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Technical Jargon Glossary from HBP Group Plc Computer Networking Solutions

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Sizes

A

  • ActiveX :
    A Microsoft application that lets you view certain multimedia content in a web Browser.
  • ADSL :
    Stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. This is a method for achieving a broadband connection to the internet using the humble telephone line. There are also many other methods for achieving a broadband connection, including cable, satellite and wireless technology. Also see SDSL.
  • Adware :
    Fed up with seeing all those pop-up adverts and banners? If the answer is yes, you probably have adware on your computer. Adware is software that is automatically downloaded and installed on your computer when visiting certain websites, or can be hidden in other files you may have downloaded. Adware can affect the performance and the reliability of your computer. Sometimes these programs report back on your internet browsing preferences and even which letters you enter on your keyboard. If this happens, the Adware becomes Spyware.
  • Anti-virus :
    Software to protect your computer from Viruses. Antivirus software is usually sold on a subscription basis, as it needs to be constantly updated to deal with new the viruses that are being written all the time.
  • Applet :
    A small application, usually refers to Java Applet.
  • ASCII :
    Stands for American Standard Code for Information Interchange, and is a standard system for representing letters and symbols.
  • Attachment :
    Any kind of file sent with an email is an attachment, such as a photo, document or even a program.
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B

  • Back Door :
    A means of accessing a computer which bypasses the normal access control system. This method can be attained through a Trojan Horse to give a Hacker access and control to the computer.
  • Back-up :
    A Back-up is a copy of your files. Basically, if anything critical happened to your computer, a back-up can rescue the file back to the date and time the backup was taken. How important is it to backup? Extremely! It is not just in the event of technical problems (such as hard drive failure) that you may need to rely on a backup. Other factors could be fire, flood or theft.
  • Bayesian Filtering :
    A method that some mail filters use to determine if an email is spam or not. It is a statistical approach that uses the Bayesian probability theory.
  • BIOS :
    Stands for Basic Input / Output System. This is a fundamental part of any computer that links with your Operating System. The BIOS 'talks' to your computer, telling them which drives are available and the location of them, and also holds all the date and time settings of your computer.
  • Blackhole List :
    A published list of email addresses known to be sources of spam. Beneficial to companies to automatically block these addresses in their mail systems. See also Real-Time Blackhole List.
  • Blacklist :
    A list of email addresses and domains that no email will be accepted from.
  • Bluetooth :
    Bluetooth is a method of wireless connection for devices in close proximity. Bluetooth operates on a short range radio signal which carries data from one source to another. Many modern mobile phones have Bluetooth as a feature, aswell as laptops and digital cameras. A fantastic way of cutting down on lots of cables, however large files such as music or movie clips would transfer faster on a cable connection.
  • BMP :
    A file with the suffix .bmp is a picture. Bmp is an abbreviation of Bitmap, and is used by Windows. It is the only file that actually increases in file size when compressed, making it a bit awkward to store and display. It is still widely used though. See also JPG and GIF.
  • Boot Sector :
    This is a part of any computer. The boot sector is read in to the memory from the hard disc when the computer is first switched on, and in turn loads the rest of the Operating System.
  • Boot Sector Virus :
    A type of Virus that affects the Boot Sector, often causing the computer to not load the Operating System.
  • Booting :
    The process of loading the Operating System when the computer is switched on.
  • Broadband :
    Broadband is a type of internet connection that is or exceeds 512kb per second.
  • Browser :
    A Browser is a program that allows you to visit pages on the internet. The browser interprets the code on a webpage and displays the images and text as they are meant to be seen. The commonest browser is Microsoft Internet Explorer, although other browsers include Firefox, Opera, Netscape and Avant.
  • Bug :
    A Bug is a problem (usually) with a program on your computer. The term is rumoured to be named after a moth that flew into the Harvard University Mark II Aiken Relay Calculator - an early computer - causing it to crash. The deceased moth was taped in to the error log book, and so the computer bug was born. However, the term had been used earlier in World War 2 to describe problems with early radar.
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C

