#ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

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• 286, 386, 486 Previous designations for types of CPU's. From 586 onwards, names have been used instead of numbers. This change was caused as a result of a court decision that numbers could not be copyrighted.
  
• 2DD Double Density diskette (720Kb used in the 3½" FLOPPY DISK DRIVE).
  
• 2HD Two sided High Density diskette (1.44Mb used in the 3½" FLOPPY DISK DRIVE).

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• A DriveThe first drive of a computer system, using Floppy Discs. It also acts as the 'emergency' boot disc..
  
• Address The unique location of a Web page on the internet. Type this into your browser's location window, and you're there.
  
• ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line). Constant Internet access with data delivery speeds of 10 to 40 times the usual rate.
  
• AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) A PC interface used for super fast 3D graphics. Ideal for playing 3D games.
  
• Animated gif A standard gif file contains a single image, but it's possible to store several images. Web browsers can flick through these to produce an animated effect, as too can certain other programs.
  
• Anti-aliasing A process applied to images to smooth out jagged edges.
  
• Anti-virus A program that protects your PC from viruses.
  
• AOL (America Online). One of the largest Internet companies in the world who provide ISP services in many countries, including Britain as well as providing AOL Instant Messenger, as a instant messaging program. Afectionately know as AOHell as it can prove really rotten at times and often will not allow access to certain Internet services/pages.
  
• Application Another word for a computer program. Often used when people want to make a programsound more important than it actually is. Normally used to elivate it from games programs.
  
• ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange). 8 bit standard character set, does not support formatting like bold, left margin etc. Supported by all word processing programs.
  
• Assembler A special king of programming language - the hardest and most complicated way a programmer can create software. Assembler (also know as assembly) programming is difficult, fiddly and time consuming, but it's also more efficient than any other method. Much used in games in an attempt to get the utmost from your PC.
  
• Athlon Just about the fastest CPU currently available, made by the AMD company.
  
• attachment A file included with an e-mail.
  
• attribute Information that tells your PC what you can and can't do to certain files. For example, some files are marked with 'read only' attribute which means you can't change them unless you change the attribute to 'read-write' first.
  
• autoexec.bat A special file that sets up your computer when you start it running. It contains details of how the memory and peripherals are arranged and can also be used to run programs when you turn on your PC.
  

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• backbone A high speed data link that connects lots of different networks.
  
• backslash reverse slash, used to separate directories and files as in C:\Program Files\Cheetachat\cchat.exe.
  
• BBS (Bulletin Board System) Much like the Internet, only smaller, cheaper and more local. BBS's offer users a chance to exchange electronic messages (and sometimes true Internet e-mail) with each other, to download software, and often to meet socially. BBS mail hops from place to place over phone lines, and so isn't as fast as true Internet mail. BBS's are linked into networks - the most popular is called FIDO.
  
• bcc Short for Blind Carbon Copy. This is used in e-mails to send someone an exact copy of the message, but without the knowing who the other recipients are, if any.
  
• binary system number system which only recognises two states, 1 and 0. (i.e. on or off).
  
• BIOS chip that controls, amongst other things, the computer's start sequence. This is where information about different drives and so on is held.
  
• bit smallest amount of information a computer can handle. A character consists of 8 bits.
  
• Bitmap An image made up of rows of dots. Such images tend to look distorted when enlarged or reduced in size.
  
• boot starting a computer.
  
• Bot Derived from robot. A program designed to automatically search the Net for information. Many of the search engines, including Infoseek and AltaVista, employ bots to scout the Net for new Web sites and appropriate keywords to include in their database.
  
• bridge A hardware device used for forwarding data between two networks. Unlike a router, a bridge is not interested in the address on the remote LAN but only in whether or not the packet should be forwarded.
  
• Broadband Refers to high bandwidth Internet connections, such as ADSL.
  
• broken link An HTML link that's not working properly. Broken image links appear as broken icpns in Netscape Navigator, and as a box with a red cross through it in Microsoft's Internet Explorer.
  
• browser A programs which can display documents on the World Wide Web, Such as Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer. As they're free downloads, I suggest you go for the latest version as it becomes available.
  
• Brush An image-editing tool for 'painting' on the screen.
  
• Burn A shorthand term for the process of creating a CD using a CD-R/CD-RW drive.
  
• byte equals 8 bits. (see table below).


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• C A popular programming language developed by computer professionals. Obscure in the extreme to anyone who doesn't have a computer science defree, but almost as fast as assembler without the need for quite so much aspirin (or paracetamol).
  
• C++ Like C, only more powerful, and even more abstract - increasingly more popular among professionals too.
  
• cache an area of RAM which is used to speed up a computer by holding the last used or regularly used information.
  
• Caps Lock Key The key at the left of a PC keyboard that TURNS THE CAPITAL LETTERS ON. There's usually a light on the peripherals of the keyboard that comes on when the Caps Lock has been pressed. Pressing the key again, turns of the Caps Lock. It's also a key that loud-mouthed idiots press in chat rooms like Yahoo! purely because they are rude and ignorant.
  
• CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) The light-sensitive component in a digital camera or camcorder.
  
• CDDB (Compact Disc Database) Upon inserting an audio CD, any player with this function will, provided you are connected to the Internet, automatically download the track and artist information.
  
• CD-R (Compact disc Recordable) Specification for Blank CDs onto which information, such as data or music, can be recorded – but only once. See also CD-R/CD-RW Tips.
  
