This page provides a brief and clear definition of common IT terms useful for beginners, support engineers, and administrators.
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| CPU | Central Processing Unit – the main processing chip in a computer |
| RAM | Random Access Memory – temporary storage used by active programs |
| HDD/SSD | Hard Disk Drive / Solid State Drive – permanent data storage devices |
| GPU | Graphics Processing Unit – handles visual and graphical tasks |
| Motherboard | Main circuit board that connects all hardware components |
| PSU | Power Supply Unit – converts AC to DC for internal components |
| NIC | Network Interface Card – hardware used for network communication |
| Peripherals | External devices like keyboard, mouse, printer, etc. |
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| IP Address | A unique address assigned to devices on a network (e.g., 192.168.1.1) |
| MAC Address | Physical hardware address of a network device |
| DNS | Domain Name System – translates domain names to IP addresses |
| DHCP | Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol – auto-assigns IP addresses |
| LAN/WAN | Local/Wide Area Network – small vs large-scale network connectivity |
| Router | Device that routes data between networks |
| Switch | Connects multiple devices within the same LAN |
| Firewall | Security system that controls incoming/outgoing traffic |
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| OS | Operating System – software that manages hardware and applications |
| Linux | Open-source OS kernel used in various distributions |
| Windows | Microsoft’s operating system for desktops and servers |
| File System | Method used to store and organize data (e.g., NTFS, ext4) |
| Kernel | Core of the OS that manages system resources |
| Shell | Interface to interact with the OS (CLI or GUI) |
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Driver | Software that allows the OS to communicate with hardware |
| Patch/Update | Fixes bugs or vulnerabilities in software |
| Backup | Copy of data stored separately for recovery purposes |
| Virtual Machine (VM) | Simulated system running inside another host system |
| ISO File | Disk image file used for OS installations |
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Antivirus | Software that detects and removes malware |
| Malware | Malicious software like viruses, worms, ransomware |
| Encryption | Secures data by converting it into unreadable format |
| Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) | Adds extra login security |
| Firewall | Filters unauthorized access to/from networks |
📘 This list is intended as a foundation. For deeper technical concepts, see Advanced IT Glossary or more