ICDL Computer & Online Essentials (ICDL) key terms

The main software that starts a computer and manages its hardware, files, and programs, letting the user run applications. Examples include Windows, macOS, and Linux.

The main screen shown after a computer starts, containing icons, shortcuts, and the taskbar or dock from which programs and files are opened.

A small picture or symbol on screen that represents a file, folder, program, or device, which opens when double-clicked or tapped.

A link that points to a file, folder, or program stored elsewhere, letting the user open it quickly without moving the original item.

A rectangular area on screen that displays a program or document, with controls to minimise, maximise, restore, or close it.

A bar, usually along the bottom of the screen, showing open programs and providing access to the start menu, notifications, and system tray.

The small area of the taskbar, often at the right, that holds background icons such as the clock, volume, network status, and security tools.

A named collection of stored data, such as a document, picture, or spreadsheet, that a program can open, edit, save, and delete.

A container used to organise files and other folders on a storage device, helping keep related items grouped together in a hierarchy.

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

The full address of a file or folder on a storage device, showing the drive and each folder that must be opened to reach it.

A program, such as File Explorer or Finder, used to browse, create, move, copy, rename, and delete files and folders on a computer.

A temporary holding area for deleted files and folders, from which items can be restored or removed permanently by emptying it.

A copy of files or data kept in a separate location so that information can be restored if the original is lost, damaged, or corrupted.

Hardware that keeps data permanently, such as a hard disk, solid-state drive, USB flash drive, memory card, or optical disc.

A service that stores files on remote internet servers rather than on the local computer, allowing access from multiple devices with an account.

The physical parts of a computer system that can be touched, such as the keyboard, screen, processor, memory, and printer.

The programs, applications, and instructions that tell a computer what to do, as distinct from the physical equipment it runs on.

A device connected to a computer to add functionality or input or output, such as a printer, scanner, mouse, webcam, or external drive.

Software that lets the operating system communicate with and control a specific piece of hardware, such as a printer or graphics card.

A program designed to help the user perform a task, such as a word processor, spreadsheet, web browser, or media player.

A small window that appears to ask the user for information or to confirm an action, often containing options, text fields, and buttons.

A brief message from the system or an application that alerts the user to an event, update, or reminder, usually appearing in a corner of the screen.

The permissions that control what a user may do with a file, folder, or system, such as read, write, modify, or delete.

A personal profile on a computer or online service that stores settings and files and controls what the person is allowed to access.

A secret sequence of characters used to prove identity and prevent unauthorised access to an account, device, or protected file.

Malicious software designed to harm, disrupt, or gain unauthorised access to a computer, including viruses, worms, spyware, and ransomware.

A program that scans a computer for known malicious software, blocks threats, and removes infections to help keep the system safe.

A security tool that monitors and filters network traffic, blocking unauthorised connections while allowing approved communication in and out of a computer.

Reducing the size of a file or folder so it takes up less storage space and is quicker to send, often producing a zip archive.

A program used to view and navigate pages on the World Wide Web, such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

The unique address of a resource on the internet, such as a web page, made up of parts including the protocol, domain name, and path.

Clickable text or an image on a web page that, when selected, takes the user to another page, file, or location.

An online service that finds web pages matching keywords entered by the user, returning a list of results ranked by relevance.

A saved link to a web page stored in a browser so the user can return to it quickly without typing the address again.

A small file stored by a website in the browser to remember settings, login state, or browsing activity between visits.

A fraudulent attempt, usually by email or a fake website, to trick people into revealing passwords, card numbers, or other sensitive information.

Converting data into a coded form so that only authorised parties with the correct key can read it, protecting information during storage or transmission.

A person's right to control how their personal information is collected, used, and shared online, and to keep it secure from others.