List of

Computer & IT
Terminologies
Computer and IT Terminologies Free e-book

Computer and IT Terminologies

Computer awareness is an important section in various banking exams. This section has high scoring
potential, and it is important to be aware of some key terminologies to tackle the questions in this
section. We have compiled the list of some important terminologies you need to be aware of. We bring
to you the free E-book with an exhaustive list of ‘Computer and IT Terminologies’.

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Access Able to or have permission to use particular data on a computer

Access time The amount of time it takes for requested information to be delivered
from disks and memory

Adapter A device that allows a specific type of hardware to work with another
device that would otherwise be incompatible

Adapter card A circuit board that plugs into a computer and gives it additional
capabilities

Amplifier A device that takes in a weak electric signal and sends out a strong one

Analog Computer A computer that operates on data which is in the form of continuous
variable physical quantities

Android It is a Linux based open-source operating system primarily used for

touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets
Computer and IT Terminologies Free e-book

Antivirus Software designed to detect and destroy computer viruses

Algorithm A step-by-step procedure followed in calculations or solve a problem

Application A computer program that performs a specific function (such as word

processing or spreadsheets) for an end user or another application

Arithmetic Logic Unit A part of CPU that performs integer arithmetic (Addition, subtraction etc.,)
(ALU) and logical operations such as OR and AND

Backup A copy of computer data stored elsewhere to e retrieved in case of loss of

original data

Basic Input Output Also known as ROM BIOS. Computer’s microprocessor uses BIOS to load
System (BIOS) basic computer hardware and start the computer after it is powered on

Binary code The language used by computers in which data and instructions are
represented by a series of 1s and 0s

Binary coding system Coding system where every character is represented by a combination of
bits. It is a method of representing numbers that has 2 as its base and uses
only the digits 0 and 1

Bit This is also the smallest unit of measurement used to measure data. Data
transfer rates are measured in bits

Blinking Cursor It is an insertion point where text can be typed, pasted, cut or deleted

Bridge Connects two or more LANs

Bug An error, flaw, failure, or fault in a software program, which produces an

incorrect or undesired behavior or result

Bus A pathway or a communication system that transfers data between

components of a computer

Byte Data is stored on a computer in bytes. A byte is one character, which may
be a number or letter. A byte is composed of 8 consecutive bits.
1,000 bytes = 1 kilobyte (K or KB)
1,000 KB = 1 megabyte (MB)
1,000 MB = 1 gigabyte (GB)
1,000 GB = 1 Terabyte (TB)

Cache Temporary memory which is used by the computer to move data between
the RAM and CPU. It is similar to RAM

CD-ROM A removable disk that stores data. It can only be read and not recorded.
Data can be recorded (save) onto a CD-Rewritable disk

Command An instruction that causes a program or computer to perform a function

Computer and IT Terminologies Free e-book

Compiler A compiler is a computer program that translates source code written in a

high-level language into a set of machine-language instructions that can be
understood by the CPU

Computer A collection of electronic parts that carries out arithmetic or logical

operations automatically. A computer can accept input, change data, store
data and display data.

Communication The transmission of data from one computer to another or from one
device to another

Computer Graphics Computer Graphics are visual presentations or the art of drawing pictures
on a computer screen with the help of programming

Cold Boot When a computer restarts after the power cut and is set to normal
working conditions.

Control Panel It is part of the Windows menu. accessible from the start menu, which
allows users the ability to view and change system settings

Chat A real-time communication between two or more users

Clipboard A holding area which stores a memory temporarily before it is moved or

duplicated

Cookie A packet of information or a file - like a username and password- that

travels between a browser and the web server. It is created by the sites
visited by the user to make their online experience easier

CPU The CPU (central processing unit), is the brain of the computer that
retrieves and executes instructions

Crash A malfunction in hardware or software that keeps a computer from

functioning normally

Crawler A program which systematically browses the World Wide Web, typically
for the purpose of Web indexing (web spidering)
Computer and IT Terminologies Free e-book

Data Information consisting of letters, numbers, symbols, sound, or images—

in a form that can be processed by a computer

Database A database is a collection of information that is organized so that it can

easily be accessed, managed, and updated

Data abstraction It is the reduction of a particular body of data to a simplified

representation of the whole

Data processing It refers to the process of collecting and manipulating raw data to yield
useful information.

