{"id":70391,"date":"2026-11-12T14:45:23","date_gmt":"2026-11-12T09:15:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/?page_id=70391"},"modified":"2026-11-12T15:51:00","modified_gmt":"2026-11-12T10:21:00","slug":"computer-terms","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/computer-terms\/","title":{"rendered":"Computer Terms: 120+ Basic Computer and Tech Terms Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Home<\/a> ›<\/span> Computer terms<\/p>\n

Computer Terms: 120+ Basic Computer and Tech Terms Explained<\/h1>\n

Every computer and tech term you meet, explained in plain English. This tech glossary covers 120 basic computer terms, from hardware, files and Wi-Fi to passwords, scams and phones. Search for a word, pick a topic, or choose a level.<\/p>\n

120<\/b> terms<\/span>6<\/b> topics<\/span>Everyday to advanced<\/span>Updated November 2026<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Computer basics 22<\/span><\/h2>

Computer♥<\/span><\/h3>

Also called: PC<\/p>

An electronic machine that stores and processes information by following instructions called programs.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Hardware♥<\/span><\/h3>

The physical parts of a computer you can touch, such as the screen, keyboard, chips and cables.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Software♥<\/span><\/h3>

Programs and apps that tell a computer what to do, from the operating system to games and word processors.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Operating system♥<\/span><\/h3>

Also called: OS<\/p>

The main software that runs a computer or phone and lets other apps work, such as Windows, macOS, Android or iOS.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

App♥<\/span><\/h3>

Also called: application, program<\/p>

A piece of software that does a particular job, like sending messages, editing photos or browsing the web.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Browser♥<\/span><\/h3>

Also called: web browser<\/p>

An app for visiting websites, such as Chrome, Safari, Edge or Firefox.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Click<\/h3>

Pressing and releasing a mouse button or trackpad to select or open something. A double-click is two quick clicks.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Clipboard<\/h3>

A temporary place in memory that holds what you copied or cut until you paste it.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Copy and paste<\/h3>

Copying text or files to a temporary store and placing them somewhere else.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Crash<\/h3>

Also called: freeze<\/p>

When a program or computer suddenly stops working or stops responding.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Cursor<\/h3>

Also called: pointer<\/p>

The arrow or blinking line on screen that shows where you are pointing or typing.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Desktop<\/h3>

The main screen you see after starting a computer, with icons, windows and a taskbar. Also a computer that stays on a desk.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Drag and drop<\/h3>

Holding down on an item, moving it, then letting go to place it somewhere else.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Icon<\/h3>

A small picture that stands for an app, file or action. Click or tap it to open or use it.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Kernel<\/h3>

The core part of an operating system that controls memory, running programs and hardware.<\/p>

Advanced<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Keyboard shortcut<\/h3>

Also called: shortcut<\/p>

A key combination that does a task quickly, such as Ctrl+C to copy and Ctrl+V to paste.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Laptop<\/h3>

Also called: notebook<\/p>

A portable computer with a built-in screen, keyboard and battery.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Reboot<\/h3>

Also called: restart<\/p>

Turning a device off and on again. It clears many temporary problems and finishes installing updates.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Screenshot<\/h3>

Also called: screen grab<\/p>

A picture of what is on your screen, saved as an image file.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Settings<\/h3>

Also called: preferences, control panel<\/p>

The place where you change how a device or app works, such as sound, display or privacy options.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Update<\/h3>

A newer version of software that fixes bugs, closes security holes or adds features.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Virtual machine<\/h3>

Also called: VM<\/p>

Software that acts like a separate computer inside your computer, with its own operating system.<\/p>

Advanced<\/span><\/p><\/article><\/div><\/section>\n

Hardware and devices 22<\/span><\/h2>

CPU♥<\/span><\/h3>

Also called: processor, central processing unit<\/p>

The main chip that carries out a computer\u2019s instructions. Its speed affects how fast everything runs.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

RAM♥<\/span><\/h3>

Also called: memory<\/p>

Short-term working memory a computer uses for open apps and files. More RAM lets you run more things at once smoothly.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Battery life<\/h3>

How long a device runs on a full charge before it needs plugging in.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