  • Cache :
    A Cache is a temporary storage area for frequently used or recent data. An example of your computer using its Cache is on a website. The first time you visit a site, the computer will store it in its Cache, so when the next time you go to this website, the Browser will display the site from the Cache. This saves time as it means you do'nt need to download the page content again to view it.
  • CD-ROM :
    Stands for Compact Disc - Read Only Memory. Most software is supplied on CD-ROMS. The data stored can be read, but not changed.
  • CD-R :
    Stands for Compact Disc - Recordable. A CD-R will allow you to record something on to it only once. Once a CD-R has been recorded on to, it becomes a CD-ROM.
  • CD-RW :
    Stands for Compact Disc - Re-Writable. A CD that can be recorded on to time and time again. As it is re-usable, these usually cost a little more than CD-Rs.
  • CGI :
    Stands for Common Gateway Interface. This is a way in which a Server can run Programs or scripts and output to a user's web Browser.
  • Checksum :
    A value calculated from pieces of data that can be used to verify the data has not been altered.
  • Client :
    A client is a computer or a Program that is connected to a file Server. The client is able to download and run software held on the server.
  • CMYK:
    CMYK is a term associated with printers. CMKY stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Keystone Black - which are the four standard colours used by most printers. The printer sprays different amounts of these colours on to the page being printed in the right volume to make nearly any colour imaginable.
  • Companion Virus :
    A virus that exploits the fact that when an operating system has 2 files of the same name in a directory, it uses the file extension to decide which to run, for example, computers running DOS will choose filename.com over filename.exe . A companion virus would write itself in to a .com file, and give itself the name of an existing .exe.
  • Complex Dictionary Checking :
    A way in which anti-spam software works. Complex Dictionary Checking not only finds words often used in spam, it can also distinguish words made up of numbers and special characters, $uch as th1s.
  • Cookie :
    A Cookie is a small data file stored on your computer by certain websites. Cookies store your preferences for that particular site, which makes thing a lot faster when revisiting, for example for sites that require you to log in, a cookie will remember your username for next time.
  • CPU :
    Central Processing Unit, also known as the processor. Essentially your computers brain. CPU manufacturers include AMD and Intel.
  • CRM :
    Stands for Customer Relationship Management. This software allows you to organise all the details you may have about clients and business contacts, and share the information with your colleagues.
  • CRT :
    A type of Monitor. CRT stands for Cathode-Ray Tube, and looks like the traditional monitor associated with computers. Inside the monitor there is a heated vacuum tube that contains electrons that are directed into a beam, which produces light. With modern advances with LCD and Plasma Screens, CRT monitors are likely to be phased out.
  • CSV :
    Stands for Comma Separated Values. This is type of file format in which entries in the file (such as in a spreadsheet) are separated by commas. This file format does no support macros however, so that it cannot spread macro viruses.
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D

  • DAT :
    Stands for Digital Audio Tape, and is mostly used as a Back-up storage device. There are currently 5 different size of DAT, ranging from 2/4GB up to 35/72GB. The sizes include 2 numbers, this shows how much information you can get on to the DAT uncompressed, and the second number is the amount it can store compressed. DAT's are fairly common, but are steadily being replaced by the higher capacity and speed DLT Drive.
  • Denial of Service attack :
    An attempt to shut down web servers and email systems by bombarding them with excessive messages or attachments.
  • Dial-up :
    Dial-up is the first method for connecting to the internet. Dial-up is slow and unreliable, and is being driven out by the much faster method of Broadband.
  • Dictionary attack :
    A Program that floods messages to a mail server with alphabetically generated email addresses in an attempt that some of the email addresses will be guessed correctly. This same program can be used to guess passwords.
  • Digital Signature :
    A way of ensuring that a message is from who it says its from, and that the message has not been tampered with in any way.
  • DLT :
    Digital Linear Tape. Used to store Back-ups and are a lot faster than their main rival, the DAT, and can store much more data - more than 160GB if compressed.
  • Domain :
    The web address, such as www.hbpsystems.com, owned by a person or company.
  • DOS :
    Microsoft DOS, or Disc Operating Systems, was the original PC operating system before Windows. the command prompt (C:\> ) is still used for certain applications in Windows, particularly troubleshooting, and software that deals with the workings of the computer.
  • DOS Boot Sector :
    The Boot Sector that loads the DOS into the RAM. This is the part a Boot Sector Virus would attack.
  • Download :
    Transferring information from a Network or the Internet onto a computer, or put simply a download is a file that has been downloaded.
  • Driver :
    A type of Software that communicates between the computer and its Hardware. Sometimes known as a device driver as it controls Peripheral devices such as printers and scanners. Drivers are usually updated often to keep up to date with Operating Systems and generally get the best from the Hardware.
  • DVD :
    Original stood for Digital Video Disc, due to the fact the mainly had films on them, but now known as the Digital Versatile Disc, as they can now be used like CD's to hold a range of different things like software, but can hold a lot more information. DVD Recorders are a feature of many modern computers.
  • DVD-R :
    Digital Versatile Disc - Recordable. Store up to 9.4GB on a single disc. You can only record on to them a single time.
  • DVD-RW :
    Digital Versatile Disc - ReWritable. Store up to 9.4GB on a single disc, but unlike the DVD-R, you can re-record data on to the disc.
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E

