Essential Computer Science Terms and Definitions

Posted on Feb 2, 2025 in Computers

Data and Storage

  • Updated: Replacement data information contained in an archive, a register, or other + R100T were applied.
  • Alphanumeric: Includes all numbers, letters, and normal spelling punctuation characters. Special characters are not included.
  • Storage: Consists of keeping the information in the computer’s memory.
  • arXiv: Information distributed in the structure of registers with a common definition with different contents.
  • Database: A collection of data stored independently of the programs that use them. They can be relational and hierarchical.
  • Binary: A logical or physical element that represents only two states (e.g., 0 or 1, open or closed, true or false).
  • Address: A binary number used to characterize a memory location.
  • Disk: Support that serves to store information.
  • Fact: The name given to each of the logical units of information supplied to the computer.
  • Memory: A series of devices that the computer has to store information permanently or temporarily.
  • Registration: The name given to each of the elements of a file.

Computer Fundamentals

  • Computer: An electronic device capable of processing information according to instructions supplied with a program compiled by humans.
  • Flow Chart: A graphical representation of an algorithm through a series of conventional symbols associated with specific functions.
  • Execution: The process by which the computer executes the commands written in the program to be conducted.
  • Hardware: The physical computer system.
  • Information: In computing, anything that a computer can store or transmit.
  • Information: A discipline dealing with computers and the functions they can perform.
  • Instruction: In programming languages, it is the word that specifies the type of command to be executed by the computer.
  • Machine Language: This is written in binary code and is only understood by the computer.
  • High-Level Language: One using the programmer and script whose semantics are similar to natural language.
  • Processor: The part of the computer consisting of the arithmetic-logic unit, the control unit, and various registers.
  • Program: Instructions that a computer can perform and tells the operator through a series of lines containing the commands.
  • Programming: The methodology used to write any program in an arbitrary programming language.
  • Physical System: A set of physical devices that constitute a computer (Hardware).
  • Logical System: A series of programs residing on the computer that are useful to the user or for specific applications (Software).
  • Operating System: A set of programs that are part of a computer software system and complement the physical system.

Peripherals and Communication

  • Email: An information transmission system, uncoded and unstructured.
  • Source: A device capable of generating information that could be conveniently encoded and transmitted.
  • Printer: A peripheral output of information.
  • Modem: A device for input and output signals in a transmission line.
  • Order: An instruction that acts directly on the system, due to the computer via the keyboard.
  • Peripherals: External devices used for input and output, and for storing information on the computer.
  • Operator: A person whose job is to maintain a very complex computer.
  • Keyboard: A set of keys that allow communication with the computer.
  • Editor: A program that facilitates the writing of user programs.

Advanced Concepts

  • Robot: A machine capable of performing certain tasks autonomously without the need for human intervention.
  • Telematics: A discipline resulting from the integration of telecommunications and informatics.