Computer Glossary
Understand computer terminology and technical specifications with our comprehensive glossary. Perfect for beginners and anyone looking to make informed purchasing decisions.
Hardware
Storage
Display
Peripherals
Software
Performance
Connectivity
System
Accessories
Showing 64 of 64 terms
Hardware
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The main processor of a computer that executes instructions and performs calculations. Often called the 'brain' of the computer.
Hardware
RAM (Random Access Memory)
Temporary storage that holds data and programs currently in use. More RAM allows for better multitasking and faster performance.
Storage
SSD (Solid State Drive)
A storage device with no moving parts that provides faster data access than traditional hard drives. Improves boot times and file loading.
Hardware
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
Specialized processor designed to handle graphics and visual processing. Essential for gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering.
Display
4K Resolution
Display resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, providing four times the detail of 1080p. Ideal for large monitors and detailed work.
Display
1080p (Full HD)
Display resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Standard resolution for most monitors and laptops, offering good clarity for general use.
Display
1440p (QHD)
Display resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. Sweet spot between 1080p and 4K, popular for gaming and productivity monitors.
Display
Refresh Rate (Hz)
How many times per second a display updates its image. Higher refresh rates (144Hz+) provide smoother motion, especially in gaming.
Display
Response Time
How quickly a pixel can change from one color to another, measured in milliseconds. Lower response times reduce motion blur in fast-paced content.
Display
IPS Panel
In-Plane Switching display technology offering better color accuracy and viewing angles compared to TN panels, preferred for professional work.
Display
OLED Display
Organic Light-Emitting Diode technology where each pixel produces its own light, resulting in perfect blacks and vibrant colors.
Display
HDR (High Dynamic Range)
Display technology that provides greater contrast between light and dark areas, more vibrant colors, and better detail in shadows and highlights.
Display
Color Gamut
The range of colors a display can reproduce. sRGB is standard, while DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB offer wider color ranges for professional work.
Peripherals
Laser Printer
Printer that uses laser technology and toner cartridges to produce high-quality text and graphics. More cost-effective for high-volume printing.
Peripherals
Inkjet Printer
Printer that sprays liquid ink onto paper through tiny nozzles. Better for photo printing and color documents but higher per-page costs.
Peripherals
DPI (Dots Per Inch)
Measure of print resolution. Higher DPI means finer detail in printed documents. 600 DPI is standard, 1200+ DPI is high quality.
Peripherals
PPM (Pages Per Minute)
Printing speed measurement. Higher PPM means faster printing. Typical range is 10-50 PPM for home/office printers.
Peripherals
Duplex Printing
Automatic double-sided printing capability. Saves paper and is environmentally friendly. Essential feature for office printers.
Peripherals
Toner Cartridge
Powder-based ink used in laser printers. Generally more cost-effective per page than liquid ink and doesn't dry out when unused.
Peripherals
All-in-One Printer
Multifunction device combining printing, scanning, copying, and often faxing capabilities in a single unit. Space-saving for home offices.
Peripherals
Wireless Printing
Ability to print from devices without physical connection, using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or mobile printing standards like AirPrint.
Hardware
Motherboard
The main circuit board that connects all computer components together. Houses the CPU, RAM slots, and expansion slots.
Software
Operating System (OS)
Software that manages computer hardware and provides a platform for other programs. Examples include Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Performance
Gigahertz (GHz)
Unit of measurement for processor speed. Higher GHz generally means faster processing, though architecture also matters significantly.
Connectivity
USB-A
Traditional rectangular USB connector found on most computers and devices. USB 3.0 and 3.1 versions offer faster data transfer speeds.
Connectivity
USB-C
Modern oval-shaped USB connector that's reversible and supports faster data transfer, video output, and power delivery in one cable.
Connectivity
Thunderbolt
High-speed connection standard that supports data transfer, video output, and power delivery. Thunderbolt 4 offers up to 40 Gbps speeds.
Connectivity
HDMI
High-Definition Multimedia Interface for transmitting video and audio signals to monitors, TVs, and projectors. HDMI 2.1 supports 4K at 120Hz.
Connectivity
DisplayPort
Digital display interface primarily used for connecting monitors. Often preferred over HDMI for high-refresh gaming and multi-monitor setups.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Latest wireless networking standard offering faster speeds, better performance in crowded areas, and improved battery life for connected devices.
Connectivity
Bluetooth
Short-range wireless technology for connecting peripherals like mice, keyboards, headphones, and speakers without cables.
Connectivity
Ethernet
Wired network connection providing stable, high-speed internet access. Gigabit Ethernet offers speeds up to 1000 Mbps.
