This document defines various I.T. and hardware-related vocabulary terms. It explains concepts like adware, applications, browsers, bugs, caches, cookies, crashes, drivers, e-mail, fonts, hardware, software, home pages, logins, BIOS, CMOS, POST, booting, formatting, input devices, output devices, storage devices, and the role of a computer technician. Terms related to troubleshooting hardware issues are also defined.

1. I.T Vocabulary
Vocabulary- the body of
words used in a particular
language or topic.

2. • Adware- A software application which
displays unwanted pop-up
advertisements on your computer while
in use. Adware is often installed at the
same time as free software or shareware.
• Application- Any program designed to
perform a specific function directly for
the user. Microsoft Word, Outlook or
Adobe Photoshop are examples of
application programs.

3. • Browser- A program or tool such as
Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or
Google that enables you to browse or surf
the World Wide Web and view internet
sites.
• Bug- A defect or fault in a program that
prevents it from working correctly. Bugs
are caused by mistakes or errors made by
those who write the program.

4. • Cache- A sort of fast memory used for
temporary storage of recently accessed
web pages, which enables the browser to
display them more quickly on the next
visit.
• Bloat ware/Fat ware- Pre-installed
software that occupies a lot of space,
leaving little memory for storing personal
data.

5. • Cookies- Small piece of information on
the times and dates you have visited web
sites. A web server can temporarily store
this information within your browser.
• Crash- What happens when a program or
the entire operating system, unexpectedly
stops working.
• Cursor- A blinking symbol on the screen
that shows where any new text will next
be entered.

6. • Driver- A special program which
enables a computer to work with a
particular piece of hardware such as a
printer.
• E-mail- Electronic mail : messages
sent from one computer to another
over the internet.
• FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions.

7. • Firewall- Specialized hardware or
software designed to prevent
unauthorized access into or out of a
computer or network.
• Font- A particular kind of lettering (e.g.
Arial, Verdana, etc.
• Hardware- The physical equipment or
touchable parts of a computer system (the
CPU (central processing unit), monitor,
keyboard, mouse, external speakers,
scanner the printer, etc.)

8. • Software- is a general term for the
various kinds of program used to
operate computers and related devices.
• Home page- The main page or opening
page of a website. It usually contains
links to other pages.
• Log-in- Process by which a user enters a
name and password to access a computer.

9. Hardware Vocabulary
• Troubleshooting- Is the process or
identifying and fixing problems of
the Computer it may involve hardware or
software and can sometimes involve both
at the same time.
• Tools- a device or implement, especially
one held in the hand, used to carry out a
particular function.

10. • BIOS- (basic input/output system) is the
program a personal computer's
microprocessor uses to get the computer
system information it started after you
turn it on. It also manages computer's
operating system and attached devices
such as the drives storage capacity,
memory installed.

11. BIOS interface

12. • CMOS- A complementary metal oxide
semiconductor (CMOS) is an integrated circuit
design on a printed circuit board (PCB) that
uses semiconductor technology.
• POST- (Power-On Self-Test) is the diagnostic
testing sequence that a computer's basic
input/output system (or "starting program")
runs to determine if the computer keyboard,
random access memory, disk drives, and other
hardware are working correctly.

13. • BOOT- is to load an operating system
into the computer's main memory or
random access memory (RAM).
• Re-format- a computer
means completely erasing (formatting)
the hard drive and reinstalling the
operating system and all other
applications and files. ALL of your data
on the hard disk will be lost, so you will
need to back it up to a CD, DVD, flash
drive or another computer.

14. • Input devices- hardware that is used
to put information into the computer.
• Output devices- hardware that is
used to put out information so you
can see it or hear it.
• Storage devices- hardware that is
used to save or store information.

15. • Computer Technician- technician is a
person who repairs and
maintains computers and servers. The
technician's responsibilities may extend
to include building or configuring new
hardware, installing and updating
software packages, and creating and
maintaining computer networks.