Computing Vocabulary Glossary
Stuck with a computing term?! Check out our full glossary of computing terms used in our units of work. The full A-Z below covers all vocabulary for all age groups we cover. You can also find key vocabulary for different age groups with the buttons to the side.
Sources for definitions include :
Vocabulary by age group
Full Computing Vocabulary A-Z
#
3D
(or 3-D) means three-dimensional, or having three dimensions. For example, a box is three-dimensional; it is solid, and not thin like a piece of paper. It has volume, a top and bottom, left and right (sides), as well as a front and back.
3D modelling
3D modelling is a technique in computer graphics for producing a 3D digital representation of any object or surface. Special software can be used to to manipulate points in virtual space to form an object. 3D models are used for a variety of mediums including video games, movies, architecture, illustration, engineering, and advertising.
3D printing
3D printing is the action or process of making a physical object from a three-dimensional digital model, typically by laying down many thin layers of a material in succession. This is can be know as additive manufacturing. Plastic is most commonly used in 3D printing where a spool of solid plastic is melted and layered onto a flat bed to gradually create a 3D model. Other materials can also been used such as chocolate (for unique food designs), concrete (for very fast building) and even human cells are being experimented with! (to create body parts for transplant).
A
Abstraction
Removing unnecessary detail to help you solve a problem (a computational thinking concept).
Adware
Software application which displays adverts and can redirect searches.
Algorithm
An unambiguous procedure or precise step-by-step guide to solve a problem or achieve a particular objective. A set of instructions for achieving a goal or solving a problem.
Alter
To change the way something looks, sometimes using a computer or other digital tools
Animation
Combining a series of still images to give the illusion of movement when the images are shown as a sequence.
Annotate
Add notes to (a text or diagram) giving explanation or comment.
Array
Also know as a 'list', an array is a tool that can be used to store multiple pieces of information at once. It can also be defined as a variable containing multiple other variables. An array consists of numbers paired with items. Each item can be retrieved by its paired number.
Attachment
A digital document or file that can be attached to, and sent with an email. It may be an image, video, text document or any other type of file. Most email systems have a limit on the size of the file that can be attached and sent.
Attribute
Giving credit to the person who created something, such such as listing the author's name and date, or a citation.
Avatar
An image or character that represents a person online.
Application (App)
A computer program that you can download onto a mobile device to perform a particular function.
Ascending
When data is sorted it can be arranged in ascending order in a list. If the data is text it will be alphabetical A -> Z, If the data is numbers then it will be lowest to highest.
B
Bandwidth
The amount of data that can fit through an Internet connection.
BCC
BCC Stands for 'Blind Carbon Copy'. A useful way to let others see an e-mail you sent without the main recipient knowing. It is faster than sending the original message and then forwarding the sent message to the other recipients. It is also good netiquette to use Bcc when copying a message to many people. This prevents the e-mail addresses from being captured by someone in the list who might use them for spamming purposes. use. It is a series of 1s and 0s and is also used in mathematics.
Binary
Binary is the language computers use. It is a series of 1s and 0s and is also used in mathematics.
Block
A ‘chunk’ of programming or a particular graphic block or piece found in a graphical programming language such as Scratch. Blocks linked together are called a script in Scratch. To find out what a block does, right-click on it, then select help from the pop-up menu.
Blocks Palette
(in Scratch) – the library of blocks in most graphical programming languages.
Blog/Blogging
Short for 'web log', a shared online journal or diary. Normally a webpage containing users’ opinions, experiences or observations.
Bluetooth
A method of wirelessly allowing the exchange of data over short distances from devices.
Boolean
A variable whose value can only be true or false.
Bot
A program that can do things without a user needing to give instructions. Many bots are malware.
Broadcast
A method of sending a message to trigger an event in a program. Often used between sprites or the stage in Scratch.
Browser
See ‘Web browser’ below.
C
CAD
Computer aided design or CAD is an important industry within the tech world. It involves utilising computers to help with engineering and design for a wide range of projects. Common types of computer aided design include architecture, metal fabrication, carpentry, and 3D printing.