BIOS<\/h3>

Also called: UEFI<\/p>

The small built-in program that starts a computer and checks its hardware before the operating system loads.<\/p>

Advanced<\/span><\/p><\/article>

GPU<\/h3>

Also called: graphics card, graphics processing unit<\/p>

A chip that draws images on screen and handles games, video and AI work.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Hard drive<\/h3>

Also called: HDD, hard disk<\/p>

An older storage drive with spinning disks. Cheaper per gigabyte than an SSD but slower.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

HDMI<\/h3>

A cable and port standard that carries high-quality video and sound to a TV or monitor.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Keyboard<\/h3>

The set of keys used to type letters, numbers and commands.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Monitor<\/h3>

Also called: display, screen<\/p>

The screen that shows a computer\u2019s picture.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Motherboard<\/h3>

The main circuit board that connects the CPU, memory, storage and other parts of a computer.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Mouse<\/h3>

A small handheld device you move to control the pointer on screen and click things.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Overclocking<\/h3>

Running a processor or graphics card faster than its official speed for extra performance, at the cost of more heat.<\/p>

Advanced<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Peripheral<\/h3>

Any extra device you connect to a computer, such as a printer, keyboard, mouse or webcam.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Pixel<\/h3>

The tiny dots of colour that make up everything on a screen or in a digital photo.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Port<\/h3>

A socket on a device where you plug in a cable, such as USB, HDMI or a headphone jack.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Printer<\/h3>

A device that puts text and images from a computer onto paper.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Resolution<\/h3>

The number of pixels on a screen or in an image, such as 1920 x 1080. Higher resolution means sharper detail.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

SSD<\/h3>

Also called: solid state drive<\/p>

A fast storage drive with no moving parts. It makes computers start and open apps much quicker than a hard drive.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Storage<\/h3>

Where files and apps are kept long term, on a hard drive, SSD, memory card or the cloud.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Touchpad<\/h3>

Also called: trackpad<\/p>

The flat touch-sensitive area on a laptop that works like a mouse.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

USB<\/h3>

A common standard for plugs, cables and ports that connect and charge devices. USB-C is the newer oval-shaped plug.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Webcam<\/h3>

A small camera on or attached to a computer, used for video calls.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article><\/div><\/section>\n

Files and storage 18<\/span><\/h2>

File♥<\/span><\/h3>

A single saved item on a computer, such as a document, photo, song or app.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Folder♥<\/span><\/h3>

Also called: directory<\/p>

A container that holds files and other folders so you can keep things organised.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Download♥<\/span><\/h3>

Copying a file from the internet or another computer onto your device.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Cloud storage♥<\/span><\/h3>

Also called: the cloud<\/p>

Saving files on a company\u2019s internet servers so you can reach them from any device.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Backup<\/h3>

An extra copy of your files kept somewhere safe, so you can recover them if a device is lost or breaks.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Byte<\/h3>

The basic unit of digital data. One byte holds about one letter of text.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

File extension<\/h3>

Also called: file type<\/p>

The letters after the dot in a file name, such as .pdf, .jpg or .docx, which show what kind of file it is.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

File path<\/h3>

Also called: path<\/p>

The address of a file on a computer, listing the folders you go through to reach it.<\/p>

Advanced<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Format<\/h3>

Erasing a drive or memory card and preparing it for use. It deletes everything on it.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Gigabyte<\/h3>

Also called: GB<\/p>

About one billion bytes. Phone storage, data plans and file sizes are often measured in gigabytes.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

JPEG<\/h3>

Also called: JPG<\/p>

The most common photo file format. It keeps file sizes small by slightly reducing quality.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

PDF<\/h3>

A file format that keeps a document looking the same on every device. Common for forms, manuals and ebooks.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

PNG<\/h3>

An image format that keeps sharp edges and supports see-through backgrounds. Good for logos and screenshots.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Recycle bin<\/h3>

Also called: trash<\/p>

Where deleted files go first, so you can restore them before they are removed for good.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Sync<\/h3>

Keeping files or data the same across several devices automatically.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Terabyte<\/h3>

