Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareAndroidAndroid is Google's open-source, Linux-based mobile operating system used on most of the world's smartphones and tablets.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareApp SandboxAn app sandbox is a security mechanism that restricts what an application can access, such as files and devices, to limit the damage a flaw can cause.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareApp StoreAn app store is a curated marketplace built into a device or operating system where users find, install and update reviewed software.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareAutostart (Startup Programs)Autostart programs are applications and services configured to launch automatically when you log in or boot your computer, which can slow down startup.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareBashBash is the default shell on most Linux systems, a command interpreter and scripting language descended from the original Unix Bourne shell.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareBeta SoftwareBeta software is a near-complete version of a product released to a limited or public audience to find bugs before the final launch.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareBitrateBitrate is the amount of data used to represent one second of audio or video, measured in bits per second such as kbps or Mbps.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareBloatwareBloatware is unwanted software preinstalled on a new device or bundled with an installer that uses resources and offers little value to the user.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareBlue Screen of Death (BSOD)The Blue Screen of Death is the Windows error screen shown after a fatal system fault, displaying a stop code before the computer restarts to protect data.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareBoot ProcessThe boot process is the sequence a computer follows at power-on to initialize hardware, load the operating system, and start services.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareBootable USBA bootable USB is a flash drive prepared so a computer can start from it, typically to install an operating system, run a live system or perform repairs.Glossary · Operating Systems & Softwarechmod (File Permissions)chmod is the Unix command that changes who may read, write, or execute a file, using permission settings for the owner, group, and everyone else.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareClipboardThe clipboard is a temporary storage area in memory where an operating system holds data you copy or cut until you paste it elsewhere.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareCloud StorageCloud storage is a service that keeps your files on a provider's remote servers so you can access them from any device with an internet connection.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareCodecA codec is software or hardware that compresses and decompresses audio or video so media takes less space and bandwidth to store and send.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareCommand Line (CLI)A command line, or CLI, is a text interface where you control a computer or program by typing commands instead of clicking.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareCrash (Software)A crash is when a program or entire operating system stops working unexpectedly because of an unhandled error, closing abruptly or failing to continue.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareCross-Platform SoftwareCross-platform software runs on more than one operating system or device type, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareDark ModeDark mode is a display setting that shows light text on a dark background to reduce glare in dim environments and, on OLED screens, can lower power use.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareDefragmentation (Disk Defrag)Defragmentation rearranges the scattered pieces of files on a hard disk so each file is stored in contiguous blocks, reducing seek time on mechanical drives.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareDisk FormattingDisk formatting prepares a drive or partition for use by creating a file system on it, which in most cases erases the existing index of files.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareDisk PartitionA disk partition is a separate section of a storage drive that the operating system treats as an independent volume with its own file system.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareDocument TemplateA document template is a pre-formatted file with set layout, styles and placeholder content that you copy to start new documents quickly.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareDrag and DropDrag and drop is an interaction where you press on an item, move it with the pointer or finger and release it elsewhere to move, copy or open it.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareDRM (Digital Rights Management)DRM is a set of technologies that restrict how digital media and software can be copied, shared, or played, based on licenses the owner controls.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareDual BootDual boot is a setup where two operating systems are installed on one computer and you choose which to start at power-on.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareEmulatorAn emulator is software that imitates another computer, device, or operating system so programs written for it can run on different hardware.Glossary · Operating Systems & Softwareext4ext4 is the fourth extended file system, the long-standing default on many Linux distributions, offering journaling, large volumes, and good reliability.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareFile ExtensionA file extension is the suffix after the last dot in a filename, such as .pdf or .jpg, that hints at the file's format and which program opens it.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareFile PathA file path is the text that gives the exact location of a file or folder in a file system, either from the root or relative to the current directory.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareFile SystemA file system is the method an operating system uses to organize, name, store, and retrieve data on a disk or other storage device.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareFreeze (System Hang)A freeze, or hang, is when a program or computer stops responding to input while still appearing to run, with the screen locked and the cursor often stuck.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareGIF (Graphics Interchange Format)GIF is an old image format limited to 256 colors per frame that supports simple animation and is used for short looping clips and basic graphics.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareGUI vs CLI (Graphical vs Command-Line Interface)A GUI lets you operate a computer with windows, icons and a pointer, while a CLI lets you do it by typing text commands, each suited to different tasks.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareHosts FileThe hosts file is a local text file that maps hostnames to IP addresses and is checked by the operating system before it asks a DNS server.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareInstallerAn installer is a program or package that copies an application's files to a computer, sets up configuration, and registers it with the operating system.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareiOSiOS is Apple's mobile operating system for iPhone, with apps distributed mainly through the App Store and updates delivered directly by Apple.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareISO File (Disc Image)An ISO file is a single-file archive of an optical disc, including its file system, commonly used to distribute and install operating systems.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareJPEG (JPG)JPEG is a lossy image format that compresses photographs into small files by discarding detail the human eye is unlikely to notice.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareKernelThe kernel is the central part of an operating system that controls hardware, memory, processes, and the way programs request system resources.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareKeyboard ShortcutA keyboard shortcut is a key combination that triggers a command directly, such as Ctrl+C to copy, so you can work faster without using menus or a mouse.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareLinuxLinux is a free, open-source kernel, and by extension the family of operating systems built on it, that powers most web servers, Android, and many devices.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareLinux Distribution (Distro)A Linux distribution is a complete operating system that bundles the Linux kernel with a package manager, system tools, and default software.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareLossy vs Lossless CompressionLossless compression shrinks data and restores it exactly, while lossy compression discards some detail permanently to reach much smaller sizes.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareLTS (Long-Term Support)LTS is a release designated for extended maintenance, receiving security and bug fixes for years longer than regular versions.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwaremacOSmacOS is Apple's desktop operating system for Mac computers, built on a Unix foundation and tightly integrated with Apple hardware and services.