Essential Computing Terminology and Definitions

Word Processing

• Word processing program: A computer utility that allows you to create, edit, and save documents.
• Format: A specific way in which a document is stored.
• Spell check: A program utility that corrects misspelled words.
• Template: A predesigned document with gaps to be filled in.
• Font: A specific style of typeface used for documents.
• Compatibility: The ability of a word processing program to open documents created by other software.
• Layout: The arrangement of text and images on a page.
• Macro: Frequently used sequences of commands or text.

Email

• Email client: A program that saves, sends, and receives emails.
• Domain name: Words or letters used to identify companies and addresses.
• Password: Letters or numbers that allow a person to access an account.
• SMTP server: A computer that sends emails.
• Attachment: A file sent along with an email.
• ISP: A company that provides access to the internet.
• Webmail: An email service available through web browsers.
• Username: A code that identifies you on a device or service.
• POP3: A method used to receive email from a server.

Web Browsing

• Hyperlink: A word or image that you click on to navigate.
• Website: A collection of related internet pages.
• HTML: A computer language used to create websites.
• Web host: A company that provides server space for a website.
• Web browser: A program that allows you to view web pages.
• Meta tag: Text used in web page code that provides information to search engines.
• Search engine: A computer program that allows people to look for specific information.
• WWW (World Wide Web): A system of information available on the internet.
• URL (Uniform Resource Locator): Text and symbols that form a web address.
• HTTP: The part of a web address that allows the computer to connect to the site.

Databases vs. Spreadsheets

• Sort: To arrange or organize information in a database.
• Worksheet: A single page of a spreadsheet.
• Formula: A mathematical instruction that performs spreadsheet calculations.
• Database: A large group of data organized in a computer, allowing for easy searching and retrieval.
• Field: A database category that holds a specific type of information.
• Spreadsheet: A computer program that organizes information and performs calculations.
• Cell: A unit of a spreadsheet that holds a single piece of information.
• Query: A search that locates all information of a specific type.
• Operator: A symbol that allows for a specific calculation.