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 vendor neutral archive (VNA)?
A vendor neutral archive (VNA) is a medical imaging technology that stores medical images in a standard format and utilizes a standard interface, making them accessible to healthcare professionals regardless of what proprietary system was used to create those images.
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What is a quantum circuit? Quantum vs. classical circuit
Quantum circuits are systems consisting of logic gates that operate on quantum bits (qubits) to process information and perform calculations based on principles of quantum mechanics.
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What is quantum entanglement and how does it work?
Quantum entanglement is a foundational phenomenon in quantum mechanics where two or more particles become interconnected in such a way that the state of one particle instantly influences the state of the other, regardless of the distance separating them.
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 mobile computing?
Mobile computing refers to the set of IT technologies, products, services and operational strategies and procedures that enable end users to access computation, information and related resources and capabilities while mobile.
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What is the principle of least privilege (POLP)?
The principle of least privilege (POLP) is a concept in computer security that limits users' access rights to only what is strictly required to do their jobs.
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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).
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 change control?
Change control is a systematic approach that includes the various steps needed to process changes made to a product or system.
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What is binary and how is it used in computing?
Binary describes a numbering scheme in which there are only two possible values for each digit -- 0 or 1 -- and is the basis for all binary code used in computing systems.
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What is the OSI model? The 7 layers of OSI explained
The OSI model (Open Systems Interconnection model) is a multilayered reference model that shows how computer systems and applications communicate over a network.
Microprocessors
Terms related to microprocessors, including definitions about silicon chips and words and phrases about computer processors.
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What is an inductor?
An inductor is a passive electronic component that temporarily stores energy in a magnetic field when electric current flows through the inductor's coil.
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What is an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and how does it work?
An arithmetic logic unit (ALU) is a part of a central processing unit (CPU) that carries out arithmetic and logic operations.
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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.
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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What is the Fourth Industrial Revolution?
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is the ongoing transformation of how people live, work and relate to one another through the fusion of technologies that blur the lines between the physical, digital and biological spheres.
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What is VR locomotion (virtual reality locomotion)?
VR locomotion refers to the techniques and technologies that allow users to move within a virtual reality (VR) environment.
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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.