Camera
A piece of technology used to capture photographs or video. It could be a standalone device or embedded in a device such as a laptop, tablet or smartphone.
Capture
(in film or animation) To take a photograph or video recording.
Catfishing
This is where someone steals your photos and uses them as their own, usually in a bid to meet other people on the internet or to trick or fool someone.
CC
Stands for 'Carbon Copy'. Typically used when a message is intended for one person, but is relevant to other people as well. The main person the message before can be entered in the 'To' section, other people that may need to be aware of the email can be added to the 'CC' section.
Cell
A spreadsheet is a grid and each ‘square’ is a cell. When you click in a cell and highlight it, it is known as the active cell.
Cell reference
Individual cells can be identified using the column (letter) and row (number) labels. For example A3, B26 or E251.
Chart
A graphical representation of data in a worksheet.
Cloud storage
Services such as Google Drive, OneDrive and iCloud allow users to store their files and data on internet servers, rather than on their local computers. Advantages of this are that files are safer and can be accessed anywhere with an internet connected device. Storage can also be effectively infinite as you can buy more storage if needed.
Clickbait
An image or headline that tries to get you to click on it, usually for advertising purposes
Code
Lines or blocks of instructions
Collaboration
To work together with others. Many digital tools now allow easy collaboration as users can work remotely on the same document or system at the same time. Tools like Google G-Suite and Microsoft Office 365 offer a variety of collaborative documents and apps.
Column
A spreadsheet is made up of columns, labelled with letters. These are vertical (run top to bottom) and are labeled at the top of the grid.
Command
A step or line of programming.
Communication
The exchanging of information with speaking, writing or some other medium.
Computational Thinking
An analytical approach to ‘problem’ solving (involving abstraction, decomposition, logical thinking, pattern, evaluation, generalisation)
Computer
Any device that takes input, processes it, then produces output.
Computer network
The computers and connecting hardware (wifi access points, cables, fibres, switches and routers) that make it possible to transfer data using an agreed method (‘protocol’).
Condition
A programming rule to dictate when something in a program will happen. Sometimes referred to as an If-Then statement, because IF a condition is met, THEN an action is performed.
Conditional formatting
A spreadsheet tool that will change the appearance of a cell if the contents match a certain criteria.
Control
Using computers to move or otherwise change ‘physical’ systems. The computer can be hidden inside the system or connected to it.
Cookies
Small text files stored on a computer that keep track of what a person does on a website
Coordinate
(noun) Cartesian coordinates are a set of values that show an exact position. In a 2D environment, such as on a graph, two axis are needed, each with an equal number scale. The X axis represents the horizontal position of a point, the Y axis represents the vertical position of a point. Coordinates in a 3D environment require a third axis (Z) which represents depth. Coordinates can be commonly used in coding to position objects (sprites in Scratch) within a program’s visual environment.
Copyright
Legal protection that a creators have over the things they create
Costume
The costume is the appearance of a sprite on the screen. These are usually editable. A sprite can often have multiple costumes that are changed by programming the sprite.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The microprocessor is the brain of the computer. It deals with inputs, thinks what to do with them, and then sends commands to the outputs of the computer. It is very smart and fast at calculating things, most processors will deal with millions of instructions per second. Other factors come into it as well, but a better, faster CPU will help your computer run faster and let it carry out more tasks at the same time.
Creeping
Someone who follows someone else’s social network profile closely.
Criteria
A set of rules or judgements that can be made to analyse data. E.g. All children in class 8 who play the recorder go to the hall. Criteria = Children (so not adults), Class 8 (not class 1-7), Play the recorder (no other instrument). Output = 6 children go to the hall (not the whole class of children and teachers)
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)
A language used to describe reusable styles for presenting documents written in a markup language. CSS allows web developers to alter the layout and appearance of their web pages. For example, CSS may be used to change the font used in certain HTML element, as well as its size and colour. A single CSS file may be linked to multiple pages, which allows a developer to change the appearance of all the pages at the same time.
