Personal computing

Terms related to personal computers, including definitions about computers sold as consumer products and words and phrases about laptops, tablets and smartphones.

mail server (mail transfer/transport agent, MTA, mail router, internet mailer) - A mail server -- also known as a mail transfer agent, or MTA; mail transport agent; mail router; or internet mailer -- is an application that receives incoming email from local users and remote senders and forwards outgoing messages for delivery.
massive open online course (MOOC) - A massive open online course (MOOC) is a typically free web-based distance learning program that's designed for large numbers of geographically dispersed students.
micro USB - A micro USB is a miniaturized version of the Universal Serial Bus interface developed for connecting compact and mobile devices, such as smartphones, MP3 players, Global Positioning System devices, printers and digital cameras.
microblogging - Microblogging is a short blog post designed for quick and typically direct audience interactions.
Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP) Toolkit - Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP) Toolkit is a free utility IT can use to determine whether its infrastructure is prepared for a migration to a new operating system, server version or cloud-based deployment.
Microsoft Edge - Microsoft Edge is a cross-platform browser created by Microsoft and installed by default on all new Windows devices.
Microsoft Exchange Mailbox Replication Service (MRS) - The Microsoft Exchange Mailbox Replication Service (MRS) is a feature that handles mailbox import, export, migration and restoration requests on Exchange Server.
Microsoft Exchange Server - Microsoft Exchange Server is Microsoft's email, calendaring, contact, scheduling and collaboration platform.
Microsoft Outlook on the web (formerly Outlook Web App, OWA) - Outlook on the web is the browser-based email client for users to access email, calendars, tasks and contacts from Microsoft's on-premises Exchange Server and cloud-based Exchange Online.
Microsoft Teams - Microsoft Teams is cloud-based team collaboration software that offers core capabilities, including business messaging, calling, video meetings and file sharing.
Microsoft Windows Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) - Microsoft Windows Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) is a command-line tool that allows IT administrators to service Windows desktop images and virtual hard disks prior to deployment to users.
Microsoft Windows File Explorer - Microsoft Windows File Explorer is a graphical file management utility for the Windows operating system (OS).
Microsoft Windows Update - Microsoft Windows Update is a security service for Windows users that, once activated, automatically searches for and installs updates.
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) - Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) is a standard to transmit and store music, originally designed for digital music synthesizers.
MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) - MIME, or Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions, is an extension of the original email protocol.
mixed reality (hybrid reality, extended reality) - Mixed reality (MR) is a user environment in which physical reality and digital content are combined in a way that enables interaction with and among real-world and virtual objects.
mobile app - A mobile app (or mobile application) is a software application developed specifically for use on small, wireless computing devices, such as smartphones and tablets, rather than desktop or laptop computers.
mobile browser - A mobile browser is one that is optimized for the small display screen and limited resources of a handheld computing device such as a smart phone.
mobile data - Mobile data is internet content delivered to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets over a wireless cellular connection.
MRAM (magnetoresistive random access memory) - MRAM (magnetoresistive random access memory) is a method of storing data bits using magnetic states instead of the electrical charges used by devices such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM).
MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) - MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) was the Microsoft-marketed version of the first widely-installed operating system in personal computers.
multi-channel network (MCN) - A multi-channel network (MCN) is a company or entity that works with multiple channels and content creators, consulting or assisting towards success on streaming video platforms such as YouTube.
multicore processor - A multicore processor is an integrated circuit that has two or more processors attached for enhanced performance and reduced power consumption.
Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) - Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is a communications technology developed by 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) to enable the transmission of multimedia content via text message.
nearline storage - Nearline storage is the on-site storage of data on removable media.
net neutrality - Net neutrality is the concept of an open, equal internet for everyone, regardless of content consumed or the device, application or platform used.
netizen - A netizen is a person who uses the internet, especially as a forum, for the expression of views and participation in political society.
Netscape - Netscape Communications Corporation ("Netscape") was a computer services company best known for its web browser, Navigator.
Network Address Translation (NAT) - A Network Address Translation (NAT) is the process of mapping an internet protocol (IP) address to another by changing the header of IP packets while in transit via a router.
non-fungible token (NFT) - A non-fungible token (NFT) is a unique cryptographic asset used to create and authenticate ownership of digital assets.
non-interlaced display - A non-interlaced display is a screen display in which the lines are scanned progressively from the top to the bottom of the screen.
notebook computer - A notebook computer is a battery- or AC-powered personal computer generally smaller than a briefcase that can easily be transported and conveniently used in temporary spaces, such as airplanes, libraries, temporary offices and meetings.