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareMacroA macro is a recorded or scripted sequence of actions that a program can replay automatically to perform a repetitive task with one command.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareMarkdownMarkdown is a lightweight plain-text markup syntax that uses simple symbols such as # and * to format headings, lists and links, and converts easily to HTML.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareMount (File System)Mounting makes a storage device or disk image accessible by attaching its file system to a location in the directory tree so you can open its files.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareMP3MP3 is a widely supported lossy audio format that shrinks sound files by removing details most listeners are unlikely to hear.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareMP4MP4 is a container format that holds video, audio, and subtitles in one file and is the most compatible video format on the web and devices.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareNTFSNTFS is the default Windows file system, supporting large files, per-file permissions, encryption, compression, and a journal for crash recovery.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareOCR (Optical Character Recognition)OCR converts images of printed or handwritten text, such as scans and photos, into machine-readable text that can be searched, copied and edited.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareOpen vs Proprietary File FormatAn open file format has a public specification anyone can implement, while a proprietary format is controlled by one company and may need its software.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareOperating System (OS)An operating system is the core software that manages a computer's hardware and lets applications run, store files, and use the network.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwarePATH VariableThe PATH variable is an environment variable listing the folders an operating system searches to find a program when you type its name in a terminal.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwarePDF (Portable Document Format)PDF is a file format that preserves a document's layout, fonts, and images so it looks the same on any device or operating system.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwarePivot TableA pivot table is a spreadsheet tool that summarises large lists by grouping rows and calculating totals, counts or averages without changing the source data.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwarePlug and Play (PnP)Plug and Play is the ability of an operating system to detect and configure a newly connected device automatically, with little or no manual setup.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwarePNG (Portable Network Graphics)PNG is a lossless raster image format that supports transparency and is well suited to logos, screenshots, and graphics with sharp edges.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwarePortable AppA portable app is a program that runs without being installed, keeping its files and settings in one folder that you can carry on a USB drive or move freely.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwarePowerShellPowerShell is Microsoft's command-line shell and scripting language that passes structured objects between commands, built for Windows administration.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareProcessA process is a running instance of a program, with its own memory, identifier, and resources, managed and scheduled by the operating system.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareRelease Candidate (RC)A release candidate is a pre-release build that could become the final version if testing finds no serious problems.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareRemote DesktopRemote desktop software lets you see and control another computer's screen, keyboard and mouse over a network as if you were sitting in front of it.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareRoot User (Administrator)The root user is the all-powerful administrator account on Unix and Linux systems, with unrestricted access to every file, process, and setting.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareSafe ModeSafe mode is a diagnostic startup option that loads an operating system with only essential drivers and services, helping you fix problems caused by software.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareScreen MirroringScreen mirroring shows the exact display of a phone, tablet or computer on another screen, such as a TV, wirelessly or by cable, in real time.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareScreen ReaderA screen reader is assistive software that reads on-screen content aloud or outputs it to braille so blind and low-vision people can use a computer.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareScreen SharingScreen sharing sends a live view of your screen or a single window to other people in a call, so they can watch while you present or demonstrate something.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareShellA shell is a program that reads commands you type or script, runs them on the operating system, and displays the results.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareSoftware Update vs UpgradeA software update installs fixes and small improvements to the current version, while an upgrade moves you to a new major version of the software.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareSpreadsheetA spreadsheet is a program that arranges data in a grid of rows and columns and lets cells contain formulas that calculate from other cells.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareSVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)SVG is an XML-based vector image format that stays sharp at any size and can be styled, scripted, and edited as text.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareSymlink (Symbolic Link)A symlink is a special file that points to another file or folder by path, acting as a shortcut that the operating system follows automatically.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareSystem RestoreSystem Restore is a Windows feature that rolls system files, drivers and settings back to an earlier restore point without touching your personal documents.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareTask ManagerTask Manager is a Windows utility that shows running programs, processes and resource usage, and lets you end unresponsive applications or manage startup items.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareText EditorA text editor is a program for creating and editing plain-text files, such as notes, configuration files and source code, without rich formatting.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareThumb Drive (USB Flash Drive)A thumb drive is a small portable storage device that uses flash memory and plugs into a USB port to carry or transfer files between computers.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareTorrent (BitTorrent)A torrent is a file-sharing method where many peers each send and receive pieces of a file, so no single server has to carry the whole download.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareUndo and RedoUndo reverses your last action in an application, and redo reapplies an action you just undid, letting you step back and forward through recent edits.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareUninstallUninstalling removes a program from a computer, deleting its files and settings entries, ideally leaving no unused leftovers behind.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareUX (User Experience)UX, or user experience, is the overall quality of a person's interaction with a product, covering how easy, efficient and satisfying it is to use.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareVersion HistoryVersion history is a feature that records earlier saved states of a file or document, letting you view changes and restore a previous version.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareVirtual Memory (Swap)Virtual memory is an operating-system technique that uses disk space as an extension of RAM, giving each program its own address space.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareWCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)WCAG is the international set of guidelines for making websites and apps usable by people with disabilities, grouped into three conformance levels.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareWebPWebP is an image format from Google that offers lossy and lossless compression, transparency, and animation, usually at smaller sizes than JPEG or PNG.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareWindowsWindows is Microsoft's family of operating systems for personal computers, servers, and devices, known for its graphical interface and broad software support.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareWindows RegistryThe Windows Registry is a hierarchical database where Windows and applications store configuration settings, options, and hardware information.Glossary · Operating Systems & SoftwareZIP FileA ZIP file is a common archive format that bundles one or more files into a single file and usually compresses them to save space.