Cyberbullying
Using digital devices, sites, and apps to intimidate, harm, and upset someone
D
Data
A structured set of numbers, representing digitised text, images, sound or video, which can be processed or transmitted by a computer.
or
Unorganised facts that need to be processed. Data can be something simple and seemingly random and useless until it is organised. When data is processed, organised, structured or presented in a given context so as to make it useful, it is called information. 2 is data
Database
A database is an organised collection of data, generally stored and accessed electronically from a computer system.
Data set
A collection of data that can be analysed using a spreadsheet or other software.
Debug
To detect and correct the errors in a computer program.
Decomposition
Breaking a problem down into smaller parts (a computational thinking concept)
Descending
When data is sorted it can arranged in descending order in a list. If the data is text it will be reverse alphabetical Z -> A. If the data is numbers then it will be highest to lowest.
Digital
Any signals or data that can be expressed by using the digits 0 and 1 (binary code).
Digital citizen
Someone who uses technology responsibly to learn, create, and participate
Digital content
Any media created, edited or viewed on a computer, such as text (including the hypertext of a web page), images, sound, video, or virtual environments, and combinations of these (i.e. multimedia).
Digital footprint
A record of what you do online, including the sites you visit and the things you post; it can also include things that others post that involve you
Download
Transfer of a file, from a central computer to your computer.
E
Ebook / ePub
Digital book format file.
Edit
To change, add or remove elements in a piece of work (usually to improve it).
Short for 'electronic mail', it allows you to send and receive messages to and from anyone with an email address, anywhere in the world.
Emoticon / Emoji
The use of icons or text to portray mood or facial expression, e.g. 🙂 when happy and 🙁 when sad.
Evaluation
Making judgements (a computational thinking concept) - Is this ‘good’? Can it be improved?
Execute
To follow a series of instructions. The computer or robot follows the instructions in order to complete the program.
Export
The opposite of importing and a computing command that usually means saving or sending a file, or part of a file, to a specific new location. It also often allows changing the file format as it’s saved. For example, a Photoshop image could be exported as a PDF document or different images types (PNG, JPEG etc). You might also export content between apps on an iPad. A piece of music could be exported to iMovie to use as a soundtrack for a video.
F
Fabotage
Accessing someone else’s social media account without their knowledge and changing information on it.
Firewall
A barrier created with hardware or software between a trusted system or network and outside connections, such as the Internet. However, a computer firewall is more of a filter than a wall, allowing trusted data to flow through it. It tries to reduce the amount of viruses, malicious software and hackers that can come into a network from the Internet.
Field
Columns of a table in a database, or categories. For example in a database of people in an organisation you might have fields for 'name', 'address', 'phone number', 'job title' etc.
Flaming
Flaming is the act of posting or sending offensive messages over the Internet. These messages, called "flames," may be posted within online discussion forums, or sent via instant messaging programs.
Format (text)
Text formatting refers to the attributes of text other than the actual text itself. For example: bold, italics, underlining, colour, and size, are all formatting attributes of text.
Formula
A sum (or other mathematical statement) that can be entered into a cell, the ‘=’ is always entered first, cell references can be used instead of numbers e.g. = 4+6, = A5+B17, =67*E195
Frame
A single drawing or image captured as a photograph in an animation or video. When multiple frames are played in sequence the illusion of motion is created.
Fraping
This is a combination of 'Facebook' and ‘rape' and it is when someone has used your Facebook account without permission and destroyed comments or pictures, or created new and offensive comments and pictures pretending to be you.
FTP
File Transfer Protocol. A service for moving files from one computer to another.
Function
A procedure/function is used in programming to break a complex task down into simple steps or sections. Many different types of programming languages can be used to build a procedure. Depending on the programming language, a procedure may also be called a subroutine, subprogram or function.
G
Gamer
A person who plays video games including online, likely with other online users.
Gamer Tag
An alter ego made from an alias, picture or avatar. Sometimes these are offensive.
GB GigaByte
1024 kilobytes. Unit of measuring data.
Generalisation
Adapting solutions already found to solve new problems.
Geotag
To attach the exact geographical coordinates of longitude and latitude to a digital image, giving the location of where it was taken.
