Hardware
The physical components of an electronic device, such as a computer monitor.
Microform Scanner
A machine that captures microform documents to display on a computer.
Mouse
A computer peripheral used to control an on-screen cursor.
Printer
A device that produces physical copies of a document that has been sent over electronically.
Photocopier/Scanner
A multipurpose machine that can capture physical documents and print out copies onto paper.
Thumb drive
A small, portable USB device that stores files. Typically used to transfer files from one computer to another. Also called a flash drive or USB drive.
Wireless
A method of electronic communication that uses electric or electromagnetic waves as opposed to cords.
Attachment
A separate file, such as a document or multimedia file, that can attach to an email.
Browser
An application that allows for viewing and searching for pages on the internet. Examples include Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome.
Chat
Real-time communication via messages over the internet.
HTTP/HTTPS
Hypertext Transfer Protocol/Secure. The beginning of a web address that allows users to access web pages. “HTTPS” is a secure version that protects your information when browsing.
Hyperlink
A portion of text, typically blue and underlined, that allows a user to access a file or go to a different web page by clicking on it.
Internet
A global network of connected computers that allow for communication and file transmission to anywhere in the world.
Network
A group of connected computer systems that share resources and information with each other or outside the group.
Online
Connected to, or accessible by, a computer or computer network.
Permalink
A stable, reliable link that directs a user to the original version of an online resource.
URL
Uniform Resource Locator. A string of words and numbers in a specific order that designate a unique address for a location on the internet.
World Wide Web
An information system that allows for free and accessible content sharing over the internet. Commonly referred to as “the internet”. Users can access web pages via an internet browser.
Authentication
A security measure that requires a user to confirm their identity (such as with a username and password) to access sensitive information.
CD/CD-ROM
Short for “compact disc”, this is used to store information such as files, music, or programs.
DVD
A disc with more storage than a CD. Commonly used for storing movies, TV shows, and other videos.
Download
To transfer files electronically from a computer or a source over the internet.
Multimedia
An information source that is presented using more than one type of media (i.e. audiovisual material) or requires equipment to access (e.g. a computer, projector, etc.)
PDF
Portable Document Format. A file type that preserves the original format of a document. Mainly used for documents with rich formatting and photographs.
Software
Any program that acts as a set of instructions that tell a computer what to do. MS Word and PowerPoint are some examples.
Upload
The process of transferring data from a computer to another computer or system, online or offline.
User ID
A name or number unique to a user for authentication and access to computer resources.