Basic Computer Terminology

Icon

A small symbol or picture that represents a program or other things.

Software

All the instructions for the computer or a program designed to do different things (i.e.: Microsoft Word, Skype, Chrome, Windows)

SPAM

An abbreviation for "sending particularly annoying messages" - unwanted email.

Data

Any information stored by a computer. (i.e.: files, emails, video games, songs. pictures, etc.)

Drag and Drop

Click on something and hold the button down, then move the object you clicked on to where you would like it to be, and let go of the button.

Backup

Extra copy of a file or document.

World Wide Web

Group of internet servers linking computers all around the world.

Graphic

Picture or image.

Virus

Software that was written to do bad stuff t your computer.

FAQ

The abbreviation for Frequently Asked Questions

URL

The address of documents, web pages, and resources on the internet

Taskbar

The bar beside the Start button that shows what programs are open.

Homepage

The first page you will see when you open your browser.

Download

The process where you copy something from another computer or website to your computer.

Browser

The program you use to browse web pages like Firefox, Google Chrome, or Internet Explorer

Desktop

The screen that appears if you are not browsing the Internet, reading a file, playing a game, or have other windows open. Your icons are on this screen.

Cursor

Usually a small arrow on the screen that moves when you move the mouse. It is used to make a selection. Sometimes it is flashing and tells you where your typing will start.

Right Click

When you click on the right side of the mouse and a menu with options opens.

Memory

Where the data is that a computer stores. The more of this, the more data the computer can handle and hold .

Logon

You have to do this to get access to your computer. You just type in a certain name or code.