💻A–Z Computer Terms Glossary for Beginners

A

App – Short for "application," it’s a program that helps you do something, like check email, browse the web, or play a game.
Attachment – A file (like a photo or document) you send along with an email.

B

Backup – A copy of your files or data in case something happens to your computer.
Browser – A program that lets you use the internet (examples: Chrome, Safari, Edge).
Bluetooth – A way for devices to connect wirelessly (like a wireless mouse or headphones).

C

Click – Pressing a button on the mouse to select something.
Cloud – Online storage for your files, like Google Drive or iCloud, instead of saving everything on your computer.
Cursor – The blinking line or arrow that shows where you're typing or pointing.

D

Desktop – The main screen of your computer where icons and shortcuts appear.
Download – Saving something from the internet to your computer.

E

Email – Electronic mail you send or receive online.
Emoji – Small icons or faces () used to express emotions in messages.

F

File – A saved item on your computer, like a photo, letter, or spreadsheet.
Firewall – Security software that helps protect your computer from threats.

G

Google – A popular search engine to find information on the internet.
GIF – A short, looping animated image or clip used online.

H

Hardware – The physical parts of your computer, like the keyboard, screen, or printer.
Homepage – The first page you see when you open your web browser.

I

Icon – A small picture that represents a program, file, or folder.
Internet – A global network that connects computers and allows you to browse, email, shop, and more.

J

JPEG (or JPG) – A common type of image or photo file.
JavaScript – A coding language that helps websites work properly (you don’t have to learn it, but you’ll hear the term!).

K

Keyboard – The part of the computer you type on.
Keystroke – Pressing a key on the keyboard.

L

Link – A clickable word or image that takes you to another website or page.
Login – Entering your username and password to access an account.

M

Malware – Harmful software meant to damage or steal from your computer.
Mouse – A handheld device you move and click to control the computer.

N

Network – A group of connected computers, often used in homes or offices.
Notifications – Pop-up messages or alerts from apps or websites.

O

Operating System (OS) – The software that runs your computer (like Windows or macOS).
Online – When your computer or device is connected to the internet.

P

Password – A secret word or code that protects your accounts.
PDF – A common file type used for documents that look the same on any computer.
Phishing – A fake email or message that tries to trick you into giving personal information.

Q

QR Code – A square-shaped barcode you can scan with your phone to open a link or website.

R

Right-Click – Pressing the right mouse button to open extra options.
Router – A box that connects your home to the internet and shares Wi-Fi.

S

Scroll – Moving up or down on a page using your mouse or keyboard.
Spam – Junk or unwanted email.
Screenshot – A picture of what’s currently on your screen.

T

Tab – A separate page you can open in your web browser without leaving the current one.
Texting – Sending short messages using your phone or computer.

U

Upload – Sending something from your computer to a website (like posting a photo online).
Username – The name you use to log into an account (often your email address).

V

Virus – A harmful program that can damage your computer.
VPN – A service that protects your privacy online by hiding your internet activity.

W

Wi-Fi – A wireless connection that lets your computer or phone go online without cables.
Webcam – A camera built into your device or attached that lets others see you in video calls.

X

X (Close) – The “X” in the corner of a window is used to close it.

Y

YouTube – A popular website for watching and sharing videos.

Z

Zoom – A video calling app used for online meetings, classes, or chats.