A
ABEND
Abnormal End Software/OS
Historical
The mainframe term for a program crashing or ending unexpectedly.
Account
Security
Your personal access to a service, secured by a login.
Accumulator
Processor/CPU
Historical
A special CPU register that holds the running result of calculations.
Acoustic Coupler
Networking
Historical
An early modem that connected by cradling a telephone handset and using sound tones.
Ad Blocker
Internet/Web
A tool that stops most ads (and many trackers) from loading in your browser.
Administrator
Admin Software/OS
An account with full control to change settings and install software.
Adware
Security
Software that bombards you with unwanted ads.
AirPrint
Software/OS
Apple's built-in way to print from a Mac, iPhone, or iPad with no driver to install.
ALGOL
Software/OS
Historical
An influential early programming language that shaped many that followed.
Algorithm
Software/OS
A step-by-step set of instructions a computer follows to solve a problem.
All-in-One Printer
MFP Hardware
A single device that prints, scans, copies, and sometimes faxes.
AmigaOS
Software/OS
Historical
The operating system of the Commodore Amiga home computers.
Android
Software/OS
Google's operating system for smartphones and tablets.
Anti-Glare
Matte Display/Graphics
A screen finish that scatters light to cut reflections.
Antivirus
Security
Software that detects and removes malware.
AOL
America Online Internet/Web
Historical
A hugely popular early dial-up online service and internet provider.
APFS
Apple File System Files & Data
The modern file system used by Macs.
API
Application Programming Interface Software/OS
A defined way for two programs to talk to each other.
APL
A Programming Language Software/OS
Historical
A terse, symbol-heavy language famous for one-line solutions.
App
Application Software/OS
A program you run to do a task, like email or photos.
Archie
Internet/Web
Historical
An early tool for searching file archives on the internet, before the web.
ARPANET
Advanced Research Projects Agency Network Internet/Web
Historical
The U.S. research network launched in 1969 that became the foundation of the internet.
Artificial Intelligence
AI Software/OS
Software that performs tasks normally needing human intelligence, like recognizing speech.
AS/400
Application System/400 Hardware
Historical
IBM's beloved business midrange computer (later iSeries / IBM i).
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange Files & Data
An early standard that assigns a number to each letter and symbol so computers can store text.
Aspect Ratio
Display/Graphics
The width-to-height shape of a screen or image, like 16:9.
Assembly Language
Software/OS
A low-level programming language very close to a computer's raw instructions.
AT Commands
Hayes Command Set Networking
Historical
The text commands used to control dial-up modems, popularized by Hayes.
Attachment
Email
A file sent along with an email.
AUTOEXEC.BAT
Software/OS
Historical
A DOS startup file of commands run automatically at boot.
Avatar
Internet/Web
A small picture that represents you in an app or account.
B
Backup
Files & Data
A spare copy of your files kept safe in case the originals are lost.
Bad Sector
Storage
A spot on a drive that can no longer reliably hold data.
Bandwidth
Networking
How much data your connection can carry at once — more means faster.
Barcode
Files & Data
A pattern of lines a scanner reads to identify a product or item.
BASIC
Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code Software/OS
Historical
A simple early language many people first learned on home computers.
Batch Job
Software/OS
Historical
A unit of work submitted to run without interaction, typical of mainframes.
Baud
Baud Rate Networking
Historical
A measure of the signaling speed of an old modem or serial connection.
BBS
Bulletin Board System Internet/Web
Historical
A dial-in system, pre-web, where users posted messages and shared files.
Benchmark
Software/OS
A standard test used to compare the performance of computers.
Bernoulli Drive
Bernoulli Box Storage
Historical
An Iomega removable-cartridge drive from the late 1980s–90s, holding far more than a floppy.
Bezel
Display/Graphics
The frame or border around a screen.
Binary
Files & Data
The base-2 number system of 1s and 0s that computers use for everything.
Biometrics
Security
Logging in with your body — a fingerprint or your face.
BIOS
Basic Input/Output System Software/OS
Built-in firmware that starts the hardware when you power on, before the operating system loads.
Bit
Binary Digit Files & Data
The smallest unit of computer data — a single 1 or 0.
Bitrate
Display/Graphics
How much data per second a video or audio stream uses; higher means better quality.
Blockchain
Security
A shared, tamper-resistant digital ledger spread across many computers.
Blocking Factor
Files & Data
Historical
How many records are grouped into one block on tape or disk.
Blog
Web Log Internet/Web
A regularly updated online journal or articles site.
Blu-ray
Storage
Historical
A high-capacity optical disc for HD video and large amounts of data.
Bluetooth
Networking
Short-range wireless for connecting devices like headphones and keyboards.
BNC Connector
Ports & Connectors
Historical
A twist-lock connector used with coaxial cable, common on old 10Base2 networks.
Bookmark
Favorite Internet/Web
A saved link so you can return to a page easily.
Boolean
Software/OS
A value that is either true or false.
Boot
Boot Up Software/OS
The startup process when you turn a computer on.
Boot Sector
Storage
The first part of a drive that holds the code to start the computer.
Bootstrap
Software/OS
Starting a system up by its own efforts — the origin of the word "boot."
Bot
Internet/Web
An automated program that performs tasks online, sometimes pretending to be human.
Botnet
Security
A network of hijacked computers secretly controlled by an attacker.
bps
Bits per second Networking
A basic measure of data speed — how many bits move each second.
Brightness
Nits Display/Graphics
How much light a screen puts out, measured in nits.
Broadband
Networking
A fast, always-on internet connection.
Browser
Web Browser Internet/Web
The program you use to visit websites, like Chrome, Safari, or Edge.
Browser Tab
Internet/Web
A way to keep several web pages open at once in one window.
BSD
Berkeley Software Distribution Software/OS
A Unix variant whose code underlies parts of macOS and others.
Bubble Memory
Memory
Historical
A 1970s–80s non-volatile memory that briefly competed with disks.
Buffer
Files & Data
A temporary holding area for data while it's moved or processed.
Buffering
Internet/Web
The pause while streaming media loads enough to keep playing.
Bug
Software/OS
An error or flaw that makes software behave incorrectly.
Burn-In
Display/Graphics
A faint, permanent ghost of an image left on a screen shown too long.
Byte
Files & Data
A group of 8 bits — enough to store a single character like a letter.
C
C
Software/OS
A powerful, long-standing programming language that underlies much modern software.
C++
Software/OS
A widely used programming language that extends C with more features.
Cache
Files & Data
A temporary store of data kept handy so things load faster next time.