Ghosting
This means breaking off a relationship by stopping all communication and contact without any apparent warning or justification.
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
Like the CPU it is a single-chip processor. The GPU is used for computing graphics (screen images). This includes things such as lighting effects, object transformations, and 3D motion. Because these types of calculations are rather taxing on the CPU, the GPU can help the computer run more efficiently by doing this work for it, especially if it’s part of an external graphics card (not built into the motherboard) as these can have their own RAM as well.
Griefing
Irritating or angering people in video games by being mean, destructive, or cheating
Grooming
Someone who gains a child’s trust for sexual exploitation or trafficking.
H
Hacker
A person who uses technology to gain unauthorised access to information.
Hard drive
A drive on a computer that stores data. It houses the hard disk, where all your files and folders are physically located. A typical hard drive is only slightly larger than your hand, yet can hold huge amounts of data.
Hardware
Any part of your computer that has a physical structure, such as the keyboard, monitor or mouse. It also includes all of the computer's internal parts.
HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface)
Required for connecting devices to show high definition video.
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)
HTML is used to create electronic documents (called pages) that are displayed on the World Wide Web.. Every web page you see on the Internet is written using one version of HTML code or another. HTML code ensures the proper formatting of text and images so that your Internet browser may display them as they are intended to look. HTML also provides a basic structure of the page, upon which Cascading Style Sheets are overlaid to change its appearance. One could think of HTML as the bones (structure) of a web page, and CSS as its skin (appearance).
Hub
A device that joins a group of computers together.
I
Identity theft
A crime that involves someone pretending to be another person in order to steal money or obtain other benefits.
Import
A computing command that usually means allowing a user to bring in a file, or part of a file into another application so they can be combined. For example, an image could be imported into presentation slides, or art software to use as a background.
IM (DM / PM)
Instant message also known as direct message, Private or personal message. These are messages sent between users via the internet or social media apps. These are very popular with younger generations.
In-app purchasing
Purchases of services or products are possible within some apps, such as game apps, and real money is required by them.
Incognito browsing
This allows a user to browse the web without their history being recorded on their device.
Inference
An educated guess based on evidence
Information
Information is organised or presented data. Information gives context to data to make it useful. 2 apples, 2cm, 2 years old are all examples of information.
Input
Data provided to a computer system, such as via a keyboard, mouse, microphone, camera or physical sensors. Information which is received by the computer from a keyboard, mouse or sensor e.g. pressing the left mouse button or space bar creates an input.
Instructions
A guide how to do something. Instructions can be put into a sequence to create an algorithm
Internet
The global collection of computer networks and their connections, all using shared protocols (TCP/IP) to communicate.
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
A company that provides subscribers with access to the internet.
Internet Shaming
Online shaming is a form of Internet vigilantism in which targets are publicly humiliated using technology like social and new media.
IP Address
An IP address, or simply an "IP," is a unique address that identifies a device on the Internet or a local network. It allows a system to be recognised by other systems connected via the Internet protocol.
Iteration
See ‘Repetition’ below
K
Keyboard
An input device for a keyboard made up of many keys including the letters of the alphabet, numbers and a range of special characters.
Keywords
Words or phrases that describe content. Useful when using a search engine to find content.
Kilobyte (KB)
A unit of measurement for data. Most often used to measure the size of small files.
L
LAN (Local Area Network)
A LAN is a network of connected devices that exist within a specific location. LANs may be found in homes, offices, educational institutions, or other areas. A LAN may be wired, wireless, or a combination of the two. A standard wired LAN uses Ethernet cables to connect devices together. Wireless LANs are typically created using a Wi-Fi signal. If a router supports both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections, it can be used to create a LAN with both wired and wireless devices.
Layer
In sound or video terminology, layering is the stacking of media elements on a project timeline to enable playback of multiple elements simultaneously. For example, a video plays while background music can be heard and text is overlaid as a title.
License
A clear way to define the type of copyright creative work has so others know how they can use it
Link
Often short for hyperlink. Allows users to navigate. E.g. by clicking on a link, the user can 'jump' to a new screen.
