Computer science
Definitions about computer science including computing fundamentals vocabulary, protocol and standards terminology, words about microprocessors and terms used in electronics.
New & Updated Definitions
- What is 6G? Overview of 6G networks & technology
6G (sixth-generation wireless) is the successor to 5G cellular technology and is expected to be globally available by around 2030. See More.
- phase-locked loop (PLL)
- What is identity and access management? Guide to IAM
- What are AI agents? Types and examples
- What is time-sensitive networking (TSN) via 5G?
- What is millimeter wave (mmWave)?
- What are eMBB, URLLC and mMTC in 5G? Use cases explained
- What is Open RAN (ORAN)? Benefits and use cases
- Agentic process automation: The enterprise guide to autonomous AI workflows
Electronics
Terms related to electronics, including definitions about electrical components and words and phrases about computers, laptops parts, digital cameras, televisions and home appliances.
- phase-locked loop (PLL)
A phase-locked loop (PLL) is an electronic circuit with a voltage or voltage-driven oscillator that constantly adjusts to match the frequency of an input signal.
- What is a robot? Definition, purpose, uses
A robot is a machine designed to execute one or more tasks automatically with speed and precision. There are as many different types of robots as there are tasks for them to perform.A robot is a type of automated machine that can execute specific tasks with little or no human intervention and with speed and precision.
- What is coexistence testing?
Coexistence testing, similar to compatibility testing, measures the ability of multiple devices to interact in a single environment with limited bandwidth.
Internet technologies
This WhatIs.com glossary contains terms related to Internet technologies, including definitions about port numbers, standards and protocols and words and phrases about how the Internet works.
- What is an IP address (Internet Protocol address)?
An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a unique numerical identifier for every device or network that connects to the internet.
- What is a cloud access security broker (CASB)?
A cloud access security broker (CASB) is a software tool or service that sits between an organization's on-premises infrastructure and a cloud provider's infrastructure.
- What is brain hacking?
Brain hacking, or neurohacking, is the application of techniques or technologies to affect an individual's mental state, cognitive processes or level of function.
IT standards and organizations
Terms related to information technology (IT) standards, including definitions about IT organizations and words and phrases about policies and compliance.
- What is customer data integration (CDI)?
Customer data integration (CDI) is the process of defining, consolidating and managing customer information across an organization's business units and systems to achieve a "single version of the truth" for customer data.
- What is an IP address (Internet Protocol address)?
An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a unique numerical identifier for every device or network that connects to the internet.
- statistical mean, median, mode and range
The terms mean, median, mode, and range describe properties of statistical distributions.
Microprocessors
Terms related to microprocessors, including definitions about silicon chips and words and phrases about computer processors.
- What is a graphics processing unit (GPU)?
A graphics processing unit (GPU) is a computer chip that renders graphics and images by performing rapid mathematical calculations.
- What is SDRAM (synchronous DRAM)?
Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) is a generic name for various kinds of DRAM that are synchronized with the clock speed that the microprocessor is optimized for.
- What is an inductor?
An inductor is a passive electronic component that temporarily stores energy in a magnetic field when electric current flows through the inductor's coil.
Robotics
Terms related to robotics, including definitions about consumer or manufacturing robots and words and phrases about stepper motor systems, XY positioning tables, automation and artificial intelligence.
- What is a robot? Definition, purpose, uses
A robot is a machine designed to execute one or more tasks automatically with speed and precision. There are as many different types of robots as there are tasks for them to perform.A robot is a type of automated machine that can execute specific tasks with little or no human intervention and with speed and precision.
- What is the artificial intelligence of things (AIoT)?
The artificial intelligence of things (AIoT) is the combination of AI technologies and the internet of things (IoT) infrastructure.
- What is the Fourth Industrial Revolution?
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is the ongoing transformation of how people live, work and relate to one another through the fusion of technologies that blur the lines between the physical, digital and biological spheres.
- What is 6G? Overview of 6G networks & technology
6G (sixth-generation wireless) is the successor to 5G cellular technology and is expected to be globally available by around 2030.
- phase-locked loop (PLL)
A phase-locked loop (PLL) is an electronic circuit with a voltage or voltage-driven oscillator that constantly adjusts to match ...
- What is time-sensitive networking (TSN) via 5G?
Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) is a set of IEEE 802.1 standards that transform traditional Ethernet into a deterministic, ...
- What is identity and access management? Guide to IAM
No longer just a good idea, IAM is a crucial piece of the cybersecurity puzzle. It's how an organization regulates access to ...
- What is data masking?
Data masking is a security technique that modifies sensitive data in a data set so it can be used safely in a non-production ...
- What is antivirus software?
Antivirus software (antivirus program) is a security program designed to prevent, detect, search and remove viruses and other ...
- What is a chief data officer (CDO)?
A chief data officer (CDO) in many organizations is a C-level executive whose position has evolved into a range of strategic data...
- What is user-generated content?
User-generated content (UGC) is published information that an unpaid contributor provides to a website.
- What is business process outsourcing (BPO)?
Business process outsourcing (BPO) is a business practice in which an organization contracts with an external service provider to...
- What is compensation management?
Compensation management is the discipline and process for determining employees' appropriate pay, incentives, rewards, bonuses ...
- What is HR technology (human resources tech)?
HR technology (human resources tech) refers to the hardware and software that support an organization's human resource management...
- What is core HR (core human resources)?
Core HR (core human resources) is an umbrella term that refers to the essential, mandatory and fundamental tasks and functions of...
- What are virtual agents and how are they being used?
A virtual agent is an AI-powered software application or service that interacts with humans or other digital systems in a ...
- Customer acquisition cost (CAC): How to calculate and reduce it
Customer acquisition cost (CAC) is the cost associated with convincing a consumer to buy your product or service, including ...
- What is direct marketing?
Direct marketing is a type of advertising campaign that seeks to elicit an action (such as an order, a visit to a store or ...