Computer Basics Terms

Application Software

Application software is any program, or group of programs, designed to be used directly the end user. (Ex: Chrome, Word Processors, Web Browsers)

Abstraction

The process of picking out (abstracting) common features of objects and procedures. A programmer would use abstraction, for example, to note that two functions perform almost the same task and can be combined into a single function.

Hardware

the machines, wiring, and other physical components of a computer or other electronic system.

Software

the programs and other operating information used by a computer.

Bit/Byte

the smallest unit of data that a computer can process and store, a measurement of data that contains eight bits, which is the smallest increment of data on a computer

BIOS

an acronym for Basic Input/Output System and is the built-in firmware that determines what a computer can do without accessing programs from a disk.

Volatile

Memory that loses its contents when the power is turned off.

Nonvolatile

a form of persistent data storage that retains data while unconnected to a power source.

USB

an industry standard that allows data exchange and delivery of power between many types of electronics.

Random Access

the ability to access data at random

Sequential Access

the reading or writing of data records in sequential order, that is, one record after the other.

Input-Output Devices

any hardware that allows a human operator or other systems to interface with a computer. They are capable of delivering data (output) to and receiving data from a computer (input).

Peripherals

commonly divided into three kinds: input devices, output devices, and storage devices (which partake of the characteristics of the first two). An auxiliary hardware device that a computer uses to transfer information externally.

Device Drivers

is a computer program that operates or controls a particular type of device that is attached to a computer or automaton.

Computer Malware

short for malicious software, refers to any intrusive software developed by cybercriminals (often called hackers) to steal data and damage or destroy computers and computer systems.

Operating System

the program that, after being initially loaded into the computer by a boot program, manages all of the other application programs in a computer.

DDos

a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack, a type of cyberattack, an attacker overwhelms a website, server, or network resource with malicious traffic. causes crashes