Computer Basics
The smallest unit of digital information, represented by a 1 or 0.
Bit
The main memory of a computer that can be quickly accessed by the CPU and where the computer stores data and instructions that it is actively using.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
The smallest container within a computer's storage system that is used to store information such as data, settings, and commands used in a computer program. The smallest container that can be copied, deleted, or moved within a file system.
File
A numbering system that uses two digits, 0 and 1.
Binary System
This Spider-Man villain rides around in a big wheel.
Big Wheel
A group of eight bits joined together.
Byte
A large, flat computer component that connects the important components of the computer, such as the CPU, RAM, and the BIOS chip. It also has power and other communications connections.
Motherboard
The way a file is organized. Indicated by an extension such as .jpg, .gif, .png., .mp3, .wav, .wma, .mp4, .avi, and .wmv.
File Format
A numbering system that uses ten digits, 0 through 9.
Decimal System
This Spider-Man villain is a brick wall with legs.
The Wall
Information that a user physically enters into a computer by pressing a key on a keyboard, clicking a mouse, tapping a touch screen, pushing a button on a game controller, speaking into a microphone, etc.
Input
An additional computer processor that provides graphics processing, providing better performance by relieving the CPU of this duty.
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
The process of tracking changes to a file so that a file can be repaired or restored in case of file corruption or data loss.
Journaling
A numbering system that uses sixteen digits, 0 through 9, and A through F.
Hexadecimal System
This Batman Villain fires ketchup and mustard at people.
Condiment King
Information that a computer returns to a user such as images on a screen, sounds from speakers, and printed pages.
Output
The most common type of long-term storage that uses thick magnetic disks encased in a protective housing to store data.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
When parts of a single file, program, or application are stored in different areas of a physical disk.
Fragmentation
A short-range wireless communication technology used to connect peripherals such as wireless headphones, speakers, keyboards, mice, smart watches, printers, and game controllers to a computer, including smartphones.
Bluetooth
This Wonder Woman villain is a giant sentient egg.
Egg-Fu
The process of converting information so it cannot be understood without decrypting it using a key, especially to prevent unauthorized access.
Encryption
A device with similar capacity to an HDD that uses flash storage instead of magnetic disks to store data. Much faster and more durable than hard disk drives but usually are more expensive.
Solid State Devices (SSD)
A utility in which all fragmented files on a drive are found and reconsolidated into the same physical location on the disk.
Defragmentation
A way of reducing the size of files, making them easier to store.
File Compression
This Marvel villain has no arms and hates machines so much he dedicated his life to destroying them.
Armless Tiger Man