This glossary presents essential concepts, hardware components, and operations in computer science, computer systems, and software development to help visualize and understand core technical terms.
algorithm
noun
A step-by-step set of instructions or rules designed to solve a problem, perform a calculation, or complete a specific task.
Example: Placing orders (until product details are shown) Placing orders (entering quantity and showing total cost) Refine and develop the ALGORITHM & pseudocode to deal with all conditions Part 1 - Record Type and global variables As required by the specification, I have to use records, procedures and parameters passing for this work.
fr: algorithme
central processing unit
noun
The primary hardware component of a computer that interprets and executes instructions from programs.
Example: The CPU executes billions of instructions per second to run complex software.
fr: processeur
cloud storage
noun
A service that lets you save files and data on remote servers accessed through the internet, instead of keeping them on your computer's hard drive.
Example: OneDrive is Microsoft cloud store.
fr: stockage dans le cloud
directory / folder
noun
A virtual container in a computer's file system used to store, organize, and group files and other sub-containers.
Example: Organizing files into a clean DIRECTORY structure makes project management much easier.
fr: répertoire/ dossier
ethernet cable
noun
A physical wire used to connect devices like computers, gaming consoles, and smart TVs to a router, modem, or network switch.
Example: All the computers in the laboratory are connected to the internet with ethernet cable.
fr: câble Ethernet
IP address
noun
A unique numerical label assigned to every device connected to a computer network, acting as a digital home address that allows devices to send and receive data.
Example: The network administrator configured a static IP ADDRESS for the print server.
fr: Adresse IP
keyboard
noun
An input hardware device with buttons used to type text, enter numbers, and give commands to a computer or electronic device.
Example: Pressing shortcut keys on the KEYBOARD speeds up navigation within the text editor.
fr: clavier
monitor
noun
An electronic screen used to show computer data, television pictures, or security camera feeds.
Example: Connecting a second MONITOR increases productivity by providing more screen real estate.
fr: moniteur
motherboard
noun
The main circuit board inside a computer that connects all the parts together so they can talk to each other and share power.
Example: The connection to the MOTHERBOARD signal was mimicked by connecting the green cable of the MOTHERBOARD connector in the power supply directly to ground, see Figure 1-25.
fr: carte mère
mouse
noun
A hand-held input device used to control a cursor on a computer screen.
Example: Risk Assessment Hazard Working at a computer Risk Eye strain Minimise By Take regular breaks Risk RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) Minimise By Use a variety of input peripherals (MOUSE, keyboard, etc.)
fr: souris
operating system
noun
The main software that manages a device's hardware and runs other programs.
Example: An OPERATING SYSTEM coordinates execution between software applications and physical hardware components like the CPU and RAM.
fr: système d'exploitation
optical drive
noun
A piece of computer hardware that uses a laser beam to read and write data on removable discs like CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays.
Example: Modern laptop designs often omit the OPTICAL DRIVE to save internal space.
fr: lecteur optique
power supply unit
noun
An internal hardware component that converts high-voltage alternating current (AC) from a wall outlet into regulated, low-voltage direct current (DC) for a computer's internal parts.
Example: The choice of power supply had been of at least the 250 W capability of PC POWER SUPPLY UNIT used previously.
fr: bloc d'alimentation
printer
noun
An output device that takes digital text or images from a computer or phone and prints them onto a physical medium like paper.
Example: The network PRINTER allows all employees in the office to print documents wirelessly.
fr: imprimante
router
noun
A device used in computer networking to direct data between networks.
Example: The Wi-Fi ROUTER directs incoming Internet traffic to the appropriate device on the home network.
fr: routeur
server
noun
A dedicated computer or software program that listens for requests and delivers data, files, or services to other devices (called clients) over a network or the internet.
Example: The web SERVER processes HTTP requests and serves web pages to users worldwide.
fr: serveur
soft-ware
noun
A collection of instructions, data, and programs that tell a computer or digital device what to do and how to function.
Example: Ominivox is one of the soft-ware students and teachers use in Cegeps to communicate and receive notes and lesson documents.
fr: logiciel
USB drive
noun
A small, portable data storage device that plugs into a computer or other electronic device via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port.
Example: The technician used a bootable USB DRIVE to install the new operating system.
fr: clé USB
virtual machine
noun
A software-based emulation of a physical computer that can run its own operating system and applications independently.
Example: Developers often run a Linux VIRTUAL MACHINE inside Windows to test software environments.
fr: machine virtuelle
web browser
noun
A web browser is a software application used to access and view websites on the internet.
Example: The WEB BROWSER interprets HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code to display interactive websites.
