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What's in this Encyclopedia

This technical reference covers every important computer concept and product with more than 30,000 entries and 10,000 charts, diagrams and photos.

Hot Topics

Terms such as AI, ChatGPT and blockchain are current buzzwords. See hot topics and trends and buzzword compliant.

Talk Like a Pro

This is the "only" encyclopedia that highlights the correct way to speak like a computer professional. For example, to sound experienced, never mix up the terms you will find in the entry never say. See data set, nontrivial, intranet, smart, 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 The world has undergone cataclysmic changes in technology, but everything today stems from the past. For example, see early calculators, early computers, early memory and early direct access devices.

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 Face it. The tech world can be tedious, and a little humor is essential. See how to spoof your techie friends, buffer flush and Stringy Floppy.

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.