  • E-Commerce :
    Electronic Commerce, or the act of buying or selling anything over the Internet.
  • Encrypt :
    A method of keeping transferred data safe. Encryption involves writing data in a code to make it hard to be able to read. Credit Card details are usually encrypted when making purchases over the Internet.
  • EPOS :
    Stands for Electronic Point Of Sale, and is a fully automated and computerised cash till system.
  • Extranet :
    An extension to a company's Intranet, making certain parts of the Intranet available over the Internet.
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F

  • False Positive :
    A report of a Virus or spam has been detected, when really it hasn't.
  • FAST :
    Stands for the Federation Against Software Theft. This organisations aim is to stop Software piracy by ensuring users of particular Software have the correct licenses to do so. They even have the power to raid your business to check Software you use.
  • File Server :
    Often shortened to Server. Servers are at the centre of most Networks, and provide files and other services to computers.
  • Firefox :
    A relatively new web browser from Mozilla.
  • Firewall :
    A firewall protects your computer or Network from Viruses or hackers, essentially crating a 'wall' around your computer to screen it off. A Firewall is essential if you have a Broadband connection.
  • Firewire :
    A port similar to USB, only faster. Used to connect Peripheral devices to your computer. Sometimes known as the IEEE 1394 port.
  • Floppy Disk :
    A removable magnetic disk used for data storage.
  • FTP :
    Stands for File Transfer Protocol. It is the way in which files are transferred to and from a Server. This is a common way for web pages to be uploaded to the internet.
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G

  • Gateway :
    Can used to describe either a computer that handles the transfer of data, eg a mail gateway would process emails coming in to a company, or can also mean a computer that converts data from one protocol to another.
  • Geek :
    Shortened form of Computer Geek. A Geek is someone with a great passion for computers and is often stereotypically socially inept.
  • GIF :
    A form of image file. Stands for Graphics interchange Format. Uses a lot less file size than the BMP format. See also JPG.
  • GPRS :
    Stands for General Packet Radio Service, and allows you to transfer data over mobile 'phone networks. It works by sending data in 'packets' rather than a continuous stream.
  • Greylist :
    Emails from person not on the Blacklist, nor the Whitelist. Emails from senders on the Greylist and can be requested to prove they are sending legitimate email.
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H

  • Hacker :
    A person who intrudes or 'hacks' in to systems they are not supposed to. This is done for a variety of reasons including looking for people's financial details or insider information on a company's dealings. Sometimes people hack just to irritate you. One of the commonest methods of Hacking is through social engineering to learn usernames and passwords you use, or by searching through your household or business waste looking for bank details or other identity documents.
  • Ham :
    Email that is not considered to be spam.
  • Hard Disc :
    Also known as the Hard Drive. This is a computers main storage area that holds your operating systems, programs and documents. All Computers are fitted with one or more Hard Discs.
  • Hardware :
    Any Physical part of your computer, such as the Monitor or CPU.
  • Harvesting :
    A technique used in which the internet is scanned looking for email addresses which are added to spammers mailing lists.
  • Heuristic Scanner :
    An anti-virus program that works by applying general rules about how viruses behave in order to detect them.
  • Hoax :
    An untrue virus warning often communicated by email. Hoaxes can often be more damaging than a genuine virus, as people often follow the instructions in hoaxes telling them to delete critical files needed for the computer to function correctly.
  • Homepage :
    The first page of any website. The first web page that appears when you open your Browser is also known as the Homepage.
  • Homepage Hijacker :
    An online advert or link that when clicked, changes your browser homepage to that of an advertisers website without your permission.
  • Honeypot :
    A trap set up on the internet by a computer system, used to lure and trap spammers and Hackers.
  • HTML :
    Hyper Text markup Language. This is the code in which most web pages are written. The Browser reads the HTML and interprets it as it is meant to be displayed. Tim Berners-Lee is credited with creating the first Browser and web server, then subsequently released the specifications for HTML, HTTP and UDI's, which are now known as URLs.
  • HTTP :
    Stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol, and is the language computers use to display web pages over the internet.
  • HTTP Scanning : The scanning of HTTP traffic to ensure web pages and downloads are virus free.
  • Hub :
    An item of Hardware that allows multiple computers to be linked together to create a Network.
  • Hyperlink :
    A type of Link on a webpage. When clicked it can take you to another part of the page you are on, another part within the website, or to a new webpage.
  • Hypertext :
    Computer readable text which allows extensive Hyperlinks.
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I