CAPTCHA
Security
A quick puzzle that proves you're a human, not a bot.
Card Reader
Hardware
Historical
A machine that read the holes in punched cards into a computer.
CAT3
Category 3 Cable Networking
Historical
Older twisted-pair cable rated for phone lines and early 10 Mbps networks.
CAT5
Category 5 Cable Networking
Historical
Twisted-pair network cable for up to 100 Mbps (and gigabit on short runs).
CAT5e
Category 5 enhanced Networking
An improved CAT5 cable rated for reliable gigabit networking.
CAT6
Category 6 Cable Networking
Twisted-pair cable rated for gigabit and short-run 10-gigabit networking.
CAT6a
Category 6 augmented Networking
An improved CAT6 cable supporting 10-gigabit over longer runs.
CAT7
Category 7 Cable Networking
A heavily shielded twisted-pair cable for high-speed networking.
Catalog
Files & Data
Historical
A mainframe index that records where each dataset lives.
CC / BCC
Carbon Copy / Blind Carbon Copy Email
Ways to copy others on an email; BCC hides recipients from each other.
CD-ROM
Compact Disc Read-Only Memory Storage
Historical
An optical disc that stored data or software, read by a laser.
CDN
Content Delivery Network Internet/Web
A network of servers that delivers websites faster by being closer to you.
Certificate
SSL Certificate Security
A digital file that proves a website is genuine and powers the padlock.
Chain Printer
Hardware
Historical
A fast line printer using a spinning chain of character slugs.
Channel
I/O Channel Hardware
Historical
On mainframes, a dedicated processor that handles input/output so the CPU doesn't have to.
Chatbot
Software/OS
A program that holds a text conversation with you, often for customer support.
Chip
Microchip / Integrated Circuit Hardware
A small wafer packed with circuitry that performs a computer function.
CHKDSK
Check Disk Software/OS
A Windows tool that scans a drive for errors and tries to fix them.
ChromeOS
Software/OS
Google's lightweight operating system for Chromebooks, built around the browser.
CICS
Customer Information Control System Software/OS
Historical
IBM software that runs fast online transactions on mainframes (banking, airlines).
CISA
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Security
The U.S. government agency that issues cybersecurity alerts and guidance.
Classic Mac OS
System 7 Software/OS
Historical
Apple's original Macintosh operating system, before macOS.
Client
Networking
A device or program that requests data from a server.
Clipboard
Files & Data
The temporary holding spot for whatever you copy or cut.
Clock Speed
Processor/CPU
How many cycles a processor runs per second, in GHz — roughly how fast it thinks.
Cloud
Internet/Web
Storing or running things on remote internet servers instead of your own device.
Cluster
Allocation Unit Storage
The smallest chunk of disk space the system gives a file; made of one or more sectors.
CMS
Content Management System Internet/Web
Software for building and updating a website without coding each page.
CMYK
Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key (black) Display/Graphics
The four ink colors printers mix to reproduce full-color images.
Coaxial Cable
Coax Ports & Connectors
A cable with a central conductor inside shielding, used for cable internet, TV, and old Ethernet.
COBOL
Common Business-Oriented Language Software/OS
Historical
An old business programming language still running on some mainframes today.
Codec
Display/Graphics
Software that compresses and decompresses audio or video.
Color Gamut
Display/Graphics
The range of colors a screen can display.
Command Line
CLI / Terminal Software/OS
A text-only way to control a computer by typing commands.
Compiler
Software/OS
A program that translates human-written code into something the computer can run.
Compression
Files & Data
Shrinking a file's size so it takes less space or sends faster.
CompuServe
Internet/Web
Historical
One of the first major online services, popular before the web.
CONFIG.SYS
Software/OS
Historical
A DOS startup file that loaded drivers and set system options.
Container
Software/OS
A lightweight package holding an app and everything it needs to run anywhere.
Contrast Ratio
Display/Graphics
The difference between the brightest white and darkest black a screen can show.
Conventional Memory
Memory
Historical
The first 640 KB of memory in DOS PCs — the infamous "640K barrier."
Cookie
Internet/Web
A small file a website stores in your browser to remember you.
Cooling Fan
Hardware
A fan that moves air to keep components from overheating.
Copybook
Software/OS
Historical
A reusable block of record definitions pasted into COBOL programs.
Core
Processor/CPU
An independent processing unit inside a CPU; more cores do more at once.
Core Dump
Software/OS
Historical
A snapshot of a program's memory saved when it crashes, for diagnosis.
Core Memory
Magnetic Core Memory Memory
Historical
Early memory made of tiny magnetic rings — the origin of the word "core."
CP/M
Control Program for Microcomputers Software/OS
Historical
An early operating system for 1970s–80s microcomputers, a forerunner of MS-DOS.
CPU
Central Processing Unit Processor/CPU
The main chip that does the computer's thinking and runs its instructions.
CR/LF
Carriage Return / Line Feed Files & Data
Historical
The hidden codes that end a line of text and start a new one.
Crash
Software/OS
When a program or computer suddenly stops working.
CRC
Cyclic Redundancy Check Files & Data
A math check that detects accidental errors in stored or sent data.
Cron
Scheduled Task Software/OS
A scheduler that runs tasks automatically at set times.
Cross-Linked Files
Storage
A disk error where two files mistakenly claim the same space.
Crossover Cable
Ports & Connectors
Historical
An Ethernet cable wired to connect two like devices directly, without a switch.
CRT
Cathode Ray Tube Display/Graphics
Historical
The bulky glass picture tube used in old monitors and TVs before flat screens.
Cryptocurrency
Crypto Security
Digital money secured by cryptography, like Bitcoin, with no central bank.
CSS
Cascading Style Sheets Internet/Web
The code that controls how a web page looks.
Cursor
Software/OS
The on-screen pointer or text marker you move with the mouse.
CVE
Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures Security
A public catalog number assigned to a known security flaw.
D
Daemon
Software/OS
A background program that runs quietly to handle tasks like printing or updates.
Dark Web
Security
A hidden part of the internet reachable only with special software, often used for illegal trade.
DASD
Direct Access Storage Device Storage
Historical
IBM mainframe term for a disk drive.
Data Breach
Security
An incident where private data is stolen or exposed.
Data General Nova
Hardware
Historical
An influential 1969 minicomputer from Data General.
Database
Files & Data
An organized store of information a computer can search quickly.
Dataset
Files & Data
Historical
The mainframe word for a file — a named collection of records.
