CCSLC Digital Literacy key terms

The physical parts of a computer that you can touch, such as the screen, keyboard, mouse, and the case that holds the internal components together.

The programs, apps, and instructions that tell a computer what to do. Software is not physical; it is stored as data on the hardware.

The main software that starts a computer, manages its memory and files, and lets other programs run. Examples include Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux.

A program designed to help a user do a specific task, such as writing a letter, editing a photo, or browsing the internet.

A device connected to a computer to add a function, such as a printer, scanner, webcam, or external drive. It is separate from the main computer unit.

Equipment used to put data into a computer, such as a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, microphone, or scanner. It sends information in for the computer to process.

Equipment that presents results from a computer to the user, such as a monitor, printer, speaker, or projector. It sends processed information out of the system.

A single stored unit of data on a computer, such as a document, picture, or song. Each file has a name and usually an extension.

A container used to organise files on a computer so they are easier to find. Folders can hold files and other folders inside them.

The short code after the dot in a file name, such as .docx or .jpg, that tells the computer which program should open the file.

The way data inside a file is arranged and stored, which decides which programs can open it. Common examples are PDF, MP3, and JPEG.

The action of writing your work to a storage device so it is kept after you close the program. Unsaved changes are lost if power fails.

A command that stores the current work under a new name, location, or format while leaving the original file unchanged on the disk.

The parts of a computer that hold data permanently or for long periods, such as a hard drive, solid-state drive, memory card, or USB flash drive.

Temporary working space a computer uses to hold programs and data currently in use. Its contents are cleared when the computer is switched off.

A spare copy of files or data kept in case the original is lost, damaged, or deleted. Good practice is to keep a backup in a different place.

A service that keeps your files on internet servers rather than only on your own device, so you can reach them from other devices with a login.

Two or more computers or devices connected so they can share data, files, printers, or an internet connection with each other.

The worldwide system of connected networks that lets computers and devices exchange information using common rules called protocols.

The collection of linked pages and sites you reach through a browser over the internet. It is one service that runs on the internet, not the internet itself.

A program used to view pages on the web, such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. It requests pages and displays them on your screen.

The address of a page or file on the web, such as https://example.com/page. It tells the browser exactly where to find the resource.

The readable part of a web or email address that identifies a site or organisation, such as example.com. It is translated into a numeric address by the network.

Clickable text or an image that takes you to another page, file, or section when selected. Usually shown underlined or in a different colour.

A website or tool, such as Google or Bing, that finds pages matching words you type. It ranks results by how relevant and trusted they appear.

A meaningful word or short phrase typed into a search engine or database to find relevant information. Choosing good keywords improves search results.

A word such as AND, OR, or NOT used in a search to combine or exclude terms, helping narrow or widen the results you get.

A message sent electronically from one internet user to another. It can include text, files attached, and can be sent to one person or many.

A file sent along with an email message, such as a document, photo, or spreadsheet. It must be downloaded or opened by the receiver.

Unwanted email sent in bulk, usually advertising or trying to trick you. Spam filters try to move such messages out of your inbox automatically.

A trick in which a message or fake website pretends to be trusted so you give away passwords, card numbers, or other private details.

Software written to harm or take control of a device, such as viruses, worms, spyware, or ransomware. It often arrives through downloads or attachments.

A type of malware that attaches itself to files or programs and spreads when those are opened or shared, sometimes damaging data or slowing the computer.

A program that scans a device for known malware, blocks suspicious files, and removes threats it finds. Its list of threats must be kept up to date.

A security tool that watches network traffic and blocks connections that break set rules, helping protect a device or network from outside attacks.

A secret string of characters used to prove who you are before a system lets you in. Strong ones are long and mix letters, numbers, and symbols.

The name that identifies your account on a system, often paired with a password. It may be your email address or a chosen handle.

The process of scrambling data so only someone with the right key can read it. It protects information sent over networks and stored on devices.

The trail of information you leave online, including posts, comments, searches, and sites visited. It can be seen by others and may last a long time.

Your right to control who can see your personal information and how it is used. Online, it depends on settings, passwords, and what you choose to share.

The accepted rules of polite and respectful behaviour when communicating online, such as not typing in capitals and thinking before posting.

Using phones, computers, or social media to threaten, embarrass, or harass someone. It can happen through messages, posts, photos, or exclusion.

Websites and apps where people create profiles and share posts, photos, and messages with others, such as Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp.

Using programs and storage that run on remote internet servers instead of only on your own device, so you can work from anywhere with a connection.

A way of connecting devices to a network or the internet without cables, using radio signals over short distances within a home, school, or public space.

A device that directs data between networks and often provides Wi-Fi, connecting the computers in a home or office to the internet.

A program or document arranged in rows and columns of cells for storing numbers and calculating results, often used for budgets and lists.

An instruction typed into a spreadsheet cell that calculates a value from other cells, such as adding a column of numbers together.

A program for typing, editing, and formatting text documents, such as letters, reports, and essays, and then saving or printing them.

A program used to build slides containing text, images, and charts for showing to an audience, such as PowerPoint or Google Slides.