  • IDE :
    Stands for Integrated Drive Electronics. It is another name for a certain type of Hard Disc.
  • Install :
    Most programs and Software supplied on Floppy Disc or CD-ROM need to be installed for you to use them. During the Installation, files are copied to the Hard Disc for the program to run correctly and communicate with any Drivers they may require.
  • Internet :
    The World Wide Web. The Internet was born from the ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network) back in the Late 60's and early 70's. The ARPANET was the result of a US Department of Defence experiment to see if a method of communication could still be available in the result of a nuclear war.
  • Intranet :
    A Companys private network. Data stored on an Intranet is not usually visible to anyone outside of the organisation.
  • IP :
    Stands for Internet Protocol. The IP is a language in which computers speak to each other over the Internet.
  • IP Address :
    The Internet Protocol Address. This is a unique number given to each device that connects to the internet, such as computers and Network printers. The IP Address is made up of four numbers, with each of the numbers having a value from 0 to 255, and appears like this 255.255.255.255.
  • ISDN :
    Stands for Integrated Services Digital network. This is a method for connecting to the Internet using 'phone lines, but is faster than standard Dial-up.
  • ISP :
    Stands for Internet Service Provider. A company that provides you with a connection to the Internet. NTL, BT, Wanadoo and Bulldog are all ISPs.
  • IT :
    Stands for Information Technology, and looseley means anything to do with computers.
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J

  • Java :
    An independent programming language the works regardless on the type of the platform, for use on the web. Java programs come as a Java Application or a Java Applet, and was developed by Sun Microsystems.
  • Java Applet :
    A method of creating effects on the web. Applets are run through the users Browser, and cannot make any changes to your system.
  • Java Application :
    A Java Application can be used as any program, and can carry out full functions such as saving files to disk.
  • JPG :
    Or JPEG. Stands for 'Joint Photographic Experts Group' who developed this image file format for compressed 24-bit colour images. See also BMP and GIF.
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K

  • Kernel :
    The very heart of an Operating System is sometimes called a kernel. A kernel can provide programmers with access to certain features of the Operating System.
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L

  • LAN :
    A Local Area Network. Usually a Network within a single building. See also WAN.
  • Laptop :
    A portable computer, sometimes called a notebook computer.
  • Link Virus :
    A Virus that works by changing entries in a directory so they link to the virus code, which allows the virus to run.
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M

  • Macro :
    A small, simple program that performs simple tasks. You can create Macros in Microsoft Excel that automatically calculates data for you.
  • Macro Virus :
    A Virus that works by using Macros within a data file to become active, and to then attach itself to other data files.
  • Mail Bomb :
    A flood of emails sent to the same address in a short period of time in an attempt to overload the system and disable it from all the data it is having to process.
  • Mail Drop :
    An email address set up by a spammer to receive replies to spam sent. by using a Mail Drop, the spammer can delete the account the spam was sent from, therefore avoiding detection.
  • Mail Server :
    The basis of an Email system. A Mail Server receives email messages and distributes them to the relevant person.
  • Malware :
    A shortening of Malicious Software.Tthis is Software that Installs itself on to a system in an attempt to disrupt it. Viruses and Worms are Malware.
  • Master Boot Record :
    Sometimes know as a Partition Sector, this is the most critical part of the startup code. It is the first physical part on a hard disc that is loaded and executed when the computer is booted.
  • Mbps :
    Stands for Megabits per Second, and is a measure of transfer speeds between computers locally and over the Internet.
  • Memory :
    Also known as the RAM. The memory only records what you are currently doing while the computer is switched on, and is lost when the computer is switched off.
  • Memory Resistant Virus :
    A type of Virus that when loaded, stays in the computers Memory even after the host program has been closed, unlike most Viruses that are only active when their host application is run.
  • Modem :
    A Modem is a device that connects a computer to the Internet through 'phone lines. An amalgamation of the words Modulator and Demodulator, which refers to the way this device works but transferring data from digital to audio, then back again.
  • Motherboard :
    The Main circuit board inside a computer to which all the Hardware is fitted.
  • Multipartite Virus :
    A type of virus that affects both the boot sector and the program files.
  • Munging :
    >The name given to the method of disguising email addresses in a code so they cannot be harvested. Recipients are give a key to decode the address.
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N

