Basic Computer Terms:

• Anti-Virus:  software designed to detect and destroy computer viruses

• Apps:  an abbreviated form of the word "application." An application is a typically a small, specialized program downloaded onto mobile devices

• Bluetooth:  a brand name for a wireless networking technology that uses short-wave radio frequencies to interconnect cell phones, portable computers, and other wireless electronic devices.

• Cache:  type of computer memory used to hold frequently used data.

• Cookies:  A small text file created by a Web site that is stored in the user's computer either temporarily for that session only or permanently on the hard drive. Cookies provide a way for the Web site to recognize you and keep track of your preferences.

• Cyber Attack:  an attempt to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to a computer, computer system, or electronic communications network.

• Data:  information processed or stored by a computer.

• Encryption:  The process of encoding a message so that it can be read only by the sender and the intended recipient. 

• Firewall:  system designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network.

• Hacking:  the unauthorized gaining of access to a computer 

• Hard Drive:   where the computer data is stored.

• Hardware:  The physical machinery and devices that make up a computer system

• Instant Messaging:   transmission of an electronic message over a computer network using software that immediately displays the message in a window on the screen of the recipient.

• Malware:  software that is intended to damage or disable computers and computer systems.

• Mobile Device:   a portable, wireless computing device that is small enough to be used while held in the hand

• Monitor:  video device attached to the computer which displays the task you are performing.

• Network:  multiple computers and other devices such as printers that are linked together so they can communicate with each other to share data, hardware and other resources.

• Network Drive:  a storage device on a local access network (LAN) within a business or home.

• Operating System:  software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs.

• PC (Personal Computer): a general-purpose device that can be programmed to carry out a set of operations automatically.

• Phishing: an e-mail fraud method in which the perpetrator sends out legitimate-looking email in an attempt to gather personal and financial information from recipients.

• Plug Ins: a software component that adds a specific feature to an existing software application.

• Processor:  electronic circuitry within a computer which processes the basic instructions that drive a computer.

• RAM:  an acronym for random access memory. It is the most common type of memory found in computers and other devices.

• Social Engineering:  psychological manipulation of people into performing actions or divulging confidential information.

• Social Media:  collective of online communications channels dedicated to community-based input, interaction, content-sharing and collaboration. (ex:  Facebook, Twitter, etc.)

• Social Networking: the use of dedicated websites and applications to interact with other users, or to find people with similar interests to oneself.

• Software:  general term that describes computer programs

• Virus: small programs or scripts that can negatively affect your computer.

• Web Browser: a program used for displaying and viewing pages on theWorld Wide Web.  (ex: Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome)

• Wi-Fi: wireless networking technology that uses radio waves to provide high-speed Internet and network connections.

References:

Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/) retrieved Aug. 6, 2015

Tech Terms (http://techterms.com/) retrieved Aug. 6, 2015

The Free Dictionary (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/) retrieved Aug. 6, 2015