Computer science
Definitions about computer science including computing fundamentals vocabulary, protocol and standards terminology, words about microprocessors and terms used in electronics.
Electronics
Terms related to electronics, including definitions about electrical components and words and phrases about computers, laptops parts, digital cameras, televisions and home appliances.
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What is wavelength?
Wavelength is the distance between identical points, or adjacent crests, in the adjacent cycles of a waveform signal propagated in space or along a wire.
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field-replaceable unit (FRU)
In electronic hardware, particularly computer systems, a field-replaceable unit (FRU) is a circuit board or part that can be easily removed and replaced by the user or technician without having to send the product or system to a repair facility.
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lithium polymer battery (LiPo)
A lithium polymer battery is a rechargeable battery with a polymer electrolyte instead of a liquid electrolyte.
Internet technologies
This WhatIs.com glossary contains terms related to Internet technologies, including definitions about port numbers, standards and protocols and words and phrases about how the Internet works.
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What is the blue screen of death (BSOD)?
The blue screen of death (BSOD) -- also known as a stop error screen, blue screen error, fatal error or bugcheck -- is a critical error screen that can be displayed by Microsoft Windows operating systems (OSes).
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search operator
A search operator -- sometimes referred to as a search parameter -- is a character or string of characters used in a search engine query to narrow the focus of the search.
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Consensus Algorithm
A consensus algorithm is a process in computer science used to achieve agreement on a single data value among distributed processes or systems.
IT standards and organizations
Terms related to information technology (IT) standards, including definitions about IT organizations and words and phrases about policies and compliance.
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What is the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA)?
The Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) allows United States government agencies and non-government entities to share information with each other as they investigate cyberattacks.
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What is the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA)?
The Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) is a United States federal law designed to protect the personally identifiable information of licensed drivers from improper use or disclosure.
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JEDEC
JEDEC is a global industry group that develops open standards for microelectronics.
Microprocessors
Terms related to microprocessors, including definitions about silicon chips and words and phrases about computer processors.
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cache thrash
Cache thrash is an issue caused by an ongoing computer activity that fails to progress due to excessive use of resources or conflicts in the caching system.
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cache memory
Cache memory is a chip-based computer component that makes retrieving data from the computer's memory more efficient.
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nanosecond (ns or nsec)
A nanosecond (ns or nsec) is one-billionth (10-9) of a second. A nanosecond is a measure of time that has many practical applications, particularly in computer science and IT.
Robotics
Terms related to robotics, including definitions about consumer or manufacturing robots and words and phrases about stepper motor systems, XY positioning tables, automation and artificial intelligence.
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self-driving car (autonomous car or driverless car)
A self-driving car -- sometimes called an autonomous car or driverless car -- is a vehicle that uses a combination of sensors, cameras, radar and artificial intelligence (AI) to travel between destinations without a human operator.
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What is artificial intelligence (AI)? Everything you need to know
Artificial intelligence is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems.
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haptics
Haptics is the science of applying a sense of touch and control to interaction with computer applications.