Jargon Buster

ADSL: ADSL is a technology which allows a fast internet connection over a existing telephone line. The connection is asymmetric which means that the download speed is faster than the upload speed. This is important when viewing web pages as the amount of images and text your PC needs to receive is far greater than the amount of information your PC needs to send.
Adware: Software which installs itself on your PC and results in adverts popping up at random times.
Back Office: These are administrative functions that support but are not directly involved in business operations.
Backup: When additional copies of data are made so that these additional copies (normally known as backup) can be used to restore original data if data loss occurs.
Bandwidth: The measurement of data rate.
Browser: A program used to view websites i.e. Internet Explorer, Firefox or Netscape.
BSOD (Blue Screen of Death): This occurs when Windows crashes because it is unable to recover from a system error to stop any further damage. Some blue screens are more serious than others but they all normally result in a manual restart of the PC.
Bug: A term for a mistake in the design of something, normally a software programme.
CPU (Central Processing Unit): The CPU is the brains of the computer and can sometimes be referred to as the processor. Its job is to perform all the computing calculations and is the most important part of a computer system.
Database: It is a collection of information organised so it can be easily managed and viewed.
Domains: A domain is a sphere of knowledge identified by a name. On the internet a domain consists of network addresses.
File Access: The way files are read and written.
Firewall: A firewall is a system designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network.
IP (Internet Protocol): A numeric address assigned to a computer’s network card allowing it to access internet and network resources. It is sometimes referred as an IP address.
LAN (Local Area Network): A way of linking computers together so that they can access shared resources such as files, internet and e-mail.
Malware: Also known as viruses, trojan horses or worms. They are designed to take control of a PC and either cause damage or use the PC for reasons such has hosting websites for profile purposes.
MS-Exchange: A Microsoft messaging system which includes functions such as mail server, e-mail system and groupware. It is often used along with Microsoft Outlook.
Payment Processing: It is a process whereby card details are entered and are verified and funds are taken from the account.
PC (Personal Computer): A computer design to be used by one user with an operating system installed.
PDA (Personal Digital Assistant): A small battery powered computer designed for use on the move.
Plug and play: A Windows option that allows peripherals such as a printers, to be automatically recognised and set up.
RAM (Random Access Memory): A computer’s main memory which it uses to hold whatever you’re working on. Once the computer is restarted the information in the RAM will be lost. Upgrading a computer’s RAM will normally increase the performance of the PC.
Spyware: A program installed on your PC which collects personal information about the users’ activities. Some can record websites visited and send the results to marketing companies, but some can be more harmful and record credit card numbers.
Terminal Services: Uses RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol), which allows users to connect to either their Windows XP desktop or a dedicated server (Terminal Server). Using this combined with a VPN connection, users can connect to an office network remotely and work with all their work applications.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator): A URL specifies the location for a website e.g. http://www.msn.com.
Virus: It is a programme that copies itself onto a user’s computer without their permission and knowledge. A virus is capable of damaging programmes and deleting files.
VNC (Virtual Network Computing): A protocol used for connecting to a computer and taking control. VNC server transmits the mouse, display and keyboard movements over the network to the VNC viewer.
VPN (Virtual Private Network): Allows the use of the internet to create a secure connection between private networks. Often used by companies to create a link between remote offices or users to connect to a private network over its internet connection.
WAN (Wide Area Network): A way of linking computers at different sites so that they can share information. WAN’s can use phone lines, microwaves, satellites or a mixture of technologies.
WI-FI (Wireless Fidelity): Also known as WLAN, it uses high frequency radio signals to transmit and receive data. It requires a wireless card in a PC or laptop and a wireless transmitter, as known as a wireless access point.
Windows Safe Mode: The diagnostics mode of Windows accessed by pressing F8 during start-up. It disables all processes apart from the bare essentials. This mode is used for troubling shooting Windows.
ZIP – Zone Information Protocol: Method of compressing computer data into one small file so they can be transferred over the internet faster.