20 Computer Terms You Should Know

A great deal of jargon is used when talking about computers, and its surprising how often these
terms are used incorrectly. Even published, successful novels sometimes do so. The following list
provides an explanation of some of the more common computing terms you may come across or
need to employ in your own writing.

Internet, World Wide Web

The Internet is the network of computers were all familiar with. Its quite common for the terms
Internet and World Wide Web to be used interchangeably, but these arent actually the same
thing. The Internet is essentially the wiring that allows computers all over the world to communicate.
The World Wide Web is a system that operates via this wiring. Web pages are transmitted via
Internet connections but there is more to the Internet than just the web. Many other types of data
travel across the Internet too, for example email.

Web Browser
A program you use to look at, and navigate between, pages on the World Wide Web. Examples
include Internet Explorer and Firefox although there are many others. Again, people sometimes refer
to web browsers as the Internet, whereas they really only provide the means to view pages on the
web.

Bandwidth, Broadband
Bandwidth is an indication of how quickly data travels along a connection. The greater the
bandwidth, the faster data will be sent and received. Broadband is a rather vague term that refers to
bandwidth somewhere above that of an old dial-up modem, although there is no precise definition of
the term. Broadband connections are generally always on, unlike modem connections. There are
various technologies which provide broadband speeds such as ADSL, cable, satellite etc.

Modem
The word modem was originally coined in the days when computers communicated by converting
numbers into sounds that could then be transmitted over a regular telephone line. At each end you
needed a modulator to generate the sounds to transmit and a demodulator to convert received
sounds back into numbers. From MOdulator/DEModulator came the word modem.
With modern digital communication, no conversion to and from audible sounds is required, but even
so its common to hear people talking about broadband modems or ADSL modems when
referring to devices providing broadband connectivity. Strictly speaking, such devices are not

modems at all as they communicate digitally but the word has stuck; its meaning has shifted to refer
to digital devices as well.

Memory, Disk Space

Another very common source of confusion. In computing, memory generally refers to the
temporary storage used by a computer whilst it is switched on. A computer loads programs and data
into its memory in order to carry out tasks. This is more accurately called RAM or random-access
memory. Disk space (or hard disk space), on the other hand, is a more permanent store that holds
files even when the computer is switched off. Its from here that the computer loads things into its
memory. Strictly speaking you dont store things in the computers memory as that vanishes when
you turn the machine off.

Virus, Spyware, Trojan, Worm, Malware

These terms are often confused, although they have distinct meanings.
A virus is a piece of software that can copy itself and which attaches itself to some other program in
order to survive and replicate. It may have some malicious intent or it may exist simply to reproduce.
A worm is similar but it can exist independently; it doesnt need to attach to a separate program. A
Trojan or Trojan Horse is a piece of software that gains access to a computer by pretending to be
benign or by hiding within some innocent-looking application. The name is obviously derived from
the wooden horse employed by the Greek army during the Trojan Wars. Spyware is software that
secretly monitors computer activity, attempting to gain private information without the computer user
knowing.
By and large, all of the above will have some malicious intent to harm data, spy on computer
activity and so forth. Malware is a general term for all such programs it simply means any software,
of whatever sort, written with a malicious intent. Viruses are generally malware but there is more to
malware than just viruses.

Bits, Bytes
At a basic level, all computer data is just a series of 0s and 1s. Each of these is referred to as a
binary digit, for which bit is just an abbreviation. A byte is (generally) a collection of eight bits, so
called because of the pun with bit and bite. Similarly a collection of four bits half a byte is
sometimes called a nybble.
In order to refer to large numbers of bits and bytes, various prefixes are used, as in :
1 kilobyte = 1024 (or 1000) bytes

1 megabayte = 1024 (or 1000) kilobytes

1 gigabyte = 1024 (or 1000) megabytes

1 terabyte = 1024 (or 1000) gigabytes

1 petabyte = 1024 (or 1000) terabytes

Reboot
To switch a computer off and on again, allowing its operating system and programs to be reloaded.
Note that this is not the same as placing a computer into standby/hibernate and then resuming. A
reboot requires that all software is completely reloaded.
The term derives from bootstrap, as in the phrase to pull oneself up by ones bootstraps, because
of the similarity to that seemingly impossible act (as a computer cant run without first loading some
software but must be running before any software can be loaded).

Cookie
A small text file sent to your computer by a web site you have visited. These can be very useful in
that they can allow the web site to recognize who you are when you return. Cookies cannot store
viruses or other threats, although they can be used to track your activity across different web sites in
order to provide, for example, targeted advertisements.

Firewall
A firewall is a piece of computer software or hardware that restricts the data that is allowed to flow
through. Firewalls block traffic that is undesirable in some way, the intention being to prevent
infection by malware and so on without restricting the user from carrying out legitimate activity.

