Glossary

Last updated: 2024, Fri May 31st at 08:30 CDT

A #

Appimage

A self-contained executable that can be downloaded and made executable by making AppImage executable and running it, but it requires more management with upgrades and permissions

ARM

Advanced RISC Machines, these RISC processors are used in cellphones, tablets, some laptops, and more

ASCII art

A graphic design technique that consists of images assembled from ASCII Standard characters and ASCII-compliant character sets. The term can also refer to text-based visual art as a whole.

AUR

Arch user repository is a repository that is driven by volunteers for people who use Arch-based Linux distributions. The AUR simplifies the process of compiling packages from source for users.

B #

C #

CLI

Command Line Interfaces require the input of text lines called commands, typically within a terminal. Using this method, a CLI can interact with a computer.

D #

Direct serial connection

Is a way to directly connecting one PC to another though a serial port.

E #

environments

Is the way that the user/s interact with the computer, this can be desktop, tty, or a window manager.

EoL

End of Life, which occurs to hardware and software, is the stage of a product in when it becomes unsupported.

F #

file manager

A software application that allows you to organize, view, and manipulate files and folders on your computer.

fixed release

Versions are released on a schedule, packages are generally frozen at the release version.

Flatpak

A package that can be used universally, is self-contained, secure, and sandboxed, but may have a larger size as a result

G #

GUI

graphical user interfaces, which uses visual elements like buttons and menus to interact with a computer.

GTK

Is a graphical widget toolkit that is used to create applications and environments.

H #

I #

IoT

Internet of Things refers to smart devices that connect and exchange data with other devices, such as smart bulbs, smart switches, smartwatches, and smart vehicles

J #

K #

L #

LTS

Long Term Support, an LTS kernel is normally supported for 5-10years.

M #

N #

O #

P #

P-state

Performance state refers to the capability of running a processor at different voltage and frequency levels.

package manager

A tool that simplifies the installation, management, and removal of software packages, which are stored in repositories (also known as repos).

phishing attacks

A fraudulent attempt to deceive individuals into divulging sensitive information or downloading malware.

Q #

QT

Is a graphical widget toolkit that is used to create applications and environments.

R #

RISC

Reduced Instruction Set Computer is a type of microprocessor architecture designed to simplify the individual instructions given to the computer to accomplish tasks.

RISC-V

RISC-“five” is an open standard instruction set architecture based on established RISC principles, without the need for licensing fees.

rolling release

actively updating, has the newest packages

S #

scheduler

A kernel component responsible for managing the execution of processes, ensuring a fair distribution of the CPU time.

semi-rolling release

a staged or slower updated rolling release

Snaps

A self-contained application that emphasizes ease of use, however, it does have a slightly larger package size and has slower startup times

SSH

This ensures secure communication over unsecured networks, allowing for remote login and command-line execution

systemd

A suite of tools for managing both a system and services, primarly during system boot.

T #

Telnet

Although this allows for remote access to a computer, its outdatedness, insecurity, and lack of features make it a better choice to use SSH.

TTY

Short for teletypewriter, TTY specifically refers to a physical or virtual terminal connection. An example of this would be an SSH session running on a TTY.

TUI

Text User Interface, also known as a terminal user interface, is a type of user interface that relies on text characters and is commonly used in command-line applications. They provide an interactive way to interact with software through the terminal.

U #

UI

User Interface is the space where interactions between humans and machines occur. It enables effective operation and control of computer from the user while providing feedback.

V #

W #

X #

Y #

Z #