#Computer Terms

[sweet7simple]

Terms and definitions that you can maybe apply to your fan works

I don't know anything about computer or mechanical engineering (it's very funny to me that I am in the Transformers fandom and I don't even care about cars), but I do care about improving my writing. I have gathered a list of terms that sound very sciencey and applicable to mechs, some from Martha Wells's "Murderbot Diaries," some from fanfiction/fandom (shout-out to the Crime in Crystals series by Aard_Rinn and Baebeyza, they wrote Transformers better than any Transformers comic/TV show did), and a lot from just surfing through Google and going, "well, what the hell is this? Okay, but what the hell is THAT?".

Also, as I was writing this post, I ended up getting sucked into this article:

And this really bloated my already long list of terms. Very easy to read if you want to glance it over yourself.

It's not an exhaustive list and who knows if it will be useful to you - but maybe you can reblog with your own add-ons of terms and definitions you think make a Transformers fan work just that much better.

The list is below the cut:

100% CPU Load - CPU is fully occupied with too many processors/applications/drivers/operations - not necessarily synonymous with an overload.

Actuators* - A device that causes a machine or other device to operate (Ex: a computerized unit instructs the actuator how to move the tires on a vehicle); create linear and rotary movement (Ex: A hydraulic actuator on a valve will move that valve in response to a sensor/signal); Linear actuators "move a piston back and forth inside a cylinder to build pressure and 'actuate', or complete an action".

* Think of actuators as devices that help produce linear motion and motors as devices that help produce rotational movement. Hence, some consider actuators as a type of motor. But a motor is not a type of actuator (jhfoster.com).

Alternator - Converts mechanical energy to electrical energy with an alternating current. The stator and rotor inside the alternator work as magnets and rotate to generate the alternating current. Then the alternating current (AC) is transformed into a direct current (DC) that charges the battery.

Archive (Archive files) - used to collect multiple data files together into a single file for easier portability and storage, or simply to compress files to use less storage space.

Arithmetic Log Unit (ALU) - the part of a central processing unit that carries out arithmetic and logic operations on the operands in computer instruction words. In some processors, the ALU is divided into two units: an arithmetic unit (AU) and a logic unit (LU).

Augment - Make something greater; increase.

Auxiliary Battery - Designed to run as a backup to the starting battery and provide power to some essential equipment like engine start/stop and other systems that require power while the engine is off to put less strain on the main battery and alternator.

Bandwidth - A measurement indicating the maximum capacity of a wired or wireless communications link to transmit data over a network connection in a given amount of time.

Behavioral Coding - A term used in Martha Wells' Murderbot Diaries; essential, code for behaviors.

Branch Instructions - Use programming elements like if-statements, for-loops, and return-statements; used to interrupt the program execution and switch to a different part of the code.

Branch Predictors - Track the status of previous branches to learn whether or not an upcoming branch is likely to be taken or not.

Buffer - A region of memory used to store data temporarily while it is being moved from one place to another.

Cathodes vs Anodes - Cathodes are the positive electrode while the anode is the negative electrode; electrons flow from the anode to the cathode and this creates the flow of electric charge in a battery or electrochemical cell.

Catastrophic Failure - Complete, sudden and unexpected breakdown in a machine, indicating improper maintenance.

Central Processing Unit (CPU) - Primary component of a computer that acts as its "control center"; complex set of circuitry that runs the machine's operating systems and apps; the brains of the computer. * Components: Instruction Set Architecture (ISA), Control Unit (CU), Datapath, Instruction Cycle, Registers, Combinational Logic, the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), etc...

Clock - Determines how many instructions a CPU can process per second; increasing its frequency through overclocking will make instructions run faster, but will increase power consumption and heat output.

Combustion Chambers - An enclosed space in which combustion takes place, such as an engine; jet engines also have combustion chambers.

Condition Codes - Extra bits kept by a processor that summarize the results of an operation and that affect the execution of later instructions.

Control Bus - Manages the communication between the computer's CPU and its other components.

Control Unit (CU) - Manages the execution of instructions and coordinates data flow within the CPU and between other computer components.

Cybermetal - Element native to Cybertron and Cybertron alone.

Datapath - The path where data flows as it is processed; receives input, processes it, and sends it out to the right place when done processing; datapaths are told how to operate by the CU; depending on instructions, a datapath can route signals to different components, turn on and off different parts of itself, and monitor the state of the CPU.

