Question | Answer |
Adware | Program that displays a popup advertisement |
Anti Spam programs | Removes Spam before reaching inbox |
Antivirus program | Protects computer agents viruses by identifying and removing viruses |
BIOS | Basic input/output system, contains computer startup instructions |
Command-line interface | Type of user interface in which users type commands or presses special keys on keyboard to enter data |
Compressed files/zipped | A file that is shrinked in order to save space. The file cannot be used until unzipped/unshrunk. |
Computer virus | A harmful file that is downloaded to a computer A harmful file that is downloaded to a computer |
Cross platform | Program that runs the same on multiple operating systems |
Diagnostic utility | Complies technical info about a computer’s hardware and certain system software programs and then prepares a report outlining any identified problems. |
Disk defragmenter | Reorganizes the files and unused space on a computer’s hard disk to speed up performance |
Disk scanner | Utility that searches and removes unnecessary files. |
DOS | Disk operating system |
Driver | Small program that tells an operating system how to communicate with a specific drive. |
Encryption/decryption | Process of converting readable data into unreadable characters preventing unauthorized access. |
Fault tolerant computer | Computers that have duplicate components so it can continue to operate |
File manager | Performs functions related to file management. |
Filters | Audio editing software used to enhance audio quality. |
Folder | Specific named location on a storage medium that contains related documents. |
Graphical user interface (GUI) | Allows users to interact with software using text, graphics, and visual images. |
Kernel | Core of an operating system |
Malware | Program that acts outside the user’s knowledge to deliberately alter function. |
Memory resident | Remaining in memory while a computer is running |
Network administrator | Configures, installs, and maintains a network. |
Nonresident | Instructions that remain on a hard disk until they are needed. |
Operating system | Sets programs containing instructions that collaborate to coordinate all computer activity and devices. |
Password | A sequence of letters and/or numbers that protects unauthorized users to use a certain computer. |
Performance monitor | Operating system program that assesses and reports info about various computer resources and devices. |
Phishing | A spam email trying to obtain your personal information. |
Platform | Set of programs that coordinate all computer functions among hardware resources. |
Pop-up blocker | A program that prevents pop ups from showing up on your computer. |
Screen saver/ghosting | Causes a display devices screen to show a moving image or black screen if no mouse activity occurs for a long time. |
Shortcut | An Icon on a computer that quickly lets you access a file on your computer. |
Single user/multitasking | Allowing a single user a single user to work on two or more programs. |
Single user/single tasking | Operating system that allows one user to run one program at a time. |
Spyware | Program placed on a user’s computer without the user knowing, and secretly collects info about the user. |
System software | Software that serves as an interface between the user, the application software, and the computer’s hardware. |
Trojan horse | A program that hides within or looks like a legit program. |
User interface | The portion of software that defines how a user interacts with a computer. |
User name | Unique combination of letters and/or numbers that specifies a specific user. |
Utility program | Allows a user to perform maintenance type tasks, usually related to managing a computer. |
Virtual memory | A portion of storage medium, usually the hard disk that the operating system allocates to function as an additional RAM. |
Warm boot | Process of using the operating system to restart a computer |
Worm | Logic program that copies itself repeatedly using system resources and possibly shutting down the system. |