DDoS
Distributed Denial of Service Security
An attack that floods a site with traffic to knock it offline.
Dead Pixel
Display/Graphics
A screen dot that's stuck and no longer lights up properly.
Debugging
Software/OS
Finding and fixing errors in software.
DEC
Digital Equipment Corporation Hardware
Historical
A major early computer maker known for the PDP and VAX lines.
DECnet
Networking
Historical
DEC's networking technology connecting its minicomputers.
Default
Software/OS
The built-in setting used unless you change it.
Defragment
Storage
Historical
Reorganizing files on a spinning hard drive so it reads faster (not needed for SSDs).
Desktop
Software/OS
The main screen where your icons and taskbar live; also a non-portable computer.
DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol Networking
The service that automatically hands out IP addresses on a network.
Dial-Up
Networking
Historical
Connecting to the internet over a phone line, with its famous screeching handshake.
Digital Signature
Security
A cryptographic stamp proving a file or message is genuine and unaltered.
Disk Image
Storage
A single file that's an exact copy of an entire drive or disc.
DMA
Direct Memory Access Processor/CPU
Historical
A way for devices to move data to and from memory without bothering the CPU.
DNS
Domain Name System Networking
The internet's phone book — it turns a website name into its numeric IP address.
Docking Station
Ports & Connectors
A hub that adds ports and connections to a laptop with a single cable.
Domain Name
Internet/Web
The readable name of a website, like docbob.com.
Dot Matrix Printer
Hardware
Historical
An old printer that formed characters from tiny dots struck through an inked ribbon.
Download
Internet/Web
Copying a file from the internet to your device.
Downtime
Networking
A period when a system or service is unavailable.
DPI / PPI
Dots/Pixels Per Inch Display/Graphics
How densely packed the dots are — higher looks sharper.
Driver
Software/OS
Software that lets your operating system talk to a piece of hardware, like a printer.
Drum Memory
Storage
Historical
An early rotating-drum memory used before disks and core.
DSL
Digital Subscriber Line Networking
Broadband internet delivered over ordinary telephone lines.
Dual Monitor
Display/Graphics
Using two screens together for more workspace.
Dumb Terminal
Hardware
Historical
A keyboard and screen with no computing power of its own, connected to a mainframe.
Duplex Printing
Hardware
Printing automatically on both sides of the paper.
DVD
Digital Versatile Disc Storage
Historical
An optical disc holding much more than a CD, used for movies and software.
Dye-Sublimation
Dye-Sub Hardware
A printing method that uses heat to transfer dye, giving smooth photo prints.
E
EBCDIC
Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code Files & Data
Historical
IBM's 8-bit character coding for mainframes, an alternative to ASCII.
EEPROM
Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM Memory
Historical
A chip you can erase and rewrite electrically — an ancestor of flash memory.
Eject
Software/OS
Safely disconnecting a drive or disc so it can be removed.
Email
Electronic Mail Email
Messages sent from person to person over a network or the internet.
Email Alias
Alias Email
An extra email address that delivers into an existing inbox.
Email Signature
Email
The lines automatically added to the bottom of your outgoing emails (name, contact, etc.).
Emoji
Internet/Web
A small picture or symbol used in messages to show emotion or ideas.
Emoticon
Internet/Web
A face made from keyboard characters, like :-), the ancestor of the emoji.
Emulator
Software/OS
Software that mimics another device so its programs can run on your computer.
Encryption
Security
Scrambling data so only someone with the key can read it.
EPROM
Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory Memory
Historical
A PROM chip you could erase with ultraviolet light and reprogram.
ESDI
Enhanced Small Disk Interface Ports & Connectors
Historical
A faster early hard-drive interface that briefly followed ST-506.
Ethernet
Networking
A wired connection for fast, reliable networking.
EULA
End User License Agreement Software/OS
The legal terms you accept before using a piece of software.
exFAT
Files & Data
A file system good for large USB drives shared between Windows and Mac.
Expanded Memory
EMS Memory
Historical
An add-on scheme that let DOS programs use memory beyond the 640K limit.
Exploit
Security
A trick that takes advantage of a software flaw to break in.
Extended Memory
XMS Memory
Historical
Memory above 1 MB on DOS PCs, reached through special drivers.
F
FAT
File Allocation Table Files & Data
An older file system, and the table that tracks where each file's pieces live.
Favicon
Internet/Web
The tiny icon shown on a browser tab for a website.
Fax Modem
Networking
Historical
A modem that could also send and receive faxes over a phone line.
Fiber
Fiber Optic Networking
Internet delivered over glass strands using light — very fast.
File
Files & Data
A named collection of data stored on a computer, like a document or photo.
File Extension
Files & Data
The letters after the dot in a filename (.pdf, .jpg) that tell the computer the file type.
File History
Software/OS
Windows' built-in backup that automatically saves copies of your files to another drive.
File System
Files & Data
How an operating system organizes files on a drive (e.g. NTFS, APFS).
Firewall
Security
A barrier that controls what network traffic is allowed in or out of your computer.
Firmware
Software/OS
Built-in software permanently stored on a device that makes its hardware work.
Flag
Software/OS
A bit or marker that signals a particular condition or state to a program.
Floppy Disk
Storage
Historical
A thin, flexible magnetic disk in a square shell, once the main way to move files.
FLOPS
Floating-Point Operations Per Second Processor/CPU
A measure of number-crunching speed, used for supercomputers.
Folder
Directory Files & Data
A container used to organize files on a computer.
Form Feed
Files & Data
Historical
A command that advances a printer to the top of the next page.
Format
Storage
Preparing a drive for use, which erases what's on it.
FORTRAN
Formula Translation Software/OS
Historical
One of the oldest programming languages, used for science and engineering.
Fragmentation
Storage
When a file's pieces get scattered across a drive, slowing reads.
Frame Relay
Networking
Historical
An older method for carrying data between business sites over a wide-area network.
Free Space
Storage
The unused storage left on a drive.
FTP
File Transfer Protocol Networking
A long-standing way to upload and download files between computers.
Full Format
Storage
Erasing a drive and checking the whole surface for bad spots — slower than a quick format.
Function
Software/OS
A reusable block of code that performs a specific task.
Fuser
Hardware
The heated part of a laser printer that bonds toner to the paper.
G
Gatekeeper
Security
A Mac security feature that warns you before opening apps from unknown sources.
Gateway
Networking
The device that connects your local network to another network or the internet.
GDG
Generation Data Group Files & Data
Historical
A mainframe way of keeping numbered generations (versions) of a dataset.