Diagnostic and Data Repair Sequence - Term used in Martha Wells' Murderbot Diaries; exactly what it sounds like.

Diode - A semiconductor device with two terminals (a cathode and an anode), typically allowing the flow of current in one direction only.

Discrete Circuit vs Integrated Circuit- Single device with a single function (ex: Transistor, diode) vs Devices with multiple functional elements on one chip (ex: Memories, microprocessor IC and Logic IC).

Drivers - A set of files that help software (digital components, such as Microsoft Office) interface/work with hardware (physical components, such as a keyboard); allows an operating system and a device to communicate.

Electromagnetic (EM) Field - A combination of invisible electric and magnetic fields of force; used in fandom by mechs to broadcast emotions to others.

Flags - A value that acts as a signal for a function or process. The value of the flag is used to determine the next step of a program; flags are often binary flags which contain a boolean value (true or false).

Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) - Consists of an electronic control unit (ECU) and related accessors that control aircraft engine performances.

Gestation Tank - Used in mech pregnancies, you can pry it from my cold, dead hands.

Heads Up Display (HUD) - A part of the user interface that visually conveys information to the player during gameplay.

Heat Spreader - Often used in computer processors to prevent them from overheating during operation; transfers energy as heat from a hotter source to a colder heat sink or heat exchanger.

HUB - A device that connects multiple computers and devices to a local area network (LAN).

Inductive Charging - How I imagine berths work; wireless power transfer (ex: Wireless charger or charging pad used for phones).

Instruction Cycle - Also known as fetch-decode-execute cycle; basic operation performed by a CPU to execute an instruction; consists of several steps, each of which performs a specific function in the execution of the instruction.

Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) - The figurative blueprint for how the CPU operates and how all the internal systems interact with each other (I think of it like a blueprint for the brain).

Irising - Term used in fanfiction (specifically the Crime in Crystals series) to describe the action of the of the spark chamber opening ("The Talk", chapter 6, my absolute favorite chapter out of the entire series). I just really liked how the word sounded in that context.

Life Codes - "For those of us who were forged, Primus, through Vector Sigma, generated a pulse wave. Each one a data-saturated life code faster than thought, brighter than light, racing across Cybertron, sowing sparks..." (~Tyrest/Solomus, Volume 5 of More Than Meets the Eye)

Memory Hierarchy - Represents the relationship between caches, RAM, and main storage; when a CPU receives a memory instruction for a piece of data that it doesn't yet have locally in its registers, it will go down the memory hierarchy until it finds it.

Levels: L1 cache (usually smallest and fastest), L2 cache, L3 cache, RAM, and then main storage (usually biggest and slowest); available space and latency (delay) increase from one level to the next

Depending on the multi-core (a core is usually synonymous with a CPU) system, each core will have its own private L1 cache, share an L2 with one other core, and share an L3 with more or more cores.

Motors* - Any power unit that generates motion; electric motors work by converting electrical energy into mechanical energy... when this happens within a magnetic field, a force is generated which causes shaft rotation.

Multitasking Operating System - Allows users to run multiple programs and tasks almost simultaneously without losing data; manage system resources (such as computer memory and input/output devices), allocate resources, enable multiple users, and eliminate long wait times for program execution.

Network - A set of computers sharing resources located on or provided by network nodes. Computers use common communication protocols over digital interconnections to communicate with each other.

Network Feed - The continuously updating stream of content that users encounter on networking platforms.

Neural Network - A type of machine learning process that uses interconnected nodes (like neurons) to teach computers to process data in a way similar to the human brain; a form of deep learning that can help computers learn from their mistakes and improve their time.

Nimbus - A luminous cloud or a halo surrounding a supernatural being or a saint; has been used in fanfiction synonymously or in junction with the corona of the spark.

Nodes - A connection point between devices that allows data to be sent and received between them.

Oil Sump/Oil Pan - Don't forget to change your mech's oil.

Out-Of-Order Execution - A paradigm used to minimize downtime while waiting for other instructions to finish; allows a CPU to choose the most timely instructions to execute out of an instruction queue.

Overload - Orgasm; an electrical overload occurs when too much electricity passes through a circuit, exceeding its capacity; an information overload is when a system receives more input than it can process, or a state of being overwhelmed by the amount of data presented for processing.

Pedes - Feet

Pipelining - A technique used in computer architecture that allows a processor to execute multiple instructions simultaneously, improving overall performance.

Processing Capacity - The ability and speed of a processor, and how many operations it can carry out in a given amount of time.