  • Network :
    A system of connected computers enabling them to share information and resources such as printers and other Hardware. There is usually a main computer or Server at the heart of a Network which is used to administer Network Settings. See also LAN and WAN.
  • Nerd :
    Another name for a Geek. The word was allegedly first coined by the author Dr Seuss in the 1950's childrens book 'If I Ran the Zoo'.
  • Newsgroup :
    An online forum where users can post messages and replies on every topic imaginable.
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O

  • Obfuscation :
    A way in which spammers hide their spam messages so the will not be detected, can also be used to describe Munging.
  • OEM Software :
    Stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer software. This software comes pre-installed on new or refurbished Hardware, and cannot be transferred to another computer.
  • Open Relay :
    An SMTP email server that can allow third party relay of email messages. Spammers may hijack these servers and use them to send spam.
  • Operating System :
    This is the interface a person sees when using a computer, and makes the whole system user-friendly by providing a desktop, taskbar and shortcut icons. Operating Systems include Windows and Mac OS.
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P

  • Palmtop :
    A computer small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. See also PDA.
  • Password :
    A sequence of characters that allows access to a system.
  • Patch :
    A Patch is an Update for a Program with a Bug in it. Patches are usually available from the Software manufacturers website.
  • PC :
    Stands for Personal Computer, and is used to describe a desktop or portable single-user computer.
  • PDA :
    Stands for Personal Digital Assistant, and sometimes known as a Palmtop computer. A PDA is like a scaled down computer that fits in your pocket, and can be used for sending and receiving emails on the move, or even editing Word and Excel documents.
  • PDF :
    Stands for Portable Document Format, and is the file format for the Adobe Acrobat Reader. Documents in a PDF format can be sent or viewed regardless of how the original document was created. This eases the problem of business contacts not using the same Software as you, as they would not be able to view documents created in software they did not have themselves.
  • Peripheral :
    Peripheral refers to anything that can be connected to the exterior of a PC, like an LCD monitor or FireWire hard drive.
  • Phishing :
    Phishing is a form of Social Engineering to get you to disclose personal information about yourself. A fake email is sent, disguised to look like the emails of a legitimate business, such as a bank. The email includes a link to a fake Log-in page that asks you to reveal personal information about your account - such as username and password. This data is then sent to the Phisher, and they can use the knowledge gathered to empty your bank account.
  • Polymorphic Virus :
    A type of Virus that modifies its own code in a bid to make itself harder to detect.
  • POP3 :
    Stands for Post Office Protocol version 3. This is the protocol that mainly handles the receiving of email. Most sending of email is handles by the less powerful SMTP protocol.
  • Program :
    A Program is Software running on a computer. Programs handle many different tasks. Commonly Installed Programs include Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Program Virus :
    Sometimes known as a Parasitic Virus. A type of Virus that attaches itself on to other computer programs, and becomes active when that Program is run.
  • Protocol :
    A language in which a computer can speak to another computer, Hardware or Peripheral.
  • Proxy Server :
    A Server that makes requests to the Internet on behalf of another computer. It essentially filter all the traffic to the internet from a Network, which can be used as a security method.
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Q

  • Qwerty :
    The name given to a standard western keyboard, so called because of the row of letters to the top left hand side.
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R

