Tech Fundamentals Glossary

Quick definitions for the core terms used in the workshop. Keep these handy as you practice.

• hardware: The physical parts of a computer you can touch, like the keyboard, screen, CPU, and cables.
• software: The instructions that tell hardware what to do; apps, games, operating systems.
• CPU: The computer’s “brain” that follows instructions and does the calculations.
• memory (RAM): Short-term workspace the CPU uses to keep track of what’s happening right now.
• storage: Long-term place for saving files so they are still there when you come back (hard drive, SSD, cloud drive).
• file: A single item you can save, like a picture, document, or code script.
• folder: A container that holds files (and other folders) to keep things organized.
• file extension: The part of a filename after the dot (like .txt or .py) that hints at what kind of file it is.
• code: Precise instructions written for a computer to follow.
• program: Code saved together to do a specific job (a game, a browser, a calculator).
• terminal: A text-based way to give commands directly to the computer.
• command: A single instruction you type into the terminal (like pwd, ls or echo).