Glossary 📚
Simple meanings (no jargon)
Hover any underlined word across the site for quick hints. This page is the full list.
| Term | Simple meaning |
|---|---|
| Firmware | Startup code stored on the motherboard that runs first. |
| BIOS | Older firmware system used to start computers. |
| UEFI | Modern firmware system that replaces legacy BIOS. |
| TPM | A secure chip that stores secrets (keys) and helps trust the boot process. |
| Boot loader | A small program that loads the kernel and starts the OS. |
| Kernel | The core manager that controls CPU, memory, devices, and processes. |
| Driver | A helper that lets software talk to hardware (disk, Wi-Fi, keyboard). |
| Process | A running program (like a browser) or a background service. |
| Encryption key | A secret value used to lock/unlock encrypted data. |
| Secure Boot | A feature that checks boot files are trusted before running them. |