Essential Computer Terms and Definitions

Essential Computer Hardware and Components

• ROM: Primary memory that is used to read data.
• USB: A slot in the motherboard where you can plug in input devices.
• Headset: An output device used to listen and to speak.
• Printer: A peripheral device used to convert digital documents into paper.
• Tablet: A portable computer.
• Keyboard: An input device used to type data into the PC.
• Key: Every unit of a keyboard used for typing.
• Mainframe: A professional, powerful computer used to offer a service.
• CPU: A component of the motherboard that manages all the processes of the computer.
• Scanner: An input peripheral device used to convert documents into digital format.
• Magnetic Disk: Analogous secondary storage.
• Megabyte: A measurement unit used in IT representing memory capacity.

Software, Operating Systems, and Functions

• Crash: A failure that causes the rebooting of the OS.
• Reliable: The quality of being trustworthy.
• Junk: A software tool used for deleting files.
• Server: A computer that provides web services to a specific client.
• Cache: Volatile memory that is faster than RAM.
• Bug: An error in program software that leads to a malfunction.
• Attachment: A file that is enclosed in an email.
• Slash: A diagonal line used in typing to separate letters, numbers, or words.
• Alignment: A function that allows one to change the position of selected text to the right, left, or center of the document.
• Icon: A symbol on the OS that represents a function.
• Font: A set of characters of the same style and size.
• Cursor: A function of the OS used to move through the interface.
• Delete: The action of eliminating information.

Cybersecurity Threats and Computer Crimes

• Virus: Malicious software that damages the PC.
• Trojan: Harmful software that spies on your PC.
• Zombie: A hacked computer controlled externally.
• Time-bomb: A malicious program that executes itself at a specific time.
• Cracking: The action of malicious hacking.
• Harassment: A computer crime that consists of bullying a person.
• Worm: Malware that copies and replicates itself.
• Fraud: A cybercrime that involves manipulating the computer to obtain money and benefits.

Spreadsheet Terminology and Operations

• Cell: Each individual box on the spreadsheet.
• Column: The vertical reference on the spreadsheet.
• Row: The horizontal reference on the spreadsheet.
• Value: A number entered into a cell on the spreadsheet.
• Formula: An arithmetical operation on a spreadsheet.
• Worksheet: Every single page on a spreadsheet.

Mathematical Symbols and Financial Terms

• Refund: The amount of cash obtained in exchange for a purchase.
• = Equals
• + Plus
• - Minus
• x Multiplied by
• / Divided into