Jargon Buster

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

A
Access point
A type of radio transmitter that allows computers to connect to a network wirelessly.

Adobe Flash Player
An Internet browser plug-in that displays animations, presentations and interactive graphics on a web page.

Adobe Reader
A free program that allows you to read documents in PDF format.

ADSL - Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line.
Technology that allows transmission of data over a telephone line.  Unlike dial-up, ADSL allows you to make phone calls whilst online.

Adware
Advertising Software. Software that contains or displays advertising.

AGP - Accelerated Graphics Port.
A legacy type of graphics adapter powerful enough to process complex graphics, like 3D images and virtual reality.

AMD Advanced Micro Devices
A leading manufacturer of CPUs for computers.

Anti-virus (AV) software
Software designed to protect your computer against viruses.

Application
A programme used to perform a specific task like word processing.

 

B
BIOS - Basic Input-Output System.
A basic operating system stored on the motherboard which configures hardware components such as the keyboard and hard disk. The BIOS makes it possible for the computer to boot and load the operating system.

BPOS

Microsoft Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS) delivers hosted communication and collaboration tools that feature high availability and comprehensive security. This includes; Microsoft Exchange Online (currently 2007); Microsoft SharePoint Online (currently 2007); Microsoft Office Live Meeting; Microsoft Office Communications Online 

Back-up
A copy of important data to protect against loss due to deletion or hardware .

Backward compatibility
The ability of new technology to work with older technology

Bandwidth
The amount of data that can be sent over a network connection in a given period of time. Bandwidth is usually stated in bits per second (Bps), kilobits per second (Kbps), or megabits per second (Mbps).

Bing 
The latest search engine from Microsoft.

Bit
The smallest element of computer data.  A group of eight bits is known as a byte.

Blog
A Web page used as a diary or journal.  Web logs are updated regularly and may contain any information that the author wishes to share with the world.

Bluetooth
A short-range wireless technology used to transfer data between mobile phones, computers and other devices.

Broadband
A network connection that gives fast speeds for Internet access.

Browser
A program that displays pages from the World Wide Web and allows you to move from one web page to another by clicking hyperlinks.  The most popular browser is Internet Explorer

Bug
A mistake in the design of a computer program that prevents it from working correctly.

Burn
The process of writing data onto a DVD or CD.

Byte
A group of eight bits.  

C
CITm
See Complete IT Manager

CPU - Central Processing Unit.
A microchip that acts as the computer's "brain" by executing instructions. Speed is measured in megahertz or gigahertz. Common manufactures include Intel and AMD

Cache
Temporary memory or storage space that holds copies of recently accessed data.

Clipboard
An area of memory which stores text, graphics and other data when it is cut or copied so that it can be pasted somewhere else later on.

Citrix
A leading supplier of thin-client and virtualisation technologies.

Codec - Compressor-Decompressor
Software that converts compressed audio or video into an uncompressed form so it can be played.

Complete IT Manager
A full IT support service where CIT supplies qualified IT managers to organisations which do not have an internal IT professional

Compression
The process of encoding data so that it takes up less space. See zip

Cookie
A small file created by a browser to store information about a web site.

D
DPI - Dots Per Inch.
A measure of resolution that determines the quality of an image.

DOS - (Microsoft) Disk Operating System.
A text-based operating system designed for the early PCs.

DVD - Digital Versatile Disk.
An optical storage medium with a much higher capacity than the CD.

Database
A collection of related tables of information organised in a way that allows fast retrieval, sorting, and reorganisation of data.

Debugging
The process of finding and correcting bugs in a computer program.

Device driver
A piece of software that allows a computer to talk to an item of hardware such as a printer or scanner.

Dial-up
A method of connecting to the Internet via a telephone line.

DIMM - Dual Inline Memory Module.
A memory module that can be plugged into the motherboard of a computer.

Directory
An alternative name for a folder.

Disaster Recovery - DR
A plan to recover a system and contents from a backup.

Diskette
storage medium, not commonly used these days.  See floppy disk. 

Domain name
A unique name that identifies a web site. (e.g. www.complete-it.co.uk),

Download
To copy a file from a remote computer to a local computer

Drag
To move an object on the screen by holding down a mouse button and moving the mouse to a different position before releasing the button. 

