General Computer Concepts

• Permissions: Settings that control whether a user can view, edit, or execute a particular file.
• Compression: Encoding data to take up less space. Common formats: ZIP and RAR.
• System Files: Essential program files for the OS. Avoid modifying these.
• Temp Files: Temporary files generated by programs. Can usually be safely deleted.
• File Sharing: Making files accessible over a network or the internet.
• Read-Only Files: Files that can be viewed but not edited to protect important data.
• Archive: A collection of files bundled into a single file for storage or sharing, often compressed.
• Folder Hierarchy: The nested structure of folders within folders on a drive.
• Root Directory: The top-level folder on a drive (e.g., C:).
• Path: The complete location of a file or folder (e.g., C:\Users\YourName\Documents\Report.docx).
• Partitioning: Dividing a physical drive into separate logical drives.
• File System: The method used by an OS to organize data on a drive (e.g., NTFS, exFAT).
• Formatting: Preparing a drive for use with a particular file system.
• Fragmentation: Scattering of files across a drive, slowing performance. Defragging can fix this (not for SSDs).
• Cloud Storage: Storing files on remote servers for access over the internet.
• Redundant Storage: Having multiple copies of data to prevent loss if a drive fails.
• NAS: Network Attached Storage—a dedicated file server providing storage over a network.
• RAID: Combining multiple drives to improve performance and fault tolerance.

Storage Devices

• USB Flash Drive: Portable storage device that plugs into a USB port.
• External Drive: A hard drive or SSD in an external case, typically connected via USB.

File Formats

• Text: Plain, unformatted text (e.g., TXT files).
• Images: Visual data like photos and graphics (e.g., JPG, PNG, GIF).
• Audio: Sound data (e.g., MP3, WAV).
• Video: Moving pictures with sound (e.g., MP4, AVI, MKV).
• Compressed: Files reduced in size through compression (e.g., ZIP, RAR).
• Spreadsheet: Organized data in a grid of cells (e.g., XLSX).
• Presentation: Slide-based presentations (e.g., PPTX).
• Database: Structured collections of data (e.g., Access, MySQL).
• CSV: Tabular data (comma-separated values).
• JSON: Lightweight data format, easy for humans to read and write.
• XML: Markup language used for encoding documents.

Security & Privacy

• Password Manager: An encrypted vault for storing and generating strong passwords.
• Privacy Settings: Options to control data collection and usage in your OS, browser, and apps.
• VPN: Virtual Private Network to encrypt internet traffic and mask IP addresses.
• Backup: Storing spare copies of data to prevent loss or damage.
• Phishing: Fraudulent attempts to get sensitive information by pretending to be a trusted entity.
• Malware: Malicious software (viruses, spyware, ransomware). Only download from trusted sources.
• Trojan: Malware disguised as legitimate software.
• Ransomware: Malware that encrypts files and demands payment for the decryption key.
• Adware: Malware that bombards users with unwanted ads.
• Rootkit: Malware that hides deep in the system, difficult to detect and remove.
• Bot: Malware that allows remote control of a computer.
• DDoS: Distributed Denial of Service attack that overwhelms a system.
• Zero-Day: A vulnerability exploited before the developer can patch it.
• Brute-Force Attack: Attempting to guess a password by trying all possible combinations.
• Hash: A digital fingerprint of data, used to verify file integrity.
• Salting: Adding random data to a hash to make it more secure.

Multimedia

• Codec: A program that compresses and decompresses media files.
• Container: A file format that stores compressed media along with metadata (e.g., MP4, MKV).
• Ripping: Copying audio or video data from one format to another (e.g., CD to MP3).
• Streaming: Real-time media playback over the internet.
• Aspect Ratio: The width-to-height ratio of an image or video.
• Resolution: The number of pixels in an image or video.
• Refresh Rate: How many times per second a screen redraws.
• Frame Rate: The number of individual images per second in video (e.g., 24FPS).
• Bit Rate: The amount of data processed per second, affecting quality.
• HDR: High Dynamic Range for richer, more detailed images.
• Surround Sound: Audio played through multiple speakers around you.

User Account Control & Permissions

• User Account: A profile for logging into a system, with different access levels.
• Administrator: A super-user with full control over the system.
• Standard User: A normal account with limited access.
• Guest Account: Temporary account with very limited access.
• Permissions: Settings that control user access and modification rights to files.
• Parental Controls: Features that restrict content and computer use for children.
• Remote Access: Accessing a computer over a network, often used for troubleshooting.

Data & Databases

• Bit: The smallest unit of data (1 or 0).
• Byte: 8 bits, representing a single character.
• Megabyte (MB): 1,048,576 bytes.
• Gigabyte (GB): 1,024 MB.
• Terabyte (TB): 1,024 GB.
• Petabyte (PB): 1,024 TB.
• Exabyte (EB), Zettabyte (ZB), Yottabyte (YB): Extremely large data units.
• Database: An organized collection of data.
• SQL: Structured Query Language used to manage databases.
• NoSQL: A flexible database system for unstructured data.
• Big Data: Data too complex for traditional databases.
• Data Mining: Analyzing large datasets to uncover patterns and insights.

Basic Troubleshooting

• Power Cycle: Restarting the device to fix issues.
• Check for Updates: Ensure software and OS are up to date to avoid glitches.
• Scan for Malware: Run antivirus software to detect malicious programs.
• Free Up Space: Clear out old files or move them to cloud storage.
• Close Unnecessary Programs: Free up system resources by closing unused programs.
• Reseat Cables: Fix loose connections and clean ports.
• Check Event Viewer: Use this tool to log errors and crashes.
• Safe Mode: Start Windows with only essential functions for troubleshooting.
• System Restore: Roll back Windows to a previous stable state.
• Factory Reset: A last-resort option that wipes the system clean.
• Command Line: Use commands like ipconfig, ping, or sfc /scannow for troubleshooting.
• Google It: Search for solutions to your problem.
• Ask for Help: Reach out for support if needed.
• Blue Screen of Death (BSOD): A system crash, usually requiring troubleshooting.

Maintenance Musts

• Dust Cleaning: Use canned air to clean PC vents and fans.
• Software Updates: Keep all software up-to-date to avoid security issues.
• Disk Checks: Use tools to check for hard drive errors.
• File Management: Organize and delete unnecessary files.
• Backups: Store copies of important data in case of failure.
• UPS: Consider an uninterruptible power supply for unreliable power areas.

Tips & Tricks

• Keyboard Shortcuts: Save time using shortcuts like Ctrl+C and Alt+Tab.
• Clipboard History: Access copied items with Win+V.
• Cloud Storage: Use cloud storage to free up space and access files anywhere.
• Snipping Tool: Easily capture screenshots.
• Virtual Desktops: Use multiple desktops to organize tasks.
• Snap Assist: Quickly snap windows into place.
• God Mode: Access all system settings in one folder.
• Quick Access: Pin your most-used folders for easy access.