Lesson 03 of 38 · Basics - 8 min
AI Basics: Computer Words You Need
Learn the basic computer words that appear in AI setup lessons, so the next steps feel less confusing.
AI Basics: Start Here
AI lessons often use computer words very quickly. That can make a simple task feel hard. In this lesson we slow down and name the basic words first. A browser is where you open websites. An app is a program you open on your computer or phone. A file is one thing, like a photo or document. A folder is a container that holds files.
Computer words before setup screens
Plain setup words learners need before app, account, and file lessons.
What to understand
- A browser is an app for opening websites. Chrome, Edge, Safari, and Firefox are browsers.
- A website is a page or group of pages on the internet, such as chatgpt.com.
- An app is a program you open to do a job.
- Download means copy something from the internet onto your device.
- Install means set up an app so your device can run it.
- An account is your sign-in identity for a service.
- A file is one item on your device. A folder holds files.
Basic computer word map
Use these plain meanings when a setup screen uses a computer word.
Step by step
Copy the five most important words
Write these words in your notes: browser, website, app, file, folder. Next to each word, write the simple meaning from this lesson.
HintDo not memorise long definitions. Short meanings are better. You are done when all five words have a meaning next to them in your own handwriting or typing.
Spot the difference between file and folder
Look at your computer or imagine it. A file is one item. A folder is a container. Write one example of each.
HintA folder is like a school bag. Files are the books inside it. You are done when your file example could sit inside your folder example.
Explain sign in
Write this: Sign in means prove this account is mine, usually with an email and password.
HintSigning in is not the same as installing. Installing puts the app on the device. Signing in opens your account. You are done when you can say the difference between installing and signing in.
Make a two-column glossary. Left column: the computer word. Right column: what it means in plain words.
A personal glossary of basic computer words.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mixing up a browser and a website.
- Thinking download and install mean the same thing.
- Forgetting that a folder is a container, not a single document.
- Sharing a password when a screen asks you to sign in.
Key terms
- Browser
- An app used to open websites.
- Website
- A place on the internet that opens in a browser.
- App
- A program you open to do a job, on a computer or phone.
- Account
- Your sign-in identity for a service, usually an email and password.
- File
- One saved item on your device, like a photo or a document.
- Folder
- A container that holds files, like Documents.
- Download
- Copy something from the internet to your device.
- Install
- Set up an app so it can run on your device.
- Sign in
- Prove an account is yours, often with email and password.
Resources
Checkpoint