E
EBS
Essential Busines Server, a Microsoft product that provides a cost-effective but restricitive installation of the Windows platform that includes industry standard, market-leading server applications.  EBS is limited to 300 users.

E-mail - Electronic mail.
A system of exchanging electronic messages by means of computers attached to a network. 

E-mail client
An application used to send and receive e-mail i.e. Microsoft Outlook

Encryption
A security process that renders data unintelligible to anyone not authorised to read it.

Ethernet
A Common type of network that connects computers and devices together

Ethernet adapter
The most common type of network interface card.

Excel
See Microsoft Excel.

Expansion card
A circuit board that can be plugged into a computer's motherboard to provide additional functions. 

F
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions.

FTP
File Transfer Protocol. A protocol that allows files to be transmitted over a network from one computer to another.  FTP is frequently used to update web sites by copying files to the web server.

File
The name given to a document, pictures and programs when storage on a computer drive.

File extension
A suffix attached to the name of a file and separated by a full-stop. The extension helps to identify the file format and determines the application used to open the file. For example, Word documents usually end in ‘.doc’ or PDF documents end in ‘.pdf’.

File format
The system of organising data within a file so that it can understood by a particular application. A standardised file format makes it possible for different programs to share the same information. For example, web pages are stored in a format called HTML, which is understood by all browsers. The format of a file can usually be deduced from its file extension.

Firewall
An application or device that restricts access to a computer or a network from an external user for security reasons. 

Firefox
A popular Internet browser.

Flash
see Adobe Flash Player.

Flash memory
A special type of memory that preserves its contents when the power is switched off. Flash memory is often used in removable storage devices and MP3 players.

Floppy disk
An almost obsolete way of storage using a flexible magnetic disk enclosed in a plastic sleeve. Most floppy disks store up to 1.44 megabytes of computer data, which is quite small by today's standards. A single CD is equivalent to almost 500 floppy disks.

Folder
A container for grouping files together on a hard disk and other storage devices.

Font
A graphic design specifying the shape, style, size and spacing of a set of characters.

Freeware
Free software, usually downloaded from the Internet.

G
GB
See Gigabyte.

GHz
See Gigahertz.

GIF
Graphics Interchange Format. An image file format popular on the Internet because of its high compression and small file size.
 
Gigabyte
A measure of computer storage or memory capacity equal to 1024 megabytes.

Gigahertz
A measure of frequency equal to one billion (i.e. thousand million) cycles per second, or 1000 megahertz. The clock frequency of a CPU is expressed in gigahertz and is related to the number of instructions executed per second.

Google
The current industry-leading search engine.

Graphics adapter
A device that generates graphics to be displayed on a monitor. Many motherboards have a socket for connecting a PCI or AGP graphics adapter in the form of an expansion card.

H
HTML
Hypertext Markup Language.  A standard file format used to store web pages. An HTML file includes formatting instructions called ‘tags’ that tell the browser how its contents are to be displayed.

HTTP
Hypertext Transfer Protocol. A protocol that allows web pages to be transmitted over the Internet.  When a browser requests a page from a web server, the two computers communicate using HTTP. This accounts for the prefix ‘http’ at the beginning of a web address.

Hyperlink
An underlined word or phrase on a web page or document that can be clicked with the mouse to move to another page or to a different location on the same page or Internet.

Hack
The illegal action of trying to gain unauthorised access to a computer or network.

Hacker
A person who attempts to gain unauthorised access to a computer system or network.

Hard disk
A storage device containing a rigid magnetic disk in a sealed metal housing inside a computer. Hard disks they are extremely fast and can store much more data than removable storage media such as CDs and floppy disks.  They are also known as a "hard drive" or "fixed disk".

Hardware
The physical components of a computer system, e.g. keyboards, printers, servers, monitors, CPUs, memory, etc. Often contrasted with software.

Home page
The main page of a web site (usually a file named ‘index.html’).

Hosting
The provision of web space, an application(s) or any other ‘service’ (eg back-up) by a third party organisation.

