Basic Computer & Internet Terms

  1. boot - to start up a computer.
  2. bug - a programming error that causes a program to behave in an unexpected way.
  3. application - a program in which you do your work.
  4. backup - a copy of a file or disk you make for archiving purposes.
  5. crash - a system malfunction in which the computer stops working and has to be restarted.
  6. database - an electronic list of information that can be sorted and/or searched.
  7. download - to transfer data from one computer to another. (If you are on the receiving end, you are downloading. If you are on the sending end, you are uploading ).
  8. freeze - a system error which causes the cursor to lock in place.
  9. hard drive - a large capacity storage device made of multiple disks housed in a rigid case.
  10. icon - a graphic symbol for an application, file or folder.
  11. launch - start an application.
  12. memory - the temporary holding area where data is stored while it is being used or changed; the amount of RAM a computer has installed.
  13. QuickTime - the Apple system extension that gives one the ability to compress, edit and play animation, movies and sound on the Mac.
  14. server - a central computer dedicated to sending and receiving data from other computers (on a network).
  15. title bar - the horizontal bar at the top of a window which has the name of the file or folder it represents.
  16. Browser - A Client program (software) that is used to look at various kinds of Internet resources.
  17. Cookie -The most common meaning of "Cookie" on the Internet refers to a piece of information sent by a Web Server to a Web Browser that the Browser software is expected to save and to send back to the Server whenever the browser makes additional requests from the Server.
  18. Email -- (Electronic Mail) Messages, usually text, sent from one person to another via computer. E-mail can also be sent automatically to a large number of addresses.
  19. Home Page (or Homepage) - Several meanings. Originally, the web page that your browser is set to use when it starts up. The more common meaning refers to the main web page for a business, organization, person or simply the main page out of a collection of web pages, e.g.
  20. Login - Noun or a verb.