system

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anti-virus software - a program that finds and removes viruses from a computer

app - a self-contained program or piece of software; an application, especially when downloadable to a mobile device

application - a self-contained program or piece of software

bit, bytes - a bit is the smallest piece of information that computers use. For simplicity, a PC uses bits in groups of 8 called bytes (8 bits = 1 byte).

Bluetooth - a way of communicating wirelessly over short distances between electronic devices (for example computer and mobile telephone)

boot, boot up, boot disk - You boot (or boot up) your computer when you switch it on and wait while it prepares itself. Instructions for startup are given to the computer from the boot disk, which is usually the hard disk.

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bug - a (small) defect or fault in a program

cache - a kind of memory used to make a computer work faster

data - Usually means the information (text, pictures, audio etc) that you create or share on a computer, as opposed to the programs that manipulate the data.

DOS - Disk Operating System. The original system used for PCs, where you typed in commands instead of pointing and clicking.

ebook - an electronic book that can be downloaded and read on a computer or other device

electronic mail (email, e-mail) - messages sent from one computer to another. You can see email on the screen or print it out.

file - a specific computer record. It could contain data such as text (e.g. essay.doc), or a program such as paint.exe.

​operating system (OS) - the basic software that manages a computer (for example, Windows 10, OS X, Unix, iOS).
Settings (noun)
When you want to change something on the computer, you need to go to settings. Here, you can change what appears on the screen, the name of the computer and other important details.

Window (noun)
When you open an application, information appears in a window.

Cursor (noun)
The picture on the screen that shows you where the mouse is pointing is called the cursor. Usually the cursor looks like an arrow.

Password (noun)
If you want to protect the information on your computer, it's a good idea to use a password. The best passwords contain letters, numbers and symbols.

It's also useful to know the names of the following equipment and computer accessories.(Equipment means tools or item

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Common computer problems

Virus (noun)
A virus is an enemy program that infects your computer and stops it from working. People who create computer viruses are called hackers.

Error message (noun)
When you push the wrong button, sometimes the computer will send you an error message. This means that what you tried to do isn't possible.

Frozen (adjective) and freeze (verb)
If you try to use too many applications at the same time, the computer might become frozen. This means you cannot use the mouse or type anything. Everything on the screen is stuck!

Run out of space (verb)
If you download too many applications, you might not have enough memory. In this situation we say that your computer is running out of space, which means there is no memory left.

Spill water (or other drinks) (verb)
To drop water or another drink by mistake. You should be careful if you drink things while you use the computer!