Technical Glossary
Definitions and explanations of technical terms used in the course.
Table of contents
A
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
A component of the CPU that performs arithmetic and logical operations.
Authentication
The process of verifying the identity of a user, device, or system.
B
Bandwidth
The maximum rate of data transfer across a network connection.
Browser
Software used to access and navigate the World Wide Web.
C
Cache
A small, fast memory used to store frequently accessed data.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The primary processor of a computer that executes instructions and coordinates operations.
Client
A device or program that requests services from a server.
D
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
A network protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses and network configuration to devices.
DNS (Domain Name System)
The system that converts domain names to IP addresses.
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)
An email authentication method using digital signatures.
E
Encryption
The process of converting data into a coded format for security.
Email Client
Software used to send, receive, and manage email messages.
F
Firewall
A security system that monitors and controls network traffic.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
A protocol for transferring files between computers on a network.
G
Gateway
A device that connects different networks together.
GUI (Graphical User Interface)
A visual way of interacting with computers using icons and windows.
H
Hardware
The physical components of a computer system.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
The protocol used for transmitting data over the World Wide Web.
HTTPS (HTTP Secure)
A secure version of HTTP that encrypts data transmission.
I
IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)
A protocol for accessing email on a remote server.
IP Address
A unique numerical identifier assigned to each device on a network.
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
A company that provides internet access to customers.
L
LAN (Local Area Network)
A network that connects computers in a limited area.
Latency
The time delay between sending and receiving data.
M
Malware
Malicious software designed to harm computers or networks.
MX Record (Mail Exchange Record)
DNS record that specifies mail servers for a domain.
N
Network
A system of interconnected computers and devices.
NIC (Network Interface Card)
Hardware that enables network connectivity.
O
Operating System
Software that manages hardware and software resources.
OSI Model
A conceptual framework for understanding network communications.
P
Packet
A unit of data transmitted over a network.
POP3 (Post Office Protocol)
A protocol for retrieving email from a server.
R
RAM (Random Access Memory)
Temporary memory used by running programs.
Router
A device that forwards data between networks.
S
Server
A computer that provides services to other computers.
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
The protocol used for sending email.
SPF (Sender Policy Framework)
An email authentication system to prevent spoofing.
T
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)
The fundamental protocols of the internet.
Throughput
The actual rate of data transfer in a network.
U
URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
The address of a resource on the internet.
USB (Universal Serial Bus)
A standard for connecting devices to computers.
V
Virtual Memory
Disk space used as an extension of RAM.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A secure connection over a public network.
W
WAN (Wide Area Network)
A network that spans a large geographic area.
Wi-Fi
Wireless networking technology.