Spam
Unsolicited email messages sent out in bulk and generally commercial in nature. In fact the term is
used more widely these days to refer to such messages in a variety of places, not just on email for
example comments on blogs.

The origin of this sense of the word spam is unclear.

CAPTCHA
CAPTCHA checks are the strings of letters and numbers that have to be typed in on some web
pages before something can be saved. They exist because, although humans find interpreting these
strings relatively easy, computers do not. Setting up these checks therefore blocks an automated
process such as one generating spam from using the page, whereas a human is still able to.
The acronym CAPTCHA actually stands for Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell
Computers and Humans Apart a rather contrived way of arriving at an acronym that sounds like
the word capture.

Basic Computer Terms

Hardware

- The physical parts of a computer CPUCentral 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
Software

- Instructions executed by a computer Applications

Complete, self-contained programs that perform a specific
function (ie. spreadsheets, databases)
Bit
A computer's most basic unit of information
Boot
The process of loading or initializing an operating system on a
computer; usually occurs as soon as a computer is turned on
Browser
A program used to view World Wide Web pages, such as
Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer
Bug
A part of a program that usually causes the computer to
malfunction; often remedied in patches or updates to the
program
Byte
Small unit of data storage; 8 bits; usually holds one character
Click
Occurs when a user presses a button on a mouse which in turn,
generates a command to the computer
Database
A large structured set of data; a file that contains numerous
records that contain numerous fields
Diskette
A small flexible disk used for storing computer data

Double Click
Occurs when a user presses a button on the mouse twice in
quick succession; this generates a command to the computer
Download
Transferring data from another computer 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
Driver
Software program that controls a piece of hardware or a
peripheral
FAQ
File

Frequently asked question; documents that answer questions

common to a particular website or program

Namable unit of data storage; an element of data storage; a

single sequence of bytes
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 files (folders)
Freeware
Software provided at no cost to the user
Gigabyte
1,073,741,824 bytes or 1,024 megabytes; generally
abbreviated GB
GUI
Graphical user interface; uses pictures and words to represent
ideas, choices, functions, etc.
Icon
A small picture used to represent a file or program in a GUI
interface
Internet
A network of computer networks encompassing the World Wide
Web, FTP, telnet, and many other protocols
IP number
Internet protocol; a computer's unique address or number on
the Internet

Kilobyte
1,024 bytes; usually abbreviated KB
Megabyte
1,048,576 bytes or 1,024 kilobytes; enough storage to
approximately equal a 600 page paperback book; generally
abbreviated Mb
Memory
Any device that holds computer data
Menu
A list of operations available to the user of a program
Network
A collection of computers that are connected
Peripheral
Any of a number of hardware devices connected to a CPU
RAM
Random access memory; the type of storage that changes;
when the computer is turned off, the RAM memory is erased
ROM
Read-only memory; the type of storage that is not changed
even when the computer is turned off
Scroll Bar
Allows the user to control which portion of the document is
visible in the window; available either horizontally or vertically
or both
Shareware
Software provided at a minimal cost to users who are on their
honor to send in payment to the programmer
Spreadsheet
A program arranged in rows and columns that manipulates
numbers
Tool 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 World
Wide Web; a standard way of locating objects on the Internet
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

Basic Computer Terminology

access time - The performance of a hard drive or other storage device - how long it
takes to locate a file.
active program or window - The application or window at the front (foreground) on
the monitor.
alert (alert box) - a message that appears on screen, usually to tell you something
went wrong.
alias - an icon that points to a file, folder or application (System 7).
apple menu - on the left side of the screen header. System 6 = desk accessories
System 7 = up to 50 items.
application - a program in which you do your work.
application menu - on the right side of the screen header. Lists running applications.

ASCII (pronounced ask-key ) - American Standard Code for Information Interchange.

a commonly used data format for exchanging information between computers or
programs.
background - part of the multitasking capability. A program can run and perform
tasks in the background while another program is being used in the foreground.
bit - the smallest piece of information used by the computer. Derived from "binary
digit". In computer language, either a one (1) or a zero (0).
backup - a copy of a file or disk you make for archiving purposes.
boot - to start up a computer.
bug - a programming error that causes a program to behave in an unexpected way.
bus - an electronic pathway through which data is transmitted between components in
a computer.
byte - a piece of computer information made up of eight bits.
card - a printed circuit board that adds some feature to a computer.
cartridge drive - a storage device, like a hard drive, in which the medium is a
cartridge that can be removed.
CD-ROM - an acronym for Compact Disc Read-Only Memory.
Chooser - A desk accessory used to select a printer, or other external device, or to log
onto a network.
Clipboard - A portion of memory where the Mac temporarily stores information.
Called a Copy Buffer in many PC applications because it is used to hold information
which is to be moved, as in word processing where text is "cut" and then "pasted".
Clock Rate (MHz) - The instruction processing speed of a computer measured in
millions of cycles per second (i.e., 200 MHz).