Logic
Predicting and analysing. Computational logic is used to allow a program to decide what to do and when. For example you may write code that says: “When the user clicks this button, perform this calculation.”
Logical Thinking
A systematic approach to solving problems or deducing information using a set of universally applicable and totally reliable rules.
Loop
Also referred to as a ‘repeat’ or ‘Iteration’ – a programming construct in which one or more instructions are repeated, perhaps a certain number of times, until a condition is satisfied or until the program is stopped.
List
A list (called an array in other programming languages) is a tool that can be used to store multiple pieces of information at once. It can also be defined as a variable containing multiple other variables. A list consists of numbers paired with items. Each item can be retrieved by its paired number.
M
Malware
Software that is designed to cause problems for users.
Media
All of the ways that large groups of people get and share information (TV, books, internet, newspapers, phones, etc).
Media balance
Using media in a way that feels healthy and in balance with other life activities (family, friends, school, hobbies, etc).
Media choices
Time spent watching, listening to, reading, or creating media.
Metadata
Provides information about the content of a digital item, e.g. each digital image from a digital camera has a file attached listing such things as date, time, camera and shutter speed.
Multimedia
Content that uses a combination of different content forms such as text, audio, images, animations, video and interactive content.
N
Narrate
Deliver a spoken commentary to accompany (a film, broadcast, piece of music, etc.)
Navigation
The process of moving around the pages or features of interactive software or websites. Navigational aids such as buttons and links are an important feature of interactive digital products.
Netiquette
Netiquette is the code of good behaviour on the internet. As the internet changes, so does netiquette.
Network
A network consists of multiple devices that communicate with one another. It can be as small as two computers or as large as billions of devices. While a traditional network is comprised of desktop computers, modern networks may include laptops, tablets, smartphones, televisions, gaming consoles, smart appliances, and other electronics.
O
Online
Using a digital device to visit a website or app that makes use of the internet.
Online video game
A video game that is played through the internet
Operating system
Software that communicates with the hardware and allows other programs to run. It consists of system software, or the fundamental files your computer needs to boot up and function. Every desktop computer, tablet, and smartphone includes an operating system that provides basic functionality for the device. Common desktop and laptop operating systems are Microsoft Windows, Apple OS and Linux. Common mobile operating systems are Android and Apple’s iOS.
Outing
‘Outing’ people by publishing or disseminating confidential information online.
Output
The information produced by a computer system for its user, typically on a screen, through speakers or on a printer, but possibly though the control of motors in physical systems. Also an action performed by the computer e.g. switching on a light, moving a turtle or sprite across the screen.
P
Packet
A packet is a small amount of data sent over a network, such as a LAN or the Internet. Similar to a real-life package, each packet includes a source and destination as well as the content (or data) being transferred. When the packets reach their destination, they are reassembled into a single file or other contiguous block of data.
PageRank
A way of ordering the results of a search on the internet. Google uses a PageRank algorithm, which determines the quality and rank of a page based on the quality of the pages that link to it. Their quality is, in turn, determined by the quality of the pages that link to them, and so on.
Password
A secret string of letters, symbols, and numbers that you can use to restrict who can access something digital
Patterns
Spotting and using similarities to solve problems (a computational thinking concept)
Personal information
Information about you that cannot be used to identify you because it is also true for many other people (e.g. your hair color or the city you live in)
Photo retouching
Digital alteration of a photo to enhance the way someone looks (removing of wrinkles, clearing of skin, changing their body, etc.)
Phishing
The sending of fraudulent emails pretending to be from reputable companies in order to get people to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers.
Plagiarism
Using someone’s creative work without providing attribution
Printer
An output device that transfers a document or image from the screen of a device to paper by printing it with ink.
Private information
Information about you that can be used to identify you because it is unique to you (e.g. your full name or your address)
Processor
See ‘CPU’ above
Profile
Often social media sites will allow users to create their own personal profiles which other users can see.
