Glossary
We don’t speak in tongues or intimidating ‘geek’ jargon. We prefer straightforward, down to earth communication.
However, if you do get baffled with all the terminology, this glossary might be helpful in guiding you through the minefield.
- ADSL:
- Data connection over normal ‘BT style’ phone lines using a modem. The most common form of Broadband in the UK.
- Back–up:
- Copies of data that can be restored when the original data is lost through accidental deletion or hardware disaster.
- Broadband:
- A fast connection to the Internet from a home or business computer.
- CPU:
- (Central Processing Unit) The brains of a computer.
- Computer:
- An electronic device containing hardware that processes data and runs software.
- The box or system unit that you switch on is sometimes mistakenly called the Hard Drive or CPU.
- Computer Memory:
- (RAM) Electronic hardware used to store data on a temporary basis. Unlike a Hard Drive, RAM only stores data as long as the computer has power.
- Data:
- Information stored on a computer. Examples include files, folders, client addresses, accounts, music and photos.
- Extranet:
- Securely allows an organisation to communicate with suppliers, customers and other businesses. Extends an organisation’s Intranet to allow private access through the public Internet.
- Hard Drive/Hard Disk:
- An electronic hardware device where data is stored.
- Hardware:
- Physical parts of a computer such as the CPU, Hard Drive or RAM.
- Internet:
- Public global network allowing millions of computers to share information.
- Intranet:
- Provides information to employees of an organisation which is separate from the public Internet.
- IT:
- (Information Technology) A combination of Hardware and Software used to store, retrieve and manipulate data.
- Modem:
- A device used to connect computers to Broadband.
- Network:
- A group of computers connected to each other. The computers may be in the same room or building, or at several different locations.
- Server:
- A computer device that provides data or information to a network of computers.
- Software:
- Instructions or applications a computer processes in order to capture, store or manipulate data.
- Spam or Junk Mail:
- Unwanted or unsolicited email often containing Malware.
- Virus or Malware:
- Maliciously based software designed to be harmful to a computer.