Disk Operating System A disk operating system (abbreviated DOS) is a computer operating
(DOS) system that can use a disk storage device, such as a floppy disk, hard
disk drive, or optical disc

Debugging Locating and eliminating defects in a program

Delete A command to erase information in storage

Directory A list of the files stored on a disk

Dots Per Inch (DPI) It is defined as the measure of the resolution of a printer, scanner or
monitor

Download A copy (data) from one computer system to another, typically over the
Internet

DRAM Dynamic Random-Access Memory continues to move in and out of the

memory as long as power is available and must be continually refreshed
to maintain the data

DVD (Digital Versatile Technology that stores more information (approximately seven times)
Disc) than a CD-ROM and can be written upon

Editing The process of changing information by inserting, deleting, replacing,

rearranging, and reformatting

EDO (Extended Data RAM is a type of random-access memory (RAM) chip that improves the
Output) time to read from memory on faster microprocessors such as the Intel
Pentium

EEPROM Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory is a special type

of memory that can be erased by exposing it to an electrical charge

EPROM Erasable programmable read-only memory is a special type of PROM

that can be erased by exposing it to ultraviolet light

Ethernet Card A network adapter that enables a computer to connect to an ethernet.

Execution Time The total time required to execute a program on a particular system

Export To save information from one computer or program to another

Computer and IT Terminologies Free e-book

Fax It stands for ‘Facsimile machine’. It is used to transmit a copy of a

document electronically

Fax modem A device built into or attached to a computer that serves as a facsimile
machine and a modem

Field The attributes of an entity are written as fields in the table

representation

File A collection of information stored electronically and treated as a unit by

a computer. Every file must have its own distinctive name

File Manager Operating system utility that provides a user interface to work with file
systems

Firmware Technology which has the combination of both hardware and software

Flash Drive This is a small portable hard drive that plugs into a USB port and allows
you to transport files between different computers. Also called a thumb
drive.

Gateway Gateway can be used to connect two different networks having

different architectures, environment and even models

Gigahertz (Ghz) A measurement used to identify the speed of the central processing unit

Garbage in Garbage Out It pertains to the fact that most computer errors are not errors, they are
(GIGO) data errors caused by incorrect input data

Graphic Interchange A simple file format for pictures and photographs, that are compressed
Format (GIF) so they can be sent quickly.

Graphical user Interface Method of interacting with a computer through a metaphor of direct
manipulation of graphical images and widgets in addition to text.

Glitch A hardware problem that causes a computer to malfunction or crash.

Hand Pointer The cursor changes into a pointing hand when it passes over a
hypertext link. This allows connecting directly to the link.

Hard copy Text or graphics printed on paper; also called a printout.

Hard disk A rigid type of magnetic medium that can store large amounts of
information.

Hard Disc Space The amount of permanent storage of data measured

in bytes. This storage exists whether the computer is on or off.

Hardware The physical components of a computer.

Host computer A computer that provides information or a service to other computers

on the Internet

Hub Contains several ports for connecting multiple computers to form a

small network
Computer and IT Terminologies Free e-book

Hypertext Link These links are clicked on as text, images or files that
open another web page and can be seen in a different colour than the
other text

Instant messaging A chat program that lets people communicate over the Internet in real
time.

Interface A device or a system used by unrelated entities to interact with each

other

Intranet A private network established by an organisation for the exclusive use

of its employees

Icon A pictogram or ideogram displayed on a computer screen that

represents a certain function on the computer

Information Information is the summarization of data according to a certain pre-

defined purpose

Input Any data or information sent to a computer for processing

Input device Device used to input data and commands into the computer

Instruction A command or order given to a computer to execute a function

Instruction cycle The cycle that the central processing unit (CPU) follows from boot-up
until the computer shuts down in order to process instructions

Interpreter A program that converts and executes the source code into machine
code line by line

Integrated Circuit A single chip with multiple electronic components

Java A simple, efficient, general-purpose programming language

Justification Aligning lines of text at the left margin, the right margin, both margins,
or the center

JPEG Joint Photographic Experts Group is standard image format for

computer image files

Keyboard Input device used to key (type) in commands, text and data.