Program (noun)
A sequence of instructions written to perform a specified task on the computer
Program (verb)
To give a series of instructions to a machine so that it will perform a task automatically
Q
QR Code
A QR code (short for "quick response" code) is a type of barcode that contains a matrix of dots. It can be scanned using a QR scanner or a smartphone with built-in camera.
QWERTY
This term is used to describe a standard (Latin alphabet-based) keyboard.
R
RAM (Random Access Memory)
The computer’s short term memory where things can be held for very quick access. It remembers all immediate things the computer does and runs between the CPU and the Hard Drive but it forgets everything once the computer is shut down. Adding more RAM to your computer can have a big impact on speeding it up as the more RAM you have, the more data can be loaded from the hard drive into the RAM (for very fast access). When your RAM gets full your computer will slow down and sometimes freeze and crash.
Rank
A number that shows the position of something in a numerically ordered sequence.
Record
Every item in a database is called a 'record'. Each record will have information saved for a number of categories or 'fields'. For example, in a database about countries 'Spain' might be a record that is kept. Information on population, land area, and capitol city may be part saved as fields for that record.
Redundancy
Duplicate devices that are used for backup purposes. The goal of redundancy is to prevent or recover from the failure of a specific component or system.
Register (online)
To enter your information in order to sign up and get access to a website or app
Resolution
The number of distinct pixels in each dimension that can be displayed.
Responsibility
A duty you have to yourself or others
Robot
A machine, especially one programmable by a computer, capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically. Robots can be guided by an external control device or the control may be embedded within.
ROM (Read Only Memory)
It is memory containing hardwired instructions that the computer uses when it boots up, before the system software (operating system) loads. In PCs, the instructions are read from a small program in the ROM, called the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). This data still remains even when the computer is shut down or unplugged as it has its own small battery built into the system.
Router
A box that connects a home, business or school network to the internet, acting as a junction point. There are millions of routers across the world.
Row
A spreadsheet is made up of rows, labelled with numbers. These are horizontal (run left to right) and are labeled at the left of the grid.
Repetition
Also referred to as a ‘Loop’ or ‘Iteration’ – a programming construct in which one or more instructions are repeated, perhaps a certain number of times, until a condition is satisfied or until the program is stopped.
S
Save
To store a piece of work in a computer’s memory so that it can be recalled at a later time.
Script
(In Scratch) blocks are snapped together into stacks, called scripts. When you click on a script, Scratch runs the blocks from the top of the script to the bottom. You can program sprites and the stage using scripts.
Scripts area
(In Scratch) – blocks are dragged from the block palette onto the script area in order to programme a sprite or stage.
Search
To identify data that satisfies one or more conditions, such as web pages or records in a database containing keywords, or files on a computer with certain properties.
Selection
‘When things happen’ - A programming construct in which the instructions that are executed are determined by whether a particular condition is met. A question is asked, and depending on the answer, the program chooses between two or more possible courses of action. At KS2, selection should include the if..then..else statement. (E.g. If the sprite is touching a wall then bounce back, else move forward)
Selfie
A picture you take of of yourself, usually with a phone
Sensor
A device which detects or measures a physical property and records, indicates, or otherwise responds to it.
Sequence
To place programming instructions in order, with each executed one after the other.
Server
A server is a computer that serves up information to other computers on a network. Schools and many businesses will have a file server that pupils and employees can use to store and share files. A server can look like a regular desktop computer, or it can be much larger.
Services
Programs running on computers, typically those connected to the internet, which provide functionality in response to requests; for example, to transmit a web page, deliver an email or allow a text, voice or video conversation.
Simulation
Using a computer to model the state and behaviour of real-world (or imaginary) systems, including physical and social systems; an integral part of most computer games.
Social interaction
Talking or messaging with people to develop friendship or community
Software
Computer programs, including both application software (such as office programs, web browsers, media editors and games) and the computer operating system. The term also applies to ‘apps’ running on mobile devices and to web-based services.
Sort
To arrange a set of data into a prescribed sequence.
Spam
Junk email or messages on a website or messaging service.
