HARDWARE
Central Processing Unit (CPU): a part of a computer that carries out and controls the computer's instructions
Motherboard: a circuit board that allows data to travel to different components within the computer
Cache: the small amount of memory built in the CPU that stores data while being processed
RAM ( Random Access Memory): short term memory where data is stored temporarily while it is being processed or viewed on the screen
secondary storage: non volatile, long term memory, used to store programs and data until they're required
SOFTWARE
operating system: software that manages the hardware, software and memory of a computer as well as providing a user interface
user interface: the means by which human interact with a digital technology. The intent is to make user's experience straight forward, intuitive, and requiring minimum effort to achieve the desired outcome
utility software: design to perform specific useful tasks that either help to analyse, configure or maintain the computer
application software: serves a specific purpose, such as a word processor or video editor
malicious software (malware): designed to steal data or damage computers/IT systems
open source software: free of charge and free of copy right, allowing source code to be modified, often by an open source community. However, there's no guarantee that the software will be bug free or support readily available
proprietary software: downloaded after paying for a license or a subscription. Users can expect help and updates from the company. Proprietary software is copy-righted which denies users access to the source code and restricts the sharing of the software