Basic Computer terms

Central processing unit; the brain of the computer; controls the other elements of the computer

A peripheral used to input data by pressing keys

A peripheral device used to connect one computer to another over a phone line

A device used to display information visually

A moving position-indicator displayed on a computer monitor that shows a computer operator where the next action or operation will take place.

Slang for internet ie. An international conglomeration of interconnected computer networks.

A part of a program that usually causes the computer to malfunction; often remedied in patches or updates to the program

Slang. To find and correct equipment defects or program malfunctions.

The name of a network or computer linked to the Internet. Domains are defined by a common IP address or set of similar IP (Internet Protocol) addresses.

An electronic (usually hand-held) reading device that allows a person to view digitally stored reading materials.

A person who breaks in to a computer through a network, without authorization and with mischievous or destructive intent.

A person with technical expertise who experiments with computer systems to determine how to develop additional features. Hackers are occasionally requested by system administrators to try and break into systems via a network to test security.

A text file sent by a Web server that is stored on the hard drive of a computer and relays back to the Web server things about the user, his or her computer, and/or his or her computer activities.

A text-based expression of emotion and mimics a facial expression

Software created by people who are willing to give it away for the satisfaction of sharing or knowing they helped to simplify other people's lives. It may be free-standing software

Hypertext Markup Language, a standard of text markup conventions used for documents on the World Wide Web.

Taking packets of information (sound or visual) from the Internet and storing it in temporary files to allow it to play in continuous flow.

Uniform Resource Locator.

The protocol for identifying a document on the Web. A Web address (e.g., www.tutorialspoint.com). A URL is unique to each user. See also domain.