Glossary of Computer Terms with Definitions

application
An application is a computer program shown to the user via a graphical user interface. It is commonly abbreviated “app”. Examples of applications include Microsoft Word® and Adobe Acrobat®.

backlink
A backlink is the instance of one webpage referencing another website or web page. Backlinks are also known as incoming links or inbound links. Backlinks are used by search engine algorithms to determine the popularity of a site and thus can play an important role in determining the position on a search engine ranking page such as those provided by Google and Yahoo!.

boot
Boot refers to starting up an operating system on a computer. Boot times can often lengthen as more programs are added to the startup menu of a computer.

bug
A bug is a mistake or problem in software code. Severe bugs can cause applications to crash and often require a developer correction or repair specialist.

cursor
A cursor is pointer or arrow on a computer screen that denotes location. Text or graphics will insert at the location of the cursor.

database
A database is a collection of alpha, numeric, or alphanumeric information organized in such fashion that it can be easily referred to or queried. Common database programs include Informix, IBM DB2, MySQL and Filemaker.

desktop
A desktop is a computer system designed to remain stationary one location. Desktops with large computational power in corporate or academic settings are often called “workstations”.

firmware
Firmware is a program that is a cross between software and hardware. Embedded into hardware, firmware can be updated and modified as needed. It cannot exist outside its dedicated hardware unit.

function keys
Function keys are keys on a computer keyboard with special functions usually found in the top row, such as “f1”. They are often preloaded by the computer manufacturer to perform a task with one keystroke or can be programmed by the user to perform a task.

graphics
Graphics are images other than text generated by, or displayed on, a computer.

hardware
Hardware is the physical portion of a computer or peripherals such as printers.

laptop
A laptop is a computer designed to be portable and run on batteries typically for 2-6 hours. Laptops are also called “notebooks”. They are typically more expensive than desktop computers.

monitor
A monitor is an electronic screen connected to a computer for the purpose of viewing images generated by the computer. New monitors are based on liquid crystal display (LCD) technology.

multimedia
Multimedia is the use of different forms of content to convey information. It is usually a combination of audio, video, text, graphics and animation.

network
A computer network is a interconnected group of computers and peripheral devices such as printers and scanners. Network resources are managed by a server.

notebook
See laptop above.

software
Software is code that executes instructions on a computer.