent memory, which is called read only memory (ROM).

password - a secret code to protect your data and can keep others from accessing your computer

phishing - an email scam that dishonest people use to try to get you to reveal your passwords or other information they could use to hack into your private information

right click - when you push on the right-hand button on a two-button mouse; it gives you a menu of options

screensaver - a picture that pops up when you are not using your computer

shortcut - an icon is a shortcut to a file or program.

social networking sites - websites that allow people to connect and communicate with other people; examples are: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and Snapchat

spam - computer abbreviation for "sending particularly annoying messages"; unwanted email.

taskbar - bar on your computer that shows what programs are open

URL - address of documents and resources on the internet

user - anyone using a computer

wallpaper - picture or design on your desktop for decoration

World Wide Web (www) - a group of internet servers linking computers around the world
desktop - a full-size computer, with a central processing unit (CPU) connected to a monitor

external hard drive - a device that acts like a computer hard drive without being installed in the computer; plugs into a computer via a port and you can copy files to it

laptop - small portable computer

microphone - allows you to talk to others through your computer, assuming you are connected to them via a communication app