Also called: TB<\/p>

About 1,000 gigabytes. Used for large hard drives and cloud storage plans.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Upload<\/h3>

Sending a file from your device to a website, server or cloud service.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

ZIP file<\/h3>

Also called: compressed file, archive<\/p>

A single file that packs several files together and shrinks them, so they are easier to send.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article><\/div><\/section>\n

Internet and networking 23<\/span><\/h2>

Internet♥<\/span><\/h3>

The worldwide network that connects computers and phones so they can share information.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Wi-Fi♥<\/span><\/h3>

Wireless technology that connects devices to the internet through a router without cables.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Website♥<\/span><\/h3>

A group of web pages under one address, such as quickonlinetips.com.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

5G<\/h3>

The fifth generation of mobile networks, with faster speeds and shorter delays than 4G.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Bandwidth<\/h3>

How much data a connection can carry at once. More bandwidth means faster downloads and smoother video.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Bluetooth<\/h3>

Short-range wireless technology for connecting headphones, keyboards, watches and other gadgets.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Cache<\/h3>

Stored copies of data, such as web pages and images, kept so they load faster next time.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Cookie<\/h3>

A small file a website saves in your browser to remember things like your login or shopping cart.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

DNS<\/h3>

Also called: Domain Name System<\/p>

The internet\u2019s phone book that turns names like example.com into the IP addresses computers use.<\/p>

Advanced<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Domain name<\/h3>

Also called: domain<\/p>

The name part of a web address, such as example.com, that people type to reach a site.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Email<\/h3>

Messages sent electronically from one account to another over the internet.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Ethernet<\/h3>

A wired network connection using a cable, usually faster and steadier than Wi-Fi.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Hotspot<\/h3>

Also called: tethering<\/p>

Sharing your phone\u2019s mobile data with other devices over Wi-Fi.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

HTTPS<\/h3>

The secure version of the web\u2019s protocol. The padlock in your browser means data is encrypted on its way.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

IP address<\/h3>

A number that identifies a device on a network or the internet, like a postal address for data.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Mbps<\/h3>

Also called: megabits per second<\/p>

The usual unit for internet speed. 100 Mbps is fast enough for several HD video streams at once.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Modem<\/h3>

The device that connects your home to your internet provider\u2019s network. Often combined with the router.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Packet<\/h3>

A small chunk of data sent across a network. Big files are split into many packets and put back together at the other end.<\/p>

Advanced<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Router<\/h3>

The box that shares your internet connection with your devices, by cable or Wi-Fi.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Search engine<\/h3>

A website that finds pages on the web for the words you type.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Server<\/h3>

A computer that stores websites, files or services and sends them to other devices when asked.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Streaming<\/h3>

Playing video or music over the internet as it arrives, without downloading the whole file first.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

URL<\/h3>

Also called: web address, link<\/p>

The address of a page on the web, such as https:\/\/www.example.com\/page.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article><\/div><\/section>\n

Security and privacy 20<\/span><\/h2>

Password♥<\/span><\/h3>

A secret word or phrase that proves it is you when you sign in. Long, unique passwords are safest.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Two-factor authentication♥<\/span><\/h3>

Also called: 2FA, two-step verification<\/p>

A second check after your password, such as a code on your phone, that stops others getting into your account.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Malware♥<\/span><\/h3>

Harmful software, such as viruses, spyware and ransomware, made to damage devices or steal data.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Phishing♥<\/span><\/h3>

Fake emails, texts or sites that pretend to be a trusted company to trick you into giving passwords or money.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Antivirus<\/h3>

Also called: security software<\/p>

Software that finds and removes malware.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Data breach<\/h3>

When hackers steal information, such as emails and passwords, from a company\u2019s systems.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Encryption<\/h3>

Scrambling data so only someone with the right key can read it.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Firewall<\/h3>

A barrier that controls which network traffic is allowed in and out of a device or network.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Hacker<\/h3>

Someone who breaks into computers or networks. Ethical hackers do this with permission to find weaknesses.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Incognito mode<\/h3>

Also called: private browsing<\/p>

A browser mode that does not save your history or cookies on the device. It does not make you anonymous online.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Passkey<\/h3>