Hypertext
Text containing hyperlinks.

I
IT Infrastructure
A collective name of the entire IT set up.

Icon
A small picture representing an object such as a document, application or device.

Intel
A leading manufacturer of CPUs for computers.

Internet
A global network connecting millions of computers, also known as ‘The Net’ or The World Wide Web.

Internet Explorer
See Microsoft Internet Explorer.

IP address
Internet Protocol address. A sequence of numbers that identifies a computer or network device on the Internet.  An IP address consists of four numbers between 0 and 255 separated by full-stops, e.g. 191.173.0.4.

ISP
Internet Service Provider. A company that supplies an Internet connection. Most ISPs provide additional services such as e-mail, web space and domain name registration and even application or entire network hosting

J
JPEG
Joint Photographic Experts Group. An image file format popular on the Internet because of its high compression and small file size.

Java
A programming language used to create software that can run on almost any type of computer or operating system. Programs written in Java can also be embedded in web pages to make them more interactive.

Javascript
A script used to modify the behaviour of web pages. Javascript can be combined with HTML to create an interactive document.

K
KB
See Kilobyte.

Kilobyte
A measure of computer storage or memory capacity equal to 1024 bytes.

L
LCD
Liquid Crystal Display. See TFT LCD.

Linux
A open source operating system growing in popularity

Log in
To identify yourself by entering a user name and password.

M
MHz
See Megahertz.

MP3
A file format for storing compressed audio data. Converting an audio file to MP3 can reduce its size by a factor of ten without serious loss of quality.

MP3 player
A portable device capable of playing MP3 audio files.

MS-DOS
Microsoft Disk Operating System. A text-based operating system designed for the very first PCs.

Mac
See Macintosh.

Macintosh
A popular desktop computer designed by Apple and usually referred to as a ‘Mac’ or Apple Mac.  The Macintosh is an alternative to the more ubiquitous Windows PC and has a unique operating system/applications, which ire favoured by creative computer users.

Macro
A sequence of commands (mini programme) stored for later use in an application such as a word-processor.  Creating a macro can save time when performing a common or repetitive task.

Malware
Malicious Software. Software which intentionally damages a computer or causes inconvenience to the user, whether for commercial, criminal or destructive purposes..

Managed services
The practice of transferring day-to-day related management responsibility to an external organisation as a strategic method for improved effective and efficient operations.   Often mentioned in conjunction with SLA or Service Level Agreement.

MB
See Megabyte.

Megabyte
A measure of computer storage or memory capacity equal to 1024 kilobytes.

Megahertz
A measure of frequency equal to one million hertz (cycles per second). The clock frequency of a CPU is expressed in megahertz or gigahertz and is related to the number of instructions executed per second.

Memory
Part of a computer that stores programs and data during processing.  The most common type of memory is RAM.  Data that exists in RAM is lost when the power is switched off and must be saved to the hard disk to save permanently.

Menu
A list of commands available to the user of a computer application.

Microfilter
A device that prevents telephone calls from interfering with data transmission over an ADSL broadband connection. All telephones and modems should be connected via a microfilter when using ADSL.

Microsoft
A large multi-national software company best known for its Windows operating system.

Microsoft Access
An application for creating databases. Part of Microsoft Office.

Microsoft Excel
An application for creating spreadsheets. Part of Microsoft Office.

Microsoft Internet Explorer
A free browser included with Windows. Often abbreviated to "IE".

Microsoft Office
A suite of administrative, communications and business applications including Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word.

Microsoft Outlook
An application for managing e-mail messages, address lists, engagements and appointments.  Part of Microsoft Office; not to be confused with Outlook Express.

Microsoft Outlook Express
An e-mail client included with Windows, usually used by individuals as opposed to members of an organisation. Not to be confused with Outlook.

Microsoft PowerPoint
An application for creating presentations. Part of Microsoft Office.

Microsoft Windows
A computer operating system produced my Microsoft. Windows dominates the market, running on approximately 90% of all personal computers.

Microsoft Word
A common word-processor. Part of Microsoft Office.

Mirroring
The practice of simultaneous, real-time, data storage on multiple servers or datacentres.  Often used as a component in disaster recovery plans.