Kernel The essential center of a computer operating system (OS) that resides in
memory at all times

Key Field A unique field in a record used to distinguish one record from another

Label One or more characters that helps in identifying a data field in a

computer program

LAN Series of computers linked together to form a network that spans a

relatively small area
Computer and IT Terminologies Free e-book

Landscape Mode of in which the printer orients content for reading across the
length rather than the width

Link A communication path between two nodes or channel

Linux Open-source operating system on UNIX

Loop A sequence of instructions that is executed repeatedly until a certain

condition occurs

Mainframe Mainframes are data servers designed to process up to 1 trillion web

transactions daily with the highest levels of security and reliability

Megahertz A measurement used to identify the speed of the Central processing

unit (CPU)

Memory A device or part of the computer system that stores information

Menu List of options or commands presented displayed on the screen

Merge When two or more files are combined into a single file

Microprocessor A single silicon chip that contains a complete Central processing unit
(CPU)

MICR Magnetic Ink Character Reader is a high level of security reads the
characters by examining their shapes in a matrix form and the
information is then passed onto the computer

MIDI Music Instrument Digital Interface that allows a computer to store and
replay a musical instrument’s output

Minimize Term of the OS to reduce a window to an icon or label at the bottom of

the screen allowing another window to open

MIPS Millions of Instruction Per Second (MIPS) is an approximate measure of

the speed of a processor

Modem This is a way to transfer data through a telephone or cable line

generally, by the Internet. It may be internal or external. Some modems
are used to fax or act as answering machines

Monitor An output device that displays information to the users

Morphing A computer technique used for graphics to transform one image into
another image

Motherboard The primary circuit board that all of the other functioning parts of the
computer
connect to

Mouse A hand-operated device to control the cursor on the screen

MS-DOS Microsoft Disk Operating System, an early operating system

Computer and IT Terminologies Free e-book

Multitasking The running of multiple programs (sets of instructions) in one computer

at the same time

Multithreading Ability of a program or an operating system process to manage multiple

users at a time and to even manage multiple requests by the same user

Multiuser Computer operating system which allows multiple users to access a

single system with one operating system on it

Multiplexer It is a device that combines multiple input signals into an aggregate

signal for transmission

Network A group of two or more computers linked together

NIC (Network Interface A card is put in the computer allowing connection to a network
Card)

Notebook computer A portable laptop computer

Object Any item (a document, file, folder, icon, picture) in the virtual world

Operating System Software that manages the internal functions and directs the computer
how to operate

Open-Source Software A software which is freely available for use, modification, and
(OSS) distribution with its original rights

Optical character reader A device that can analyses and scan text from hard copy and enter it
(OCR) automatically into a computer for storage or editing

Output Any information that is processed by and sent out from a computer or
other electronic device

Output device Device that receives data from another device and produces output
with the information

Password A secret identification code created or assigned to a user to access

stored material

Patch Software code that addresses the security issues in the software and
operating system (OS)

Peripheral This describes anything that can be attached to the

computer input ports, such as the keyboard, printer, mouse, external
modem, scanner or external hard drive

Piracy Unauthorized or illegal copying of some purchased software

Pixel One of the portions (dots or squares) that make up an image on a

computer screen

Pointer The cursor is a symbol that moves across the screen to identify
location. The cursor appears as a pointer when it is moving across a
page
Computer and IT Terminologies Free e-book

and not on text

POST Diagnostic testing sequence that a computer's basic input/output

system runs to determine if the computer keyboard, RAM, disk drives,
and other hardware are working correctly when power is turned on

Port Connection on the computer that allows connection of input devices

like
monitors, disk drives, the mouse, or keyboards to the computer.