A newer way to sign in using your fingerprint, face or phone PIN instead of a password.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Password manager<\/h3>

An app that creates and stores strong passwords for all your accounts, behind one master password.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Patch<\/h3>

Also called: software patch<\/p>

A small update that fixes a security hole or bug.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Privacy settings<\/h3>

Options that control who can see your information and what apps can access.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Ransomware<\/h3>

Malware that locks your files and demands payment to unlock them.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Scam<\/h3>

A trick to steal money or personal details, often by phone, text, email or fake websites.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Spam<\/h3>

Unwanted bulk messages, usually ads or scams, sent by email, text or social media.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Spyware<\/h3>

Software that secretly watches what you do and sends the information to someone else.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Virus<\/h3>

Malware that spreads by attaching itself to files or programs.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

VPN<\/h3>

Also called: virtual private network<\/p>

A service that sends your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel, hiding it from your local network.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article><\/div><\/section>\n

Phones and everyday tech 15<\/span><\/h2>

Smartphone♥<\/span><\/h3>

A mobile phone that works like a small computer, with apps, internet, camera and touchscreen.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Airplane mode<\/h3>

Also called: flight mode<\/p>

A setting that turns off a phone\u2019s wireless signals, such as mobile data, calls and Wi-Fi.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Emoji<\/h3>

Small pictures, like smiley faces and hearts, used in messages to show feelings or ideas.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

eSIM<\/h3>

A digital SIM built into a phone, so you can switch mobile plans without a plastic card.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Factory reset<\/h3>

Erasing a device back to how it was when new. Back up first, because it deletes everything.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Firmware<\/h3>

Low-level software built into a device\u2019s hardware that controls how it works.<\/p>

Advanced<\/span><\/p><\/article>

GPS<\/h3>

Also called: location services<\/p>

Satellite positioning that lets phones and maps know where you are.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Mobile data<\/h3>

Also called: cellular data<\/p>

Internet access through your phone network instead of Wi-Fi.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

NFC<\/h3>

Also called: tap to pay<\/p>

Very short-range wireless used for contactless payments and quick pairing.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Notification<\/h3>

A message or alert from an app that pops up on your screen.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

QR code<\/h3>

A square barcode you scan with a phone camera to open a link, pay or join Wi-Fi.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Smart home<\/h3>

Lights, plugs, speakers and other home devices you can control from a phone or by voice.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Smartwatch<\/h3>

A watch that connects to your phone to show messages, track health and run small apps.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Touchscreen<\/h3>

A screen you control by tapping and swiping with your finger.<\/p>

Everyday<\/span><\/p><\/article>

Widget<\/h3>

A small live panel on a home screen that shows information, such as weather or calendar events, without opening the app.<\/p>

Intermediate<\/span><\/p><\/article><\/div><\/section>\n

\n

Computer terms: frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n

What are the most basic computer terms?<\/h3>\n

Start with hardware, software, operating system, app, browser, file, folder, internet, Wi-Fi, password and cloud storage. Together they explain most of what you do on a computer or phone.<\/p>\n

What is the difference between hardware and software?<\/h3>\n

Hardware is the physical parts you can touch, like the screen, keyboard and chips. Software is the programs and apps that run on that hardware and tell it what to do.<\/p>\n

What is the difference between RAM and storage?<\/h3>\n

RAM is short-term working memory for the apps you have open, and it empties when you switch off. Storage keeps your files and apps for good, even when the power is off.<\/p>\n

How can I stay safe online?<\/h3>\n

Use long, unique passwords with a password manager, turn on two-factor authentication, keep devices updated and be careful with links in unexpected emails and texts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Home › Computer terms Computer Terms: 120+ Basic Computer and Tech Terms Explained Every computer and tech term you meet, explained in plain English. This tech glossary covers 120 basic computer terms, from hardware, files and Wi-Fi to passwords, scams and phones. Search for a word, pick a topic, or choose a level. 120 terms6…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"hide","_kad_post_layout":"normal","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"none","_kad_post_content_style":"unboxed","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"show","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-70391","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/70391","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=70391"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/70391\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":70406,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/70391\/revisions\/70406"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=70391"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}