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Anti
Virus
A program to prevent and remove Viruses
Attachment
This is a file sent with an email, it can be "attached"
to the email. The file can be a document ie Word, Excel, Access
or a Picture. It could also be a program. (Any of these files
can contain viruses and infect your computer they can be passed
on from one computer to another via emails or downloaded from websites.)
Bandwidth
is the measurement in bits per second of how much data can travel
over a network in a given period of time. A higher bandwidth connection
to the Internet means the capacity to carry more data at once, much
like a thicker pipe means you can carry more water.
BBS
Acronym for Bulletin Board System, which is a system that lets people
read each other's messages and post new ones.
Bookmark
In software such as Web browsers, a bookmark points to a person's
list of favourite sites. Bookmarks make it simple to save the Web
addresses (URLs) of several sites and then return to those sites
later without entering or even remembering the complete address.
Some Web browsers call this feature "favourites."
Broadband
Is a special device which is purchased in addition to your computer,
It is 10x or 20x faster than modems and do tie up the phone line.
You can have 256k, 512k, 1Mb or higher, connections.
browser
A browser
is an application used to explore information on the Internet. The
term "browser" usually refers to a program for accessing
the World Wide Web, such as Netscape, Internet Explorer or the AOL
Internet browser.
Cache
When you download a Web page, the data is cached, meaning it is
stored temporarily on your computer. The next time you want that
page, instead of requesting the file from the Web server, your Web
browser just accesses it from the cache. That way, the page loads
quickly. A cache hit (accessing data from a cache) takes much less
time than retrieving information from the main memory; the cache
has high-speed memory chips. The cache may also be used as a temporary
storage area for data that will be written to disk when the computer
is idle . A temporary storage area for frequently-accessed or recently-accessed
data. Having certain data stored in cache speeds up the operation
of the computer. There are two kinds of cache: internal (or memory
cache) and external (or disk cache). Internal cache is built into
the CPU, and external cache is on the motherboard.
When an item is called for, the computer first checks the internal
cache, then the external cache, and finally the slower, main storage.
Chat Room, Forums, Newgroups and Bulletin Boards
These are websites that allow people to communicate with others,
from any location around the world, it can be one to one or one
to many, usually strangers, anyone can log into a chat room. Some
chat rooms are supervised/moderated. People chat by typing their
message for all to see, and others may reply instantly.
Computer virus
A computer program created specifically to infiltrate computers
and networks and alter the operation of the system. The mischief
caused can be very minor: it may cause a funny image or cryptic
message to be displayed on your screen, or it can do some serious
damage by modifying or even destroying files.
Cookie
A cookie is a set of data that a Web site server gives to a browser
the first time the user visits the site, it is updated with each
return visit. The remote server saves the information the cookie
contains about the user and the user's browser does the same, as
a text file stored in the Netscape or Explorer system folder. Not
all browsers support cookies. Cookies store information such as
user name and password and what parts of the site were visited;
this information can be updated with each visit. The browser only
shares each cookie with the server that originated it; other servers
can only read their own cookies. Netscape can be set up to alert
the user when a cookie is being sent so the user can accept it or
not, by means of the Network Preferences window. You can delete
the cookies using Internet Explorer/tools/options.
There are also downloadable applications that eat cookies such as
Cookie Killers, Cookie Monster (Mac), and Kill Cookie Batch File
(PC).
Cyberspace
Cyberspace is the "place" you go to when you're online.
It's the imaginary space where you browse Web sites, send e-mail
and participate in chat rooms. The word was coined by William Gibson
in his science fiction novel Neuromancer. .
Domain name
Domain name is part of the Uniform Resource Locator(URL) that tells
a Domain Name System (DNS) server where to forward a request for
a Web page. Domain name consists of a suffix that indicates top
level domain (TLD) such as net, com,org, ca, jp, etc, and a name
defines the entity such as "whatismyipaddress" which is
together with the top level forms the second level domain name.
A third level can be defined to identify a particular host server
such as "www" at the Internet address (e.g. "www.whatismyipaddress.net").
download
The method by which people access or "pull down" software
or other files to their own computers from a remote computer, usually
via a modem.
Download
Any data and programs can be "downloaded" from a website,
for a small fee or free of charge, by clicking on a hyperlink and
saving the information to your computer. (Any of these files
can contain viruses, and infect your computer and be passed from
computer to computer).
Emoticon
A sequence of keyboard characters used to punctuate a written message
by expressing the writer's emotional state. For example:
a smile :-) sadness or consternation :-( a wink ;-)
Encryption
A way of coding the information in a file or e-mail message so that
if it is intercepted by a third party as it travels over a network
it cannot be understood. Only the person or persons that have the
right type of decoding software can unscramble the message.
