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Glossary of Computer Terms
Terms starting with alphabet 'C'
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| C | It is a sophisticated computer programming language. |
| C++ | It is a computer programming language that has been built off C language. |
| Cable Modem | A cable modem is a modem connected to TV cable for connection to the internet. The data transfer by a cable modem is much faster than by a dial-up modem. |
| Cache | Cache is store area of information recently used. The information from cache can be retrieved faster than from the original source. |
| CAD | CAD is acronym for 'Computer Aided Design' and is used by engineers and architects. |
| CD /CD ROM/ CD R/ CD -RW | CD -Compact Disc, CD ROM - Compact Disc Read Only Memory, CD R - Compact Disc Recordable, CD RW - Compact Disc Recordable and Rewritable. The data is stored on CDs as 'pits' and 'lands' which are read by laser beam of the CD drive. |
| CGI | CGI is acronym for 'Common Gateway Interface'. It is a set of rules/instructions for running programs and scripts on the web. |
| Chip | It is a small piece of semi-conducting material (usually silicon) on which an integrated circuit is embedded. A typical chip of less than 1/4 square inches can contain millions of transistors. |
| Chipset | A group of chips that work together to do a job. |
| Client | A client is a computer system that requests a service from another computer system. A workstation requesting for a service from a server is a client of the server. |
| Clipboard | A memory area in RAM for temporarily storing information copied or cut from a document, or file for pasting at another location. |
| Clockspeed | Clockspeed is the rate or speed at which a processor completes processing cycles and is measured in Megahertz or Gigahertz. |
| Cluster | A cluster is a group of sectors. While a sector is the smallest unit that can be accessed on the hard disk, a cluster is slightly larger unit that is used to organize and identify files on the disk. A file may take several clusters of disk space. |
| CMOS | CMOS is an acronym for 'Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor'. CMOS chips require much less power and are therefore used for storing data for long periods with less requirement of power. Computer motherboards contain a small battery powered CMOS memory to hold the date, time, and system setup parameters. |
| COBOL | COBOL is acronym for 'Common Business Oriented Language'. It is a programming language. |
| Cold Boot or Cold Start | Cold boot (or cold start) is starting the computer from power-off position. Hot boot (or hot start) is restarting a computer without switching off the power to the computer. |
| Compiler | It is a software application that converts/translates English like commands into machine language of the computer. |
| Compression | It is the technology of reducing file size by using programs like pkunzip, Winzip etc. This helps saving space on storage media and bandwidth in file transmission. |
| Configuration | The configuration of computer refers to technical specifications of its key components like processor, hard disk capacity, RAM size, CD/DVD drives, video card etc. |
| Cookies | Cookies are small files sent by a web server to the computer to record certain actions of the user. |
| Copy | It is copying of data from one location to another on a computer. To copy a data you have to select the data then select 'Copy' from Edit menu at the source location. At the destination location you to select 'Paste' from Edit menu. |
| CPU | CPU is acronym for 'Central Processing Unit' and refers to the processor which is also described as the 'brain' of the computer. CPU also refers to cabinet box containing all key components of the computer i.e. SMPS, motherboard, processor, RAM, hard drive, floppy drive, CD/DVD drive etc. |
| CRT | CRT is acronym for 'Cathode Ray Tube' and refers to the technology used in traditional monitors and TV sets. |
| CSS | CSS is acronym for 'Cascading Style Sheets' which are used for formatting the style of web pages. |
| Cursor | It displays the location of mouse pointer on the monitor screen. |
| Cybercrime | Cybercrime refers to criminal activity done using computer and internet. |