GIF
Graphics Interchange Format Display/Graphics
An image format that can hold a short looping animation.
Gigabyte
GB Files & Data
About 1,000 megabytes — roughly a couple of hours of video.
Git
Software/OS
A popular system that tracks changes to files so teams can work together on code.
Glitch
Software/OS
A small, often temporary fault in a system.
Googol
Files & Data
The number 1 followed by 100 zeros — the inspiration for Google's name.
Gopher
Internet/Web
Historical
A menu-based way to browse internet documents, mostly replaced by the web.
GOTO
Software/OS
Historical
A command that jumps to another line of code — infamous for tangling programs.
GPS
Global Positioning System Mobile
Satellite technology that pinpoints your location.
GPT
GUID Partition Table Storage
The modern replacement for MBR that organizes a drive's partitions.
GPU
Graphics Processing Unit Processor/CPU
A chip specialized for drawing images, video, and games.
Green Screen
3270 / 5250 Terminal Hardware
Historical
A text-only mainframe terminal, often with green-on-black text.
Green-Bar Paper
Fanfold Paper Files & Data
Historical
Continuous, perforated computer paper with faint green stripes.
GUI
Graphical User Interface Software/OS
The visual, point-and-click way you use a computer.
H
Hacker
Security
Someone skilled at probing or breaking into computer systems — not always malicious.
Hamming Code
Files & Data
Historical
An early error-correcting code that can fix a single-bit mistake.
Hash
Checksum Security
A unique fingerprint of a file used to check it hasn't changed.
HDD
Hard Disk Drive Storage
A traditional storage drive that saves data on spinning magnetic disks.
HDMI
High-Definition Multimedia Interface Ports & Connectors
A common cable that carries HD video and audio to a screen.
HDR
High Dynamic Range Display/Graphics
A display feature giving brighter highlights and richer color.
Heat Sink
Hardware
A metal part that draws heat away from a chip to keep it cool.
Hexadecimal
Hex Files & Data
A base-16 numbering system programmers use as shorthand for binary.
HIMEM.SYS
Software/OS
Historical
The DOS driver that managed extended memory.
Hollerith Card
Files & Data
Historical
The punched card whose tabulating machines helped found IBM.
Host
Networking
Any computer or device on a network that can send or receive data.
Hotspot
Networking
A Wi-Fi connection shared from a phone or device for others to use.
HP 3000
Hardware
Historical
A long-lived Hewlett-Packard business minicomputer line running MPE.
HTML
HyperText Markup Language Internet/Web
The code that defines the structure and content of a web page.
HTTP
HyperText Transfer Protocol Internet/Web
The rules browsers use to request and load web pages.
HTTPS
HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure Internet/Web
The secure, encrypted version of HTTP — the padlock in your browser.
Hyperlink
Internet/Web
Clickable text or an image that takes you to another page or place.
Hypervisor
Software/OS
The software layer that creates and runs virtual machines.
I
IBM System/36
Hardware
Historical
A popular small-business IBM midrange computer of the 1980s.
IBM System/360
Hardware
Historical
IBM's hugely influential 1964 mainframe family that standardized computing.
IBM System/38
Hardware
Historical
An advanced IBM midrange computer, forerunner of the AS/400.
Icon
Software/OS
A small picture that represents a program or file.
IDE
Integrated Development Environment Software/OS
An all-in-one app for writing, testing, and debugging code.
IDE / PATA
Integrated Drive Electronics Ports & Connectors
Historical
An older way hard drives connected to a PC via a wide ribbon cable.
Imaging Drum
Drum Hardware
The cylinder in a laser printer that transfers toner onto the page.
IMAP
Internet Message Access Protocol Email
A way email apps sync your mail across devices, keeping it on the server.
Impact Printer
Hardware
Historical
Any printer that strikes an inked ribbon against paper, like dot-matrix.
Index
Indexing Files & Data
A catalog the system builds so it can find and search files faster.
Ink Cartridge
Hardware
The replaceable container of liquid ink for an inkjet printer.
Inkjet Printer
Hardware
A printer that sprays tiny droplets of liquid ink onto paper.
Internet Explorer
IE Internet/Web
Historical
Microsoft's long-running web browser, since replaced by Edge.
Interpreter
Software/OS
A program that runs code line by line without compiling it first.
Interrupt
Processor/CPU
Historical
A signal that makes the CPU pause to handle an urgent event.
iOS
Software/OS
Apple's operating system for the iPhone.
IP Address
Internet Protocol Address Networking
The numeric address that identifies a device on a network.
iPadOS
Software/OS
Apple's operating system for the iPad.
IPP
Internet Printing Protocol Networking
A standard that lets computers send print jobs to printers over a network.
IPS
In-Plane Switching Display/Graphics
A common LCD panel type known for accurate color and wide viewing angles.
IRQ
Interrupt Request Hardware
Historical
A numbered line a device uses to get the CPU's attention — a classic PC headache.
ISAM
Indexed Sequential Access Method Files & Data
Historical
An older way of storing records so they can be read in order or looked up by key.
ISDN
Integrated Services Digital Network Networking
Historical
An early all-digital phone line offering faster data than dial-up.
ISP
Internet Service Provider Networking
The company that provides your internet connection.
J
Java
Software/OS
A popular programming language designed to run on many kinds of devices (not the same as JavaScript).
JavaScript
JS Internet/Web
The programming language that makes web pages interactive.
JCL
Job Control Language Software/OS
Historical
The scripting language used to tell a mainframe how to run a batch job.
Job Queue
Software/OS
Historical
A line of submitted jobs waiting their turn to run on a mainframe.
JPEG
Display/Graphics
A common compressed format for photos.
JSON
JavaScript Object Notation Files & Data
A lightweight text format for storing and exchanging data, easy for computers to read.
K
Kermit
Networking
Historical
A flexible file-transfer protocol popular for connecting different systems.
Kernel
Software/OS
The core part of an operating system that manages everything else.
Keyboard
Hardware
The set of keys you type on.
Keylogger
Security
Malware that records everything you type, including passwords.
Keypunch
Hardware
Historical
A typewriter-like machine that punched holes into cards to enter data.
Kilobyte
KB Files & Data
About 1,000 bytes (1,024 to be exact) — roughly a short email's worth of text.
Kludge
Software/OS
A clumsy but working fix or workaround.
L
Label (email)
Email
A tag you stick on an email to organize it; unlike a folder, a message can wear several.
LAN
Local Area Network Networking
A network of devices in one location, like your home or office.
