Personal computing

Terms related to personal computers, including definitions about computers sold as consumer products and words and phrases about laptops, tablets and smartphones.
  • 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.
  • Portable Document Format (PDF) - Portable Document Format (PDF) is a file format that has captured all the elements of a printed document as an electronic image that users can view, navigate, print or forward to someone else.
  • 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.
  • power take-off (PTO) - Power take-off (PTO) is a device that transfers an engine's mechanical power to another piece of equipment.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • quantum internet - The quantum internet is a theoretical system of interconnected quantum computers that uses quantum signals to send information rather than radio waves.
  • 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.
  • Rich Text Format (RTF) - Rich Text Format (RTF) is a file format that lets you exchange text files between different word processors in different operating systems.
  • 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.
  • route summarization (route aggregation) - Route summarization -- also known as route aggregation -- is a method to minimize the number of routing tables in an Internet Protocol (IP) network.
  • 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).
  • short message service center (SMSC) - The short message service center (SMSC) is the portion of a mobile phone network that handles text message operations.
  • 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.
  • SODOTO (See One, Do One, Teach One) - SODOTO (See One, Do One, Teach One) is a methodology of teaching and learning skills and best practices through direct observation of a task, hands-on practical experience performing the task and teaching the task to another person.
  • 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.
  • spoliation - Spoliation is the destruction, alteration, or mutilation of evidence that may pertain to legal action.
  • spool (simultaneous peripheral operations online) - To spool (which stands for "simultaneous peripheral operations online") a computer document or task list (or "job") is to read it in and store it, usually on a hard disk or larger storage medium so that it can be printed or otherwise processed at a more convenient time (for example, when a printer is finished printing its current document).
  • stablecoin - Stablecoin is a fixed-price cryptocurrency whose market value is attached to another stable asset.
  • stateful inspection - Stateful inspection, also known as dynamic packet filtering, is a firewall technology that monitors the state of active connections and uses this information to determine which network packets to allow through the firewall.
  • static IP address - A static IP address is a 32 bit number that is assigned to a computer to be its address on the internet.
  • Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) - Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) is a connection-oriented network protocol for transmitting multiple streams of data simultaneously between two endpoints that have established a connection in a network.
  • streaming media - Streaming media is video or audio content sent in compressed form over the internet and played immediately over a user's device, rather than being saved to the device hard drive or solid-state drive.
  • substrate - A substrate is a solid substance or medium to which another substance is applied and to which that second substance adheres.
  • SYN flood attack - A SYN flood attack is a type of denial-of-service (DoS) attack on a computer server.
  • tablet (tablet PC) - A tablet is a wireless, portable personal computer with a touchscreen interface.
  • takedown request - A takedown request, also called a DMCA takedown or a notice and take down request, is a procedure for asking an internet service provider (ISP) or search engine to remove or disable access to illegal, irrelevant or outdated information.
  • technology addiction - Technology addiction is an impulse control disorder that involves the obsessive use of mobile devices, the internet or video games, despite the negative consequences to the technology user.
  • TED talk - A TED talk is a recorded public-speaking presentation that was originally given at the main TED (technology, entertainment and design) annual event or one of its many satellite events around the world.
  • telegraph - A telegraph is a communication system that sends information by making and breaking an electrical connection.
  • texture mapping - Texture mapping is a graphic design process in which a two-dimensional (2-D) surface, called a texture map, is "wrapped around" a three-dimensional (3-D)object.
  • thick client (fat client) - A thick client (sometimes called a fat client) is a form of client-server architecture.
  • thumbnail - A thumbnail is a small image representation of a larger image, usually intended to make it easier and faster to look at or manage a group of larger images.
  • TikTok - TikTok is a social media platform that allows users to create, share and discover short-form videos.
  • time-to-live (TTL) - Time-to-live (TTL) is a value for the period of time that a packet, or data, should exist on a computer or network before being discarded.
  • timeline - A timeline is a visual representation of a chronological sequence of events along a drawn line that helps a viewer understand time relationships.
  • TL;DR (too long; didn't read) - TL;DR is an abbreviation for "too long; didn't read.
  • ToFu, MoFu and BoFu - ToFu, MoFu and BoFu is a method used by sales and marketing professionals to pace and cater their approach to sales leads within a sales funnel, depending on the customer’s current phase of the purchase decision.
  • Tor browser - The Tor (the onion routing) browser is a web browser designed for anonymous web surfing and protection against traffic analysis.
  • touch screen - A touch screen is an electronic display screen that is also an input device.
  • trackball - A trackball is a computer cursor control device used in many laptop computer keyboards and older versions of computer mice.
  • TrackPoint (pointing stick) - A TrackPoint, also called a pointing stick, is a cursor control device found in Lenovo ThinkPad notebook computers.
  • tweet - A tweet is a post on Twitter.
  • Twitter - Twitter is a free social networking site where users broadcast short posts known as tweets.
  • U (measurement) - A U is a standard unit of measure for designating the height in computer enclosures and server rack cabinets.
  • UDDI (Universal Description, Discovery and Integration) - UDDI, or Universal Description, Discovery and Integration, is an Extensible Language Markup (XML)-based standard to describe, publish and find information about web services.
  • Ultra High-Definition TV (UHDTV) - Ultra-high-definition (UHD) television, also abbreviated UHDTV, is a digital television display format in which the horizontal screen resolution is on the order of 4000 pixels (4K UHD) or 8000 pixels (8K UHD).
  • uncanny valley - The uncanny valley is a common unsettling feeling people experience when androids or humanoid robots and audio/visual simulations closely resemble humans in many respects but aren't quite convincingly realistic.
  • unified communications (UC) - Unified communications (UC) is an umbrella term for the integration of multiple enterprise communication tools -- such as voice calling, video conferencing, instant messaging (IM), presence and content sharing -- into a single, streamlined interface, with the goal of improving user experience (UX) and productivity.