A Guide to Technology and IT Terms in Turkish

Basic IT and Hardware Terms

• İşletim Sistemi (Operating System – OS): The main software that manages computer hardware and allows other software to run (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux).
• Merkezi İşlem Birimi (Central Processing Unit – CPU): The main component of a computer, known as its “brain,” that performs all logical and mathematical operations.
• Grafik İşlem Birimi (Graphics Processing Unit – GPU): A specialized processor responsible for creating and rendering images for display on a screen. It is especially important for gaming and graphic design.
• Rastgele Erişimli Bellek (Random Access Memory – RAM): High-speed memory that temporarily stores information the computer is actively using. More RAM allows a computer to handle more tasks simultaneously and faster.
• Depolama (Storage): Units where data is stored permanently. Examples include Katı Hal Sürücüleri (Solid State Drives – SSD) and Sabit Disk Sürücüleri (Hard Disk Drives – HDD).

Software and Development Terms

• Algoritma (Algorithm): A sequential set of steps or rules to be followed to solve a problem or accomplish a specific task.
• Uygulama (Application – App): A software program designed to perform a specific task (e.g., a mobile game, a text editor).
• Yapay Zeka (Artificial Intelligence – AI): Technology that enables machines to learn from experience, adapt to new inputs, and perform human-like tasks.
• Bulut Bilişim (Cloud Computing): The delivery of services like data storage and software over the internet from remote servers, rather than storing them on your own device.

Network and Security Terms

• Bant Genişliği (Bandwidth): The maximum amount of data that can be transferred over a network in a given amount of time.
• Güvenlik Duvarı (Firewall): A security system that protects a computer network from unauthorized access.
• Oltalama (Phishing): An attempt to steal personal information (passwords, credit card details) by tricking users with fraudulent emails or websites.
• Nesnelerin İnterneti (Internet of Things – IoT): A network of physical devices connected to the internet that can “talk” to each other (e.g., smart home appliances, wearable technologies).