Computer science glossary
Computer science
Hi, my name is Jonathan and I am in the last year of my computer science program at CEGEP Montmorency. Computers hide a lot of facts and secrets, here is my glossary composed of 20 computer terms. The internet can be a bit challenging getting into. The network to the app development, it can get quite confusing.
- application
- noun
- A program or piece of software designed and written to fulfill a particular purpose of the user.
- Example: A database application.
- en: application
- browser
- noun
- A computer program with a graphical user interface for displaying and navigating between web pages.
- Example: A web browser.
- en: navigateur
- computer
- noun
- An electronic device for storing and processing data, typically in binary form, according to instructions given to it in a variable program.
- Example: My computer is frozen.
- en: ordinateur
- cursor
- noun
- A movable indicator on a computer screen identifying the point that will be affected by input from the user, for example showing where typed text will be inserted.
- Example: Hold control with the above trick to delete the whole word in front of the cursor.
- en: curseur
- database
- noun
- A structured set of data held in a computer, especially one that is accessible in various ways.
- Example: A database covering nine million workers.
- en: base de données
- download
- noun
- Copy (data) from one computer system to another, typically over the internet.
- Example: It would be wise to download your program to another computer before testing it.
- en: télécharger
- file
- noun
- A collection of data, programs, etc., stored in a computer's memory or on a storage device under a single identifying name.
- Example: The system call utime is used to change the modification date of a FILE.
- en: fichier
- folder
- noun
- A folding cover or holder, typically made of stiff paper or cardboard, for storing loose papers.
- Example: You can also share any folder by copying its link to the clipboard.
- en: dossier
- function
- noun
- A relationship or expression involving one or more variables.
- Example: The function (bx + c).
- en: fonction
- hacker
- noun
- A person who uses computers to gain unauthorized access to data.
- Example: The hackers did not describe the content of the emails.
- en: pirate informatique
- internet
- noun
- A global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using standardized communication protocols.
- Example: This is due to the size of businesses many rural being sole traders, education, and the cost of set up and the accessibility of the INTERNET.
- en: internet
- network
- noun
- A number of interconnected computers, machines, or operations.
- Example: Specialized computers that manage multiple outside connections to a network.
- en: réseau
- operating system
- noun
- The software that supports a computer's basic functions, such as scheduling tasks, executing applications, and controlling peripherals.
- Example: For me, it is also more preferable OPERATING SYSTEM compared with Windows.
- en: systèmes d'exploitation
- port
- noun
- A port is a physical docking point or interface—such as USB, HDMI, or Ethernet—that enables the connection of peripheral devices (keyboards, monitors, printers) to a computer for data transfer, communication, or power supply.
- Example: It has to be plugged into this port.
- en: port
- request
- noun
- An instruction to a computer to provide information or perform another function.
- Example: The computer is busy servicing requests from other processes.
- en: demande
- server
- noun
- A computer or computer program that manages access to a centralized resource or service in a network.
- Example: The software runs on a variety of Unix servers.
- en: serveur
- software
- noun
- The programs and other operating information used by a computer.
- Example: The software industry.
- en: logiciel
- user
- noun
- A person who uses or operates something, especially a computer or other machine.
- Example: The user should press return and a message will be displayed.
- en: utilisateur
- variable
- noun
- A data item that may take on more than one value during the runtime of a program.
- Example: There are too many variables involved to make any meaningful predictions.
- en: variable
- virus
- noun
- A piece of code that is capable of copying itself and typically has a detrimental effect, such as corrupting the system or destroying data.
- Example: He opened an attachment that looked harmless, but it installed a computer virus that started corrupting files.
- en: virus
