The words techs throw around, explained the way I'd explain them in person. Don't see one you're curious about? Just ask me.
Short-term memory your computer uses while it's running. More RAM lets you have more programs and browser tabs open at once without things slowing down. It's cleared every time you shut down.
A fast, no-moving-parts storage drive — this is where your operating system, programs, photos and files are all permanently stored, even when the computer is off. Upgrading from an older hard drive to an SSD is one of the biggest speed boosts you can give an aging computer.
A newer, even faster type of storage drive — same job as an SSD, storing your operating system, programs and files — but it plugs directly onto the motherboard instead of connecting with a cable. If your computer supports it, an NVMe drive is noticeably quicker than a standard SSD for loading programs and files.
The older style of storage drive — same job as an SSD, storing your operating system, programs and files — but with spinning disks inside. Slower than an SSD and more prone to failure over time. Nowadays it's mostly used as extra storage space for large files rather than running the operating system.
The "brain" of your computer that does the actual thinking and calculating. A faster or newer CPU means your computer can handle more demanding programs and multitask better. Right now Intel and AMD make virtually all consumer CPUs, though Nvidia has reportedly been working on entering that market as well.
Handles the visuals on your screen. Essential for gaming and video editing; less important for everyday browsing and office work, where the built-in graphics are usually enough. AMD, Nvidia and Intel are currently the only manufacturers making graphics cards.
The main circuit board everything else plugs into — CPU, RAM, storage, power. Think of it as the skeleton that connects all the other parts together. Common manufacturers include ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock and Biostar.
Converts power from the wall into what your computer's parts actually need. A failing power supply is a common reason a desktop won't turn on at all. Major manufacturers include Corsair, Seasonic, MSI, ASUS, be quiet!, SilverStone, Super Flower, Cooler Master and Thermaltake.
The blue error screen Windows shows when it hits a serious problem it can't recover from on its own. Newer versions of Windows have switched this to a black screen instead — same idea, just a different colour. It can be caused by anything from a failing drive to a bad driver — worth having looked at rather than ignored.
A general term for any harmful software — viruses, spyware, ransomware and more — designed to damage your computer or steal information. "Virus" is really just one type of malware.
A type of malware that spreads by attaching itself to files or programs, often slowing your computer down, popping up ads, or causing strange behaviour. Removing it properly means cleaning out every trace, not just the obvious symptom.
Small software that lets Windows talk to a specific piece of hardware — your graphics card, printer or webcam, for example. An outdated or missing driver is a common cause of a device "not working" even though it's plugged in fine.
The very first software that runs the instant you turn your computer on, before Windows even starts loading. It checks that your hardware is working and hands things off to the operating system.
The main software your computer runs on — Windows, in the case of everything I work on. It's what lets you open programs, browse files and use your computer day to day. Windows 10 is no longer supported, and Windows 11 is now the main operating system in use today.
Permanent, built-in software stored directly on a piece of hardware (like an SSD or router) that tells it how to function. It's updated far less often than regular software, and rarely something you need to think about.
Pre-installed programs and trial software that came on your computer but that you never asked for and rarely use. It can quietly eat up storage space and slow your computer down in the background.
A second copy of your important files stored somewhere separate from your computer — an external drive or cloud storage — so you don't lose everything if your main drive fails. The single best protection against data loss.
A tool that encrypts and reroutes your internet traffic, mainly used for privacy or to access content restricted to another region. Not necessary for most everyday use, but common for privacy-conscious users.
A filter that blocks unwanted or suspicious traffic from reaching your computer over the internet. Windows has one built in and running by default — it's a first line of defence, not a full replacement for antivirus.
Temporary data your computer or browser stores to load things faster next time. Handy when it works, but a corrupted cache is a common cause of a website or app suddenly acting up — which is why "clear your cache" is common advice.
How much data your internet connection can move at once. Low bandwidth is why large downloads, video calls or 4K streaming can feel slow even when your computer itself is running fine.
An extra login step beyond just your password — usually a code texted or emailed to you. It's one of the simplest ways to keep an account secure even if your password is ever leaked or guessed.
Files saved on the internet (like Google Drive or OneDrive) instead of directly on your computer, so you can get to them from any device and they're safe even if your computer breaks.
A particularly nasty type of malware that locks up your files and demands payment to unlock them. Prevention — antivirus and good backups — is far more reliable than any recovery after the fact.