EMAIL
You can send messages to other people electronically any where in
the world, messages can be received in seconds. (Quicker than the
Post!) You can attach files, such as pictures or documents. For
this you need to register with an ISP, and have a Modem or Broadband
connection, for Email or Internet Access.
FAQ
An acronym for Frequently Asked Questions. FAQs are online documents
that list and answer the most common questions on a particular subject.
File compression
A way of reducing the size of a file, or files, so that they don't
take up a lot of space on a server or hard drive and can travel
faster over a network. File compression is accomplished with software
that uses mathematical equations (algorithms) to condense repeated
data into smaller codes. You need a software program to decompress
the data and to restore it to its original form.
FTP
FTP is a file transfer Protocol, is just a means by which a file
is transferred over a given form of communication. You might FTP
a file from Microsoft to your PC. Just think of it as downloading.
There are lots of great tools to make your FTP chores a little easier.
Before we get into those, you have to know that you don't need any
of them! Of course, performing the FTP is a little more difficult
as it requires manual commands.
The DOS (Disk Operating System) comes packaged
with FTP. There are also many programs available free for uploading
and downloading files. ie CuteFTP or WS FTP.
Forums
These are websites similar to newsgroups, which are created by other
people usually with a topic of interest. You can post messages for
others to see and get to know other people who use the forum. This
can give a false sense of security as people become friends, and
swap email addresses and information about each other. Most forums
self moderated (by the webmaster), or enlist other forum members
to help moderate the site.
GIF
Acronym for Graphics Interchange Format, a special file compression
format for image files. Because they are compressed, GIF files travel
more quickly over the Internet. GIF files are the most commonly
used graphics format on the World Wide Web.
Gopher
Gopher is a text-based Internet interface that use simple multiple-choice
menus. Gopher is an excellent way to browse for information, and
it includes its own search tool, called Veronica. Though a valuable
tool, Gopher's popularity has subsided since the advent of the World
Wide Web.
Hackers
These are unscrupulous people who find a way to get access to your
computer and look at, add, change or damage data on your computer
for unlawful purposes.
Home page
The term home page has two different meanings. The first meaning
refers to the main page of a Web site. It often serves as a table
of contents for the Web site, offering direct links to the different
parts of the site. The second meaning refers to the initial page
automatically displayed after someone launches their Web browser.
This page is also called the "start page."
HTML
Acronym for HyperText Markup Language. HTML is the computer language
used to create hypertext documents, the pages that make up the World
Wide Web.
Hypertext
A typical Web page contains both text and graphic elements. When
a word or phrase is underlined, it serves as a link to another page.
Clicking on the link allows you to "jump" to another section
of the same document or to another document on the World Wide Web.
HTTP
Acronym for HyperText Transfer Protocol. HTTP is the set of standards
used by computers to communicate and share files with each other.
Instant Messenger
AOL, Yahoo, MSN are popular instant messengers, to use the messenger
you need an email address to login. This works in a similar fashion
to a chat room, by typing in messages and receiving an instant reply
if the other person is online. To enter into a conversation with
another you first need to allow their email address in your address
list. You can also block addresses if you do not wish to allow this
person in your address list.
Internet
The Internet is a worldwide network of thousands of smaller computer
networks and millions of commercial, educational, government and
personal computers. The world's largest computer network, the Internet
is a cooperative initiative among the participating institutions
and individuals. The Internet is not owned or operated by any single
organization.
IP Address
An Internet address or IP address is a unique computer location
on the Internet expressed as a 32-bit numeric address usually written
as four numbers separated by periods. IP address consists of the
Network Part (Network ID) for each network to know its own address
on the Internet and the Local or Host Part (Host ID) for specific
machine or host to know its address in a network. A newer version
of IP addressing (IP version 6, consisting of a 128-bit numerical
sequence) is currently being developed. Synonyms: Internet address,
IP number.
ISP
The ISP is a company that provides your Internet service (your connection)
to the Internet. Popular ISPs include AOL. Freeserve, WHSmiths,
Virgin, NTL, Telewest, Tiscali, and many more. They all provide
different services and tariffs, much like a phone company. You can
either connect via a modem service which will give you a modest
56k connection, which these days is fairly slow for loading sites,
and downloads. Broadband is a much faster connection and provides
varying speeds available, ie 256k, 512k, 1Mb, 2Mb. The higher the
number the faster the speed of your connection, the quicker the
ages load.