  • RAID :
    Stands for Redundant Array of Independent Discs, although it used to stand for Redundant Array of Inexpensive Discs. RAID is away of storing data on multiple Hard Discs, which the Operating System sees as one large Hard Disc. RAID is a common method of storage used on Servers.
  • RAM :
    Stands for Random Access Memory. The RAM stores the data of whatever you are currently working on, and is lost when the computer is turned off. The fastest and most cost effective way of improving an old computer is to add more RAM.
  • Real Time Blackhole List (RBL) :
    A security feature of some anti spam software. A RBL rejects all mail, whether spar or not, from email addresses known to be spam sender or host spammers.
  • Reverse DNS Check :
    A method of checking an emails sender address against a Domain Name Systems database to authenticate that the email is from a valid domain or web address.
  • ROM :
    Stands for Read Only Memory. This is information that can be read, but not changed.
  • Router :
    A piece of Hardware that connects computers together to form a Network. Like a Hub but more powerful.
  • RTF :
    Stands for Rich Text Format. A text document where styling can be applied to the text, but does not however support Macros so it cannot pass on Macro Viruses.
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S

  • Sandbox :
    A place to test Programs in a safe and controlled environment, most commonly associated with Java Applets.
  • SCSI :
    Pronounced 'Scuzzy', and stands for Small Computer Systems Interface. SCSI is a fast method of connecting Hardware or Peripherals to your computer.
  • SDSL :
    Stands for Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line, or sometimes as a Single Digital Subscriber Line. A method of Broadband that can offer speeds of up to 2Mbps
  • Secure Website :
    A Site on the Internet that is certified secure to carry out payments over. Secure websites display the image of a small padlock in the Browser.
  • Server :
    A Networks central Computer which provides files and other services to computers connected to it.. Can also be known as a File Server.
  • SHS :
    This is a file extension for the Windows 'scrap object' files. They can include nearly any code and run automatically when clicked on. Sometimes the extension is hidden.
  • SMTP :
    Stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, and was the original method of sending and receiving email. Nowadays it is normally used to just send email.
  • Software :
    Software are the Programs you run on your computer. Without Software, Hardware would be useless as there would be nothing to send commands to it. Software can also be known as applications.
  • SPAM :
    Any email sent without permission from the receiver. Not to be confused with the food SPAM®. It is said to be named after a Monty Python sketch in which everything on the menu includes lots of SPAM®. Can also be known as Unsolicited Commercial Email (UCE) or Unsolicited Bulk Email (UBE).
  • Spambot :
    A type of program used to Harvest email addresses for spammers.
  • Spoofing :
    A way of convincing an Spam recipient that the email is from a reliable source, by forging the senders address.
  • Spyware :
    A covertly Installed file on your computer that reports on your activities back to an organisation. Spyware can be a lot more dangerous than Adware as it could potentially record Passwords you use and a range of other confidential information. Other terms for Spyware include Key Logger, PC Surveillance, PC Recorder and PC Monitoring.
  • Stealth Virus :
    A type of Virus that traps interrupt services to avoid detection from AntiVirus and anti spam Software.
  • Strong Password :
    A Password that isn't easily guesses or obvious. A Strong Password will usually contain a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and/or symbols. Remember to change your password often, not to re-use passwords and to use different passwords on different machines and accounts.
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T

  • Tarpitting :
    An email server technique of monitoring email traffic and blocking addresses that send suspiciously large volumes of email which the Tarpit identifies to be Spam.
  • Tarpit :
    An intentionally slow email server that attempts to trap Harvesters.
  • TCP/IP :
    Stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, and is the collective name for standard Internet Protocols.
  • Thin Client :
    A fundamentally basic computer that heavily relies on its Server to provide its functionality. A cost effective solution, but the Server uses far more resources as it is carrying out many more calculations.
  • Trojan Horse :
    A type of Virus that when Installed on your computer, allows for a 'back door' access to your Hard Disc. Named after the way in which it mimics the Trojan war myth about the large wooden horse.
  • TWAIN :
    Stands for Technology Without An Important Name. TWAIN is a Protocol that allows for data exchange for devices such as digital cameras and scanners.
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U