System
BIOS/UEFI
Firmware that initializes hardware during boot process. UEFI is the modern replacement for traditional BIOS with better features.
Performance
Cache
High-speed memory that stores frequently accessed data for quick retrieval. Found in CPUs and storage devices to improve performance.
Connectivity
Bandwidth
The amount of data that can be transmitted over a network connection in a given time period, usually measured in Mbps or Gbps.
Performance
Thermal Throttling
Automatic reduction of processor speed when temperatures get too high to prevent damage. Indicates inadequate cooling solutions.
Hardware
Form Factor
The size and shape specification of computer components. Examples include ATX for motherboards and 2.5" for SSDs.
Performance
Latency
The delay between a request and response in a system. Lower latency means more responsive performance, especially important for gaming.
Performance
Overclocking
Running computer components at higher speeds than their default specifications to increase performance. Requires adequate cooling.
Software
Driver
Software that allows the operating system to communicate with specific hardware components like graphics cards and printers.
Storage
Partition
A logical division of a storage drive that appears as a separate drive to the operating system, useful for organization.
System
Firmware
Low-level software stored in hardware that provides basic operational instructions for devices like routers and SSDs.
Performance
Bottleneck
A component that limits overall system performance. Often occurs when one component is much slower than others in the system.
Display
TN Panel
Twisted Nematic display technology offering fast response times and high refresh rates, popular for competitive gaming monitors.
Display
VA Panel
Vertical Alignment display technology providing better contrast ratios than IPS but with slower response times. Good for media consumption.
Display
Aspect Ratio
The proportional relationship between width and height of a display. Common ratios include 16:9 (widescreen) and 21:9 (ultrawide).
Display
Pixel Density (PPI)
Pixels per inch measurement indicating display sharpness. Higher PPI means crisper text and images, especially important for smaller screens.
Display
G-Sync/FreeSync
Adaptive sync technologies that eliminate screen tearing by synchronizing monitor refresh rate with graphics card output.
Display
Backlight Bleeding
Display defect where light leaks around edges or corners, most noticeable in dark scenes. More common in LCD displays.
Display
Dead Pixel
A pixel that remains permanently off (black) or on (bright color). A few dead pixels are often considered acceptable by manufacturers.
Peripherals
Mechanical Keyboard
Keyboard using individual mechanical switches for each key, providing tactile feedback and durability. Preferred by gamers and typists.
Peripherals
Membrane Keyboard
Keyboard using pressure pads under a flexible membrane. Quieter and cheaper than mechanical but less durable and tactile.
Peripherals
DPI (Mouse Sensitivity)
Dots per inch measurement for mouse sensitivity. Higher DPI means cursor moves farther with less physical movement. Adjustable on gaming mice.
Peripherals
Polling Rate
How often a mouse reports its position to the computer, measured in Hz. Higher polling rates (1000Hz) provide more responsive cursor movement.
Peripherals
Webcam Resolution
Video quality measurement for webcams. 720p is basic, 1080p is standard for video calls, 4K is professional quality.
Peripherals
Noise Cancellation
Technology in headphones that reduces ambient noise. Active noise cancellation uses microphones and processing, passive uses physical isolation.
Peripherals
Surround Sound
Audio technology that creates the illusion of sound coming from multiple directions. Available in headphones and speaker systems.
Accessories
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
Battery backup device that provides temporary power during outages and protects against power surges. Essential for desktop computers.
Accessories
Surge Protector
Device that protects electronics from voltage spikes and power surges. More advanced than basic power strips with built-in protection.
Accessories
KVM Switch
Keyboard, Video, Mouse switch allowing control of multiple computers with a single set of peripherals. Useful for multi-computer setups.
Accessories
Docking Station
Device that expands laptop connectivity, typically adding multiple ports, external display support, and charging through a single connection.
Storage
External Hard Drive
Portable storage device for backup and additional storage. Available in HDD (cheaper, larger capacity) and SSD (faster, more durable) versions.
Storage
Cloud Storage
Online storage service allowing file access from multiple devices. Examples include Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox.
Storage
NAS (Network Attached Storage)
Dedicated file storage device connected to a network, allowing multiple users to access shared files and automatic backups.
Need More Help?
Still Confused?
Computer terminology can be overwhelming. If you need help understanding any terms or making a purchasing decision, consider our other resources.
Helpful Resources:
- • Take our "New or Fix" quiz for personalized advice
- • Read our detailed buying guides in the blog
- • Check our weekly hardware recommendations
- • Browse our essential software list