Terminology | The meaning |
Firewall | A security feature that helps protect a computer or network from unauthorized access or threats while connected to the internet. |
Spam | Unwanted or unsolicited emails, often containing advertisements or phishing attempts, sent in bulk to multiple recipients. |
Update | Installing newer versions of software or operating systems to improve functionality, security, or fix bugs and issues. |
Browser Tabs | Separate sections within a web browser that allow users to open and view multiple web pages simultaneously. |
Hardware | The physical components of a computer system, like the monitor, keyboard, mouse, CPU, and storage devices. |
Search Engine | A web-based tool (e.g., Google, Bing, or DuckDuckGo) that helps users find information on the internet by entering keywords or phrases. |
Backup | Creating a duplicate copy of important data or files to prevent loss in case of system failure or accidental deletion. |
Password | A secret combination of characters used to access a computer system, a user account, or protect sensitive information. |
Hardware | The physical components of a computer system, like the monitor, keyboard, mouse, CPU, and storage devices. |
Software | Applications, programs, or operating systems that run on a computer, such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, or Windows 11. |
Browser | Software used to access and navigate the internet, like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge. |
Login/Logout | The act of entering (login) or exiting (logout) a user account on a computer or a website by providing authentication credentials. |
Upload | The process of transferring data or files from a user's device to a remote computer or server. |
Download | The process of copying data or files from a remote computer or server to the user's own device. |
Menu Bar | A graphical control element that contains dropdown menus providing access to various features and functions within an application. |
File System | The method used by the operating system to organize and store files on a storage device, like NTFS (Windows) or APFS (macOS). |
Desktop | The primary screen area where files, folders, and shortcuts are displayed, providing access to various applications and tools |
Task Manager | A system utility that provides information about running applications, processes, and system performance, allowing users to manage and close applications if needed. |
Desktop Shortcut | An icon or link on the desktop that provides quick access to a file, folder, or application located elsewhere on the computer. |
Screenshot | A captured image of what is displayed on the screen at a particular moment, often used for documentation or sharing information. |
Desktop Icons | Symbols or graphical representations on the desktop that provide quick access to files, folders, or applications. |
File Extension | A set of characters at the end of a filename indicating the file's format or type (e.g., .docx for Word documents, .jpg for images). |
HDD/SSD | Acronyms for storage devices; HDD stands for Hard Disk Drive, while SSD stands for Solid State Drive, both used to store data on a computer |
Desktop Background/Wallpaper | The customizable image or design displayed on the desktop behind icons and other graphical elements |
Cursor/Pointer: | The graphical symbol (often an arrow) on the screen controlled by a mouse or touchpad, used to select, click, and interact with elements on the screen. |
Driver | Software that allows the operating system to communicate with and control hardware devices, ensuring their proper functioning. |
Bluetooth | Wireless technology used for short-range communication between devices, such as connecting a smartphone to a computer or a wireless headset. |
Taskbar | The bar typically located at the bottom of the screen (in Windows) that displays open applications and provides access to the Start menu, clock, and system notifications. |
Browser Cache | Temporary storage that retains copies of previously visited web pages, enabling faster loading when revisiting those pages. |
Cookie | Small pieces of data stored on a user's computer by websites, used to track user activity, preferences, or login status. |