command - the act of giving an instruction to your Mac either by menu choice or
keystroke.
command (apple) key - a modifier key, the Command key used in conjunction with
another keystroke to active some function on the Mac.
compiler - a program the converts programming code into a form that can be used by
a computer.
compression - a technique that reduces the size of a saved file by elimination or
encoding redundancies (i.e., JPEG, MPEG, LZW, etc.)
control key - seldom used modifier key on the Mac.
control panel - a program that allows you to change settings in a program or change
the way a Mac looks and/or behaves.
CPU - the Central Processing Unit. The processing chip that is the "brains" of a
computer.
crash - a system malfunction in which the computer stops working and has to be
restarted.
cursor - The pointer, usually arrow or cross shaped, which is controlled by the mouse.
daisy chaining - the act of stringing devices together in a series (such as SCSI).
database - an electronic list of information that can be sorted and/or searched.
data - (the plural of datum) information processed by a computer.
defragment - (also - optimize) to concatenate fragments of data into contiguous
blocks in memory or on a hard drive.
desktop - 1. the finder. 2. the shaded or colored backdrop of the screen.
desktop file - an invisible file in which the Finder stores a database of information
about files and icons.

dialog box - an on-screen message box that appears when the Mac requires additional
information before completing a command.
digitize - to convert linear, or analog, data into digital data which can be used by the
computer.
disk - a spinning platter made of magnetic or optically etched material on which data
can be stored.
disk drive - the machinery that writes the data from a disk and/or writes data to a
disk.
disk window - the window that displays the contents or directory of a disk.
document - a file you create, as opposed to the application which created it.
DOS - acronym for Disk Operating System - used in IBM PCs.
DPI - acronym for Dots Per Inch - a gauge of visual clarity on the printed page or on
the computer screen.
download - to transfer data from one computer to another. (If you are on the receiving
end, you are downloading. If you are on the sending end, you are uploading ).
drag - to move the mouse while its button is being depressed.
drag and drop - a feature on the Mac which allows one to drag the icon for a
document on top of the icon for an application, thereby launching the application and
opening the document.
driver - a file on a computer which tells it how to communicate with an add-on piece
of equipment (like a printer).
Ethernet - a protocol for fast communication and file transfer across a network.
expansion slot - a connector inside the computer which allows one to plug in a
printed circuit board that provides new or enhanced features.

extension - a startup program that runs when you start the Mac and then enhances its
function.
fibre channel - as applied to data storage and network topology - link to FC Glossary.
file - the generic word for an application, document, control panel or other computer
data.
finder - The cornerstone or home-base application in the Mac environment. The
finder regulates the file management functions of the Mac (copying, renaming,
deleting...)
floppy - a 3.5 inch square rigid disk which holds data. (so named for the earlier 5.25
and 8 inch disks that were flexible).
folder - an electronic subdirectory which contains files.
font - a typeface that contains the characters of an alphabet or some other letterforms.
footprint - The surface area of a desk or table which is occupied by a piece of
equipment.
fragmentation - The breaking up of a file into many separate locations in memory or
on a disk.
freeze - a system error which causes the cursor to lock in place.
get info - a Finder File menu command that presents an information window for a
selected file icon.
gig - a gigabyte = 1024 megabytes.
hard drive - a large capacity storage device made of multiple disks housed in a rigid
case.
head crash - a hard disk crash caused by the heads coming in contact with the
spinning disk(s).
high density disk - a 1.4 MB floppy disk.

highlight - to select by clicking once on an icon or by highlighting text in a document.

icon - a graphic symbol for an application, file or folder.
initialize - to format a disk for use in the computer; creates a new directory and
arranges the tracks for the recording of data.
insertion point - in word processing, the short flashing marker which indicates where
your next typing will begin.
installer - software used to install a program on your hard drive.
interrupt button - a tool used by programmers to enter the debugging mode. The
button is usually next to the reset button.
K - short for kilobyte.
keyboard shortcut - a combination of keystrokes that performs some function
otherwise found in a pulldown menu.
kilobyte - 1024 bytes.
landscape - in printing from a computer, to print sideways on the page.
launch - start an application.
Measurements (summary) *a bit = one binary digit (1 or 0) *"bit" is derived from the contraction b'it (binary
digit) -> 8 bits = one byte
*1024 bytes = one kilobyte
*K = kilobyte
*Kb = kilobit
*MB = megabyte
*Mb = megabit
*MB/s = megabytes per second
*Mb/s = megabits per second
*bps = bits per second
i.e., 155 Mb/s = 19.38 MB/s

MB - short for megabyte.

