COMP SCI ESSENTIALS TERMS

For simple words, terms and definitions.

Hard disk

The physical place where a computer stores information - applications and files - is known as its hard disk drive (HDD).

Internet

A set of interconnected networks that allows computers in different locations to exchange information

Java

Java is a programming language that is commonly used in the development of client-server web applications.

JPEG

JPEG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group, which was the committee that created the file format known as JPEG.

Malware

“Malware” is short for malicious software. It refers to a software program that has been developed to do harm to other computers.

RAM

Random access memory (RAM) is usually referred to as a computer’s “memory” - it stores information used by programs.

Resolution

Resolution refers to the number of distinct pixels that make up the display on a computer monitor.

ROM

ROM stands for read-only. It is the part of a computer’s memory that cannot be change by a user.

Server

A server is a computer that handles requests for data, email, file transfers, and other network services from other computers.

Spam

Spam refers to unsolicited email messages sent for marketing purposes.

URL

A URL (Unique Resource Locator) or web address is the string of characters you type into a browser to access a particular website or other resource on the Internet.

Viral

If an online video, photo or article “goes viral”, it experiences a sudden spike in popularity in a short period of time.

Virus

A virus is a piece of programming code inserted into other programming to cause damage.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is a technology that allows computers and other devices to communicate via a wireless signal. Essentially, it means you can browse the internet without tripping over phone cords.

Zip

To zip files to archive and compress them into one file of smaller size using a program such as WinZip. It’s a handy way to make files smaller before sending them via email.

Analogue

Analogue is a conventional method of transmitting data. Standard landline telephones use analogue technology.

Attachment

An attachment is a document sent with an email message. Many types of files can be sent this way (e.g Word documents, PDFs, Excel files, JPEGs)

Bandwidth

Bandwidth refers to the maximum amount of data that can travel a communications path in a given time, usually measured in seconds.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a wireless communications technology intended to replace cables. It allows shrot-range connections between two or more Bluetooth-compatible devices.

Boot (re-boot)

To boot (or re-boot) is to load and intialise the operating system on a computer. Think of it as starting up your computer.

Browser

A software program that allows you to surf the web. Popular web browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing refers to the storing and accessing of data and programs over the Internet instead of on another type of hard drive.

Cookie

A piece of code or data created by a web server and stored on a user’s computer. It is used to keep track of the user’s usage patterns and preferences.

CPU

The central processing unit (CPU) is the brains behind your computer. The CPU is responsible for performing calculations.

Cybercrime

Cybercrime is any type of illegal activity that is undertaken (or relies heavily) on a computer, identity theft and the spreading of computer viruses.

Device driver

A device driver is a small program that allows a peripheral device such as a printer or scanner to connect to your PC.

Download

Downloading is the method by which users access and save or “pull down” software or other files to their own computers from a remote computer via the Internet

Email

Email or electronic email is a way of sending messages over the Internet. Popular email programs include Outlook.

Ethernet

Ethernet is the most common way of connecting computers on a network with a wired connection. It is a type of local area network (LAN).

GIF

Graphics interchange format (GIF) is a graphics file format. Because GIF files are compressed.