Computer Terms and Definitions

• Study notes covering various computer-related terms and definitions.

3D Printer

• Enables the creation of physical three-dimensional objects.
• Utilizes designs created with CAD or 3D modeling software.

Accelerometer

• Input device found in smartphones and tablets.
• Detects device orientation and movement, allowing for screen orientation changes.

Access Control

• Operating system feature that requests permission before software installation.
• Prevents malware installation without user knowledge.

Algorithm

• Step-by-step solution to a problem, commonly used in programming.

Application Software

• Programs designed for specific user tasks, such as word processing.

Archiving (files)

• Creating copies of files for reference purposes, not for regular access.

Aspect Ratio

• The relationship between display width and height, exemplified by 16:9.

Backup

• Creating extra file copies to prevent data loss due to damage or loss of originals.

Beta Software

• Preliminary versions of software released to the public for testing.
• Developers aim to fix reported errors before the final release.

Biometric Identification

• Technology that scans unique biological traits like fingerprints or iris patterns for identification.

Bluetooth

• Wireless technology enabling short-distance communication between devices like mice, printers, and smartphones.

Blu-ray

• Optical disc format used for recording, rewriting, and playing high-definition video with large data storage capacity.

Cache Memory

• High-speed memory for frequently accessed data, enabling faster retrieval.

Card Reader

• Device that allows data transfer between a memory card and a connected computing device.

Cloud Computing

• Sharing and use of resources and applications over the internet.

Cloud Storage

• Online storage of files.

Colour Depth

• The number of bits representing the colour of each pixel in an image.

Contrast Ratio

• The relationship between the darkest black and brightest white a display can produce, higher values indicate a better display.

Core

• A single physical processor
• "Dual core" chips have 2 processors and "quad core" have 4.

CPU

• The Central Processing Unit, processes all data and executes instructions.

Default Printer

• The printer to which print jobs are sent unless specified otherwise.

Defragmentation

• Reverses fragmentation by rearranging scattered file parts on a disk, improving retrieval speed.

DIMM

• Dual Inline Memory Module, a standardized RAM stick for a DIMM slot on the motherboard.

Disk Cleanup

• Utility to free up storage space by deleting unnecessary files.

Disk Scanner

• Utility to check a drive for errors and attempt to fix bad sectors.

Downward / Backward Compatibility

• Software's ability to open and use files from older software versions.

Driver

• Software that enables communication between a computer and hardware devices, often installed automatically.

DSLR Camera

• Digital Single Lens Reflex providing lens interchangeability and greater control for professional use.

EULA

• An End User License Agreement is a legally binding contract outlining user rights and restrictions regarding software.

File Attribute

• A property of a file like Hidden and Read-Only.

File Extension

• Characters at the end of a file name that identify the file type.

File Property

• Basic information about a file, including its name, size, and modification date.

Fragmentation

• Files scattered on a disk, increases retrieval time and slows down a computer.

Freeware

• Fully functional software that can be used and copied without restrictions.

Geo-tagging

• Embedding location coordinates (latitude and longitude) into a digital photo's metadata.

GPS Device

• Device that computes location using signals from at least three GPS satellites.

GPU

• Graphics Processing Unit enhances computer performance with software like CAD, 3D graphics, or gaming.

HDMI

• High-Definition Multimedia Interface transmits high-definition video and sound via a single cable.

Hidden (attribute)

• File attribute determining file visibility, hidden files are not displayed by default in File Explorer.

Hybrid Computer

• Device which combines a laptop with a tablet through a reversible or detachable screen.

Inkjet Printer

• Sprays microscopic ink dots on paper.
• It has a lower purchase cost but higher running costs.

ISO Rating

• A digital camera's sensitivity to light.
• Higher values indicate greater sensitivity.

Laser Printer

• Similar to a photocopier, using toner.
• Have a higher purchase cost but lower running costs.

Linux

• Open-source operating system.

Lumen

• Measures the brightness of an image projected by a data projector, higher lumen ratings provide more effective projection.

Memory (RAM)

• Temporary storage for programs and data currently being processed.
• Loses its contents when the power is off.

Memory Card

• Electronic storage media used in digital cameras and smartphones.

Micro-USB

• Smaller USB port commonly on mobile devices like smartphones.

