Basic Computer Key Terms

Question 1

Applications

Answer 1

A type of software that allows a user to perform specific tasks and activities.

Question 2

Utilities

Answer 2

Apps designed to analyze, configure, optimize, or maintain a computer

Question 3

OS

Answer 3

Operating System

Software that manages the computer hardware and software. It sits between the applications and hardware.

Question 4

Platform

Answer 4

The environment in which a piece of software is executed.

Question 5

Feature

Answer 5

A distinctive characteristic of software or hardware.

Question 6

Plugin

Answer 6

A component that adds a specific feature to software. Also known as an “extension.”

Question 7

SaaS

Answer 7

Software as a Service

Software licensed on a subscription basis, that is stored centrally on a server.

Question 8

API

Answer 8

Application Program Interface

A set of clearly defined communication methods between software.

Question 9

Console

Answer 9

A user interface that manages and controls software and/or hardware.

Question 10

Dashboard

Answer 10

At-a-glance views of key information, relevant to a particular goal or business objective. They’re often displayed as data visualizations.

Question 11

Server

Answer 11

A computer or program that manages access to centralized resources.

Question 12

Domain

Answer 12

A unique name that identifies a website.

Question 13

Directory

Answer 13

1. Like physical folders, a directory organizes files or data on a hard drive or in a program.
2. Software that stores all resources on a network.

Question 14

AD

Answer 14

Active Directory

A directory developed by Microsoft for use on Windows OS. This controls the set up of users. passwords, and devices on a Windows server.

Question 15

SCIM

Answer 15

System for Cross-domain Identity Management

An integration service for user provisioning. This allows an admin to import their users and groups from an identity provider into their KB4 Console.

Question 16

Protocol

Answer 16

A specific set of communication rules between computers.

Question 17

HTTP

Answer 17

Hypertext Transfer Protocol

A protocol used to transfer information over the Internet.

Question 18

HTTPS

Answer 18

Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure

The same as HTTP, but secure. It secures the data by changing it to special code that requires special translation.

Question 19

White paper

Answer 19

A report that describes how a technology or product solves a problem. It’s a marketing and technical document that doesn’t go too far in either direction.

Question 20

Whitelist

Answer 20

A list of trusted email addresses, domains and/or internet addresses that are permitted to pass through a system of filter.