JPEG
Acronym for Joint Photographic Experts Group. JPEG is an industry
committee that developed a compression standard for still images.
JPEG refers to the graphics file format that uses this compression
standard. You will find JPEG files on the World Wide Web with the
file extension .jpg or .jpeg.
Link
A link is a word, phrase, or picture (usually underlined or outlined
in another colour) which includes a URL for another Web page. Clicking
on the link will connect you to a new Web page.
Listserv
A listserv is like a newsgroup or forum open to participants on
the listerv's mailing list. When e-mail is posted to a listserv,
it is automatically broadcast to everyone on that list.
Login
Login refers to the account name used to access a Web site or computer
system. Also called User ID, User Name, or Account Name.
Modems (Dailers)
Is a device in your computer (or external) which is connected via
a telephone line. Modems are slow loading the websites as they are
limited to 56k, bandwidth and tie up the phone line whilst you are
surfing. You can also read information offline (when not connected)
and compose emails offline, then connect to send.
Megabyte
A computer that has one megabyte of memory can hold about a million
bytes or characters of information. A gigabyte refers to one billion
characters and a kilobyte, one thousand.
Netiquette
A term for online etiquette. Refers to an informal code of conduct
that governs what is generally considered to be the acceptable way
for people to interact with one another online.
Newsgroup
A newsgroup is a forum for online discussion. A newsgroup's name
denotes the appropriate topic of conversation in that newsgroup.
There are thousands of newsgroups covering a wide range of subjects.
You must subscribe to a newsgroup in order to participate in it
or to track the discussion on an on-going basis. Unlike a magazine
or newspaper, subscribing to a newsgroup does not cost anything.
Phishing
Spoof emails, and Spoof websites, designed to fool you into passing
on your banking and personal details for unlawful purposes.
Popups
Are little windows that open when you
log into a website or Internet Explorer, they are generally advertising
and can contain pornographic pictures.
Scanner
A device used to digitise images for output to a computer. Optical
Character Recognition (OCR) software can be used to translate images
into text files.
Search engine
A type of software that creates indexes of databases or Internet
sites based on the titles of files, keywords or the full text of
files. The search engine allows you to type what you're looking
for into a blank field. It then gives you a list of the results
of the search.
Server
A computer that handles requests for data, electronic mail, file
transfers and other network services from other computers (referred
to as "clients").
Shareware
Software that is freely distributed for a small fee paid on an "honour
system." You are not required to pay the fee to try the program,
but if you like the software enough to use it, you are expected
to send the fee directly to the creator.
Signature file
Text automatically included at the bottom of an e-mail message or
newsgroup posting to personalize it. This can be anything from a
clever quote to some additional information about the sender, like
their title, company name and address. Netiquette suggests that
signatures be four lines or fewer.
SPAM
Originally just a canned sandwich filler product, now this term
is also used to refer to the practice of blindly posting commercial
messages or advertisements to a large number of typically uninterested
individuals or groups.
Spyware and Malware
Spyware/Malware are rogue programs, tracking software usually downloaded
as cookies or trojans on your computer, they can track your surfing
habits, find out your personal details, and can leave your computer
vulnerable to hackers, allowing others to use your computer.
SSL - Secure Socket Layer
Encryption method for transferring data between a client and server.
URL
Is the address of the website ie www.bbc.co.uk. Normally consists
of WWW (world wide web), Plus the company name, and the extension
to the company name .co.uk. This is a UK based URL address, there
are a many others, used for addresses, ie .com, .org, .edu, .gov,
or .tv, plus many other international extensions. Some addresses
do not use the WWW in front of the address.
Trojans
A program designed by rogue programmers to invade your computer,
causing damage, tracking your surfing habits, downloading dialers
and leaving your computer vulnerable to hackers.
Temporary Internet files
Are files stored on your computer which contain the websites
page information/images, this makes it quicker to download the website
next time you visit. These are stored everytime you visit a website
and can take up space on your pc. You can delete these files using
Internet Explorer/Tools/Options
Virus
A program written by rogue programmers designed to damage data and
programs on your computer, and to infect others, by passing on from
computer to computer.
Web site
Usually indicates a collection of Web "pages." The "home
page" is typically the first or main page of a site
Windows Critical Updates
Microsoft regularly update their programs, fixing problems and incorporating
new features, tightening the security to fight against rogue programmers.
These updates and critical updates are available free of charge
from their website, http://www.microsoft.com
, simply click to scan for updates and it will give you a list
of updates for your computer. Simply select update and it will update
your Windows programs. You will need to do the Critical updates
first, and restart your PC, then go back to do any other chosen
updates.
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