Glossary Of Terms

ActiveX: A set of technologies developed by Microsoft that allows interactive and dynamic content, such as controls and scripts, to be embedded within web pages for enhanced functionality.

AI (Artificial Intelligence): A field of computer science focused on creating systems and machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning and problem-solving.

Algorithm: A set of rules or steps for solving a problem or performing a task, often used in computer programming and software development.

Android: An open-source mobile operating system developed by Google, used on a wide range of smartphones and tablets, known for its flexibility and app ecosystem.

AOL (America Online): An American online service provider and web portal, once one of the largest internet service providers, offering email, news, and entertainment content.

Application (App): A computer program or software designed to perform a specific task or set of tasks for the user.

ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange): A character encoding standard that represents text and control characters using 7 or 8 bits, facilitating digital communication and compatibility.

ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode): A high-speed networking technology that transmits data in fixed-size cells, providing low-latency and reliable data transfer for voice, video, and data traffic.

ATX (Advanced Technology Extended): A computer motherboard and case form factor standard, specifying dimensions, layout, and power supply connections, enhancing compatibility and airflow for modern PCs.

AVI (Audio Video Interleave): A multimedia container format developed by Microsoft for storing video and audio data, commonly used for video playback and editing on Windows-based systems.

Backbone: In networking, the primary high-capacity pathway that connects various local and regional networks, facilitating data transmission across a larger geographic area, such as the internet’s infrastructure.

Backup: A process of creating copies of data to protect against data loss, allowing for data recovery in the event of accidental deletion, hardware failure, or other disasters.

Bandwidth: The capacity of a network connection to transfer data. It is usually measured in bits per second (bps).

BASIC (Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code): A high-level, user-friendly programming language designed for beginners, often used for educational purposes and as a starting point for learning programming.

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System): The firmware in a computer’s motherboard that initializes hardware components, performs system checks, and loads the operating system during startup.

Bit: The smallest unit of data in computing, represented as a 0 or 1.

BitTorrent: A peer-to-peer file-sharing protocol and communication protocol used for distributing data over the internet in a decentralized manner, often associated with sharing large files efficiently.

Blackhat: A term referring to a hacker or cybercriminal who engages in malicious activities, such as unauthorized access, data theft, or cyberattacks, often for personal gain or harm.

Blacklist: A list of individuals, entities, or items deemed undesirable, restricted, or prohibited, often used for security, compliance, or administrative purposes.

Bluetooth: A wireless communication technology standard used for short-range data exchange between devices, enabling features like wireless audio streaming, file sharing, and device connectivity.

BUTT Set (Buttinski Set): A telecommunications tool used by technicians to test and troubleshoot telephone lines, often equipped with features like a rotary dial and a speaker.

Byte: A unit of data that typically represents one character and is made up of eight bits.

Cache: A small, fast memory location where frequently accessed data is stored to quickly retrieve it in the future.

CAD (Computer-Aided Design): A technology used in engineering, architecture, and product design to create, modify, and visualize 2D and 3D digital models and technical drawings.

CAPTCHA (Completely Automated Public Turing Test to Tell Computers and Humans Apart): A security mechanism that presents challenges to users, ensuring they are human, not automated bots.

CAT5 (Category 5): A type of Ethernet cable used for network connections, providing high-speed data transmission and commonly used in local area networks (LANs).

CAT5e (Category 5e): An improved version of CAT5 Ethernet cable, supporting higher data transfer speeds and reduced crosstalk, ideal for modern network applications.

CAT6 (Category 6): An enhanced Ethernet cable offering higher data transfer speeds and reduced interference compared to CAT5, commonly used in network infrastructure.

CAT6a (Category 6a): An improved Ethernet cable standard designed for higher data transfer rates and reduced interference, commonly used in network installations requiring high performance and reliability.

ChatGPT: A language model developed by OpenAI, based on the GPT-3.5 architecture, designed to generate human-like text and assist with a wide range of natural language processing tasks.

CLI (Caller Line Identifier): A feature in telecommunications that displays the phone number or caller’s identity on a recipient’s phone when receiving a call, aiding call management and screening.

Client: A computer or software application that requests services or resources from a server in a client-server architecture, facilitating user interaction with networked systems.

Cloud Computing: The delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software—over the cloud (internet) to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale.

CMS (Content Management System): A software platform that simplifies content creation, editing, and organization on websites, enabling multiple users to collaborate on web content easily.

Codec: Short for “coder-decoder,” it’s a software or hardware device used to encode and decode digital data, such as audio and video, for efficient storage, transmission, and playback.

Cookies: Small text files stored on a user’s device by websites, containing data used for various purposes, including authentication, tracking, and personalization of online experiences.

CPU (Central Processing Unit): The primary component of a computer that performs most of the processing inside a computer.

Database: A structured set of data held in a computer, especially one that is accessible in various ways.