Modem
Modulator/Demodulator. A device that allows computer information to be sent over a telephone line or cable TV connection.  The most common types of modem are ADSL, cable and dial-up.

Monitor
A screen that displays visual output, typically from a PC. The most common types of monitor are the older CRT and more popular TFT-LCD (flat screen)

Motherboard
The main circuit board inside a computer. The motherboard provides an infrastructure that links the CPU, memory, hard disk and other components together. Certain functions may be built into the motherboard, e.g. audio and graphics processing; those not supported by the motherboard require a suitable expansion card.

Mouse
A device that controls a pointer on the screen and allows objects to be manipulated by clicking or dragging them.

Mozilla
A popular Internet browser.

Multimedia
The presentation of data in more than one medium, e.g. a combination of text, graphics, audio and video.

N
NAS
Network Attached Storage

Network
A group of computers connected together so that they can share data and other resources.

Network Interface Card
An expansion card that allows a computer to be connected to a network. Also known as a "NIC".

O
Online
Connected to a network. Also refers to activities that require a connection to the Internet, e.g. online banking.

Operating system
The software that controls a computer system. The operating system is loaded when the computer boots up. It performs basic tasks such as processing keyboard input, updating the screen, accessing disk drives, allocating memory and running programs. Common operating systems include Windows, Unix, Linux and Mac OS.

Optical storage
A form of storage that reads data from a disk using a laser. Most optical disk drives can read or write data in one or more of the following formats: CD Audio, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-R, DVD-RW.

Outlook
See Microsoft Outlook.

Outlook Express
See Microsoft Outlook Express.

Outsource
To employ a third party (often a specialist in a particular field) to carry out essential, but non-core business activies for an organisation. 

P
P2P
See Peer-to-peer.

PC
Personal Computer. Usually refers to computers that are compatible with Microsoft Windows or MS-DOS.

PCI
Peripheral Component Interconnect. A standard for connecting expansion cards to a motherboard.

PCMCIA
Personal Computer Memory Card International Association. A standard for connecting small, credit card-sized expansion cards to a laptop computer.

PDF
Portable Document Format. A file format used to exchange and view print-ready documents. PDF is a universal format that preserves the fonts, images, graphics, and layout of a document exactly as intended by the author. A free program called Adobe Reader is required to display PDF documents.

POP3
Post Office Protocol 3. A protocol used to download e-mail messages from a server. Messages are usually sent to the server using the SMTP protocol.

PSU
See Power Supply Unit.

Password
A sequence of characters used to confirm someone's identity and prevent unauthorised access to a computer system.   Common words and names should either be avoided altogether, or combined with numbers, punctuation marks and unpredictable capitalisation.

Paste
See Clipboard.

Patch
An update that fixes a problem in a piece of software after it has been released.

Peer-to-peer
A method of sharing files with other people via the Internet.   Peer-to-peer technology allows computer users to share files directly without uploading them to a server.

Peripheral
A device connected to a computer system, e.g. a printer.

Phishing
A form of Internet fraud that involves tricking people into revealing confidential information (e.g. credit card details, user names, passwords etc.) by means of a fake e-mail or web site that appears to come from a well-known, legitimate organisation .

Pixel
Picture Element. The smallest point of light that can be displayed on a computer monitor. Images are formed from thousands of pixels of varying colours and intensities.

Plug-in
A software component that adds features to another application.

Port
A place (normally a socket) where information enters or leaves a computer. For example, a printer port  used to connect a printer.

Power Supply Unit
A hardware component that supplies low-voltage direct current to the motherboard and allows the computer to be switched off by the operating system.

PowerPoint
See Microsoft PowerPoint.

Premier Support Services
A service offering from Complete I.T. where an organisation buys-in skills or activities to supplement the knowledge or lessen the workload of its in-house IT professional, where ever needed.

Processor
See CPU.

Programme
A sequence of instructions that can be executed by a computer, or more specifically, its CPU.

Protocol
A set of rules that dictates how computers are to communicate and exchange data.  Computers must observe the same protocol in order to communicate successfully.

Q
Query
A request for information from a database, usually written in SQL.

