Computer Terms for Children

Do you need some computer terms for children? Following are two lists of the terms for working on a computer and terms for the physical parts of a computer.

Computer Terms for Children

Here are some computer terms for children that most children need to know. The list after this one covers the physical components of computers.  

• Backup - This is an extra copy of a file or document.  
• Browser - This is the program you use to browse files.  A web browser will browse internet files, like Firefox or Internet Explorer.  
• Burn a CD - This means to make a copy of data onto a CD. It is called “burn” because it actually heats up the CD.
• Cursor - Usually a small arrow on the screen that moves when you move the mouse. The cursor is used to make a selection.
• Caret or Insertion Point - This is that small blinking line that shows you where your next typed letter or number will go.  
• Data - Any information stored by a computer. It can be files, E-mails, video games, songs, pictures, etc.
• Desktop - This is the screen that appears if you are not browsing the Internet, reading a file, or playing a game. Your icons are on this screen. 
• Download - This is the process where you copy something from another computer or the Internet, and save it on your computer. 
• Drag and drop - To do this, you click on something and hold the button down. This will move the object you clicked on and will leave it where you let go of the button. So it drags it and drops it.
• E-mail - This is simply a way to send a message from one computer to another.
• FAQ - This is an abbreviation for Frequently Asked Questions.
• Graphic - This is a picture or an image. 
• Homepage - This is the first page you see when you open your browser.  You can make any page your homepage.  
• Icon - This is a small symbol or picture that represents a program or other things.
• Internet - Many computers that are connected like a web so you can see what other computer operators show you and you can show them things as well.
• Logon - You have to do this to get access to a computer. You just type in a certain name or code.
• Memory - This is the data that a computer stores. Long term memory must be saved to the hard drive.
• Password - This is a secret code to protect your data and can keep others from accessing your computer.
• Right click - When you right click on the mouse, you are given a menu of options.
• Screensaver - This is a picture that pops up when you are not using your computer.
• Shortcut - When you click on an icon, it is a shortcut to a file or program.  
• Software - This is all the instructions for the computer or a program designed to do different things. Examples are: Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer, and Windows. 
• Spam: This is an abbreviation for "sending particularly annoying messages"; it stands for unwanted e-mail.
• Task bar - The bar beside the Start button that shows what programs are open.
• URL - The address of documents and resources on the internet.  
• User - Anyone using a computer.
• Virus - Software that was written to do bad stuff to your computer. 
• Wallpaper - A picture or design on your desktop for decoration.
• WWW or World Wide Web - Group of internet servers linking computers around the world.

Physical Parts of a Computer

This second list of computer terms for children covers the hardware associated with computers.

• Computer - An electronic machine that can store and process data. A computer has hardware, which is the machine itself, and software, which is a set of instructions.
• Desktop - This is the type of computer you have at home with the monitor and computer connected.
• Keyboard - This is where all the letters, numbers, and other buttons are located. When you type on it, the symbols appear on the monitor.
• Laptop - A small portable computer.
• Modem - Converts digital data into analog data, so it can be sent over phone lines. Changes analog into digital when receiving data.
• Monitor - The screen that shows you what you are doing. It is like a viewer that displays what the computer sends to it. 
• Mouse - A little device that you move with your hand which then moves the cursor on the screen.  
• Printer - The computer sends information to the printer and it prints it out onto paper.  
• Scanner - A device that scans something that is flat and sends the image to the computer.
• Speakers - These are the devices that the sounds come out of which are sometimes built into the monitor.
• Touch-pad - This is an area on a laptop that substitutes for a mouse. You move your finger around on it to move the cursor.