DNS (Domain Name System): A decentralized naming system that translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses, facilitating internet navigation and locating resources on the web.

DOS (Disk Operating System): An early computer operating system that manages disk storage, file access, and hardware communication, commonly used on personal computers before graphical interfaces.

DPS (Digital Processing System): A technology or system that processes digital data and signals, often used in various applications, including audio processing, communications, and digital computing.

DTMF (Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency): A telecommunications signaling method that uses distinct pairs of audio frequencies to represent digits, enabling the transmission of touch-tone signals during phone calls for interactive responses.

DVD (Digital Versatile Disc): An optical storage medium that can store large amounts of data, including video, audio, and software, for playback, distribution, and data storage.

DVI (Digital Visual Interface): A video display interface used to connect computers to digital displays, offering high-quality video signals in various formats, including DVI-D, DVI-A, and DVI-I.

E.164: A ITU-T recommendation defining the international public telecommunication numbering plan, used to assign unique telephone numbers to individuals, businesses, and devices worldwide, ensuring global call routing.

Encryption: The process of converting information or data into a code, especially to prevent unauthorized access.

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning): An integrated software solution used by organizations to manage and automate core business processes, including accounting, HR, inventory, and customer relations.

Firewall: A network security device that monitors and filters incoming and outgoing network traffic based on an organization’s previously established security policies.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol): A standard network protocol used for transferring files between a client and a server on a computer network.

GB (Gigabyte): A unit of digital information storage equal to approximately one billion bytes, often used for measuring storage capacity or file sizes.

GHz (Gigahertz): A unit of frequency measurement equal to one billion cycles per second, typically used to denote the speed of microprocessors.

GIF (Graphics Interchange Format): A widely-used image file format that supports animations, using lossless compression, commonly used for short animations and simple graphics on the web.

Google: A multinational technology company founded in 1998, specializing in internet-related services and products, including search engines, online advertising, cloud computing, and software applications.

GUI (Graphical User Interface): A user interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices through graphical icons and visual indicators.

H.323: A set of ITU-T recommendations that define protocols for audio and video communication over IP networks, including videoconferencing and voice-over-IP (VoIP) applications.

Hacking: Unauthorized access, manipulation, or exploitation of computer systems, networks, or data for malicious purposes, including theft, disruption, or unauthorized surveillance, often illegal and unethical.

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface): A widely-used audio/video interface for transmitting high-definition digital audio and video signals between devices, such as TVs, monitors, and gaming consoles.

HEX (Hexadecimal): A base-16 numeral system using digits 0-9 and letters A-F, often used in computing to represent binary data more compactly and human-readable format.

HLR (Home Location Register): A central database in a mobile telecommunications network that stores subscriber information and provides authentication and call routing services for mobile devices.

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): The standard markup language for documents designed to be displayed in a web browser.

ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol): A network layer protocol in the Internet Protocol Suite used for error reporting, diagnostics, and management of network communication, including the “ping” utility.

ICT (Information and Communication Technology): An encompassing term that refers to technologies used for collecting, storing, processing, and disseminating information and facilitating communication through digital means.

IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics): An older computer hardware interface standard that connects storage devices, like hard drives and CD-ROMs, directly to the motherboard, simplifying data transfer and management.

IP Address (Internet Protocol Address): A unique address that identifies a device on the internet or a local network.

IPP (Internet Printing Protocol): A network protocol that enables the communication between client devices and printers for remote printing over the internet or a local network.

IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4): The fourth version of the Internet Protocol, using a 32-bit address scheme to identify devices on a network and facilitate data packet routing.

IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6): The sixth iteration of the Internet Protocol, using a 128-bit address format, designed to address the limitations of IPv4 and accommodate future growth of the internet.

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network): A hardware device or telephone terminal used to connect to an ISDN line, facilitating digital voice and data communication over telecommunications networks.

ISO Image: A complete and exact copy of an optical disc, such as a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray, stored as a single file in the ISO format, typically used for disc backup and distribution.

ISP (Internet Service Provider): A company or organization that provides internet access to individuals and businesses, offering various connection types and service plans.

Java: A versatile, object-oriented programming language developed by Sun Microsystems (now owned by Oracle). It is known for its platform independence, portability, and extensive libraries.

JPG or JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): A widely-used image file format that uses lossy compression to reduce file size while maintaining good image quality, ideal for photographs and graphics.

KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) Switch: A hardware device that enables a user to control multiple computers using a single set of keyboard, monitor, and mouse peripherals, simplifying management.

LAN (Local Area Network): A network that covers a small geographic area, connecting devices, computers, and peripherals within a limited proximity, typically in homes, offices, or schools.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): A flat-panel technology that uses liquid crystals to create images on screens, commonly used in monitors, TVs, laptops, and mobile devices for sharp visuals.

