Listed below you will find some common terminology dealing with computers, the Internet, networks, software, and more.
Applications Program: a computer program that is designed to perform specific tasks and functions. The term application software can apply to a variety of software programs, including web browsers, photo editors, and text editors, to name a few. It can also sometimes be called user software, because it controls programs that operate for the benefit of the user.
Bookmark: a method of saving a website or web address within a specific Internet browser. Different web browsers may use different terms to describe bookmarks and their bookmarking tool; for example, Internet Explorer uses the term "favorites" instead of bookmark.
Byte: a measurement unit for computer memory. A byte is the smallest unit of memory in many computer architectures.
Clipboard: a temporary storage location for copied items.
CPU: abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. The CPU is essentially the brains of a computer, where all of the calculations and tasks take place that allow a computer to carry out the instructions of a particular computer program.
Gigabyte: a measurement unit for computer memory. A gigabyte is equal to approximately 1 billion bytes.
Hardware: the physical parts of a computer, including the machinery, wiring, etc.
Internet Browser: a software program that allows users to locate and display web pages, and otherwise explore content on the Internet. Current web browsers include Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox, and more.
LAN: acronym that stands for "Local Area Network". A Local Area Network is a collection of computers and network resources that spans a small area; for example, most business and home networks operate on a LAN.
Megabyte: a measurement unit for computer memory. A mega byte is equal to approximately 1 million bytes.
Network: a collection of computers, servers, mainframes, network devices, and other devices connected together for the purpose of sharing information.
Operating System: the software that supports a computer's basic functions.
PDF: acronym that stands for portable document format. A PDF is a file format that allows documents to be shared easily and reliably, across different types of computers. A PDF essentially captures the elements of a printed document as an electronic image; it is possible to convert text documents (such as Word documents) into PDF files. PDF files are generated using Adobe Acrobat software.
Software: the programs, operating systems, and applications used by a computer. This includes all of the Microsoft Office computer programs.
System Software: computer software that is designed to run a computer's hardware and application programs; for example, an operating system is considered a type of system software.
Terabyte: a measurement unit for computer memory. A terabyte is equal to approximately 1 trillion bytes.
USB Flash Drive: a small data storage device that has an integrated USB interface. Flash drives are typically removable and rewriteable, meaning that they can be used with any computer that has a USB port and files can be deleted off the drive and new files can be added.
WAN: acronym that stands for "Wide Area Network". A Wide Area Network is a collection of computers and network resources that spans a large geographic area. Computers which are connected via a WAN are often connected through the Internet or through public networks such as telephone companies.
Word Processor: a software program that can create, store, and print typed documents. Microsoft Word is an example of a word professor.