Definitions and Explanations of Common Computing Terms G & H
The Letter G
Gateway
A hardware or software tool that converts between two dissimilar applications. For example, an email gateway may convert between SMTP and MHS. A gateway on a network can convert between two dissimilar networks. Sometimes used as a term for “router”, as in the term “Default Gateway”, used to refer to the router that provides Internet access to your computer.
Gigabyte
A unit of storage equal to 1,073,741,824 bytes.
GUI - Graphical User Interface
A program interface that allows the user to use commands and functions by viewing and pointing at a graphical icon.
The Letter H
Hard Disk
High-capacity disk storage unit with a non-removable hard storage medium. The platters in a hard disk are normally made out of aluminum or glass and ceramic.
Hardware
Physical components that make up an electronic device.
Heat Sink
A mass of metal, usually copper or aluminum, that is attached to a chip and used to dissipate heat. Heat sinks try to achieve maximum surface area to dissipate heat faster, and are usually complimented by fans.
Hexadecimal Number
A number encoded in base-16. Includes the letters A-F and 0-9. For example, the hex number 8BF3 equals 35,827 in Base-10. Base-10 is the number system we are familiar with.
Hidden File
A file that is not displayed in a directory listing because the files attribute byte is set to hide its presence.
HTML - Hypertext Markup Language
A language used to format text files on the web. HTML is based on pairs of tags that are inserted into the text and translate into text formatting, tables, graphics, links, and other common web functions.
HTTP - Hypertext Transfer Protocol
The protocol that dictates the methods browsers and servers use to communicate over the Internet. HTTP allows a web browser to request HTML documents from a Web server.
Hypertext
The technology that allows easy navigation between and within large documents. Provides links that act as pointers to other parts of the document, other documents, FTP files, images, and sounds.
Hz
Abbreviation for Hertz. A measurement for frequency that is used internationally, and indicates one cycle per second.
This post is part of the series: Computer and Network Hardware Glossary of Common Terms
Complete glossary of terms and definitions for common computer and network hardware. Learn the meanings of things relevant to your life as a computer user or professional.
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms: Numbers and Symbols
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letter A
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letter B
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letter C
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letter D
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letters E & F
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letters G & H
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letter I
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letters J, K, and L
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letter M
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letters N & O
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letter P
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letters Q & R
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letter S
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letters T & U
- Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms - The Letters V, W, & Z