Portrait mode Mode of in which the printer orients content for reading across the
shorter length (the width) of the sheet of paper

Plug-and-play Enables a computer system to adapt to hardware changes with minimal

intervention by the user

Primary key Field in a table which uniquely identifies each row/record

Primary memory Memory that a processor or computer accesses first or directly. For
E.g.., RAM, Cache memory

Program An established sequence of instructions that tells a computer what to

do

PROM Programmable read-only memory is a memory chip on which data can

be written only once

Pseudocode An informal way of programming used to develop algorithms

Push technology Internet communication system that generates a request for

information from a database

Query Request for information from a database

Queue A collection of linear data entities that are maintained in a sequence

RAM Temporary volatile storage that temporarily stores files of the user.
Stored files are lost when the computer is switched off

Record Collection of data arranged for processing by a program

Repeater It is used to amplify a signal that has lost its original strength so as to
enable them to travel long distances

Resolution The degree of sharpness, or clarity or what is seen on a computer

screen. It is measured by the number of dots (pixels) of color that are
displayed across and down the screen

Response time Time taken by a computer to execute a command

Retrieve Access stored data and files in a computer

Rich Text Format (RTF) RTF is a file format that lets users exchange text files between different
word processors in different operating systems
Computer and IT Terminologies Free e-book

ROM Read-only memory is a non-volatile storage medium where the contents

are retained even after the power is switched off

Routing Routing is the process of selecting a path for traffic in a network, or

between or across multiple networks

Scanner A peripheral device that can copy documents, pictures or

photographs directly into the computer by converting the images into
digital
files

Scroll Moving the visual portions on a display screen up, down, left, or right, to
see additional information on the window

Search engine A software system that carries out web searches using a keyword or
concept

Secondary memory External memory across various storage media on which a computer can
store data and programs

Sector Smallest unit of data written to and read from a storage drive

Server Computer or system that provides information or services to other

computers on the same network

Shareware A free to use software distributed on a trial basis

Socket Endpoint of a two-way communication link in a computer network

SRAM Static Random-Access Memory retains data as long as power is

provided to the memory chip and need not be refreshed periodically

Swapping Swapping pages or segments of data temporarily out of memory

execute programs and manipulate data files larger than main memory

Switch It connects two network segments as well as various LANs and WANs
together

Synchronisation Coordination of processes to operate a system in unison

Telecommunications Means of electronic transmission of information (telephone calls, data,

text, images, videos) over distances

Teleconferencing Use of telecommunication devices such as computers to connect or

hold discussion between participants remotely

Telnet Protocol that allows users to connect to a device remotely

Template Pre-created sample document that already contains some details and
formatting in place

Terminal Any device that can transmit or receive electronic information

Text Human readable sequence of characters encoded into computer

readable formats. Text is displayed on a screen or printed on paper
Computer and IT Terminologies Free e-book

Time sharing Technique which enables many people, located at various terminals, to
use a particular computer system at the same time.

Toggle keys An accessibility feature designed for users with vision impairments or
cognitive disabilities. E.g., Caps lock, Number lock, Scroll lock

Topology the arrangement of various elements (links, nodes etc.) with which
computer systems or network devices are connected to each other

Touchpad Pointing device used to control the mouse pointer (same function as a
mouse)

Universal Serial Bus It is a common interface that enables communication between

(USB) peripheral devices such as digital cameras, keyboards, printers etc. and a
computer

Upload Transferring files from one computer system to another through a

network

Utility A small program that adds to the capabilities of the operating system

User- friendly A software or hardware which is easy to use

Virus A type of malicious code or program that spreads from one computer to
another and alter the way a computer operates

WAN Collection of local-area networks (LANs) or other networks that

communicate with one another that extends over a large area

Warm booting Restarting a computer that is already on

Webcam Digital video device that sends live images over the internet

ZIP It is an archive that can compress and store multiple files

Zoom Enlarge the size of data or image on screen

This was an overview of Computer and IT terminologies that will help you in various banking
examinations such as IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, SBI PO, SBI Clerk. Revise all topics regularly to gain clarity
over all the important terms and concepts.

List of Computer and IT Terminologies – FAQs

1. Give examples of input devices?

A. Mouse, keyboard, scanner are examples of input devices.

2. What is the function of a compiler?

A. Computer program that translates source code written in a high-level language into a set of
machine-language instructions that can be understood by the CPU.
Computer and IT Terminologies Free e-book

3. What is the difference between RAM and ROM?

A. ROM is a permanent non-volatile storage whereas RAM is a volatile memory and is erased
once the computer is switched off.

4. What is warm booting of a computer?

A. Warm booting is restarting a computer that is already on.

5. Which program is used by a computer to load basic computer hardware and start the
computer after it is powered on.?
A. BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is used by a computer to load basic computer hardware and
start the computer after it is powered on.
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