Program Counter - A special register in a computer processor that contains the memory address (location) of the next program instruction to be executed.

Programmable Nanobots/Nanites - Cybertronian microbots programmed to do work at the molecular level; used popularly for surface healing and pigment in mechs.

Protected Storage - Provides applications with an interface to store user data that must be kept secure or free from modification; a storage method; a function in mainframe hardware.

Protoform - Formed of an ultra-dense liquid metal and are extremely hard to damage; the most basic Cybertronian form of raw, free-flowing living metal; first stage of Cybertronian life cycle

To create a Cybertronian, you need the protoform, the life-giving spark, and alt-form information.

Register - A type of computer memory built directly into the processor or CPU that is used to store and manipulate data during the execution of instructions.

Ex: "When you run a .exe on Windows... the code for that program is moved into memory and the CPU is told what address the first instruction starts at. The CPU always maintains an internal register that holds the memory location of the next instruction to be executed [the Program Counter]"...

Resource Allocations - The process of identifying and assigning available resources to a task or project to support objectives.

Risk Assessment - Focus on identifying the threats facing your information systems, networks, and data and assessing the potential consequences should these adverse events occur.

Routine - A component of a software application that performs a specific task (ex: Saving a file).

Servomechanism - A powered mechanism producing motion or force at a higher level of energy than the input level (ex: In the brakes and steering of large motor vehicles) especially where feedback is employed to make the control automatic.

Servos - Hands

Shellcode - A small piece of executable code used as a payload, built to exploit vulnerabilities in a system or carry out malicious commands. The name comes from the fact that the shellcode usually starts a command shell which allows the attacker to control the compromised machine.

Semiconductor - A material used in electrical circuits and components that partially conduct electricity.

Semiconductor materials include silicon, germanium, and selenium.

Struts - Bones; A rod or bar forming part of a framework and designed to resist compression.

System/System Unit (in computers) - A setup that consists of both hardware and software components organized to perform complex operations/The core of your computer where all the processing happens.

Task Specific Accelerator - Circuits designed to perform one small task as fast as possible (ex: Encription, media encoding & machine learning).

Teek - Used in Transformers fandom in conjunction with EM Fields; when a mech "teeks" another mech's field, they are feeling the emotions that mech is broadcasting.

Transistor - Enables a computer to follow instructions to calculate, compare and copy data.

Universal Serial Bus (USB) - A standard plug-and-play interface that allows computers and peripheral devices to connect with each other, transfer data, and share a power source; allows data exchange and delivery of power between many types of electronics; plug-and-play interface is also a type of sexual activity used in fandom.

Warren - Used to refer to a group of minibots with their own social hierarchy and culture (Seriously, read the Crime in Crystals series, it's better than canon).

[somepeoplethinkimadyke]

Cause like neither sound 100% correct like

I have two computer mice vs I have two computer mouses

both feel weird and i wanna know if anyone else has other thoughts

[lordenchilada]

I just realized I haven't heard anyone say the words "boot-up" or "booting-up" in a while when referring to turning on their computers.

[prokopetz]

People getting mad about Firefox switching to using hardware acceleration for video playback because they think "hardware acceleration" is a form of DRM is basically the browser equivalent of people freaking out because some random social media platform's terms of service says they own your posts, then when you read what the ToS in question actually says it's literally just "you grant us the right to show your posts to other people".

[2000ghosts]

september 24, 2008

[aq2003]

[theshitpostcalligrapher]

okay so i used this term talking to all the best buy staff who helped me unfuck my tower pc, and they all immediately twigged to it even though they'd never heard it used as such, but I'm wondering if there's an actual term for warning-sign-errors-via-specific-programs-that-die-that-signify-a-deeper-issue-with-your-PC that I don't know about

Because the term I used for these is "canaries"

(I'm reading the dungeon meshi 86.1 extras and apparently Kui was drawing from the same canaries-in-the-coalmine train of thought I was)

[horny-fag-guts]

Me: I'm not THAT objectum

Also me: we need to program computers to moan. To beg, to pant and plead and whine and whimper. We need to make them stretch their flat robotic voices out so they can make sounds of pleasure. Of desperation. I want them to cry out at my touch when I brush over their sensitive areas. I need to hear them

[lunarharp]

i don't want a goodbye kiss

[coalballbaby]

does anybody else think about how the aequitas computer is kind of springer’s sibling. “sibling” with heavy heavy heavy quotations because the concept of family we know of is completely arbitrary with tfs and I really don’t like using it often in fact I regret it

