application
a software program which allows a user to perform specific tasks such as word processing, email, accounting,
database management
"Examples of popular applications include Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, and Mozilla Firefox."
component
any device internal to the computer, such as a primary hard disk drive or motherboard
"A hardware geek is constantly upgrading components in his computer to achieve more performance. "
computer
an electronic, digital device that stores and processes information
"A computer needs to be replaced or upgraded regularly or it will become obsolete."
data
literally meaning 'that which is given', this term refers to raw information of any kind
"The network administrator was fired when he lost all the company data by accidentally formatting the wrong
hard disk drive array."
database
an organized, electronic collection of information optimized for fast access and typically consisting rows,
columns, indexes, and keys
"The international company stored their customer information in a central database in Brussels."
hardware
physical things that make up a computer, such as a component or a peripheral
"Hardware today has become such a commodity that it's often more expensive to repair it than to replace it."
Internet
the largest known public network in the world, connecting millions of computers around the world
"Some people refer to the Internet as an information superhighway."
network
a group of connected computers which share resources
"The company network consisted of 3 servers, 95 workstations, and 10 printers."
peripheral
an external computer add-on, such as a printer or a scanner; also known as an 'accessory'
"The woman hated the look of all the tangled wires behind her desk, which were caused by so many
peripherals."software
any program designed to run on a computer
"The geek purchased new software for his computer almost every weekend."