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Computers Science
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| computer | Technically, this only refers to a programmable machine. But native English speakers commonly use it to refer to the entire personal computer (PC) device, including a monitor, keyboard, mouse or laptop. |
| CPU | CPU stands for Central Processing Unit. It is the "brain" of a computer that executes instructions and performs calculations. |
| Hard Drive | A storage device that permanently stores data, including the operating system, programs, and files. |
| Hardware | The hardware are the physical components of a computer, such as the monitor, keyboard, and motherboard . |
| keyboard | The physical board that allows you to type information into a computer. |
| Laptop | A computer device that is easily portable (can be taken from place to place). |
| Monitor | Another term for a physical computer screen. |
| Mouse | The pointing device used to move the cursor (the position indicator on a computer display screen) and select objects on the computer screen. |
| Printer | An output device that produces hard copies of documents and images from a computer. You have likely printed documents from a printer before, although it is becoming less common for people to have a printer in their homes. |
| Router | A device that allows other devices (such as computers, tablets and phones) to connect to the internet. If your internet connection is not strong enough, you may need to move closer to the router. |
| Scanner | An input device that captures and digitizes printed documents or images for computer use. You may have used a scanner if, for example, you needed to sign a document and then send it to someone by email. |
| USB | USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. It is a common interface used to connect devices to a computer, such as printers, keyboards, and external storage. |
| Algorithm | An algorithm is a set of instructions. Computer programmers design algorithms to make websites, apps or programs perform certain tasks. Social media platforms also use algorithms to manage and personalize the content that users see on their feeds. |
| Browser | Software application used to access and view websites on the internet. There are different kinds of browsers, such as Google Chrome, Safari and Firefox. |
| Cloud | “Cloud-based storage” means that data is stored online. This saves storage space on a computer device. You may have heard someone tell you to save or upload something “to the Cloud.” |
| Computer programming | The process of designing, writing and testing sets of instructions (code) that tell a computer how to perform specific tasks or solve problems. This is often referred to as just “programming.” |
| Cookies | “Cookies” refer to small text files that are created and stored on a user’s device when they visit a website. Cookies are used to collect and store certain information about the user’s browsing activity and preferences. |
| CSS | CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheets. This information programs a website’s layout and design. For example, CSS programs a website’s font size and color. |
| Download | This verb refers to retrieving and saving information from the internet onto your device. It can also be used as a noun to refer to information that can be downloaded. For example, you might see |
| Electronic mail sent and received through a computer network. You probably have an email account through a service such as Gmail or Outlook and an email address with an "at sign" (@) and a "dot com" (.com). | |
| Ethernet | Wired networking technology that connects computers and devices through cables. |
| Firewall | A security measure that controls and filters network traffic to protect against unauthorized access and threats. It ensures that only desired and nondestructive content from the internet is allowed to go through. |
| HTML | HTML stands for Hypertext Markup Language, which provides the information that is displayed on a website. For example, this programs the words that display on a website’s homepage. |
| Internet | The online network that connects all web-based devices. |
| IP Address | The title is visible, but the definition is cut off in the photo and not fully shown. |
| JavaScript | A programming language used to add interactivity and dynamic features to web pages. |
| Keyword | Short phrases that describe an image, idea, webpage or piece of data. For example, the phrases and terms you type into a search engine are considered keywords. |
| Spam | Spam (yes, it was named after the canned meat product) refers to any unwanted email you receive, usually from advertisers. Basically, this is the junk mail that you did not sign up for and do not want to read. |
| Toolbar | The toolbar usually sits at the top of your browser and contains items that help you control what you see. Typically, you use it to find items that help you move forward, backward, or refresh a webpage. You can also type a web address here. |
| URL | This is the address that brings you to a specific website on the internet. Typically, it starts with www. and ends with .com or .edu or .gov. |
| VPN | VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It is a secure connection that encrypts data transmitted over a public network, providing privacy and anonymity. |
| Website | This is a collection of individual webpages. When you input a URL, you are brought to a website. FluentU is an example of a website. (Its URL is www.fluentu.com .) The program is also an app, and no matter how you access it, it’s a powerful way to study |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi allows computers to communicate wirelessly. Once you connect to a Wi-Fi network, you can access the internet without plugging your device into a wire-based system. |
| App | An app, or application, is a term that was first popularized by Apple. This refers to computer programs that are commonly seen on smartphones and tablets. |
| Backup | A copy of important data to protect against data loss or damage. "Back up" is the verb form of the term, referring to the action of creating a backup. |
| Bit/Byte | The unit of measurement for data. You might see variations like megabyte (a million bytes) or gigabyte (a billion bytes). These refer to the amount of data storage available on a device. |
| Bug | A bug refers to a computer software problem. This can cause an error message or even lead to a data hack. Usually, you need to run a "debugging" program to remove the issue |
| Cache | A temporary storage location in a computer’s memory or on a hard drive that stores frequently accessed data to improve system performance. |
| The browser cache | is the temporary storage where a browser keeps copies of web pages and files to speed up future access. You can clear your cache to free up space if you are running low. |
| Database | A structured collection of data organized and stored for easy access, retrieval and management. |
| Encryption | The process of converting information into a secret code to prevent unauthorized access. |
| Ransomware | encrypts or blocks access to a victim’s data, rendering it inaccessible or unusable. |
| Spyware | is designed to secretly monitor and gather information from a user’s computer or device without their knowledge or consent. |
| Operating System | The software that manages computer hardware and software resources, and provides a user interface (the way by which the user and a computer system interact). |
| Password | The unique string of characters that allows you to access a computer, program or website—and prevents others from accessing your information. For example, you need a password to log into your Facebook account. |
| RAM | RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is temporary storage space that holds data and instructions being actively used by the CPU. |
| Screenshot | A screenshot (noun) is a digital picture of the images on a computer or smartphone screen. You can also screenshot (verb) or “take a screenshot,” which simply means creating one of those images. |
| Spreadsheet | Software used to organize, analyze, and manipulate numerical data in a grid format. |
| Zip | Zip files are small, compressed files. These files store information with less data than traditional files. When you download a zip file, you need a program to “unzip” the file so you can access the information. |
| Hack / Hacker / Hacking | Hacking refers to the act of gaining unauthorized access to computer systems, networks or digital devices with the intention of exploiting or manipulating them. Hackers, also known as cybercriminals, use their technical skills and knowledge to breach s |