Laptop
Hardware
A portable computer with a built-in screen and keyboard.
Laser Printer
Hardware
A printer that uses a laser and powdered toner to fuse text onto paper.
LCD
Liquid Crystal Display Display/Graphics
The flat-panel screen technology used in most monitors and TVs.
Leased Line
Networking
A dedicated, always-on data connection rented from a telephone company.
LED Display
LED-backlit LCD Display/Graphics
An LCD screen lit by energy-efficient LEDs — what most "LED" monitors really are.
Line Printer
Hardware
Historical
A high-speed printer that prints a whole line at once, common on mainframes.
Linker
Software/OS
Historical
A tool that combines compiled pieces of code into one runnable program.
Linux
Software/OS
A free, open-source Unix-like operating system used widely on servers and devices.
Lisp
Software/OS
One of the oldest programming languages, influential in AI research.
LLM
Large Language Model Software/OS
An AI trained on huge amounts of text that can understand and generate human-like language.
Load Balancer
Networking
A system that spreads incoming traffic across several servers so none gets overwhelmed.
Loader
Software/OS
Historical
The part of the system that loads a program into memory to run it.
Localhost
Networking
A name a computer uses to refer to itself on a network.
Loop
Software/OS
A set of instructions a program repeats until a condition is met.
Lossless
Files & Data
Compression that shrinks a file with no loss of quality.
Lossy
Files & Data
Compression that shrinks a file by discarding some detail (e.g. JPEG, MP3).
Lost Clusters
Storage
Bits of disk space marked as used but not linked to any file, which CHKDSK can recover.
Low-Level Format
Storage
A deep, factory-style preparation of a drive's raw surface.
LPAR
Logical Partition Software/OS
Historical
A way to split one mainframe into several independent virtual machines.
M
MAC Address
Media Access Control Address Networking
A unique hardware ID built into each network device.
Machine Learning
ML Software/OS
A type of AI where software learns patterns from data instead of being explicitly programmed.
macOS
Software/OS
Apple's operating system for Mac computers.
Magnetic Tape
Storage
Historical
A reel or cartridge of tape used to store and back up data, especially on mainframes.
Mainframe
Hardware
Historical
A large, powerful central computer used by big organizations, often serving many terminals.
Malware
Malicious Software Security
Any software written to harm or exploit your device — the umbrella term for viruses and more.
Masked Email
Email
A unique throwaway address you give out instead of your real one; mail still reaches your inbox.
Mbps
Megabits per second Networking
A common measure of internet speed.
MBR
Master Boot Record Storage
An older method for organizing a drive's partitions and starting it up.
Megabyte
MB Files & Data
About 1,000 kilobytes — roughly one high-quality photo or a minute of music.
Megahertz
MHz Processor/CPU
Historical
A measure of older processor speed; 1,000 MHz equals 1 GHz.
Megapixel
MP Display/Graphics
One million pixels; used to describe a camera's resolution.
Meme
Internet/Web
An image, video, or idea that spreads widely across the internet.
Memory Module
DIMM Memory
A stick of RAM that plugs into the motherboard.
Metadata
Files & Data
"Data about data" — hidden details such as when a photo was taken.
MFM
Modified Frequency Modulation Storage
Historical
An old way of encoding data on early hard and floppy disks.
Microcode
Processor/CPU
Historical
Built-in low-level instructions that tell a processor how to do each command.
Microphone
Mic Hardware
A device that captures sound for calls or recording.
Microsoft Defender
Windows Defender Security
The free antivirus built into Windows.
Minicomputer
Hardware
Historical
A mid-sized computer of the 1960s–80s, smaller than a mainframe.
MIPS
Million Instructions Per Second Processor/CPU
An old measure of how fast a processor runs.
Modem
Networking
The device that connects your home to your internet provider's network.
Monitor
Display Display/Graphics
The screen you look at.
Mosaic
NCSA Mosaic Internet/Web
Historical
The first widely popular graphical web browser, released in 1993.
Motherboard
Hardware
The main circuit board that everything else in the computer plugs into.
Mount
Software/OS
Making a drive or disk image available to the system.
Mouse
Hardware
A handheld pointing device for moving the on-screen cursor.
MP3
Files & Data
A common compressed format for audio.
MP4
Files & Data
A common format for video files.
MS-DOS
Microsoft Disk Operating System Software/OS
Historical
The text-command operating system that ran early IBM PCs before Windows.
MVS
Multiple Virtual Storage Software/OS
Historical
A classic IBM mainframe operating system, ancestor of today's z/OS.
N
NAS
Network Attached Storage Storage
A storage device on your network that everyone can reach and back up to.
NAT
Network Address Translation Networking
How a router lets many devices share one public internet address.
Netscape
Netscape Navigator Internet/Web
Historical
An early, hugely popular web browser from the 1990s.
Network Bridge
Networking
Historical
A device that joins two network segments into one.
Network Card
NIC / Network Interface Card Networking
The hardware that lets a computer connect to a network.
Network Hub
Networking
Historical
An old device that simply repeats network traffic to every connected port.
Network Switch
Networking
A device that forwards network traffic only to the port it's meant for.
NFC
Near Field Communication Mobile
Short-range tech for tap-to-pay and quick pairing.
Nibble
Files & Data
Half a byte — a group of 4 bits.
Notarization
Security
Apple's check confirming a Mac app was scanned by Apple and is safe to run.
NTFS
New Technology File System Files & Data
The modern file system used by Windows.
Null Modem
Ports & Connectors
Historical
A serial cable cross-wired to connect two computers directly without a modem.
NVMe
Storage
A very fast type of SSD that connects straight to the motherboard.
O
OAuth
Security
A standard that lets you log into one site using another account ("Sign in with Google").
Octal
Base 8 Files & Data
Historical
A base-8 numbering system once common on early computers.
Offline Scan
Security
A virus scan that restarts the PC and checks it before Windows loads, to catch hidden malware.
OLED
Organic Light-Emitting Diode Display/Graphics
A screen where each pixel makes its own light, giving deep blacks.
Open Source
Software/OS
Software whose code is public and free for anyone to use or improve.
Operating System
OS Software/OS
The main software that runs a computer, such as Windows or macOS.
Operator Console
Hardware
Historical
The control terminal a mainframe operator used to run and watch the system.
OS/2
Software/OS
Historical
A PC operating system from IBM and Microsoft in the late 1980s–90s.
OS/360
Software/OS
Historical
The landmark operating system for IBM's System/360 mainframes.
