Computer glossary

A resolution 4 times sharper than Full HD. The image is very crisp, especially on large screens (27" and above). Useful for photographers, video editors, and anyone who wants the best possible display.

Ex: 27" 4K monitor, MacBook Pro Retina

Apple's integrated AI feature suite for devices with an M1 chip or newer (M4 recommended). Includes text generation, image creation, automatic summaries, smart notifications, and enhanced Siri — all processed locally on the device to protect privacy. Available since macOS Sequoia and iOS 18.1.

Ex: Email summaries (M3), Image generation (M4)

The wireless standard for connecting short-range accessories: headphones, keyboards, mice, and game controllers. Version 5.3 (2023+) offers a more stable connection, reduced latency, and better battery life for connected devices. Virtually all modern laptops include at least Bluetooth 5.0.

Ex: Bluetooth 5.3 (AirPods Pro), Bluetooth 5.0 (gaming headset)

The brain of the computer. It executes all program instructions. The faster it is (measured in GHz) and the more cores it has, the more things the computer can do simultaneously and quickly.

Ex: Intel Core i5-1335U, AMD Ryzen 5 7530U, Apple M3

Intel's four processor tiers. The i3 is entry-level (office work, browsing), the i5 is mid-range (excellent value for the majority), the i7 is high-end (heavy multitasking, content creation), and the i9 is the top tier (workstations, professional use). The number after (e.g., i5-1335U) indicates the generation — newer is better. Since 2024, Intel also offers the Core Ultra line, which is gradually replacing the classic Core series.

Ex: Core i3-1315U (office), Core i5-1345U (all-around), Core i7-13700H (creative), Core i9-14900HX (pro)

Intel's new processor architecture launched in 2024. It combines performance cores (P-cores), efficiency cores (E-cores), and a built-in NPU for artificial intelligence tasks. Available in Core Ultra 5, 7, and 9. Core Ultra processors consume less power than older Core i chips, offering better battery life on laptops.

Ex: Core Ultra 7 155H, Core Ultra 5 125U, Core Ultra 9 185H

Intel's most affordable processors, designed for light use: web browsing, office work, and email. Since 2023, Intel has rebranded them as "Intel Processor" (N-series) — for example, Intel Processor N100. Good enough for a Chromebook or school computer, but not recommended for multitasking or demanding software.

Ex: Intel Processor N100, Intel Processor N200, Celeron N5100

A Microsoft label for laptops equipped with an NPU offering at least 40 TOPS of AI processing power. These computers can run advanced AI features locally (without internet): real-time captions, video call effects, image generation, and smart file search. Requires a recent processor like Snapdragon X Elite, Intel Core Ultra, or AMD Ryzen AI.

Ex: Surface Laptop 7 (Copilot+ PC), Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x

The two current generations of RAM memory. DDR4 has been the standard since 2015, reliable and affordable. DDR5, introduced in 2022, is faster (up to 2× the bandwidth) and more energy-efficient. Recent processors (Intel 13th gen+, Ryzen 7000+) support DDR5. The two are not compatible with each other — check what your motherboard accepts.

Ex: DDR4-3200 MHz, DDR5-5600 MHz

An alternative video port to HDMI, commonly found on desktop monitors and graphics cards. DisplayPort 1.4 supports 4K at 120 Hz and 8K at 30 Hz. It allows daisy-chaining (connecting multiple monitors in series with a single cable from the PC). Also available in USB-C form (DisplayPort Alt Mode).

Ex: DisplayPort 1.4 (gaming monitor), DP 2.1 (8K)

A standard screen resolution offering 1,920 pixels in width and 1,080 in height (also called 1080p). It is the minimum recommended resolution for a computer in 2025. Sufficient for screens up to 24–27 inches.

Ex: 15" Full HD display, 24" 1080p monitor

The unit of measurement for processor speed. A 3.5 GHz processor performs 3.5 billion operations per second. The higher the number, the faster the processor — but the generation and core count matter a lot too.

Ex: 2.4 GHz, 3.5 GHz, 5.0 GHz

The component that handles display, graphics, and video. For everyday use, the GPU integrated into the processor is sufficient. For gaming or professional video editing, a dedicated graphics card is recommended. VRAM (video memory) is dedicated to the GPU: 4 GB minimum for light gaming, 8 GB+ for serious gaming or 4K editing. The card's generation matters as much as the amount of VRAM.