megabyte - 1024 kilobytes.
memory - the temporary holding area where data is stored while it is being used or
changed; the amount of RAM a computer has installed.
menu - a list of program commands listed by topic.
menu bar - the horizontal bar across the top of the Macs screen that lists the menus.
multi finder - a component of System 6 that allows the Mac to multi task.
multi tasking - running more than one application in memory at the same time.
nanosecond - one billionth of a second. ( or, the time between the theatrical release of
a Dudley Moore film and the moment it begins to play on airplanes).
native mode - using the computers original operating system; most commonly used
when talking about the PowerPC can run software written for either the 80x0 systems,
or the PowerPCs RISC code.
NuBus - expansion slots on the Mac which accept intelligent, self-configuring boards.
NuBus is a different bus achitecture than the newer PCI bus and the boards are not
interchangable.
operating system - the system software that controls the computer.
optical disk - a high-capacity storage medium that is read by a laser light.
palette - a small floating window that contains tools used in a given application.
partition - a subdivision of a hard drives surface that is defined and used as a separate
drive.
paste - to insert text, or other material, from the clipboard or copy buffer.
PC - acronym for personal computer, commonly used to refer to an IBM or IBM
clone computer which uses DOS.

PCI - acronym for Peripheral Component Interchange - the newer, faster bus
achitecture.
peripheral - an add-on component to your computer.
point - (1/72") 12 points = one pica in printing.
pop-up menu - any menu that does not appear at the top of the screen in the menu
bar. (may pop up or down)
port - a connection socket, or jack on the Mac.
Power PC - a processing chip designed by Apple, IBM and Motorola (RISC based).
Power Mac - a family of Macs built around the PowerPC chip.
print spooler - a program that stores documents to be printed on the hard drive,
thereby freeing the memory up and allowing other functions to be performed while
printing goes on in the background.
QuickTime - the Apple system extension that gives one the ability to compress, edit
and play animation, movies and sound on the Mac.
RAM - acronym for Random-Access Memory.
reset switch - a switch on the Mac that restarts the computer in the event of a crash or
freeze.
resize box - the small square at the lower right corner of a window which, when
dragged, resizes the window.
RISC - acronym for Reduced Instruction Set Computing; the smaller set of
commands used by the PowerPC and Power Mac.
ROM - acronym for Read Only Memory; memory that can only be read from and not
written to.
root directory - the main hard drive window.

save - to write a file onto a disk.

save as - (a File menu item) to save a previously saved file in a new location and/or
with a new name.
scroll - to shift the contents of a window to bring hidden items into view.
scroll bar - a bar at the bottom or right side of a window that contains the scroll box
and allows scrolling.
scroll box - the box in a scroll bar that is used to navigate through a window.
SCSI - acronym for Small Computer System Interface.
SCSI address - a number between zero and seven that must be unique to each device
in a SCSI chain. Fast and Wide SCSI devices will allow up to 15 SCSI Ids
(hexidecimal); however, the length restriction (3 meters) is such that it is virtually
impossible to link 15 devices together.
SCSI port - a 25 pin connector on the back of a Mac (native SCSI port); used to
connect SCSI devices to the CPU. Some SCSI cards (like the ATTO) have a 68 pin
connector.
SCSI terminator - a device placed at the end of a SCSI chain to complete the circuit.
(some SCSI devices are self-terminating, or have active termination and do not
require this plug).
serial port - a port that allows data to be transmitted in a series (one after the other),
such as the printer and modem ports on a Mac.
server - a central computer dedicated to sending and receiving data from other
computers (on a network).
shut down - the command from the Special menu that shuts down the Mac safely.
software - files on disk that contain instructions for a computer.
spreadsheet - a program designed to look like an electronic ledger.

start up disk - the disk containing system software and is designated to be used to
start the computer.
surge suppressor - a power strip that has circuits designed to reduce the effects of
surge in electrical power. (not the same as a UPS)
System file - a file in the System folder that allows your Mac to start and run.
System folder - an all-important folder that contains at least the System file and the
Finder.
32 bit addressing - a feature that allows the Mac to recognize and use more than
8MB of memory.
title bar - the horizontal bar at the top of a window which has the name of the file or
folder it represents.
upload - to send a file from one computer to another through a network.
Uninterruptible Power Source (UPS)- a constantly charging battery pack which
powers the computer. A UPS should have enough charge to power your computer for
several minutes in the event of a total power failure, giving you time to save your
work and safely shut down.
UPS - acronym for Uninterruptible Power Source.
vaporware - "software" advertised, and sometimes sold, that does not yet exist in a
releasable for.
virtual memory - using part of your hard drive as though it were "RAM".
WORM - acronym for Write Once-Read Many; an optical disk that can only be
written to once (like a CD-ROM).
zoom box - a small square in the upper right corner of a window which, when clicked,
will expand the window to fill the whole screen.