This technical reference covers every important computer concept and product with more than 30,000 entries and 10,000 charts, diagrams and images.
Hot Topics
Of course, AI is the hottest tech term on the planet (see
AI in a nutshell,
AI anxiety and
ChatGPT). Crypto is up and down, but still on people's minds (see
crypto and
blockchain). See
hot topics and trends.
Talk Like a Pro
This is the "one and only" encyclopedia that highlights the correct way to speak like a computer professional. For example, never mix up the terms in the entry
never say. See
data set,
nontrivial,
intranet,
smart,
wares,
virtual and
digispeak.
You Wouldn't Think to Look Up
See
technology forecasting,
good user interface,
naming fiascos,
underwater datacenter,
film camera and
digital media hub terminology.
Basic Computer Literacy
For decades, this reference helps IT professionals explain things to their non-technical users. See
computer,
data processing,
PC,
information system,
binary,
operating system,
cache,
application,
chip,
chip manufacturing and
storage vs. memory.
Technical Concepts
Every important technical concept is included. For example, see
chip,
graphics pipeline,
LCD,
OLED,
SSD,
software stack,
byte addressable and
crypto glossary.
Crypto Blockchains
There are hundreds of crypto terms in this encyclopedia. See
crypto glossary.
Hardware and Software
Important devices and applications are included. For example, see
smartphone,
tablet,
desktop computer,
x86,
ARM,
Apple M series,
image editor,
application suite and
Web browser.
Popular Devices and Standards
Quick summaries, for example, see
iPhone versions,
iPad,
Mac models,
Galaxy S,
Pixel phone and
standards.
History
Programming
The heart and soul of the industry, all major languages are described along with programming concepts and terminology. For examples, see
source code,
programming concepts,
programming language,
if-then-else and
program logic. There are also essential charts for programmers, including
ASCII chart,
space/time and
binary values.
Networking
The world's information circulatory system, every important networking term is included. For example, see
Internet,
WAN,
LAN,
Ethernet,
switch,
wireless router and
access point.
Just for Fun
Home Theater and Stereo
All important components are included. For example, see
stereophile,
audiophile,
amplifier classes,
10-foot user interface,
S/PDIF,
vinyl record and
home theater.
Why This Is Unique - Written by an Educator
All definitions in this encyclopedia are not only consistent in style because they are written by one person, Alan Freedman, but they get clearer all the time because they are routinely edited for greater clarity, not just technical changes. See
About this encyclopedia.
Every explanation is based on solid data processing concepts, several of which Freedman developed in the computer literacy classes he conducted for thousands of managers across the country from 1978 to 1995. See
information system,
data processing and
3 C's.
This encyclopedia started in those classes because there was nothing that covered the important terms in the late 1970s when personal computers were exploding. Translated into several foreign languages, thousands of Freedman's book "The Computer Glossary" were used in computer literacy classes worldwide. See
About this encyclopedia.