Malware: Software that is intended to damage or disable computers and computer systems.

MHz (Megahertz): A unit of frequency measurement equal to one million cycles per second, commonly used to express the speed of computer processors and memory.

MKV (Matroska Video): A multimedia container format that can store video, audio, subtitles, and more, providing flexibility for high-quality video content, often used for digital video distribution.

Motherboard: The primary circuit board in a computer, housing essential components like the CPU, RAM, and connectors for peripherals, facilitating communication and data transfer.

MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer III): A widely-used audio compression format that reduces file size while maintaining sound quality, enabling efficient storage and transmission of digital music.

MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14): A multimedia container format that can store video, audio, and other data, commonly used for digital video streaming, distribution, and playback.

Nameserver (Name Server): A server that stores DNS records, providing IP address information for domain names, facilitating internet communication and the translation of human-readable addresses.

NAS (Network-Attached Storage): A device or storage system connected to a network, providing centralized data storage and file sharing for multiple users or devices.

Netscape: An early web browser developed by Netscape Communications Corporation, which played a significant role in popularizing the World Wide Web in the 1990s before its acquisition by AOL.

Network: A network is a interconnected system of devices, such as computers, servers, and routers, that communicate with each other to share data and resources. Networks can be wired (Ethernet) or wireless (Wi-Fi), enabling data transfer, communication, and collaboration among users, devices, or systems within a specific geographic area or globally.

NTFS (New Technology File System): A proprietary file system developed by Microsoft for Windows operating systems, offering improved performance, security, and advanced features for file storage and management.

OCR (Optical Character Recognition): OCR is a technology that converts printed or handwritten text into machine-readable text data. It scans and analyzes documents, recognizing characters and formatting, making it possible to edit, search, or store text electronically, enhancing efficiency in data entry, information retrieval, and document management processes.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): An enterprise that manufactures components, parts, or products intended for integration into another company’s final products, often customized to meet the second company’s specifications or branding requirements. OEMs play a crucial role in various industries, supplying essential elements for diverse end-use applications.

OpenGL (Open Graphics Library): An open-standard graphics API (Application Programming Interface) used for rendering 2D and 3D graphics in software applications, games, and simulations across various platforms.

Operating System (OS): The software that supports a computer’s basic functions, such as scheduling tasks, executing applications, and controlling peripherals.

Oracle: A multinational technology company offering a wide range of software, hardware, and cloud services, with a focus on databases, cloud computing, and enterprise software solutions.

PABX (Private Automatic Branch Exchange): A telephone system that manages internal and external calls in an organization, offering advanced features such as call routing and voicemail.

PBX (Private Branch Exchange): A telephone system within an organization that allows internal communication and external calls, often including features like call routing and voicemail.

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect): A standard interface for connecting expansion cards, such as graphics and network cards, to a computer’s motherboard, facilitating hardware expansion.

PCL (Printer Command Language): A printer control language developed by Hewlett-Packard (HP) for controlling and formatting text and graphics in printing.

PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association): A standard for small, credit card-sized hardware devices, including expansion cards and adapters, used to add functionality to laptops and other portable devices.

PDF (Portable Document Format): A file format developed by Adobe that preserves document formatting and allows easy viewing and printing on various devices and platforms.

Phishing: A type of fraud where fraudulent emails are sent that resemble emails from reputable sources to gain personal information from the recipient.

PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor): A widely-used, open-source scripting language for web development, capable of generating dynamic web content and interacting with databases.

Ping: A network utility tool that sends an ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) echo request to a host, measuring the round-trip time for a response and checking network connectivity.

PNG (Portable Network Graphics): A widely-used image file format that employs lossless compression, suitable for graphics and images with transparency, often used for web graphics.

Port: A numeric identifier in network communication that distinguishes different services or processes on a device, enabling data routing to specific applications.

POP3 (Post Office Protocol, version 3): An email retrieval protocol that allows email clients to download messages from a mail server to a local device, typically deleting them from the server.

PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet): A network protocol used to establish and manage internet connections, often used by ISPs to authenticate users and assign dynamic IP addresses.

PS (PostScript): A page description language developed by Adobe for describing the layout and graphics of documents, commonly used in professional printing.

PS/2 (Personal System/2): A type of connector and protocol used for connecting computer keyboards and mice to PCs, now largely replaced by USB connections.

PSU (Power Supply Unit): A hardware component in a computer that converts electrical energy from a power source into the appropriate voltage and current to power the computer’s components.

QoS (Quality of Service): A set of technologies and techniques used to manage and prioritize network traffic to ensure reliable and high-quality data transmission, especially in real-time applications.

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks): A data storage technology that combines multiple hard drives for enhanced performance, redundancy, and fault tolerance in storage systems.

RAM (Random Access Memory): A type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly; that is, any byte of memory can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes.

