Algorithm A step-by-step procedure written in computer software. Algorithms are a set of mathematical rules that will help a computer calculate an answer to a problem. Music apps, for example, use algorithms to predict whether a fan of one band will like another.

App Short for mobile application software. Apps are designed to run on smartphones and tablet computers. They can be downloaded via an internet store, usually run by the owner of the mobile operating system for the app—for example the Apple App Store, Google Play or Windows Phone Store.

Bluetooth A wireless technology, used in some microphones, phones and other computing devices, for transmitting and receiving signals over short distances using short-wavelength ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio waves.

Central processing unit (CPU) The main part of a PC, which carries out instructions from a computer program. It acts as the computer’s “brain”.

Computer An electronic machine that can process data to perform useful tasks. It can do hundreds of jobs, from relatively simple tasks, such as word processing, to highly complex tasks, like flying aircraft. It does each job because it is fed a set of instructions called a program. Computers store data such as numbers, words, sounds and pictures in digital form as binary numbers. Personal computers (PCs) are found in most homes and offices. Other types of computer include tablets, smartphones, mainframes and supercomputers.

Computer graphics Images made or displayed on a computer. This can be text or complex animated 3-D images. Computer generated imagery (CGI) is often used to add effects to movies.

Core The part of a microprocessor that carries out its functions. The more cores a microprocessor has, the more tasks it can perform at the same time.

Data centre A large building used to house computer systems and information technology (IT) equipment. It contains a network of servers, storage systems and networking equipment. This is designed to store and process the enormous quantities of data needed for AI, streaming services and other digital activity, such as online banking, cloud computing and telecommunications.​​​​​​​

Dedicated computer A computer built for one specific task. Dedicated computers are often built into electronic devices such as personal music players. These are sometimes called embedded computers.

Download To transfer data from another computer to the one being used.

Email A system for sending messages almost instantly between any two internet users. Email is short for “electronic mail”.

Graphics processing unit (GPU) A memory-intensive circuit designed to make it quicker to create or view 3D graphics. A GPU is essential for game-playing and in other applications that use complex graphics.

Hard disc drive The part of a computer that stores programs and data. Data is stored on a number of magnetic discs inside the hard disc drive, which can read information off a disc or write information on to one.

Hardware The physical parts of a computer, such as its electronic circuits and disc drives, and peripherals, such as monitors, scanners and printers.

Internet A communications network that links computers around the world. Most computers connect to an internet service provider via a telephone or cable line. Internet use falls into email and the World Wide Web.

Keyboard A set of keys, printed with numbers and letters, used to enter information into a computer. Pressing a key completes an electronic circuit and sends an instruction to the computer.

LAN A local area network. A LAN uses wireless links or cables to enable communication between all the computing devices—including personal computers, tablets, smartphones and game consoles—in a certain area. Each user connects to the LAN via a central access point, called a switch or hub.

Laptop A portable PC with a clamshell design (in two sections that fold using a hinge). Able to run on battery or mains electricity, a laptop is suitable for mobile use.

Mainframe A large, powerful computer, made up of several CPUs, each handling a different task. Mainframes are used to store large amounts of data and can be accessed by thousands of users.

Memory card A removable storage device used to transfer data. For example, a memory card can be moved from a digital camera to a computer to transfer images.

Microprocessor An integrated circuit that contains the CPU of a PC. Different types of microprocessor are also used inside electronic devices such as mobile phones and digital watches.

Mobile operating system (mobile OS) An operating system (a set of software that controls computer hardware) designed for touchscreen mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets. Examples include iOS, developed by Apple Inc., Android, developed by Google, and Windows Phone, developed by Microsoft.

Modem A device that connects computers to the internet via a cable or telephone line. It converts analogue signals from the line into digital signals and back again.

Monitor The screen of a computer, where text and graphics appear.

Motherboard The main circuit board in a computer, where components, such as the microprocessor are mounted. They are linked by metal tracks called “buses”.

Network Two or more computers, phones or other devices connected so they can share data. Wireless networks connect these devices using radio waves instead of cables.

Offline Not being connected to the internet, or another computer network.

Online Being connected to the internet, or another computer network.

Operating system Often abbreviated to OS, a powerful program that manages the hardware and other software on a computer. Microsoft Windows and macOS by Apple Inc. are examples of operating systems.

Personal computer (PC) A computer comprising a processor, memory, disc drives, keyboard, monitor and software. PCs can be used to make documents, browse the internet, play games and much more.

Program A set of instructions that controls what a computer does.

Random Access Memory (RAM) A computer’s working memory, which stores programs and holds data from the programs it is running. The data is lost when the computer is switched off. It is called “random” because the data can be accessed in any order.

Read-Only Memory (ROM) A computer’s permanent store of instructions, used for basic tasks such as starting up. It is called “read-only” because it cannot be altered or re-written. Its contents are not lost when the computer is turned off.

Software A program, or set of programs, that a computer stores and uses. System software controls basic functions, such as printing. Application software makes a computer do specific jobs, such as create a database or play a computer game.

Supercomputer A powerful computer used for scientific research. It is much larger than a PC. One supercomputer can complete the same work as thousands of PCs.

Tablet A flat, touchscreen device that performs many of the same functions as a laptop PC, but is even more mobile.

Touchscreen A touchscreen is an electronic visual display that the user can control by touching the screen with a finger. Touchscreens are common in devices such as game consoles, tablet computers and smartphones. The glass screen is coated with a transparent layer that stores an electrical charge. When a user's finger touches the screen, some of the charge is transferred to the user, so the charge at that exact point on the layer decreases.

Trackpad A pointing device, also called a touchpad, that features a surface that can detect the position and movement of a user's fingers and translate them to a relative position on the screen or monitor. A trackpad is a common feature of a laptop, and is often used as an alternative to a mouse for moving the cursor.

Universal Serial Bus (USB) A device used to connect peripherals, such as a printer or mouse, to a computer.

Upload To transfer data from the computer being used to another computer.

Virtual assistant Computer software that can perform tasks based on commands or questions. Integrated into a smart speaker, it is able to interpret human speech and respond via a synthesized voice. Users can ask their assistants questions, and, via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, to control home automation devices as well as audio playback. Examples of virtual assistants are Amazon Alexa on the Amazon Echo smart speaker, Siri on various Apple devices and Google Assistant on Google Home and Android devices.

Virtual reality (VR) A computer-generated environment made using graphics, sounds and movement. VR can be used for gaming or to train professionals, such as surgeons and pilots.

WAN A wide area network. A WAN is used to connect various computing devices or transmit data over long distances and between different LANs and other smaller networks. The internet is a WAN.

Web browser A software application installed on a computer, tablet or smartphone for retrieving information resources on the world wide web, often called simply a browser. An information resource is identified by a Uniform Resource Locator (URL), more commonly known as a web address. The most popular web browsers are Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari, Opera and Firefox.

Consultant: Chris Oxlade