Glossary of Common Computer Terms
(A to C)
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Antivirus Program
A must-have program that searches for viruses and removes any it finds. Needs to be kept up to date.
Application Software
Software designed for a specific use, such as word processing. Also called a program.
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Bay
Section of the computer case where floppy disk, CD-ROM and DVD drives can be installed.
Bit (Binary Digit)
The smallest piece of information that a computer recognises.
Bluetooth
A technology that enables Internet devices, mobile telephones, laptop computers and other devices to communicate without wires.
Boot
The process a computer goes through when you start or restart it - performing a quick self-test, loading Windows, and so on.
Boot Disk
A disk containing the operating system components essential for getting a computer up and running. Usually, the boot disk is the computer's hard disk but if there is something wrong with it, a suitably-prepared floppy disk can be used.
Boot sector
Area of a disk containing instructions enabling a computer to launch an operating system (such as Windows).
Bps (Bits per second)
Standard measure of transmission speed - relates to computer and modem speeds.
Broadband
A high-speed, always on, Internet connection.
Browser
A software program, like Internet Explorer or Firefox, that lets you access and navigate the Internet.
Bug
A computer bug is an error or defect in computer hardware or software that causes the computer or computer program to malfunction.
Bundled software
Software programs that are included within the price of a computer or piece of hardware.
Byte
A byte is eight bits of binary information - see Bits.
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CD-RW (Compact Disc - Re-writable)
Also called CD-E (Compact Disc -erasable). A compact disc that can be read, written on, erased and re-used. CD-RW drives can play CD-Rs and CD-ROMs as well.
CD-R (Compact Disc - Recordable)
A compact disc that can be written on, but cannot be erased or reused. CD-R drives can play CD-ROMs.
CD-ROM (Compact Disc - Read Only Memory)
A compact disc that holds data. It cannot be written on.
Celeron
Cheaper but slower version of the Intel Pentium processor, used in budget computers but quite fast enough for most users.
Chip
A thin silicon wafer that contains integrated electronic circuits. Chips serve as the computer memory.
Click
Pressing a mouse button.
Clone
A computer that looks and functions like another, better-known computer. It is not necessarily an exact copy.
Computer Literacy
An individual's level of skill with computers and software applications.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The main component and brain of the computer. It processes all instructions and information.
Crash
A computer failure caused by a hardware or software malfunction that causes the computer or software program to stop responding.
CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)
A type of computer monitor.
Cursor (also called the Pointer)
A flashing shape on the screen showing where the next character you type in will appear. When entering text in a word processor, the cursor is normally a flashing vertical bar. Sometimes, the word cursor is used to describe the on-screen mouse pointer.
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Definitions supplied by Electronic Aids for the Blind under the Creative Commons Licence.