Basic Terms of Computer
The following basic terminologies are considered the top 25 terms all computer students should know before they even begin their studies:
1. Bit: Binary data storage unit valued at either 1 or 0.
2. Byte: Eight data bits valued between zero and 255.
3. Word: Two data bytes or 16 data bits valued between zero and 16,535.
4. CD-ROM: A storage disk with approximately 640 megabytes of capacity.
5. CD-ROM Drive: Hardware used for reading and writing to CD-ROMs.
6. Storage Media: Magnetic devices that permanently store computer data.
7. File: Permanent storage structure for data kept on a hard drive or other permanent place.
8. Virus: Unauthorized programs that infect files or send themselves via email.
9. Vulnerability: When unauthorized access can be gained due to software errors.
10. Security Flaw: When attackers gain unauthorized system access due to a software bug.
11. Worm: Unwanted programs accessing computers via application/system vulnerabilities.
12. Hardware: Physical parts of computer (case, disk drive, monitor, microprocessor, etc.).
13. Software: Programs that run on a computer system.
14. Firmware: Software that has been permanently written into a computer.
15. ISP: Internet Service Provider.
16. BIOS: The basic input/output system computers use to interface with devices.
17. MIME: Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension.
18. Boot: What happens when a computer is turned on and beginning to run.
19. Crash: When computer software errors occur and programs fail to respond.
20. Driver: Program that understands interfaced devices like printers and video cards.
21. Network: Cables and other electrical components carrying data between computers.
22. Operating System: A computer’s core software component.
23. Parallel: Sending data over more than one line simultaneously.
24. Serial: Sending data over a single line one bit at a time.
25. Protocols: Communication methods and other standard Internet/networking functions.
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