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.
-
What is MIMO (multiple input, multiple output)?
MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) is an antenna technology for wireless communications in which multiple antennas are used at both the source (transmitter) and the destination (receiver).
-
What is a conductor?
A conductor, or electrical conductor, is a substance or material that allows electricity to flow through it.
-
What is a semiconductor, and what is it used for?
A semiconductor is a substance that can act as a conductor or insulator depending on other factors, enabling it to serve as a foundation for computers and other electronic devices.
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.
-
What is DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)?
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a network management protocol used to dynamically assign an Internet Protocol (IP) address to any device on a network so it can communicate.
-
What is Routing Information Protocol (RIP)?
Routing Information Protocol (RIP) is a distance vector protocol that uses hop count as its primary metric.
-
What is a quantum processing unit (QPU)?
A quantum processing unit (QPU) is a hardware device that uses quantum mechanics -- such as superposition and entanglement-- to perform complex calculations on quantum information stored in quantum bits, or qubits.
IT standards and organizations
Terms related to information technology (IT) standards, including definitions about IT organizations and words and phrases about policies and compliance.
-
What is DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)?
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a network management protocol used to dynamically assign an Internet Protocol (IP) address to any device on a network so it can communicate.
-
What is Routing Information Protocol (RIP)?
Routing Information Protocol (RIP) is a distance vector protocol that uses hop count as its primary metric.
-
What is a registration authority (RA)?
A registration authority (RA) is an entity that is authorized to verify user requests for a digital certificate and also to tell a certificate authority (CA) to issue that certificate to the user.
Microprocessors
Terms related to microprocessors, including definitions about silicon chips and words and phrases about computer processors.
-
What is a quantum processing unit (QPU)?
A quantum processing unit (QPU) is a hardware device that uses quantum mechanics -- such as superposition and entanglement-- to perform complex calculations on quantum information stored in quantum bits, or qubits.
-
What is Willow? Google's innovative quantum chip explained
Willow is a quantum computing chip made by Google that was unveiled at the end of 2024.
-
What is a conductor?
A conductor, or electrical conductor, is a substance or material that allows electricity to flow through 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.
-
What is a robo-advisor? Everything to know before using one
A robo-advisor is a virtual financial advisor powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that employs an algorithm to deliver an automated selection of financial advisory services.
-
What is quantum superposition?
Quantum superposition is the ability of a quantum system to act as if it is in multiple states at the same time until it is measured.
-
What is quantum theory?
Quantum theory, or quantum mechanics, is the theoretical basis of modern physics that explains the nature and behavior of matter and energy on the subatomic level.