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Jargon Buster (or 'Geek Speak' translator) |
3G - The third generation of mobile networks. These allow high connection speeds to be achieved with a laptop and dongle or directly on a suitable mobile phone.
ADSL - (Asymmetrical digital subscriber line) Usually heard when referring to broadband. It is basically a way of sending data in a digital format down a copper wire telephone line.
ADWARE - Software that tracks how you use the web to determine your interests. This information results in targetted advertising.
ANTI-SPYWARE - Software that blocks or removes Spyware and Adware.
ANTI-VIRUS - Software that scans for viruses and removes them or blocks them from your computer.
BROWSER - The software that allows you to view web pages.
DESKTOP - The main screen you see when you are logged on to your computer, before you have started any programs. Often a personal computer (PC) is referred to as a 'DESKTOP machine'.
DRIVER - Software that allows pieces of hardware to communicate with each other.
DOWNLOAD - To transfer data from another computer - usually on the internet - to your own computer.
FIREWALL - Hardware or software that blocks unwanted communication from, and often to, the internet .
FIREWIRE - A standard computer connection that allows high speed data transfer. Ideal for transferring video footage and other large files.
GIGABYTES (GB) - also shorted to just GIGS, this is a measurement of data storage capacity. Eight bits make up a byte. 1024 bytes make a kilobyte (kb), also shortened to just K. 1024 kilobytes make a megabyte (MB), also shortened to just MEGS. 1024 megabytes make up a gigabyte.
GIGAHERTZ (GHZ) - tends to only be shortened to GIG if used in the context of processing speed (ie. a 3 GIG processor)
ISP - (Internet Service Provider) This is the company that provides your access to the internet and often hosts your email solution.
MALWARE - (or MALicious softWARE) is a generic term for a program that is harmful to your computer.
MBPS - (Megabits per second) often shown Mbps, is a measure of the speed of data transfer. This is often used when discussing the speed of broadband. Note the spelling and use in conjunction with the info provided above when trying to work out download times. (A fully functioning 10Mbps broadband connection will allow you to download at approximately 1 MB per second).
MODEM - A device that encodes and routes data to and from your PC and the internet. Both Broadband and dial-up modems will perform this task. However, a dial-up modem can be used for analogue telephony too.
MONITOR - This is term used for your computer screen. It has nothing to do with watching what you're doing!
MICROFILTER - A device that attaches to your telephone socket and splits the line to enable you to make voice calls and use broadband at the same time via ADSL.
NETWORK - A number of computers connected together using either wires or wireless (radio) technology.
OPERATING SYSTEM - (OS) This is the software that manages your Personal Computer (PC).
PAY-PER-CLICK - A form of keyword bidding system run by some Search Engines. You start an online marketing campaign for your business or products and set a daily budget to spend. You then set an amount you are prepared to spend everytime your advert is clicked upon to send the clickee to your website.
PORT - A computer socket to which you connect external devices.
PHISHING - An online scam where, in order to trick you into giving up valuable information (credit card details, online banking passwords etc.), a web page masquerades as an official trustworthy site. Phishing emails may also ask you give all your personal details (no passwords or credit card numbers) in order to masquerade as you. This is one form of identity theft.
POP-UP - A window that, seemingly, appears out of nowhere on your DESKTOP. These pop-ups can be useful prompts for what to do next or they can be annoying and potentially dangerous websites or executables.
PC - Personal Computer. Also known as a desktop, a laptop, a notebook or a netbook - PCs come in many guises for different uses.
RAM - (Random Access Memory) this is your computers memory. Consider it the hot-desk or temporary storage area for your data whilst being processed. This should not be confused with Hard Drive permanent data storage.
ROUTER - As the name suggests, this device routes data between computers and other devices. Routers often have built in ADSL modems, which not only connects local computers, but connects the computers to the internet too.
SEO - (Search Engine Optimisation) tips and tricks to ensure your website is found easier and ranked higher on the Serach Engines.
SEM - (Search Engine Marketing) the process of marketing your business or product via a pay-per-click campaign.
SME - (Small to Medium Enterprises) just small to medium sized businesses.
SOHO - (Small Office Home Office) a generic term for offices at home. Business start-ups from home or teleworking.
SPAM - Unsolicited (junk) email.
SPYWARE - Software that tracks your behaviour and sends details to a third party.
TROJAN - A virus that disguises itself as an innocent (often useful) program to entice people to install it. Once installed it opens up virtual back-doors on your PC and allows third parties to gain remote access.
USB - (Universal Serial Bus) These can't take you to the shops, but it can allow you to easily connect peripherals such as printers, memory sticks, cameras etc.
UPLOAD - To transfer data
from your own computer to another computer - usually on the internet.
VIRUS - A malevolent program that spreads from computer to computer within another program or file.
VOIP - (Voice over Internet Protocol) means quite literally 'talking' over the internet.
WEBMAIL - This is merely a term for email that is accessed through a web browser.
WORM - Like a virus, but their method of infection is different. A worm can spread via the internet and doesn't even need email.
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