Mobile User

• User who requires technology access wherever they are.

Motherboard

• Rectangular board inside a computer containing CPU, RAM, and expansion slots.
• Facilitates communication between computer components.

Multi-touch (touch screen)

• Screen capable of detecting and responding to multiple touch points simultaneously.

Multi-user Operating System

• Allows multiple users to access a computer system concurrently.

OCR

• Optical Character Recognition converts images into editable text.

Online Storage

• Online disk space allocated on a server and accessible via the internet.

Open Source Software (OSS)

• Software available for free use, modification, and distribution, though not for sale.

Operating System

• Controls all computer activities, examples include Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android.

Patch

• Downloadable update for an operating system, fixing bugs or security vulnerabilities.

PDF

• Portable Document Format can be read with a free utility program, like Adobe Reader.

Pixel Density

• Also known as dpi, represents how many pixels are displayed horizontally per inch.

Plain Text File

• Text file with no formatting.

Platform

• Type of operating system, such as Linux, Android or Windows.

Plug-and-play

• Technology that allows automatic detection and configuration of newly connected devices.

POS

• Point Of Sale system, speeds up marketplace sales of products.

Power User

• Requires high-end hardware and software because of high computing needs.

ppm

• Pages per minute is the number of pages a printer can print in one minute.

Printer Queue

• Temporary storage on the hard drive for print tasks waiting to be printed.

Program Files

• Executable files with extensions like .com or .exe.

Proprietary Software

• Licensed software users may utilize under specific restrictions.

QR Code

• Quick Response Code is a two-dimensional barcode scanned with a mobile device's camera.

RAM

• Temporary location to store programs and data being processed in a computer.

Read-only

• File attribute that prevents modification and saving under the same name.

Refresh Rate

• The frequency at which a screen display is refreshed, higher rates indicate better rates.

Resolution

• Display resolution is the maximum number of pixels the display supports.
• Scanner resolution is the number of dots it can scan per inch.
• Digital camera resolution is the total number of pixels that make up the picture.
• Printer resolution is the number of dots the printer can create horizontally, measured in dots per inch.

RFID

• Radio Frequency Identification uses small radio devices to store and transmit data.

Rich Text Format (rtf)

• Supports text formatting and images, compatible across word processors.

ROM

• Read-Only Memory is a special chip containing instructions to start the computer and load the operating system.

rpm

• Revolutions per minute is a unit for rotational speed of a hard drive.

SATA

• Internal hard drive interface.

Scanner

• Scans images into a computer, including printed text, graphics, or barcodes.

Shareware

• Software available for a trial period, with potential functional limits.

Single-user Licence

• Allows software installation on only one computer.

Single-user Operating System

• Operating system designed for use by a single user at a time.

Site Licence

• Licence permitting unrestricted software installations within a company or organization.

SSD

• Solid State Drive electronically stores data, offering quicker access compared to traditional hard drives.

System Requirements

• Minimum software requirements like storage, processing power, and memory.

System Software

• Software that controls, supports, or operates the computer.

Update (of software)

• Fixes bugs or adds new features to existing software.

Upgrade

• A new version of the software that needs to be bought and has a lot of changes to the older version.

UPS

• Uninterruptible Power Supply protects against power issues.

USB port

• A standard port connecting devices like keyboards, mice and printers.

Utility Programs

• System to help with maintaining a computer.

VGA port

• Port used to connect a monitor and is replaceable by HDMI.

Video Card

• Circuit board that boosts video processing.

Virtual Assistant

• Software that responds to a user's voice commands on a phone or tablet.

Virtual Memory

• Using hard drive space as RAM to increase available memory.

Voice Recognition Software

• Enables computer to understand spoken commands, and dictate text.

Volatile Memory

• Memory (RAM) loses contents when power is off.
• Storage (and ROM) retains contents.

HDMI Port

• Transmits high-quality audio and video signals between devices.

USB Type-C Port

• Supports high-speed data transfer, power delivery and connect peripherals.
• The connector can be inserted either way.

SATA port/slot

• Connects storage devices like HDDs or SSDs to the motherboard.

DIMM slot

• Used to install RAM modules onto the motherboard.

RFID Reader / RFID Scanner

• Reads information stored on RFID tags.

RFID

• Uses radio waves to identify and track objects, animals, or people.