Ex: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (8 GB VRAM), AMD Radeon RX 7600

A unit of measurement for memory and storage. 1 GB = 1 billion bytes. An MP3 song takes about 5 MB (0.005 GB), an HD movie about 4 GB, a photo 3–10 MB. Not to be confused with Gb (gigabit), which is 8 times smaller.

Ex: 16 GB of RAM, 512 GB of storage

The older type of storage using a magnetic platter that spins mechanically at 5,400 or 7,200 RPM. A read/write head moves above it to access data. Cheaper than SSDs for the same capacity, but much slower, fragile to shocks, and noisy. Still found in some desktop computers for cost-effective bulk storage.

Ex: HDD 1 TB, HDD 2 TB

The most common video port for connecting a computer to a monitor, projector, or TV. Version 2.1 supports 4K at 120 Hz, 8K at 60 Hz, VRR (variable refresh rate for gaming), and eARC (high-quality surround sound). Older versions (HDMI 2.0) are limited to 4K at 60 Hz.

Ex: HDMI 2.1 (4K@120Hz), HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz)

The most common panel type on mid-range and high-end computers. IPS screens offer wide viewing angles (the image stays clear even viewed from the side), accurate colors, and good overall rendering. The best all-around choice for office work, creative tasks, and daily use.

Ex: 27" Full HD IPS monitor, laptop with IPS panel

A variant of DDR5 designed specifically for laptops. It uses less power, extending battery life. Often soldered to the motherboard (not replaceable). Found in most ultrabooks and MacBooks. Performance is comparable to standard DDR5.

Ex: LPDDR5-6400 (MacBook Air M3), LPDDR5X-7467

Processors designed by Apple for its Mac computers. Remarkable for their energy efficiency (long battery life), performance, and quiet operation. Each new generation brings significant improvements. Each chip comes in base, Pro, Max, and Ultra variants (least to most powerful). The M4 (2024-2025) features a 16-core NPU compatible with Apple Intelligence for on-device text and image generation.

Ex: MacBook Air M3, MacBook Pro M4 Pro, Mac Studio M4 Max

A physical SSD form factor: a small rectangular card (about the size of a stick of gum) that plugs directly into the motherboard with no cables. Note: an M.2 SSD can use either SATA or NVMe interface — it's the NVMe interface that delivers the best performance. The M.2 form factor is standard in modern laptops.

Ex: M.2 NVMe SSD 1 TB, M.2 2280 (22 mm × 80 mm)

A backlight technology using thousands of tiny LEDs grouped into local dimming zones. This allows high contrast (close to OLED) with superior brightness and no burn-in risk. Found on premium screens like the MacBook Pro 14"/16" and some high-end monitors.

Ex: MacBook Pro 16" Mini-LED, iPad Pro Mini-LED

Units that measure a battery's capacity. The higher the number, the longer the battery lasts in theory. Wh is more accurate for comparing batteries. A good laptop battery offers 50–70 Wh.

Ex: 70 Wh, 6000 mAh

A chip dedicated to artificial intelligence, built directly into modern processors. The NPU accelerates tasks like voice recognition, video call background blur, text generation, and image processing — all locally, without sending data to the cloud. Measured in TOPS (Trillions of Operations Per Second). A Copilot+ PC requires at least 40 TOPS.

Ex: 16-core NPU (Apple M4), 50 TOPS NPU (Ryzen AI 9)

A connection type for SSDs that makes them even faster. An NVMe SSD is 5 to 7 times faster than a standard (SATA) SSD. It is the standard on recent mid-range and high-end computers. NVMe SSDs use the M.2 form factor, a small card that plugs directly into the motherboard.

Ex: NVMe M.2 SSD 512 GB

A display technology where each pixel produces its own light. The result: perfect blacks (the pixel turns off completely), infinite contrast, and vibrant colors. Found on high-end laptops. Drawbacks: more expensive, risk of burn-in with static images over long periods, and sometimes lower brightness than traditional LED screens.

Ex: ASUS ZenBook OLED, MacBook Pro with OLED (future)

The fundamental software that runs the computer and allows you to use all other programs. The three main ones are Windows (Microsoft), macOS (Apple), and Linux (free and open source).

