Top 20 Computer Terms
Here are twenty words often used when talking about computers.
| 1 | application | n. a program dedicated to a specific task [eg: word processing, graphics etc] |
| 2 | bit | n. binary digit, the basic binary unit for storing data, either 0 or 1 - see byte |
| 3 | buffer | n. an area in memory used for temporary storage [eg: rapid input from keyboard] |
| 4 | byte | n. 8 bits - kilobyte (approx. 1,000 bytes), megabyte (1 million), gigabyte (1 billion) |
| 5 | n. electronic mail; system of sending messages through the internet; e-mail | |
| 6 | floppy disk | n. small, removable magnetic disc for (permanent) storing of data; diskette |
| 7 | hard disk | n. fixed, magnetic disc inside a PC for (permanent) storing of data |
| 8 | hardware | n. the mechanical and electronic parts of a computer, not the software |
| 9 | input | n. data entered into a computer (by keyboard, floppy disk etc) - also v. |
| 10 | keyboard | n. the alphanumeric keys or buttons used to input data [QWERTY = 1st 6 keys] |
| 11 | memory | n. part of a computer for (temporary) storing of data - see ram |
| 12 | modem | n. device that converts data to a form that can be transmitted by telephone etc |
| 13 | operating system | n. software that communicates with hardware, enabling applications to run |
| 14 | output | n. data delivered by a computer (by printer, screen etc) - also v. |
| 15 | peripheral | n. equipment linked to a computer [eg: printer, scanner, modem, mouse etc] |
| 16 | program | n. software that contains coded instructions to control a computer - also v. |
| 17 | RAM | abbr. random access memory [it goes away when one switches off] |
| 18 | screen | n. the surface area of the visual display unit on which the image is formed |
| 19 | software | n. the programs, routines etc for a computer, not the hardware |
| 20 | WYSIWYG | abbr. What You See Is What You Get [data prints out exactly as on the screen] |