COMPRO CBT Exam key terms

The main processor chip that carries out a program's instructions by fetching, decoding, and executing them. It performs arithmetic, logic, and control operations for nearly every task a computer does.

Short-term working memory that holds programs and data currently in use so the processor can reach them quickly. Its contents are lost when the computer is switched off, so it is called volatile memory.

Memory that keeps its contents permanently, even without power. It usually stores firmware such as the startup instructions a computer needs before it can load an operating system.

The main circuit board inside a computer. It connects the processor, memory, storage, and expansion cards, and carries the electrical pathways that let these components exchange data.

Any hardware device connected to a computer to add capability, such as a keyboard, printer, scanner, or external drive. Peripherals may be internal or external and are usually classed as input, output, or storage devices.

The master software that manages hardware, runs applications, and organizes files. It controls memory, schedules tasks, handles input and output, and provides the interface users work with, such as Windows, macOS, or Linux.

The short suffix after the dot in a file name, such as .docx or .jpg. It tells the operating system which program should open the file and what kind of content it holds.

The address describing where a file or folder sits on a storage device. It lists the drive and each folder in order, for example C:\Documents\Reports\budget.xlsx.

A way of interacting with a computer using windows, icons, menus, and a pointer instead of typed commands, making software easier for ordinary users to operate and learn.

A word processing feature that automatically moves text to the next line when the current line is full, so the user never needs to press Enter at the end of every line.

Areas at the top and bottom of each page that repeat the same content, such as a document title, chapter name, or page number. They are edited separately from the body text.

A word processing feature that combines one main document with a data source, such as a list of names and addresses, to produce many personalized copies like letters, labels, or envelopes.

A review feature that records every insertion, deletion, and formatting edit made to a document, so authors and editors can see, accept, or reject each change later.

The address of a cell in a spreadsheet, formed from its column letter and row number, such as B7. Formulas use references to read values from other cells.

An instruction typed into a spreadsheet cell that begins with an equals sign and calculates a result from values, cell references, or operators, for example =A1*B1.

A built-in spreadsheet routine with a name that performs a calculation on supplied values, such as SUM, AVERAGE, or IF, saving the user from writing the logic manually.

A cell reference locked with dollar signs, like $B$4, so that copying the formula to another location does not change the row or column it points to.

A spreadsheet tool that temporarily hides rows which do not match given criteria, letting the user examine only the records of interest while leaving the underlying data unchanged.

The top-level design template in presentation software that stores fonts, colors, backgrounds, and placeholder positions. Changes made to it apply consistently to every slide using the same layout.

The visual effect that plays when moving from one slide to the next during a presentation, such as a fade or wipe. Transitions apply to whole slides, not to individual objects.

An effect applied to a single object on a slide, such as text, a picture, or a chart, controlling how it appears, moves, or disappears while the presentation is running.

Text attached to an individual slide but hidden from the audience during a slideshow. Presenters use notes to store talking points, reminders, and extra detail they plan to say aloud.

The full address of a resource on the internet, naming the protocol, the server, and the path, such as https://www.example.com/library/index.html. Browsers use it to locate pages.

Software that requests web pages from servers and displays them, interpreting HTML, CSS, and scripts. Common examples include Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari.

The secure version of the web transfer protocol, which encrypts traffic between browser and server using TLS. The padlock icon and https prefix indicate that the connection is protected.

Two email addressing fields. CC (carbon copy) sends a visible copy to additional recipients; BCC (blind carbon copy) sends copies whose addresses are hidden from the other recipients.

A file sent along with an email message, such as a document, image, or spreadsheet. Attachments must be downloaded and opened separately, and size limits usually apply.

The basic structure in a database that stores data about one subject as rows and columns, where each column defines a field and each row holds one record.

One complete row in a database table, holding all the field values that describe a single entity, such as one customer, product, or order.

A field, or combination of fields, that uniquely identifies each record in a table. It must be unique for every row and cannot normally be left empty.

A request that retrieves, filters, sorts, or calculates data from database tables using set criteria, returning a result set without changing the stored records themselves.

A scam in which attackers send fake messages imitating trusted organizations to trick people into revealing passwords, card numbers, or other sensitive information, usually through links to counterfeit sites.

Any software designed to harm or exploit a computer, including viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware. It often arrives through downloads, email attachments, or infected media.

A hardware or software barrier that inspects network traffic and blocks connections which break security rules, helping prevent unauthorized access to a computer or private network.

The process of scrambling data with a mathematical key so that only authorized parties can read it. Encrypted files and connections protect information if it is intercepted or stolen.

A copy of important data kept on a separate medium or location so it can be restored after accidental deletion, hardware failure, malware infection, or a disaster.