Computer Science Key Words

21 terms

Hi, my name is Natalia Garcia. I'm 21 years old. I live in Laval and I have been studying Computer Science for 1 year at Montmorency College. The glossary that I have made could be useful for the students who are interested in systems and would like to understand the variety of terms who are in this field. These words are important to understand because everything is connected and is new. I relate these definitions from my experience. This glossary will help you in your carrier future. Source: www.techopedia.com

algorithms
Is a finite sequence of well-defined, computer-implementable instructions, typically to solve a class of problems or to perform a computation. Algorithms are always unambiguous and are used as specifications for performing calculations, data processing, automated reasoning, and other tasks.
applications
Is any program, or group of programs, that is designed for the end user. Applications software (also called end-user programs) include such things as database programs, word processors, Web browsers and spreadsheets.
binary
(Or base-2) A numeric system that only uses two digits — 0 and 1. Computers operate in binary, meaning they store data and perform calculations using only zeros and ones. A single binary digit can only represent True (1) or False (0) in boolean logic.
code
Is a term used to describe text that is written using the protocol of a particular language by a computer programmer. Examples include C, Java, Perl, and PHP.
compiler
Is a software program that transforms high-level source code that is written by a developer in a high-level programming language into a low level object code (binary code) in machine language, which can be understood by the processor.
computing equipment
Computer Equipment means all computers, software or other equipment that includes computing technology or embedded logic such as microchips and sensors whether owned or leased.
data base
Is an organized collection of data, generally stored and accessed electronically from a computer system.
digital computer
Is the most commonly used type of computer and is used to process information with quantities using digits, usually using the binary number system. An example of a digital computer is a MacBook.
hardware
Is the collection of physical parts of a computer system. This includes the computer case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. It also includes all the parts inside the computer case, such as the hard disk drive, motherboard, video card, and many others.
internet
Is a system that interconnects the different computer systems across the world. It uses the Internet protocol suite to link devices located in different corners of the world.
java
Is a programming language that produces software for multiple platforms. When a programmer writes a Java application, the compiled code (known as bytecode) runs on most operating systems (OS), including Windows, Linux and Mac OS. Java derives much of its syntax from the C and C++ programming languages.
linux
Linux is a Unix-like, open source and community-developed operating system for computers, servers, mainframes, mobile devices and embedded devices. It is supported on almost every major computer platform including x86, ARM and SPARC, making it one of the most widely supported operating systems.
network
A large system consisting of many similar parts that are connected together to allow movement or communication between or along the parts, or between the parts and a control centre
paradigm
A paradigm is a way of doing something (like programming), not a concrete thing (like a language).
platform
Is a group of technologies that are used as a base upon which other applications, processes or technologies are developed. In personal computing, a platform is the basic hardware (computer) and software (operating system) on which software applications can be run.
programmer
Is a skilled professional who codes, tests, debugs, and maintains the comprehensive instructions known as computer programs that devices should follow to execute their functions.
programming
Is the process of developing and implementing various sets of instructions to enable a computer to do a certain task. These instructions are considered computer programs and help the computer to operate smoothly.
software
Is a set of instructions, data or programs used to operate computers and execute specific tasks. Opposite of hardware, which describes the physical aspects of a computer, software is a generic term used to refer to applications, scripts and programs that run on a device. Software can be thought of as the variable part of a computer and hardware the invariable part.
The Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Is the unit which performs most of the processing inside a computer. To control instructions and data flow to and from other parts of the computer, the CPU relies heavily on a chipset, which is a group of microchips located on the motherboard.
Web
Is a system of Internet servers that support specially formatted documents. The documents are formatted in a markup language called HTML (HyperText Markup Language) that supports links to other documents, as well as graphics, audio, and video files.
Windows
Is a separate viewing area on a computer display screen in a system that allows multiple viewing areas as part of a graphical user interface ( GUI ). Windows are managed by a windows manager as part of a windowing system . A window can usually be resized by the user.