P
Packet
Networking
A small chunk of data; the internet sends information in many of them.
Page Yield
Hardware
The estimated number of pages a single ink or toner cartridge can print.
Paper Tape
Files & Data
Historical
A long strip of paper with punched holes used to store data on early machines.
Parallel Port
Ports & Connectors
Historical
An old connector, usually for printers, that sent several bits at once.
Parity
Parity Bit Files & Data
An extra bit added to data to help detect errors.
Partition
Storage
A section of a drive treated as a separate storage area.
Pascal
Software/OS
Historical
A teaching-oriented programming language popular in the 1970s–90s.
Passkey
Security
A modern, phishing-resistant login that replaces passwords using your device.
Password
Security
A secret word or phrase that proves you're allowed into an account.
Password Manager
Security
An app that creates and stores strong, unique passwords for you.
Patch
Security
A small update that fixes a bug or closes a security hole.
Patch Panel
Networking
A board where network cables terminate, keeping wiring organized.
PC
Personal Computer Hardware
A general term for a personal computer; often used to mean a Windows computer specifically.
PDF
Portable Document Format Files & Data
A file that looks the same on any device — great for sharing documents.
PDP-11
Hardware
Historical
A wildly popular DEC 16-bit minicomputer of the 1970s.
PDS
Partitioned Data Set Files & Data
Historical
A mainframe dataset that holds many members, like a library of files.
Pentium
Processor/CPU
Historical
A famous line of Intel processors from the 1990s–2000s.
Peripheral
Hardware
Any add-on device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard.
Perl
Software/OS
A flexible scripting language popular for text processing and the early web.
Permission
Files & Data
A setting that controls who can view or change a file or feature.
Phishing
Security
A scam that tricks you into giving up passwords or info via fake emails or sites.
Photo Printer
Hardware
A printer designed to produce high-quality photo prints.
Ping
Latency Networking
The delay before data starts moving — lower feels snappier.
Pixel
Display/Graphics
One tiny dot of color; thousands of them make up a screen image.
PL/I
Programming Language One Software/OS
Historical
An IBM language from the 1960s blending scientific and business programming.
Plugin
Extension / Add-on Software/OS
Extra software that adds features to a program or browser.
PNG
Portable Network Graphics Display/Graphics
An image format that keeps sharp quality and supports transparency.
POP
Post Office Protocol Email
An older way email is downloaded to one device and removed from the server.
Port (network)
Networking
A numbered channel on a device for a specific kind of network traffic (e.g. 80 for web).
POST
Power-On Self-Test Software/OS
The quick hardware check a computer runs the instant it powers on.
Power Supply
PSU Hardware
The part that converts wall power into the voltages a computer's components need.
PPM
Pages Per Minute Hardware
How many pages a printer can produce in a minute.
Print Spooler
Print Queue Software/OS
The behind-the-scenes service that holds and orders documents waiting to print.
Printer
Hardware
A device that puts digital documents onto paper.
Private Browsing
Incognito Internet/Web
A browser mode that doesn't save your history on the device.
Prodigy
Internet/Web
Historical
An early consumer online service from the 1980s–90s.
PROM
Programmable Read-Only Memory Memory
Historical
A memory chip that can be written once and then only read.
Proxy
Proxy Server Networking
A go-between server that forwards your internet requests.
PS/2 Port
Ports & Connectors
Historical
The old round connector for keyboards and mice before USB.
Public-Key Encryption
Security
Encryption that uses a public key to lock and a private key to unlock.
Punch Card
Files & Data
Historical
A stiff paper card with punched holes that fed instructions or data into early computers.
Push Notification
Mobile
An alert an app sends to your device.
Python
Software/OS
A popular, easy-to-read programming language used for everything from web apps to AI.
Q
QR Code
Quick Response Code Mobile
A square barcode you scan with a phone camera to open a link or info.
Quarantine
Security
When security software isolates a suspicious file so it can't do any harm.
Query
Files & Data
A request to search or pull specific information from a database.
Quick Format
Storage
Erasing a drive's index of files quickly, without checking every spot.
R
RACF
Resource Access Control Facility Security
Historical
IBM's mainframe security system controlling who can access what.
RAID
Redundant Array of Independent Disks Storage
Combining several drives for extra speed or backup safety.
RAM
Random Access Memory Memory
Fast, temporary memory the computer uses for whatever it's working on right now.
Ransomware
Security
Malware that locks your files and demands payment to unlock them.
Reboot
Restart Software/OS
Turning a computer off and on again to refresh it.
Redundancy
Networking
Having backups or duplicates so a single failure doesn't cause an outage.
Refresh Rate
Display/Graphics
How many times per second a screen updates, in Hz — higher is smoother.
Register
Processor/CPU
Historical
A tiny, very fast storage location inside the processor.
Regular Expression
Regex Software/OS
A compact pattern used to search for and match text.
Repeater
Networking
A device that boosts a signal to extend a network's reach.
Repository
Repo Software/OS
A storage place for a project's files and its full history of changes.
Resolution
Display/Graphics
The number of pixels on a screen or in an image — more means sharper.
Responsive Design
Display/Graphics
Web design that adjusts to look good on any screen size.
RGB
Red, Green, Blue Display/Graphics
The three colors of light a screen mixes to make every on-screen color.
RJ11
Ports & Connectors
The small connector on the end of a telephone line cord.
RJ45
Ports & Connectors
The 8-pin connector on the end of an Ethernet network cable.
RLL
Run-Length Limited Storage
Historical
A denser successor to MFM disk encoding.
Robot
Hardware
A machine that carries out tasks automatically, often physical ones.
ROM
Read-Only Memory Memory
Built-in memory holding permanent instructions that isn't erased when powered off.
Rootkit
Security
Stealthy malware that hides deep in a system to avoid detection.
Router
Networking
The box that directs internet traffic between your devices and the internet.
RPG
Report Program Generator Software/OS
Historical
A business programming language long used on IBM midrange systems.
RSS
Really Simple Syndication Internet/Web
A feed format that lets sites publish updates apps can collect automatically.
RSX-11
Software/OS
Historical
A multitasking DEC operating system for the PDP-11.
RT-11
Software/OS
Historical
A small real-time DEC operating system for the PDP-11.
Rule (email)
Filter Email
An automatic action that sorts, labels, or files incoming mail for you.
S
S.M.A.R.T.
Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology Storage
A drive's built-in health monitoring that can warn before it fails.
SaaS
Software as a Service Internet/Web
Software you use over the internet by subscription instead of installing it.