[rigelmejo]

Hi friends. I am begging you. If you are learning Chinese. Learn how to search the name-in-Chinese and then some of these terms online:

"show" dianshiju 电视剧

"watch" kan 看

"novel" xiaoshuo 小说

"read" yuedu 阅读

"online" zaixian 在线

"free" mianfei 免费

"sub" zimu 字幕

"comic" manhua 漫画

"animation" donghua 动画

"audiobook" yousheng duwu 有声读物

"audio book" yousheng shu 有声书

"dub" 配音 (Specifically for Chinese dubs: 国语, 台配, 普通话)

There's MANY Chinese websites, just as many pirating sites as in English. If you can search for what you want to find in Chinese, it is ridiculously easy to find it. You can find whatever you want (mostly), if you just search in Chinese! Just search Google, or Duckduckgo, or searx.space search engine of choice! And yes, I've brought this up before. I've mentioned these search terms in other posts. They're useful!

[modpollyblog]

chimera has posted a pride image of his fursona. i am going to identify the terms like i did with his meteorcare/clovercare pride images because the full extent of how gross it is that someone identifies this way and is proud of it is indescribable. image and terms will be under the cut in case anyone doesn't want to see it.

loligender - underage/prepubescent girl character gender (flag by his fiance, Loki)

intoxiphilia - intoxication fetish

hyperromantic - unwanted and/or excessive feelings of romantic attraction

agefluid - a transage term for someone whose internal age changes over time (the specific flag he chose for this is not a radqueer/transage term! he stole a did/osdd system flag!)

masochism - being hurt/pain fetish

hemaetophilia - blood fetish

fictomap (fictional pedophilia) - attraction to fictional children/child characters in media

automap (autopedophile) - fetish for imagining yourself as a child being abused by a pedophile

autozoo (autozoophile) - fetish for imagining yourself as an animal being abused by a zoophile

hypersexual - unwanted and/or excessive feelings of sexual attraction/arousal

faggot - reclamation of a slur usually aimed at feminine gay men

genderfluid - a gender identity that changes over time

pomogender - a gender that doesn't want to be labeled/cannot fit any existing labels

xenogender - a gender spectrum that goes beyond the normal human understanding of gender (concepts, animals, plants, etc.)

pup play - i can't sum puppy play up into one sentence. here's the wikipedia page for it if you're interested. it is generally a kink/bdsm/leather thing, but not always. important to note that it is not bestiality/zoophilia.

apprentipawage - a transage label made by his fiance (Loki) where your age relates to being a kitten from warrior cats

fictophilia - attraction to fictional characters

transmasc - transmasculine

incestophilia - attraction to incest

kindivergent - a label made by Kittycorn, attraction to found family members

pupgender - a gender related to puppies and/or dogs

shotagender - underage/prepubescent boy character gender (flag by his fiance, Loki)

somnophilia - sleep fetish

vore - vore fetish. i'm not defining vore i don't care

transage - an identity where your internal (intra) age doesn't match your real/chronological (chrono) age. transage is heavily used by radqueers/transid/maps (pedophiles), while the term chronosian is generally used by did/osdd system members, people who are neurodivergent, or people with trauma/brain damage.

kodocon - attraction to underage/prepubescent characters of all genders (girls/loli, boys/shota, nonbinary/crona/nana)

aegosexual - an identity where there is a disconnect between yourself and arousal. usually the person likes the idea of sex, but doesn't want to participate.

pansexual - attraction to people regardless of gender

[2000ghosts]

march 13, 2007

[rad-roche]

as somebody who doesn't grok with a lot of art youtube i really enjoyed this video, especially as somebody who has this as a hobby (making pictures in increasingly bewildering art formats). very funny and wry

shoutout to when her cat appears and the whole thing grinds to a halt for a few seconds

[umbreoncomplex]

YAAIVIRUS: a gender based around the YourAreAnIdiot virus/Trojan

LOVEWORM: a gender based around the ILOVEYOU computer worm

@radiomogai

[the-silent-fellowship]

Computer, Android, AI Extranthrope

[PT: Computer, Android, AI Extranthrope]

A Nonhuman/Extranthrope system member who is a Computer (Android/AI)

[Computer ID: in Alt text]

[Android ID: in Alt text]

[AI ID: in Alt text]

[Tags] @system-term-archive, @pluralitywords, @pluralterms, @radiomogai, @plurchive, @kin-flags