protocol

/ˈpɹəʊtəˌkɒl/noun

An agreed set of rules for sending and receiving data, especially between computers on a network.

Example sentence

“The two devices could not connect because they used different protocols.”

Beyond computing it covers diplomatic etiquette and medical procedure: to 'follow protocol' is to do things the officially correct way.

Related words

firmwareSoftware stored permanently inside a device that controls its basic hardware functions.domainAn area of activity, knowledge, or influence that belongs to a person or group.malwareComputer programs created to do harm or act against the user's wishes.hyperlinkA piece of text or an image on a screen that you can click to open another page or start an action.spywareSoftware that secretly watches what someone does on a computer and passes the information on to others.bookmarkA thin piece of paper, fabric, or other material placed between pages to keep your spot in a book.