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In today's digital age, understanding basic computer terminology is essential for everyone, not just tech enthusiasts. It is increasingly assumed that everyone has access to and can use a computer, with banks, energy providers, government services and other important things encouraging their users to go online. Without a grasp of computing terms, it can be easy to get lost and confused by the digital switchover. In this article, we have selected and explained some of the common terms you will encounter as you learn to use the computer. With our help, we hope you will become more confident in your ability to use computers in your daily life and discuss them with others.

Audio Jack

Definition: This is a small, round connector that is designed for plugging in 3.5mm audio cables, allowing you to use your device with external speakers, headphones, and even microphones. Computers with lots of audio jacks can support lots of different channels of audio, meaning that you can use compatible speakers to create an immersive surround sound experience.

Example: Most computers will have at least one audio jack, which is designed for headphones with built-in microphones and can receive as well as put out audio.

CPU

Definition: Also known as the Central Processing Unit, this is your computer’s main processor. It is the part of your device that makes everything else work, allowing you to access and change the information stored in its memory and interact with programs and apps.

Example: The CPU is the heart of your computer. It keeps everything else working correctly.

Desktop

Definition: A type of PC or personal computer designed to be used at a desk and connected to the mains electricity. There are two main types of desktop computer: the all-in-one PC, which has a built-in screen, and the standalone tower PC, which requires an external display to work.

Example: Desktop PCs can be more powerful than laptops, but require a dedicated space to use and store them.

Display

Definition: All computers need a display – a screen to see what’s happening on the computer and interact with it. Laptops have built-in monitors and so do all-in-one desktop PCs, but standalone desktop PC towers will need an external monitor. You can connect any computer to an external monitor for an extra screen.

Example: A very large display can be useful if you need to do multiple things at once, but you can also use two or more smaller ones to help you divide and manage your tasks.

Fans

Definition: Most computers and laptops use fans to draw the hot air generated by their parts out of their systems. Without it, your computer could overheat, damaging its expensive components.

Example: You can tell when your computer is working hard because the fans get very loud.

GPU

Definition: Short for Graphics Processing Unit, and also known as a Graphics Card, this is a type of processor found in all modern computers. It is designed to render video, animation and image data, and allows you to do everything from watching videos and playing games to designing graphics and rendering 3D objects.

Example: The more powerful a GPU is, the higher the quality of the graphics it can render is. Modern games require very powerful ones to run.

A very powerful GPU with its own built-in fans.
Image courtesy of Unsplash.

HDMI

Definition: Short for High Definition Multimedia Interface, this is a type of port you can find on TVs, computers, game consoles and many more devices, that can transfer high-quality video and audio from one source to another. If your computer has a HDMI port, you can use a HDMI cable to connect it to a monitor.

Example: HDMI ports may be large and the cables may be bulky, but they provide better quality visuals than other options.

Laptop

Definition: A laptop is a small, lightweight computer with a built-in screen, keyboard and battery. It is designed to be used anywhere, and uses the exact same operating system as a desktop computer. If you do not have space for a desktop computer, or would like to take your computer with you, a laptop is the best option for you.

Example: If you’re out and about with your laptop, you should always make sure you have its charger with you – you don’t want the battery to run out when you’re in the middle of something important!

Memory

Definition: This is what your device uses to store and remember information. By information, we mean all the instructions your device needs to run correctly, all the programs and apps that have been downloaded onto it, and everything you have made and saved on the computer. Memory is measured in bytes, and modern computers have so much memory that they are measured in gigabytes (GB) and terabytes (TB), each of which is worth many thousands of bytes.

Example: The memory is your computer’s brain, and is home to everything it needs to work as a computer.

NPU

Definition: Short for Neural Processing Unit, this is the newest type of processor to appear on computers. It is designed to handle complex AI tasks such as image and text generation, allowing you to use AI without being connected to an external server and freeing up space on the CPU and GPU.

Example: A computer that features an NPU can use AI assistants and image generators without needing to be connected to the internet.

Operating System

Definition: This is the software that your computer uses to run. It comes pre-installed on your computer out of the box, and will receive updates every month to improve features and fix bugs.

Example: Two kinds of computer operating system you are likely to come across are Windows and MacOS. These days it is easy for them to work together and use the same apps, but many years ago you had to stick to one or the other. 

An Apple computer running MacOS.
Image courtesy of Unsplash.

RAM

Definition: Short for Random Access Memory, this is a type of memory in your computer dedicated to information about things you are currently working on. RAM tends to come in groups of 8 gigabytes (GB), and the more RAM your computer has, the easier it is to do complex tasks.

Example: A sign that your computer doesn’t have enough RAM to do something is that it slows down during use.

Storage

Definition: This is the space in your computer’s memory for all the things you do on it. Documents, images, videos and other important files are all saved to the computer’s storage. Two types of storage you may encounter are HDD (Hard Disk Drive), which have moving parts which ‘write’ the information onto its internal memory, and SSD (Solid State Drive), which have no moving parts and use internal circuits to store information. Most computers have between 256 gigabytes (GB) and 2 terabytes (TB) of storage.

Example: If your computer doesn’t have enough storage, you can buy external hard drives that you plug into your device and save files to.

USB

Definition: Short for Universal Serial Bus, this is a common type of connector that allows you to connect devices together. Most devices, including phones, tablets, game consoles and TVs, feature USB ports. Common USB devices for computers include keyboards, mice, microphones, and external hard drives. Modern computers feature two kinds of USB port: the USB Type-A port, which is rectangular, and the newer USB-C port, which is rounded and can support faster data transfer as well as external displays and device charging.

Example: It can be hard to tell which side up a USB Type-A connector is supposed to go, but with USB-C it doesn’t matter because it can be plugged in either way.

USB-C, USB Type-A and other ports on the side of a laptop.
Image courtesy of HP.

Wi-Fi

Definition: A term for the wireless networks you can use to connect a computer to the internet and other devices. Wi-Fi connections are available in many locations, including homes, businesses, and some public areas. To get a Wi-Fi connection at home, you will need to pay a monthly fee to an internet provider, who will send someone to set up a router in your home and provide you with a secure password to log on to the internet from your devices.

Example: To keep your computer secure, you should only connect it to Wi-Fi signals that you trust.

Conclusion

Technology has become an important part of our lives, and understanding the language that comes with it can empower you to make the right decisions for you. Whether you’re looking to buy your first computer or improve how you use the one you already have, becoming familiar with these terms will help you to use and talk about computers. With this guide, we hope that you can begin a meaningful relationship with technology and make the most of everything computers have to offer.