Ogg Vorbis - Vorbis is an open source patent-free audio compression format, developed as a replacement for proprietary digital audio encoding formats, such as MP3, VQF, and AAC.
OLED TV (organic light-emitting diode television) - An OLED TV (organic light-emitting diode television) is a type of display technology that uses OLEDs to render images on the panels used for TV screens.
on-screen display (OSD) - An on-screen display (OSD) is a control panel superimposed on a computer monitor, mobile device, television screen or another electronic device display that enables users to select viewing options and/or adjust components of the display, such as brightness, contrast, and horizontal and vertical positioning.
optical mouse - An optical mouse is an advanced computer pointing device that uses a light-emitting diode (LED), optical sensor and digital signal processor (DSP) in place of the traditional mouse ball and electromechanical transducer.
OTA update (over-the-air update) - An over-the-air (OTA) update is the wireless delivery of new software, firmware or other data to mobile devices.
P2P lending (peer-to-peer lending) - P2P lending (peer-to-peer lending) is a type of platform that allows participants to borrow and lend sums of money without having to rely on a conventional financial institution to control transactions.
Parallels Desktop for Mac - Parallels Desktop for Mac is desktop virtualization software that allows Microsoft Windows, Linux and Google Chrome OSes and applications to run on an Apple Mac computer.
password entropy - Password entropy is a measurement of a password's strength based on how difficult it would be to crack the password through guessing or a brute-force attack.
peer-to-peer (P2P) - Peer-to-peer (P2P) is a decentralized communications model in which each party has the same capabilities and either party can initiate a communication session.
Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe, PCI-E) - Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe or PCI-E) is a serial expansion bus standard for connecting a computer to one or more peripheral devices.
Perl - Perl is a family of script programming languages that is similar in syntax to the C language.
personal computer (PC) - A personal computer (PC) is a microcomputer designed for use by one person at a time.
personal digital assistant (PDA) - A personal digital assistant (PDA) is a small, mobile, handheld device that provides computing and information storage and retrieval capabilities for personal or business use, often for keeping schedules, calendars and address book information handy.
phishing kit - A phishing kit is a collection of tools assembled to make it easier for people with little technical skill to launch a phishing exploit.
Photoshop - Photoshop is an image creation, graphic design and photo editing software developed by Adobe.
phubbing - Phubbing, a contraction of the words “phone snubbing,” is the act of ignoring a companion in favor of using a smartphone.
Pinterest - Pinterest is a social curation website for sharing and categorizing images found online.
pixel - The pixel -- a word invented from picture element -- is the basic unit of programmable color on a computer display or in a computer image.
plotter - A plotter is a printer that interprets commands from a computer to make line drawings on paper with one or more automated pens.
PNG (Portable Network Graphics) - PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a file format used for lossless image compression.
POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3) - POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3) is the most recent version of a standard protocol for receiving e-mail.
port replicator - A port replicator is an attachment for a notebook computer that allows a number of devices such as a printer, large monitor, and keyboard to be simultaneously connected.
POST (Power-On Self-Test) - A Power-On Self-Test (POST) is an operation initiated by a computer after it has been turned on but before it boots up the OS.
Postscript - Postscript is a programming language that describes the appearance of a printed page.
pre-roll ad - A pre-roll ad is a promotional video message that plays before the content the user has selected.
predictive text - Predictive text is an input technology that facilitates typing on a device by suggesting words the user may wish to insert in a text field.
print server - A print server is a software application, network device or computer that manages print requests and makes printer queue status information available to end users and network administrators.
printer - A printer is a device that accepts text and graphic output from a computer and transfers the information to paper, usually to standard-size, 8.
printer pool - Printer pooling is a standard feature of Windows NT, 2000, XP, Vista and Windows 7 that allows agroup of printers to share the same name and function as if they were one printer.
privacy policy - A privacy policy is a legal document that explains how an organization handles any customer, client or employee information gathered in its operations.
PST file - A PST file is a personal folder file in Microsoft Outlook.
QR code (quick response code) - A QR code (quick response code) is a type of 2D bar code that provides easy access to information through a smartphone camera.
QWERTY keyboard - The QWERTY (pronounced KWEHR-tee) keyboard is the standard typewriter and computer keyboard in countries that use a Latin-based alphabet.
RAM (random access memory) - Random access memory (RAM) is the hardware in a computing device that provides temporary storage for the operating system (OS), software programs and any other data in current use so they're quickly available to the device's processor.
real-time communications (RTC) - Real-time communications (RTC) is any mode of telecommunications in which all users can exchange information instantly or with negligible latency or transmission delays.
Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) - Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) is a network standard designed for transmitting audio or video data that is optimized for consistent delivery of live data.
Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH) - Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH) is a role in Remote Desktop Services (RDS).
resolution - Resolution is the number of pixels -- picture elements or individual points of color -- that can be contained on a display screen or in a camera sensor.
restore point - A system restore point is a backup copy of important Windows operating system (OS) files and settings that can be used to recover the system to an earlier point of time in the event of system failure or instability.
Rich Internet Application (RIA) - A rich Internet application (RIA) is a Web application designed to deliver the same features and functions normally associated with deskop applications.
RickRoll - On the Internet, a RickRoll is a prank where a visitor who clicks on a specific link is intentionally misdirected to a video of pop star Rick Astley's hit "Never Gonna Give You Up.
role-playing game (RPG) - A role-playing game (RPG) is a game in which each participant assumes the role of a character that can interact within the game's imaginary world.
room-scale virtual reality (VR) - Room-scale (or roomscale) virtual reality (VR) is the use of clear space to allow movement for someone using a VR application such as a VR game.
routing table - A routing table is a set of rules, often viewed in table format, that's used to determine where data packets traveling over an Internet Protocol (IP) network will be directed.
RPC over HTTP - Remote Procedure Call over HTTP (RPC over HTTP) is a Microsoft protocol that enables Microsoft Outlook clients to access Microsoft Exchange servers over HTTP.
scanner - A scanner is a device that captures images from photographic prints, posters, magazine pages and similar sources for computer editing and display.
scareware - Scareware is a type of malware tactic used to manipulate victims into downloading or buying potentially malware-infested software.
screen door effect - The screen door effect is the occurrence of thin, dark lines or a mesh appearance caused by the gaps between pixels on a screen or projected image.
script kiddie - Script kiddie is a derogative term that computer hackers coined to refer to immature, but often just as dangerous, exploiters of internet security weaknesses.
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.
search string - A search string is the combination of text, numbers and sometimes special characters that a user enters into an application's search form to find specific types of information.
Sender Policy Framework (SPF) - Sender Policy Framework (SPF) is a protocol designed to restrict who can use an organization's domain as the source of an email message.
Serial ATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment or SATA) - Serial ATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment or SATA) is a command and transport protocol that defines how data is transferred between a computer's motherboard and mass storage devices, such as hard disk drives (HDDs), optical drives and solid-state drives (SSDs).
Siri - Siri is Apple's virtual assistant for iOS, macOS, tvOS and watchOS devices that uses voice recognition and is powered by artificial intelligence (AI).
skeuomorphism - Skeuomorphism is when something is designed with extra ornamentation to make it resemble another object so it is more familiar.
smartphone - A smartphone is a cellular telephone with an integrated computer and other features not originally associated with telephones, such as an operating system (OS), web browsing and the ability to run software applications.
smartphone addiction (cellphone addiction) - Smartphone addiction (cellphone addiction) is a disorder involving compulsive overuse of mobile devices, usually quantified as the number of times users access their devices and/or the total amount of time they are online over a specified period.
smartwatch - A smartwatch is a wearable computing device that closely resembles a wristwatch or other time-keeping device.
soap opera effect (motion interpolation) - The soap opera effect is the colloquial name for a visual effect caused by motion interpolation on television sets that some people find undesirable.
social comparison - Social comparison can lead to issues caused by the fear of missing out (FOMO), including anxiety, depression and a lack of self-esteem.
soft copy - A soft copy (sometimes spelled 'softcopy') is an electronic copy (or e-copy) of some type of data, such as a file viewed on a computer's display or transmitted as an email attachment.
soft reset - A soft reset is a restart of a device, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop or personal computer (PC).
software agent - A software agent is a persistent, goal-oriented computer program that reacts to its environment and runs without continuous direct supervision to perform some function for an end user or another program.
solar power - Solar power is a renewable form of energy harvested from the sun for the purpose of producing electricity or thermal energy (heat).
sound card - A sound card is a computer component responsible for generating and recording audio.
spam filter - A spam filter is a program used to detect unsolicited, unwanted and virus-infected emails and prevent those messages from getting to a user's inbox.
spambot - A spambot is an automated system that sends unwanted, unsolicited messages to users, known as spam.
spear phishing - Spear phishing is a malicious email spoofing attack that targets a specific organization or individual, seeking unauthorized access to sensitive information.