Software

Bit

Binary digit; the smallest unit of storage in a computer system, either a 0 or 1

Byte

8 bits

Nibble

4 bits

Kibibyte

1024 bytes

Mebibyte

1024 kibibytes

Gibibyte

1024 mebibytes

Tebibyte

1024 gibibytes

Data compression

Reducing the size of a file

Lossless compression

Partial reduction in file size but none of the data is lost; the original file can be recreated from the compressed data

Lossy compression

Greatly reduces file size but some data is lost; the original file cannot be recreated from the compressed data

Data compression software

A utility that converts a file from one format to another to reduce the file size

Backup software

A utility that takes a copy of digital files and stores them on a backup device or remote storage location

File repair

Utility software that can attempt to correct corruptions in files

File management

A function of the operating system which allows applications and users to open, save, move, copy, and delete files

Process management

The operating system deciding which process to execute next

Peripheral management

The process of an operating system dealing with requests/input/output to and from any connected devices

User management

Allowing different people to log into the same computer with a username and password; allows different user settings and manages access rights

Utility software

Software that maintains a computer system to improve performance or perform a specific management task

Anti-malware software

Software that protects computing devices against malicious code

Audit trails

A version history recording all changes made to software

Robust software

A program written to handle a range of unexpected inputs and situations without crashing

Code reviews

Another developer (not the author) looking at code produced to find errors or security vulnerabilities not spotted in development; ensures the best and consistent approaches have been used

Operating system

Software that manages hardware, provides services for other software, provides an interface for the end user, and handles file management, process management, peripheral management, and user management