RAM
Random Access Memory. The most common type of computer memory. Data stored in RAM is lost when the power is switched off.

Re-boot
To restart a computer. See Boot for more information.

Removable storage
A storage medium that can be removed from a computer. The most common types of removable storage are CDs and DVDs, USB flash memory devices and floppy disks.

Resolution
The number of pixels in a given area, usually measured in DPI. The resolution of a monitor, printer or digital camera determines the quality of the images it can generate. High resolution images occupy more memory and storage space and require more processing power.

Right-click
To click with the right-hand mouse button.

Rip
The process of copying tracks from an audio CD or DVD usually involving a third party piece of software.

Robot
A computer that systematically visits every page it can find on the World Wide Web by following hyperlinks. Most search engines use robots to analyse and index web pages. Also called a "bot", "crawler" or "spider".

ROM
Read-Only Memory. A type of memory containing data that cannot be changed. Data stored in ROM is fixed at the point of manufacture and is preserved when the power is switched off.

Router
A device that determines the correct destination for data being transmitted from one network to another.

S
SBS
Small Busines Server, a Microsoft product that provides a cost-effective but restricitive installation of the Windows platform that includes industry standard, market-leading server applications.  SBS is limited to 75 users.

SLA
Service level agreement

SMTP
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. A protocol used to send e-mail messages to a server on the Internet.  The recipient can download them from the server using the POP3 protocol.

SQL
Structured Query Language. The language used in a query to request information from a database.

SSL
Secure socket layer.  Depicted as a locked padlock at the bottom of a web page and signifying the site complies to a certain level of security

Safe mode
A way of loading Windows that helps diagnose problems resulting from a faulty or incompatible device driver. In Safe Mode, only the most important drivers are loaded (e.g. those that control the keyboard and mouse). Once the system is able to boot up normally, the other drivers can be tested individually to find out which one is causing the problem.

Save
To transfer a document from memory to the hard disk or removable storage so that it is preserved when the computer is switched off.

Scanner
A device similar to a photocopier that captures a digital image of a document or photograph so that it can be displayed on a computer.

Screensaver
A program that displays a moving image on the screen when a computer has not been used for several minutes. Screensavers were originally designed to extend the life of the monitor by illuminating only a small number of pixels, leaving most of the screen blank.

Script
A program that is interpreted and executed by another program, rather than directly by the CPU. For example, Javascript embedded in a web page is processed by the browser when it loads the page.

Scroll bar
A bar with arrow buttons at each end which allows information that does not fit inside a window to be moved into view.

Search engine
A computer system that uses a robot to index documents on the World Wide Web. Popular search engines include Google, Yahoo! and Bing.

Server
A computer that delivers information to other computers in response to a request transmitted over a network.  For example, a browser might send an HTTP request to a web server in order to display a web page.

Server Farm
A collection of centrally situated servers.

Shareware
Software that can be downloaded from the Internet and evaluated for a limited period before purchase.

Shortcut
An icon which points to an object such as a document, program or device to make it easier to access from a different location. Shortcut icons in Windows are indicated with an arrow in one corner. Deleting a shortcut does not delete the item it points to.

Software
Programs that are loaded into a computer's memory for processing, e.g. operating systems, device drivers, applications, codecs, plug-ins etc.

Spam
Electronic junk mail. Because e-mail is practically free, unsolicited messages can be sent to millions of computer users at a press of a button.  This has become a huge problem for organisations.

Spam filter
A piece of software that can be configured to filter out messages that are likely to be spam.  Also called a ‘junk filter’.

Spider
See Robot.

Spreadsheet
A table of figures and formulas used to perform calculations in an application such as Microsoft Excel.

Spyware
A program designed to steal confidential information (e.g. credit card details, user names, passwords etc.).

Static content
Refers to web pages that stay the same unless updated by the author. Often constrasted with dynamic content.

Storage
Hardware that is capable of storing data.  Storage devices can retain information permanently (e.g. hard disks, CDs, DVDs and floppy disks), unlike memory, which loses any data stored in it when the power is switched off.

Subdirectory
An alternative name for a subfolder.

Subfolder
A folder located inside another folder.

