Terms

Say it correctly, understand it clearly, and use it in the right situation.

Terminology mastery

Learn the words before the words block the learning.

Use Terms when pronunciation, meaning, or unfamiliar vocabulary is slowing you down. This area is designed for global learners, kids, career switchers, and experts who want clean definitions without jargon fog.

32 starter terms Plain language first Pronunciation included
How to use Terms
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Terms are support, not homework. Open one when a word slows you down, then go back to the lesson or visual.

Account uh-KOUNT

An account is the stored system record for a user, including name, settings, and rules tied to that identity.

Say it like: uh-KOUNT Open term
Application ap-lih-KAY-shuhn

An application is user-facing software designed to help with a task such as browsing, writing, drawing, or calling.

Say it like: ap-lih-KAY-shuhn Open term
Boot BOOT

Boot is the startup stage where the machine begins loading the operating system after the first hardware checks.

Say it like: BOOT Open term
Command kuh-MAND

A command is a typed instruction that asks the computer to do a specific job.

Say it like: kuh-MAND Open term
Computer kuhm-PYOO-tuhr

A computer is the whole machine: the physical parts plus the logic that lets it take instructions, remember information, and show results.

Say it like: kuhm-PYOO-tuhr Open term
CPU see-pee-YOO

The CPU is the main processor that handles calculations, decisions, and running instructions.

Say it like: see-pee-YOO Open term
Device dih-VICE

A device is a hardware component or connected piece of equipment that the computer interacts with.

Say it like: dih-VICE Open term
Driver DRY-vuhr

A driver is the bridge between the operating system and a hardware device.

Say it like: DRY-vuhr Open term
File FYLE

A file is a stored unit of data, such as a document, image, video, or program component.

Say it like: FYLE Open term
Filesystem FYLE-sis-tuhm

A filesystem is how the system stores, names, arranges, and tracks files and folders on a disk or other storage device.

Say it like: FYLE-sis-tuhm Open term
Firmware FERM-wair

Firmware is low-level software that helps hardware start up or behave correctly before the main operating system fully takes over.

Say it like: FERM-wair Open term
Folder FOHL-duhr

A folder groups files and sometimes more folders so the file system stays organized.

Say it like: FOHL-duhr Open term
Group GROOP

A group lets the system apply one set of rules to many users or accounts at once.

Say it like: GROOP Open term
Hardware HARD-wair

Hardware is the physical equipment you can touch: processor, memory chips, storage drives, keyboard, screen, printer, and other devices.

Say it like: HARD-wair Open term
Input IN-poot

Input is what the computer receives from a person, device, or another system.

Say it like: IN-poot Open term
Internet IN-tuhr-net

The internet is the large public network system that links many local and remote networks around the world.

Say it like: IN-tuhr-net Open term
Log LOG

A log is a stored record of what happened, often with time, severity, and source details.

Say it like: LOG Open term
Memory MEM-uh-ree

Memory, often called RAM, holds the data and program state the computer is using right now.

Say it like: MEM-uh-ree Open term
Network NET-wurk

A network is the connection system that lets computers and devices communicate with each other.

Say it like: NET-wurk Open term
Operating System OP-uh-ray-ting SIS-tuhm

The operating system is the main software that sits between the hardware and the apps. It manages files, memory, devices, users, and running programs.

Say it like: OP-uh-ray-ting SIS-tuhm Open term
Output OUT-poot

Output is what the system sends back to a person, device, or another system after doing work.

Say it like: OUT-poot Open term
Path PATH

A path tells the system where something lives inside the file system.

Say it like: PATH Open term
Peripheral puh-RIF-er-uhl

A peripheral is a device connected to the computer, often for input, output, storage, or another supporting job.

Say it like: puh-RIF-er-uhl Open term
Permission per-MISH-uhn

Permissions are the system rules that decide whether an identity can read, write, run, or change something.

Say it like: per-MISH-uhn Open term
Process PRAH-sess

A program is the code on disk. A process is that program while it is actively running and using memory, CPU time, and other resources.

Say it like: PRAH-sess Open term
Service SUR-viss

A service is background software the operating system expects to keep available over time, often without a visible window.

Say it like: SUR-viss Open term
Shutdown SHUT-down

Shutdown is the controlled path for stopping work, ending services, and powering down safely.

Say it like: SHUT-down Open term
Software SOFT-wair

Software is the logical part of the computer. It is made of instructions, not physical parts.

Say it like: SOFT-wair Open term
Startup START-up

Startup includes multiple stages such as hardware checks, boot, operating-system loading, services, login, and user environment readiness.

Say it like: START-up Open term
Storage STOR-ij

Storage is where files, installed programs, and saved data live for later use.

Say it like: STOR-ij Open term
Terminal TER-mih-nuhl

A terminal gives you a place to type commands and see text results.

Say it like: TER-mih-nuhl Open term
User YOO-zuhr

A user is an account identity that the system uses to decide ownership, permissions, and settings.

Say it like: YOO-zuhr Open term

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