RDC (Remote Desktop Connection): A technology that enables users to access and control a remote computer or server over a network, allowing remote administration and troubleshooting.

RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer): A computer architecture design that emphasizes simplicity and efficiency by using a small set of basic instructions, often resulting in faster performance.

Router: A network device that directs data packets between different computer networks, enabling data transmission and determining optimal paths for network traffic.

SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products): A multinational software corporation known for its enterprise resource planning (ERP) software solutions, providing business management and operations tools for organizations.

SAS (Serial Attached SCSI): A high-speed, point-to-point, serial protocol used to connect and manage data storage devices, offering performance and reliability features for enterprise-level storage systems.

SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment): A computer interface for connecting storage devices, such as hard drives and SSDs, to transfer data at high speeds using a serial connection.

SCSI (Small Computer System Interface): A set of standards for connecting and transferring data between computers and peripheral devices, commonly used in enterprise storage systems.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization): A set of techniques and strategies aimed at improving a website’s visibility in search engine results, driving organic traffic and increasing online presence.

Server: A computer or system that provides resources, data, services, or programs to other computers, known as clients, over a network.

SMS (Short Message Service): A text messaging service that enables sending and receiving short text messages on mobile devices, typically limited to 160 characters, often used for communication.

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): A protocol used for sending and relaying email messages between servers, facilitating electronic mail delivery.

Spam: Unsolicited, irrelevant, or malicious electronic messages, often sent in bulk, typically for advertising, phishing, or spreading malware, causing annoyance or harm.

SQL (Structured Query Language): A domain-specific language used for managing, querying, and manipulating relational databases, enabling the creation, modification, and retrieval of data.

SSD (Solid State Drive): A storage device containing nonvolatile flash memory, used in place of a hard disk because of its much greater speed.

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer): A cryptographic protocol that ensures secure data transmission over the internet, commonly used for secure connections in web browsers.

Switch: A network device that operates at the data link layer, forwarding data packets between devices within the same network segment based on MAC addresses, improving network efficiency and performance.

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): A core internet protocol responsible for establishing and maintaining reliable data communication between devices by ensuring data delivery, error correction, and sequencing.

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol): Networking protocols enabling data transmission and routing on the internet, ensuring reliable communication between devices.

Terminal: A terminal is a command-line interface for interacting with a computer’s operating system. It allows users to execute commands, manage files, and perform system tasks efficiently.

TLS (Transport Layer Security): A cryptographic protocol providing secure communication between computer systems over a network, often used for secure web browsing and email.

Trunking: A telecommunications technique that enables the consolidation of multiple communication channels or circuits into a single, more efficient, and higher-capacity line, enhancing network efficiency and scalability.

ULA (Uncommitted Logic Array): A type of digital integrated circuit design that allows customization by users or designers for specific logic functions, making it versatile for various applications.

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): A device that provides temporary power during electrical outages, preventing data loss and damage to connected electronic devices by supplying backup power.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator): The address of a World Wide Web page.

USB (Universal Serial Bus): A standardized interface technology for connecting and transferring data between electronic devices, such as computers, smartphones, and peripherals.

VDU (Visual Display Unit): A term used in some regions to refer to a computer monitor or screen, displaying text, graphics, and video output for user interaction.

VGA (Video Graphics Array): An analog video display standard used to connect computers to monitors and projectors, offering lower-resolution video output compared to digital standards like HDMI or DisplayPort.

Virus: A type of malicious software program (“malware”) that, when executed, replicates itself by modifying other computer programs and inserting its own code.

VLR (Visitor Location Register): A database in a mobile telecommunications network that temporarily stores information about mobile devices currently within the network’s coverage area, facilitating call routing and management.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol): Technology transmitting voice and multimedia over IP networks, converting analog audio to digital data for communication.

VPN (Virtual Private Network): A service that encrypts your internet traffic and protects your online identity by hiding your IP address.

WAN (Wide Area Network): A network that spans a large geographic area, connecting multiple local area networks (LANs) or devices over long distances using various communication technologies.

WAV (Waveform Audio File Format): A widely-used audio file format that stores uncompressed audio data, maintaining high-quality sound, often used for high-fidelity audio recordings and music.

WEBP: A modern image file format developed by Google that uses both lossless and lossy compression, providing smaller file sizes and better quality compared to other image formats.

Wi-Fi: A technology that allows computers and other devices to communicate over a wireless signal.

WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network): A network that connects devices within a limited geographic area using wireless communication, typically for internet access or local data sharing, often via Wi-Fi technology.

WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get): A user interface or editor that displays content as it will appear, simplifying formatting without requiring coding skills.

x86: A family of CPU architectures based on the Intel 8086 microprocessor, commonly used in personal computers, servers, and workstations, with widespread compatibility and support.

Yahoo: A multinational technology company founded in 1994, known for its web services, including a popular web portal, search engine, email, news, and online advertising.