Computer Studies Vocabulary Terms and Definitions

Key computer studies terms and their definitions covering system utilities, computer components, networking concepts, and internet technologies.

Adware

Advertising software that displays unwanted advertisements on a device, usually in the form of a pop-up or a banner in the web browser.

Anti-virus software

Utility software that detects and removes malicious software from a computer.

Application Software

Programs designed to perform a specific task for the users.

Archive

Data is compressed and moved to an external storage device.

Attenuation

The loss of signal strength in network communication media due to factors such as interference or distance.

Backup

A duplicate copy of the data is placed on an external storage device, but the original data is left on the computer's storage.

Bandwidth

The maximum amount of data that can be transmitted in a network from one point to the other in a certain period of time.

Blog

A webpage on which a user shares their online diary and opinions in the form of written ideas and pictures, with the newest posts at the top.

Catfishing

Creating a fake profile on social media with the intent to lure someone else into a relationship, often for financial gain.

Chat Room

Where groups of users connect and communicate through the internet in real-time.

Cloud synchronisation

It is the process where software monitors for changes made in online storage and mirrors these changes on the user's devices when they are connected to the internet.

Cloud / Online Storage

An internet service, that users subscribe to, allowing them to store files on a server in a different location that is connected to the internet.

Compression utility

Utility software used to reduce the size of files and folders.

Computer

A programmable electronic device with more than one purpose that can receive data, process the data and produce information for the user.