Ex: Windows 11, macOS Sonoma, Ubuntu

PCIe versions determine the maximum speed of NVMe SSDs and graphics cards. PCIe Gen 4 (standard in 2024) offers up to 7 GB/s for an SSD. PCIe Gen 5 (2025+) doubles that to about 14 GB/s. In practice, the difference is mostly felt when transferring very large files — for everyday use, Gen 4 is more than enough.

Ex: NVMe PCIe Gen 4 × 4 SSD, PCIe Gen 5 graphics card

AMD's processor lineup, a direct competitor to Intel. Ryzen 3 = entry-level, Ryzen 5 = mid-range, Ryzen 7 = high-end, Ryzen 9 = professional. AMD often offers better performance per dollar than Intel. Since 2024, the Ryzen AI line integrates a dedicated NPU for artificial intelligence tasks, with models like the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370.

Ex: Ryzen 5 7530U, Ryzen 7 7840U, Ryzen AI 9 HX 370

AMD's processor line equipped with a built-in NPU (Neural Processing Unit) to accelerate AI tasks directly on the device, without an internet connection. Available in Ryzen AI 5, 7, and 9. These processors meet Microsoft's Copilot+ PC requirements with over 40 TOPS of AI processing power.

Ex: Ryzen AI 7 350, Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, Ryzen AI 9 365

The computer's working memory. It temporarily stores data from programs currently in use. When you close a program, the data disappears from RAM. The more you have, the more programs you can open at the same time. In 2025, 16 GB is the recommended minimum for comfortable use.

Ex: 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB

The number of times per second the screen updates its image. 60 Hz = 60 frames/sec (standard), 120 Hz = 120 frames/sec (smooth), 144–165 Hz = competitive gaming. A higher rate makes scrolling, animations, and games feel smoother. For office work, 60 Hz is fine. For gaming or if you appreciate smoothness, 120 Hz or higher is recommended.

Ex: 60 Hz (standard), 120 Hz (ProMotion), 165 Hz (gaming)

A storage drive with no moving parts, much faster than a traditional hard drive. Your computer boots in seconds and programs open almost instantly. In 2025-2026, SSDs are the standard — at least a 512 GB SSD is recommended. NVMe SSDs are even faster than SATA SSDs.

Ex: SSD 512 GB, SSD NVMe 1 TB

The older connection interface for storage drives (SSDs and HDDs). A SATA SSD maxes out at about 550 MB/s read speed — that's fast compared to an HDD, but slow compared to NVMe (up to 7,000 MB/s). If your computer has an M.2 slot, choose an NVMe SSD over SATA.

Ex: SATA 2.5" SSD 500 GB, SATA III cable

The older panel type, with very fast response times (1 ms), which appeals to competitive gamers. However, colors are washed out and viewing angles are very narrow. In 2025, fast IPS panels have largely caught up with TN in response time, making TN increasingly irrelevant.

Ex: 24" 240 Hz TN monitor (esports)

A USB-C port with superior capabilities. Thunderbolt 4 (2020) offers 40 Gbps, connection to two 4K displays, and fast charging. Thunderbolt 5 (2024) doubles the speed to 80 Gbps (120 Gbps in asymmetric mode) and supports an 8K display or three 4K displays. Developed by Intel in partnership with Apple. Identified by a lightning bolt logo ⚡.

Ex: Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps), Thunderbolt 5 (80 Gbps)

1 TB = 1,000 GB. Large-capacity hard drives are often measured in terabytes. One TB can hold approximately 250,000 photos, 250 hours of HD video, or 200,000 songs.

Ex: SSD 1 TB, HDD 2 TB

A modern, small, and reversible connector (you can't plug it in the wrong way!). It can transfer data, charge the device, and send a video signal to an external display — all through the same cable. Increasingly standard on recent laptops.

Ex: Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2

A display panel type offering better contrast than IPS (deeper blacks), but with narrower viewing angles. Popular for gaming monitors and multimedia viewing. A good compromise between IPS and TN panels if contrast is your priority.

Ex: 32" 1440p VA gaming monitor, curved VA display

Recent Wi-Fi generations. Wi-Fi 6 (2020) is faster and more stable, especially with many connected devices. Wi-Fi 6E (2021) adds the 6 GHz band for less interference. Wi-Fi 7 (2024) introduces multi-link (simultaneous connection across multiple bands) and theoretically reaches 46 Gbps. For most people, Wi-Fi 6 or 6E is more than sufficient.

Ex: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)