| application |
n. a program designed for a specific task [eg: word processing, graphics etc] - also app (abbr.) |
| Have you downloaded any new smartphone apps lately? |
| back up |
phr. verb to send copied data to a secure location in case the original data is lost or corrupted - also n. backup |
| Don't forget to back up important files to an external hard drive or the cloud. |
| bit |
n. the basic binary unit for storing data in a computer, either 0 or 1 [binary digit] - see also byte |
| Data transfer speeds are measured in bits per second, so the higher the number of bits, the faster your downloads. |
| browser |
n. a program that lets you browse the Internet and access web pages - also web browser |
| Which is this year's most popular browser? Is it Firefox, Chrome or Safari? |
| byte |
n. 8 bits - kilobyte (approx. 1,000 bytes), megabyte (1 million), gigabyte (1 billion) |
| One byte can store enough data to generate one letter in a typical European alphabet. |
| cookie |
n. a small file installed by a website on a visitor's computer to record the visitor's activity |
| Aren't websites supposed to ask for permission before leaving cookies on your computer? |
| data |
n. information in digital form that a computer can process, store or use in some other way |
| These new laws will allow the government to access any of the personal data on your computer or smartphone. |
| file |
n. a set of related data that's saved with a file name to identify it |
| Text files don't use much memory, but video and music files can take up lots of memory. |
| hard disk, hard disk drive, HDD |
n. a spinning magnetic disk for storing permanent data, usually fixed inside a computer but sometimes an external device. Not to be confused with the newer solid state drive (SSD), which does the same job without moving parts. |
| You can't do anything on a computer if your hard disk isn't working. |
| hardware |
n. the physical, tangible parts of computers (such as motherboards, hard drives) and their peripherals (such as printers, modems) - see also software |
| Before buying software, make sure it's compatible with your hardware. |
| input |
n. data entered into a computer (by keyboard, mouse, touch screen, etc) - also v. |
| Even something as simple as pressing send after writing an email is a form of input. |
| keyboard |
n. the alphanumeric keys or buttons used to input data [can be a physical device or a touchscreen image] |
I bought a keyboard in Thailand and it's got Thai characters on the keys as well as English. |
| memory |
n. part of a computer for storing data, either temporarily or permanently - see RAM |
| Can I upgrade the memory to 16 GB? |
| modem |
n. device that converts data to a form that allows a computer to connect to the Internet |
| The router's for your Wi-Fi network and the modem is for accessing the Internet. |
| operating system |
n. software that manages basic functions of computers, smartphones etc, such as running programs and linking with peripherals - abbr: OS |
| Android and iOS are operating systems widely used on phones, and Windows and macOS are the most popular for computers. |
| output |
n. information sent from a computer (to a printer, screen, speakers, etc) - also v. |
| Computer-generated audio output goes straight into the mixing desk. |
| peripheral |
n. equipment linked to a computer [eg: printer, scanner, modem, mouse etc] |
| Printers and other peripherals are much cheaper now than they used to be. |
| program |
n. coded software instructions designed for a specific task [eg: word processing, graphics etc]; application - also v. |
| If you can write programs and create apps, you'll always be able to get a job. |
| RAM |
abbr. random access memory [it goes away when you switch off] |
| The more programs your computer's running at one time, the more RAM it needs. |
| screen |
n. the flat surface on which a computer, TV or other device displays text, graphics, movies, etc |
| My kids spend too much time looking at TV screens, computer monitors and those little screens on their phones. |
| software |
n. the programs that allow a computer to operate and perform specific tasks - see also hardware |
| Be careful with free software. Some of it secretly collects your personal data, which is then sold to marketing companies. |
| virus |
n. a program that can infect a computer, replicate itself, and damage or destroy data |
| Antivirus software only finds viruses it knows about, so you have to update it to catch any new ones. |