  • UBE / UCE :
    Stands for Unsolicited Commercial Email (UCE) or Unsolicited Bulk Email (UBE). They are both forms of Spam.
  • Update :
    An update is Software that fixes problems or prevents them from occurring. A lot of Software has its own automatic Update procedure, or Updates are available from Software manufacturers websites.
  • Upgrade :
    An Upgrade is an improvement on Software. It is distinguishable from an Update by introducing new features and benefits, rather than just fixing problems and Bugs.
  • Upload :
    The transfer of data from a computer or Network on to the Internet, as opposed to Download.
  • URL :
    Stands for Uniform Resource Locator, or more commonly known as a web address. Used to find a specific part of the Internet. An example of a URL is www.hbpsystems.com.
  • USB :
    Stands for Universal Serial Bus. A common way of attaching Peripherals to your computer, such as digital cameras and scanners. USB2.0 is the latest version, developed in partnership by Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Lucent, Microsoft, NEC and Philips, and can deliver speeds of up to 480Mbps.
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V

  • VBS :
    Stands for Visual Basic Script, and is a type of coded embedded in an application or web page that can be run as soon as the page is opened. Because of this it is possible to write Viruses in to the code to infect a computer when the script automatically runs.
  • VPN :
    Stands for Virtual Private Network, and is a method of accessing a companys Network over the Internet. VPN's are heavily Encrypted and use other security techniques to prevent unauthorised access from third parties.
  • Virus :
    A Virus is a malicious program to cause problems, big or small, to computers. Not only do viruses do damage, they also replicate themselves and can further infect computers on the same Network, or copy themselves out in Emails. Viruses can also be spread on floppy discs, CD's, DVD's and most other data storage devices. AntiVirus Software is now a must for anyone with a computer, from home user to large corporations.
  • Virus Identity :
    The description of a Viruses characteristics used for recognition.
  • Virus Scanner :
    Another name for AntiVirus Software. See also Heuristic Scanner.
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W

  • WAN :
    Stands for Wide Area Network, and usually consists of a group of Networks or LANs linked together. Quite often used for office-to-office links, and more increasingly office-to-home workers.
  • WAP :
    Stands for Wireless Application Protocol, and is a method of sending and receiving data over the Internet via mobile phones and organisers.
  • Weak Password :
    A password that is easily guessed or worked out, such as pet names or names of children, dates of birth and the word 'password'.
  • Web Bug :
    A small image placed in an email or web page that alerts a spammer when a message is read.
  • Whitelist :
    A list of reputable sources from which email, IP addresses and Domains will be accepted without being checked for spam or Viruses.
  • WWW :
    The World Wide Web, or more affectionately 'the Web'. A method of accessing information over the Internet. The web is only part of the internet, not the internet itself.
  • Workstation :
    A lone single user computer, usually connected to a network.
  • Worm :
    A type of Virus that does not require a host program to work. A worm can copy itself and pass through the Internet and Email.
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X

  • X86 :
    A family of CPU's that include Pentium, Celeron and Athlon. Many different Operating Systems run on machines built around the x86 processor.
  • XHTML :
    Stands for eXtensive Hyper Text Markup Language, and is a cleaner, stricter version of HTML. It is a proper subset of XML.
  • XML :
    Stands for eXtensive Mark up Language. A type of web design code that can be used for news feeds and WAP websites.
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Y

  • Yahoo :
    A popular search engine and news & lifestyle site.
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Z

  • Zombie :
    An insecure computer that is hijacked and used to send spam or denial of service attacks.
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Size Guide. How do you measure up?

  • Bit :
    The smallest unit of information used in IT.
  • Nybble :
    Four Bits, or 'half a byte!'.
  • Byte :
    Eight bits.
  • Kilobit :
    1,000 Bits.
  • Kilobyte (kb) :
    1,024 bytes, although usually rounded to 1000 bytes.
  • Megabyte (MB) :
    1,000 kilobytes, or 1,000,000 bytes.
  • Gigabyte (GB) :
    1,000 megabytes. Currently the largest measurement in common use.


...And incase you were wondering...

  • Terabyte :
    1,000 gigabytes.
  • Petabyte :
    1,000 terabytes or one million gigabytes, or the equivalent of 500 million Floppy Disks.
  • Exabyte :
    1,000 petabytes, or one billion gigabytes. 5 exabytes is supposed to be equal to all of the words ever spoken by mankind.
  • Zettabyte :
    1,000 exabytes.
  • Yottabyte :
    1,000 zettabytes.
  • Brontobyte :
    1,000 yottabytes.... Or put another way, 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 bytes!
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