Sandbox
Security
A safe, isolated space where software can run without affecting the rest of the system.
Scanner
Hardware
A device that turns paper documents or photos into digital files.
SCSI
Small Computer System Interface Ports & Connectors
Historical
An older standard for connecting drives and devices, common in servers.
SD Card
Secure Digital Card Storage
A small removable memory card used in cameras and phones.
Search Engine
Internet/Web
A website like Google that finds other web pages for you.
Sector
Storage
The smallest physical storage block on a disk, traditionally 512 bytes.
Serial Cable
Ports & Connectors
Historical
A cable that carries data one bit at a time, historically for modems, mice, and equipment.
Serial Port
Ports & Connectors
Historical
An old connector that sent data one bit at a time, used for modems and mice.
Server
Networking
A computer that provides data or services to other computers.
Shell
Software/OS
The program that interprets your typed commands — the engine behind a terminal.
SIM Card
Subscriber Identity Module Mobile
The small chip that connects a phone to its cellular network.
Smalltalk
Software/OS
Historical
An early object-oriented language that influenced modern graphical interfaces.
Smartphone
Mobile
A mobile phone that runs apps and connects to the internet.
Smishing
Security
Phishing carried out by text message.
SMTP
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol Email
The standard used to send email.
SNA
Systems Network Architecture Networking
Historical
IBM's networking design that connected mainframes and terminals.
Snapshot
Storage
A saved point-in-time copy of data or a system you can return to.
Sneakernet
Networking
Historical
Moving files by physically carrying disks or drives from one machine to another.
Social Engineering
Security
Manipulating people, not computers, into giving up access or information.
Software
Software/OS
The programs and apps that run on a computer.
Source Code
Software/OS
The human-written instructions that make up a program.
Spaghetti Code
Software/OS
Tangled, hard-to-follow program code with no clear structure.
Spam
Email
Unwanted junk email sent in bulk.
Spoofing
Security
Faking a sender's identity to trick you.
Spooling
Simultaneous Peripheral Operations On-Line Software/OS
Historical
Queuing jobs or print output so a slow device doesn't hold up the computer.
Spyware
Security
Malware that secretly watches what you do.
SQL
Structured Query Language Files & Data
The standard language for asking questions of and updating a database.
SSD
Solid State Drive Storage
A fast storage drive with no moving parts that keeps your files even when powered off.
SSID
Service Set Identifier Networking
The name of a Wi-Fi network you pick from the list.
SSL/TLS
Secure Sockets Layer / Transport Layer Security Security
The technology that encrypts data between your browser and a website.
SSO
Single Sign-On Security
Logging in once to access many connected services.
ST-506
Ports & Connectors
Historical
An early hard-drive interface standard from the 1980s.
Straight-Through Cable
Ports & Connectors
A standard Ethernet patch cable that connects a device to a switch or router.
Streaming
Internet/Web
Watching or listening to media as it loads, without downloading the whole file.
Subnet
Subnet Mask Networking
A way to divide a network into smaller sections.
Sync
Synchronize Files & Data
Keeping the same files or data matched across your devices.
Syntax
Software/OS
The exact rules for how code must be written so a computer understands it.
T
T1 Line
Networking
Historical
A dedicated digital phone-company line carrying about 1.5 Mbps, common for early business internet.
T3 Line
Networking
Historical
A dedicated high-capacity line carrying about 45 Mbps.
Tablet
Mobile
A flat, touchscreen portable computer like an iPad.
Task Manager
Software/OS
A built-in tool that shows what's running and lets you stop a stuck program.
TCP
Transmission Control Protocol Networking
A core internet rule-set that delivers data reliably and in the right order.
TCP/IP
Networking
The combined set of rules computers use to talk to each other over the internet.
Teletype
Hardware
Historical
An electromechanical typewriter-like device used for messages and as early computer I/O.
Telnet
Networking
Historical
An early, unencrypted way to log into and control another computer over a network.
Terabyte
TB Files & Data
About 1,000 gigabytes — enough for hundreds of thousands of photos.
Tethering
Mobile
Sharing a phone's internet connection with another device.
The Internet
Internet/Web
The global network of networks that connects computers worldwide.
Thermal Printer
Hardware
A printer that uses heat to create images, common for receipts and labels.
Thread
Processor/CPU
A single sequence of tasks a processor works through; modern CPUs handle many at once.
Throughput
Networking
The actual amount of data successfully moved in a given time.
Thumbnail
Display/Graphics
A small preview image of a larger picture or page.
Thunderbolt
Ports & Connectors
A very fast connection standard that often shares the USB-C shape.
Time Machine
Software/OS
Apple's built-in Mac backup that automatically copies your files to an external drive.
Time-Sharing
Software/OS
Historical
Letting many users share one computer at once, each feeling they have it to themselves.
Token
Auth Token Security
A digital key that proves you're logged in without resending your password.
Token Ring
Networking
Historical
An older IBM network design where a "token" passes around a ring to control who can send.
Toner
Hardware
The fine powder a laser printer uses instead of liquid ink.
TOPS-20
Software/OS
Historical
A DEC timesharing operating system for its larger PDP-10 systems.
Tor
The Onion Router Security
Software that anonymizes your web traffic by routing it through many relays.
Touchscreen
Display/Graphics
A display you control by touching it directly.
Tracker
Security
Hidden code on websites that follows what you do across the web, often for ads.
Trackpad
Touchpad Hardware
The touch-sensitive pad on a laptop used instead of a mouse.
Tractor Feed
Hardware
Historical
Sprocket wheels that pull continuous, hole-edged paper through a printer.
Transistor
Hardware
A microscopic switch; billions of them are packed into a single chip.
TRIM
Storage
A command that keeps SSDs fast by clearing out deleted data blocks.
Trojan
Trojan Horse Security
Malware disguised as a legitimate program.
Troll
Internet/Web
Someone who posts inflammatory messages online to provoke others.
TSO
Time Sharing Option Software/OS
Historical
The interactive way users logged into IBM mainframes to work in real time.
TSR
Terminate and Stay Resident Software/OS
Historical
An old DOS program that stayed in memory to pop up on a keystroke.
Turing Machine
Software/OS
A theoretical model of computation that defines what computers can do.
Twisted Pair
Ports & Connectors
Pairs of wires twisted together to cut interference — the basis of Ethernet network cable.
Two's Complement
Files & Data
Historical
The standard way computers represent negative whole numbers in binary.
U
UDP
User Datagram Protocol Networking
A fast, no-guarantee way to send internet data, used for video and games.