Sprite
A graphical object that can be controlled by programming. In Scratch projects are made up of objects called sprites. You can change how a sprite looks by giving it a different costume. You can use any image as a costume: you can draw an image in the Paint Editor, import an image from your hard disk, or drag in an image from a website. You can give instructions to a sprite, telling it to move or play music or react to other sprites. To tell a sprite what to do, you snap together graphic blocks into stacks, called scripts. When you click on a script, Scratch runs the blocks from the top of the script to the bottom.
Spyware
Software that can be installed on your computer without your knowledge, which collects information and sends details to another computer on the Internet.
Stage
(in Scratch) - the Stage is where you see your stories, games, and animations come to life. Sprites move and interact with one another on the Stage. The Stage is 480 units wide and 360 units tall. It is divided into an x-y grid. The middle of the Stage has an x-coordinate of 0 and a y-coordinate of 0.
Switch
A box that switches data from one computer to another. All wired computers on a network connect back to the switch.
Symbol
A character other than a number or letter, such as #, !, or @.
T
Tab
Each sheet in a spreadsheet workbook will have its own tab at the bottom of the screen. These can be renamed to help you remember what information is stored on each worksheet. Web browsers can also have tabs so that different web pages can be open at the same time and a user can easily switch between them by switching tabs at the top of the screen.
Tablet
A type of computer that is very slim and primarily operated by a touchscreen. Tablets usually have motion sensors and a camera built into them and run software called apps (applications).
TCP/IP
Language computers use to communicate.
Technology
Machinery and equipment developed from the application of scientific knowledge.
Terabyte (TB)
A unit of data measurement. Equal to 1024 gigabytes.
Timeline
A graphical representation of a period of time. Used in video and sound editing to order and arrange the separate elements of a project.
Trojan
A program that appears legitimate but which performs some harmful activity when it is run. Trojans often sneak in attached to a free game.
Troll
A user who posts inflammatory messages typically on Social Media sites to upset others.
U
Upload
Transfer a file from your computer to a central computer, e.g. your ISP.
Upstander
A person who supports and stands up for someone else
URL
Uniform Resource Locator: a nickname (address) for a website
USB (Universal Serial Bus)
A standard method of connecting devices such as keyboards and printers to a computer.
Username
A name you create to sign into a website, app, or game
V
Variable
A variable is a piece of information in a program that we want to store, but are able to change, such as a score, the time left, or the user’s name.
Video Hosting Sites
Websites and apps which allow users to post and view video clips, like YouTube.
Virus
A program designed to cause other programs on a computer to malfunction or stop working altogether.
Vlog (Vlogger)
Short for 'video log', a shared online journal or diary. Normally a video shared to YouTube or Vimeo containing users’ opinions/experiences/ observations.
W
WAN (wide area network)
A WAN is not limited to a single area, but spans multiple locations. WANs are often comprised of multiple LANs that are connected over the Internet. A company WAN, for example, may extend from the headquarters to other offices around the world. Access to WANs may be limited using authentication, firewalls, and other security measures. The Internet itself is the largest WAN since it encompasses all locations connected to the Internet.
WAP (Wireless Access Point)
A box that takes data from a wired network and converts it into wireless signals.
Wireless Network (a.k.a 'Wireless' and 'WiFi')
Signals that pass through the air from the wireless access point to laptops, tablets, smartphones or other wireless enabled devices in order to transfer data.
Web browser
A web browser, or simply "browser," is an application used to access and view websites. Common web browsers include Microsoft Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari.
Web Server
A computer connected to the Internet that provides access to (hosts) websites.
Wired Network
These are wires that go from the switch to every wired computer. These are typically much faster than wireless connections and are usually ethernet cables.
Workbook
When spreadsheet software is opened the whole document is called a workbook. A workbook can be made up of lots of different worksheets.
Worksheet
Each page of a spreadsheet is called a worksheet. A workbook can be made up of several sheets
World Wide Web
A service provided by computers connected to the internet (web servers), in which pages of hypertext (web pages) are transmitted to users; the pages typically include links to other web pages and may be generated by programs automatically.
Z
Zipfile
A compressed file format for emailing files or downloading.