Computer Science Glossary

by , under field-related glossaries, Vocabulary

Computer Science means the study of the principles and use of computers. To learn more about computer science, a good place to start is Wikipedia. For other field-related glossaries, look at the vocabulary section oft his blog. To make your own field-related glossary, click here.

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Computer Science Glossary

applet
A small utility or other simple program, often written in Java language and attached to HTML documents.
application
An end-user program designed to perform a specific function.
array
Data saved in a sequential form on a computer system.
backup
The procedure for making extra copies of data in case the original is lost or damaged.
bit
A binary digit, either a 0 or a 1, used to represent computerized data.
blog
A regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style.
browser
A program that can display HTML files, used to navigate the World Wide Web.
buffer
A RAM storage location for temporary data to speed up an operation such as disk access or printing.
byte
Eight bits.
class
An extensible program-code-template for creating objects.
client
A program or computer that asks for information from other programs or computers.
cloud computing
The practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or a personal computer.
compression
The re-encoding of data into a form that uses fewer bits of information than the original data.
Computer Science
An academic field that studies the theoretical foundations of information and computation and their implementation and application in computer systems.
cursor
A movable pointer on a computer screen identifying the position that will be affected by clicking a mouse button or where typed text will be inserted.
daemon
A computer program that starts when a system boots that runs in the background, rather than under the direct control of a user.
data
Distinct pieces of formatted information.
database
A collection of information that is organized so that it can easily be accessed, managed, and updated.
defragmentation
The process of consolidating fragmented data on a hard disk to make it work more efficiently.
domain name
A name consisting of an alphabetical or alphanumeric sequence followed by a suffix and used as an Internet address to identify the location of one or more web pages.
download
The transmission of requested data from another computer over a network.
encryption
The transformation of electronic information into an unreadable state by using algorithms or ciphers.
file
A resource for storing information, which is available to a computer program and remains available for other programs to use after the program that created it has finished using it.
file extension
A group of letters occurring after a period in a file name, indicating the format of the file.
folder
A virtual location where files can be kept.
hardware
A set of physical objects such as a tower, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and so on.
icon
A small picture representing an application which can be activated by clicking on it.
Internet
A large computer network that facilitates the exchange and transfer of data between computers.
Internet service provider
A company that provides individuals and other companies access to the Internet.
kernel
A program responsible for managing requests from software and translating them into data processing instructions for the central processing unit and other electronic components of a computer.
memory
The internal data storage on a computer.
motherboard
A printed circuit board containing the principal components of a computer or other device, with connectors into which other circuit boards can be slotted.
network
A group of computers connected to each other in order to send and receive data.
Open Source
The production and development of software by a public development community that is freely available to anyone who would like to use it or modify it for their own purposes.
operating system
The software platform required to run various applications and responsible for managing memory storage and data security.
packet
A portion of a message or data that is transferred over a network.
peripheral device
Any auxiliary device such as a computer mouse or keyboard that connects to and works with the computer.
pixel
One point within an image.
port
A mainly hardware component that enables two computers to connect and share data.
protocol
A set of rules followed by two devices while interacting with each other.
query
A request made by a computer to a database.
render
The process of using a computer program to generate an image from the information contained in a file.
router
A device that forwards data packets along networks and located where two or more networks connect.
script
A list of commands that can be executed without user interaction.
server
A computer or computer program that manages access to a centralized resource or service in a network.
social media
Online tools that allow people to create, share or exchange information, ideas, pictures and videos in virtual online communities.
software
A program containing computer code that directs hardware to carry out a range of functions.
software bug
An error or flaw in a computer program or system that causes it to behave in unintended ways.
speech recognition
The ability of a computer to identify and respond to the sounds in human speech.
speech synthesis
The artificial production of human speech.
support ticket
A computer software package that manages and maintains lists of issues, as needed by an organization.
touchscreen
A display device that allows a user to interact with a computer by touching areas on the screen.
upgrade
A new version of a product designed to replace an older version of the same product.
upload
The transfer of data from one computer to a remote computer functioning as a server.
URL
The unique resource locator address for a file that is accessible on the Internet.
virtual memory
Unused memory on the hard disk employed by certain applications that need more RAM than is available.
virus
A program that can copy itself and corrupt the computer system or destroy data.
web hosting
A service that allows individuals and organizations to make their website accessible via the World Wide Web.
wiki
A website that allows anyone, using a web browser, to edit, delete or modify content on the site, including the work of other authors.
word processor
Software used to create, edit, format and print documents.