Computer dictionary
Plain-English definitions of the computer terms you keep hearing.
- 2FA — 2FA is a second check on top of your password — usually…
- BIOS — The BIOS is the small firmware that boots when you first press…
- CPU — The CPU is your computer's central processor — the chip that carries…
- DHCP — DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is how your router automatically hands each…
- DNS — DNS (Domain Name System) is the internet's phone book — it translates…
- Ethernet — Ethernet is the wired way devices connect to the internet and a…
- Firewall — A firewall watches the traffic going in and out of your computer…
- GPU — The GPU is the graphics card — the chip that draws everything…
- HDMI — HDMI is the most common cable for carrying both picture and sound…
- IP address — An IP address is the number that identifies your device on a…
- Malware — Malware is any software designed to damage, disrupt or snoop on your…
- Motherboard — The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects everything — CPU,…
- NVMe — NVMe is a fast way of connecting an SSD to the PC…
- Phishing — Phishing is the art of faking a trusted message — email, text…
- PSU — The PSU is the power supply — it converts the mains electricity…
- RAM — RAM is your computer's short-term working memory — the space it uses…
- Refresh rate — Refresh rate is how many times per second a screen redraws the…
- Router — A router is the small box that connects your devices to the…
- SSD — An SSD (solid-state drive) is your computer's storage that uses flash memory…
- UEFI — UEFI is the modern replacement for the old BIOS — the firmware…
- USB — USB is the universal connector for plugging in peripherals — keyboards, mice,…
- VPN — A VPN (Virtual Private Network) routes your internet traffic through a remote…
- VRAM — VRAM is the graphics card's own dedicated memory, used to hold the…
- Wi-Fi — Wi-Fi is how your devices connect to the internet and each other…