UEFI
Unified Extensible Firmware Interface Software/OS
The modern replacement for BIOS that boots the computer and hands off to the OS.
Ultrawide
Display/Graphics
A monitor wider than the usual 16:9 shape, good for multitasking.
Unicode
Files & Data
A universal standard that gives every character in every language its own number.
Unix
Software/OS
A foundational multi-user operating system from the 1970s that still underlies macOS and Linux.
Update
Software/OS
A free improvement or fix for software you already have.
Upgrade
Software/OS
Moving to a newer or better version, sometimes for a fee.
Upload
Internet/Web
Sending a file from your device to the internet.
Uptime
Networking
How long a system has run without a restart or outage.
URL
Uniform Resource Locator Internet/Web
The web address you type to visit a page, like https://docbob.com.
USB
Universal Serial Bus Ports & Connectors
The common port-and-cable standard for connecting devices and drives.
USB Flash Drive
Storage
A small, removable stick of storage you plug into a USB port.
USB-C
Ports & Connectors
The small, reversible USB connector now used for charging and data on many devices.
Usenet
Internet/Web
Historical
An early worldwide discussion-group network, a precursor to web forums.
Username
Security
The name that identifies you when you log in.
UTF-8
Files & Data
The most common way of storing Unicode text on computers and across the web.
V
Vacation Response
Auto-reply Email
An automatic reply sent to people who email you while you're away.
Vacuum Tube
Hardware
Historical
The glass electronic switch used in the very first computers, before transistors.
Variable
Software/OS
A named container that holds a value in a program.
VAX
Virtual Address eXtension Hardware
Historical
A popular line of DEC minicomputers from the late 1970s onward.
VAXcluster
DEC Cluster Hardware
Historical
A group of DEC VAX computers linked to work together and share storage — an early computer cluster.
Vector Graphic
Display/Graphics
An image made from math, so it stays sharp at any size (e.g. an SVG logo).
Version Control
Software/OS
Tracking and managing changes to files over time so you can review or roll back.
Viewport
Display/Graphics
The visible area of a web page on your screen.
Virtual Machine
VM Software/OS
A whole computer that runs as software inside another computer.
Virtualization
Software/OS
Running multiple virtual computers on one physical machine.
Virus
Security
Malware that spreads by attaching itself to files or programs.
Vishing
Security
Phishing carried out by phone call or voicemail.
VM/CMS
Virtual Machine / Conversational Monitor System Software/OS
Historical
An IBM operating system that gave each user their own virtual mainframe.
VMS
Virtual Memory System / OpenVMS Software/OS
Historical
DEC's operating system for the VAX line of computers.
VoIP
Voice over IP Networking
Making phone calls over the internet instead of traditional phone lines.
Volume
Storage
A storage area the system treats as one drive, like "C:".
Von Neumann Architecture
Hardware
The classic computer design where program and data share the same memory.
Voxel
Display/Graphics
A 3-D pixel — a value on a grid in three-dimensional space.
VPN
Virtual Private Network Security
A service that encrypts your internet traffic and hides your location.
VSAM
Virtual Storage Access Method Files & Data
Historical
An IBM method for organizing and quickly accessing data files on mainframes.
VT100
Hardware
Historical
A famous DEC video terminal whose codes became a lasting standard.
Vulnerability
Security
A weakness in software that attackers can abuse.
W
WAN
Wide Area Network Networking
A network spanning a large area and connecting many sites — the internet is the biggest.
WAP
Wireless Application Protocol Mobile
Historical
An early way mobile phones browsed stripped-down web pages.
Web Hosting
Internet/Web
The service that stores a website and serves it to visitors.
Webcam
Hardware
A small camera, often built in, used for video calls.
Webhook
Internet/Web
An automatic message one app sends another the moment something happens.
Webmail
Email
Email you read in a web browser instead of a separate app.
Wi-Fi
Networking
Wireless technology that connects your devices to a network without cables.
Wiki
Internet/Web
A website that many people can edit together, like Wikipedia.
Williams Tube
Memory
Historical
One of the earliest computer memories, storing bits as dots on a CRT.
Winchester Drive
Storage
Historical
An early sealed hard disk design that led to modern hard drives.
Windows
Microsoft Windows Software/OS
Microsoft's operating system for PCs.
Windows Security
Security
The built-in Windows app where you run virus scans and manage protection.
World Wide Web
WWW Internet/Web
The system of linked pages and sites you browse over the internet.
Worm
Security
Malware that spreads itself across networks on its own.
WYSIWYG
What You See Is What You Get Software/OS
Editing where the screen shows exactly how the finished page will look.
X
X.25
Networking
Historical
An early packet-switching standard for wide-area data networks.
XML
Extensible Markup Language Files & Data
A text format for storing and sharing structured data between systems.
XMODEM
Networking
Historical
An early protocol for sending files over a dial-up modem connection.
XProtect
Security
Apple's built-in, behind-the-scenes malware blocker on every Mac.
Y
Z
Zero-Day
Security
A brand-new flaw attackers use before a fix exists.
Zip Drive
Storage
Historical
A 1990s removable disk by Iomega that held far more than a floppy.
ZIP File
Files & Data
A compressed file that bundles others together and shrinks their size.
ZMODEM
Networking
Historical
A faster dial-up file-transfer protocol that could resume interrupted transfers.
#
1000BaseT
Gigabit Ethernet Networking
1 Gbps (gigabit) Ethernet over CAT5e or better twisted-pair cabling.
100BaseT
Fast Ethernet Networking
100 Mbps Ethernet over twisted-pair cabling.
10Base2
Networking
Historical
Early 10 Mbps Ethernet over thin coaxial cable with BNC connectors, nicknamed "thinnet."
10Base5
Networking
Historical
The original 10 Mbps Ethernet over thick coaxial cable, nicknamed "thicknet."
10BaseT
Networking
Historical
10 Mbps Ethernet over twisted-pair cabling with RJ45 connectors, wired as a star to a hub.
2FA
Two-Factor Authentication Security
A second login step, like a texted code, on top of your password.
3D Printer
Hardware
A machine that builds physical objects layer by layer from a digital model.
3G
Third Generation Mobile
Historical
An earlier generation of cellular network that first made mobile internet practical.
4G
Fourth Generation / LTE Mobile
The cellular generation that brought fast mobile internet, also called LTE.
5G
Fifth Generation Mobile
The latest generation of fast cellular network.
No terms match that search. Try a different word or clear the filters.