Hardware Terms
- CPU (Central Processing Unit): The CPU is the brain of the computer, responsible for executing instructions.
- RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary memory used to store data while the computer is running.
- ROM (Read-Only Memory): Permanent memory that stores essential system data.
- Hard Drive: A storage device used to store data permanently.
- Motherboard: A printed circuit board that connects all the components of a computer.
- Input Devices: Devices used to enter data into the computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse).
- Output Devices: Devices used to display or output data (e.g., monitor, printer).
- Network Interface Card (NIC): A device that enables a computer to connect to a network.
- Modem: A device that converts digital signals into analog signals and vice versa.
Software Terms
- Operating System: The software that manages a computer’s resources.
- Application Software: Software designed for specific tasks (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets).
- Programming Language: A language used to write computer programs.
- Compiler: A program that translates high-level code into machine code.
- Interpreter: A program that executes high-level code line by line.
- Algorithm: A set of instructions to solve a problem.
- Database: A collection of organized data.
- Software Development Kit (SDK): A set of tools for creating software applications.
Networking Terms
- Network: A group of computers connected.
- LAN (Local Area Network): A network confined to a small geographic area.
- WAN (Wide Area Network): A network that spans a large geographic area.
- Internet: A global network of computers.
- IP Address: A unique numerical label assigned to each device on a network.
- Domain Name: A human-readable name for an IP address.
- DNS (Domain Name System): A system that translates domain names into IP addresses.
General Terms
- Bit: The smallest unit of data.
- Byte: A group of 8 bits.
- Kilobyte (KB): 1024 bytes.
- Megabytes (MB): 1024 kilobytes.
- Gigabyte (GB): 1024 megabytes.
- Terabyte (TB): 1024 gigabytes.
- User Interface: The way a user interacts with a computer.
- Cybersecurity: Protecting computer systems from unauthorized access.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): The ability of computers to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.
- Internet of Things (IoT): The interconnection of physical devices embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and network connectivity.