Computer Terminology Glossary

A

• ATTACHMENT: A file that is sent with an email.
• BANDWIDTH: A measurement of the amount of information that a computer network can send or receive. High bandwidth allows images and websites to load quickly on the Internet.
• BANNER: A rectangular graphic on a website that advertises a business.
• CASE: An enclosure that holds the computer's components.
• CODE: A set of words and symbols that give instructions to a computer.
• CONTENT: The material on a web page, including text and graphics.
• CROP: To cut off unwanted parts of an image.
• DATABASE: A large group of data organized in a computer system. It allows you to search and find information easily.
• DESKTOP: Everything that a user sees on a computer screen.
• DESKTOP COMPUTER: A computer that is small enough to use at a desk, but too big to carry around.
• DISK DRIVE: Reads information from a magnetic spinning disc.
• DRAG: To drag files, folders, or icons is to move them around on a desktop.
• EXPANSION CARDS: Are extra circuit boards that are used to increase the functions of a computer.
• EXPOSURE: Is the length of time film is open to light when taking a picture.
• FAN: Moves cool air onto computer components inside the case.
• FIELD: Is a category in a database that holds a particular type of information.
• FOLDER: Holds and organizes files and documents on a computer.

G

• GRAPHICS: Are images on a computer, in a book or magazine, etc.

H

• HARD DRIVE: A hard drive stores data electronically.
• HARDWARE: Refers to the physical parts of a computer.
• HEAT SINK: Transfers heat away from nearby components of a computer.
• HYPERLINK: Is a word or image on a web page that you can click on to go to a different web page.

I

• ICON: Is a picture that represents something on a computer.
• IP (Internet Protocol) ADDRESS: Is a group of numbers that identify a computer on a network.

K

• KEYBOARD: Is a set of buttons that is used to enter information into a computer.

L

• LAPTOP: Is a computer that is small enough for you to carry around and use anywhere.
• LAYOUT: Is the way that items are arranged on a document.

M

• MACRO: Is a short keystroke that performs a predetermined action.
• MAINFRAME: Is a very powerful computer that can process large amounts of data.
• MICROPHONE: Is a device that is used to record sound.
• MONITOR: Is a screen that displays text, video, or images.
• MOTHERBOARD: Is a firm slotted board onto which computer circuitry is attached.
• MOUSE: Is a small device that is used to move the cursor and select items on a computer screen.

N

• NETWORK: Is a group of computers that are connected in order to share data or communicate.

P

• PDA (Personal Digital Assistant): Is a small computer that is used to organize a person's schedules and information.
• PERIPHERAL: Is a device that can be connected to a computer.
• POINTER: Is a small arrow that lets a user choose what to do on a computer.
• POWER SUPPLY: Delivers electricity to all parts of a computer.
• PRINTER: Is a device that is used by a computer to transfer ink onto paper.

R

• RAM (Random Access Memory): Is memory that can be quickly accessed.
• RESIZE: Is to make an image on a computer bigger or smaller.
• ROUTER: Is a device that allows more than one computer to connect to a network at the same time.

S

• SEARCH ENGINE: Is a computer program that allows people to search for particular information, products, etc. on the Internet.
• SERVER: Is a computer that connects many computers to hardware.
• SHORTCUT: Is an icon that has been moved to a desktop to make opening a file or program easier.
• SOFTWARE: Is a program or instruction that makes a computer perform a specific task.
• SORT: To sort is to arrange the information in a database in a specific way.
• SPREADSHEET: Is a computer program that organizes information and performs calculations.

T

• TEMPLATE: Is a blank layout for certain types of documents.
• TOUCH SCREEN: Is a monitor that lets users interact with the computer by touching the screen.

U

• USB (Universal Serial Bus): Is a commonly used type of connection or port to connect a peripheral to a computer.
• USERNAME: Is a name or code that identifies a person on a computer and allows that person to access his or her files.

W

• WEB BROWSER: Is a computer program that allows people to look at web pages on the Internet.
• WEB HOST: Is a company that provides the space for a website on the Internet.
• WORKSTATION: Is a very fast computer that runs powerful work programs.