T
TCP/IP
Transfer Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. Protocols that allow computers on the Internet to communicate and exchange data.

TFT-LCD
Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display. A technology used in flat-screen computer monitors.

TSC
Technical Support Centre

TC
Technical consultant

Tool Bar
A row of buttons near the top of a window providing an alternative way to access an application's menu commands. Each button contains a small picture to illustrate its function.

Trojan
A virus, worm or other species of malware hidden inside a program which looks legitimate.

TWAIN
A protocol that allows computers to communicate with imaging devices such as scanners and digital cameras.

Thin client
A user work station of reduced or no processing power that is connected to a central server which delivers processing power.  Uses little electricity and is proving popular as a way to reduce power consumption while increasing IT security and management abilities. Also known as a dumb terminal.

Track pad
A pointing device that acts as a replacement for a traditional mouse for a laptop computer

U
URL
Uniform Resource Locator. An address that specifies the location of a file or web page on the Internet. Eg www.complete-it.co.uk

USB
Universal Serial Bus. A standard type of port for connecting peripherals such as a keyboards, digital cameras, printers and scanners. A USB device can be used as soon as it is connected, without having to re-boot the computer.

UPS
Uninterruptible power supply.  A battery type unit that automatically cuts in and supplies emergency power for a limited time to a datacentre or office so information is not lost in case of a power outage.

Upload
To copy a file to a networked computer, e.g. a web server connected to the Internet.

User name
A name that allows a computer system to identify the person using it.

Unix
A technology platform that was typically used for workstations and server-sized machines

V
VoIP
Voice over Internet Protocol.  Cheap telephony made possible by transmitting voice over the data network.

Virus
A self-replicating, man-manufactured, sequence of instructions that spreads from one computer to another by inserting copies of itself into an executable file (i.e. program).

Virtualisation
A technology designed to de-couple the link between hardware and software by virtualising the software, thus avoiding historic incompatibilities.  A theoretical example is; previously you could not run say MS Outlook V1 on the same server as V2.  Once virtualised you can.  This has led to consolidation, ie an organisation can reduce the number of servers it needs once its applications have been virtualised, leading to power, space and procurement savings.  It also has huge implications for DR and new server building.  Currently the hottest topic in IT

Vista
Soon to be replaced PC operating system from Microsoft.

VMware
A leading organisation in the provision of virtualisation technologies

W
Watchguard
An organisation which supplies a leading firewall product.

Web log
(Also known as a BLOG) web page used as a diary or journal.  Web logs are updated regularly and may contain any information that the author wishes to share with the world.

Web mail
A facility for sending and receiving e-mail messages by logging into a web site provided by an ISP or a company such as Google or Microsoft. Although web mail has the advantage of being accessible from any computer on the Internet, it is usually slower and less convenient than purpose-built e-mail clients such as Outlook Express.

Web master
The creator or administrator of a web site.

Web page
A hypertext document that is publicly available on the World Wide Web. Web pages are usually written in HTML or XHTML and may contain static content or dynamic content.

Web site
A collection of web pages relating to a specific entity such as a business, organization or individual.

Web space
Storage space for a web site on a server that is permanently connected to the Internet.

Wi-Fi
Wireless Fidelity. A set of internationally accepted standards which ensures the compatibility of wireless network devices manufactured by different companies.

Window
A rectangular box on a computer screen that displays an application, document, message or other information. Application windows usually have a menu, tool bar and scroll bars.

Windows
See Microsoft Windows.

Windows 7
A version of the Microsoft operating system

Windows XP
A version of the Microsoft operating system

Wireless network
A computer network in which data is transmitted using radio signals instead of cables.

Word
See Microsoft Word.

Worm
A self-replicating program that spreads from one computer to another, usually causing damage and compromising security in the process. A worm is similar to a virus except that it can be run without attaching itself to a separate program.

Wireless
Method of network connectivity that uses radio waves to carry data.

X
XML
A programming language similar but different to HTML and used as a software and hardware-independent tool for carrying information.

Y

Z
Zip file
A file which has been compressed using a software process that makes it smaller than the original size and therefore easier to send via email.

Back to top