Computer vocabulary

Anti-virus software - A program that finds and removes viruses from a computer.

Backup - A copy on floppy disk or tape of files on a PC's hard disk. A backup is used in case the hard disk file(s) are erased or damaged.

Bit, bytes - A bit is the smallest piece of information that computers use. For simplicity, a PC uses bits in groups of 8 called bytes (8 bits = 1 byte).

 

Boot, boot up, boot disk - You boot (or boot up) your computer when you switch it on and wait while it prepares itself.

Browser, to browse - A browser is a program like Netscape or Internet Explorer. You use it to view or browse the Internet.

Bug - A (small) defect or fault in a program.

CD-ROM - A disk for storing computer information. It looks like an audio CD.