Computer Glossary

20 Computer Science terms

This glossary is made for understanding specifics terms that people use in computer science.

antivirus: noun; Produced and used to protect the main memory of a computer against infection by a virus.
byte: noun; A unit of computer information, consisting of a group of (usually eight) bits.
cache memory: noun; An area or type of computer memory in which information that is often in use can be stored temporarily, so that you can get to it quickly.
cursor: noun; A line on a computer screen that moves to show the point where work is being done.
desktop: noun; A view on a computer screen that contains icons representing files, programs, and other features of the computer.
frame rate: noun; The number of frames that appear on a screen every second.
graphics card: noun; A circuit board inside a computer that allows it to receive and show pictures and video.
hard drive: noun; A high-capacity, self-contained storage device containing a read-write mechanism plus one or more hard disks.
IP adress: noun; Abbreviation for Internet Protocol Address: a number that is given to each computer when it is connected to the internet.
Java: noun; A computer programming language that is often used on the internet.
JPEG: noun; Abbreviation for joint photographic experts group: a system for reducing the size of electronic image files.
modem: noun; An electronic device that allows one computer to send information to another through standard phone lines and therefore over long distances.
motherboard: noun; The main printed circuit board that contains the CPU of a computer and makes it possible for the other parts of a computer to communicate with each other.
optical fiber: noun; A very thin glass or plastic thread that can send information in the form of light signals.
pixel: noun; The smallest unit of an image on a television or computer screen.
processor: noun; The part of a computer that performs operations on the information that is put into it.
RAM: noun; Abbreviation for random access memory: a type of computer memory that can be searched in any order and changed as necessary.
ROM: noun; Abbreviation for read only memory: a type of computer memory that holds information that can be used but not changed or added to.
router: noun; A piece of electronic equipment that connects computer networks to each other, and sends information between networks.
USB: noun; Abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus: a part of a computer to which extra devices such as printers, scanners, and digital cameras can be connected easily.