• CD-RW (Compact Disc Rewritable) Format of Blank compact discs that can be recorded on over and over again. See also CD-R/CD-RW Tips.
  
• C Drive Usually the main hard disk inside a PC - a bit like the main filing cabinet in an office, but only about 1% of the physical dimensions.
  
• clients Computers that request and receive information from servers via a network.
  
• clipart A library of line drawinds, cartoons, photographs and so pn that you can freely use in your documents.
  
• clock frequency number of impulses per second. The higher the better for games players. Most regular users need not exceed 500MHz and can work comfortably on even slower than that.
  
• CMOS (Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) A special part of your PC that keeps certain important settings - settings which are important enough to remember even when you turn the power off. The information in CMOS memory is protected by a battery that keeps it safe.
  
• cold boot The PC is switched off completely, and then switched on again. Sometimes necessary after a crash.
  
• CompactFlash Matchbox sized memory cards with no moving parts. These slot into various devices to store data. Popular with digital cameras and handheld computers.
  
• COM port Communication Port, normally serial, of the computer for connecting a mouse, keyboard, modem etc.
  
• config.sys Together with autoexec.bat, these two files set-up your computer when you turn it on. config.sys contains details if device drivers and other essential information.
  
• configuration This means all the settings and parameters that a computer program or hardware device requires in order to work. Many programs and peripherals need configuring, or setting up.
  
• CPU (Central Processor Unit). The heart of the computer that makes it tick, or does all the work if you prefer that description.
  
• CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) The glass tube-based technology used to produce an image in most TV sets and computer monitors.
  
• Cursor A flashing shape in the screen showing the next character you type in will appear.


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• database Any collection ofinformation, especially used to refer to information stored on a computer.
  
• decimal system the regular number system using the digits 0 to 9.
  
• Desktop What you see when you first boot up a Windows-based computer. The Decktop will display your Taskbar and a selection of icons such as My Computer and Recycle Bin.
  
• DHTML (Dynamic HyperText Markup Language) This is a method changing a Web page in the browser to create animation and interactivity, such as menus and rollovers. An imploved version of HTML.
  
• Dialogue Box A small window that pops up to display or request information. In Windows, Menu options that end with an '...' always open a dialogue box.
  
• DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module) A slot-in-card used to expand the memory of a PC.
  
• dither The patterned arrangement of colours in an image, giving an impression of more colours than there actually are. Images with only 256 colours are often dithered to give the impression of greater colour depth. Dithering can be based on an algorithm or may be randomised.
  
• DNS (Domain Name System) A method of translating network hosts names into addresses. On TCP/IP networks, the Domain Name Service provides Internet Protocol (IP) address translation for a given computer's domain name.
  
• Domain name Identifies a computer connected to the Internet. Domain names typically consist af a host name followed by a top-level domain category, such as .com, .co or .org. and then perhaps a country abbrevialion, like .uk.
  
• DOS (Disk Operating System) The early operating system of computers, and still the platform for many other so-called operating systems.
  
• DOS prompt the place you type in DOS commands. In it's most common form you should see it as C:\>
  
• download retrival of a file from a host computer.
  
• DPI (Dots per inch) The way the resolution of printed and scanned images is measured. The more dots there are per inch, the sharper the picture.
  
• Drag and Drop important mouse technique used for moving objects, files, etc.
  
• driver error, bookmark not defined Mini program for controlling hardware such as sound card, printer etc.
  
• DTP (Desk Top Publishing) layout and publishing on the computer.


• DVD (Digital Video Disc) CD format for storing high quality videos that can be seen on your PC with the appropriate software.
  
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• Echelon A global surveillance network allegedly (no-one has admitted its existence) operated by the US, Canadian, UK, Australian and New Zealand intelligence agencies. The network is claimed to monitor private and commercial satellite, mobile phone and Internet communication, looking for 'suspicious' keywords.
  
• EDO-RAM Fast RAM.
  
• EIDE (Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics) An improvement to IDE (qv) that allows use of hard drives larger than 540Mb.
  
• EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architechture) A standard interface for expansion or adaptor cards. Contrast with PCI.
  
• e-mail Electronic mail which is sent over internal networks as well as the Internet.
  
• e-mail server This is a special program running on a computer connected to the Internet that sends and receives e-mail. When you connect to the Internet you can access the e-mail server and retrieve your messages.
  
• ethernet A standard for cables and wiring related to the communications protocol of the network, with data transfer rate at 10Mbs per second.
  


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• FAQ Frequently Asked Questions.
  
• FIDO An extremely popular network of BBS systems. Much like the Internet, only smaller and slower. Access is usually completely free.
  
• Field A heading in a database table that lists specific information.
  
• FIFO a fast port specification (UART 16550), important for Internet connections, particularly for idiotic gamers.
  
• file extension The suffix (the letters after the dot) in a file's name. Examples include .doc (for a Word document), .xls (Excel) and .txt (Notepad). This is how Windows knows which application to use to open a particular file.
  
• Filter 1. Applies to a transformation to improve image quality or produce a special effect image.
           2. A means of preventing certain words or subjects being displayed on a computer.
  
• Firewall (A type of program (or piece of hardware) that sits between your PC and the Internet, looking out for any unauthorised access or data.
  
• Firewire High-speed interface for connecting peripherals such as digital cameras and camcorders to your computer.
  
• Flash A powerful graphics animation program package for Web site builders.
  
• Floppy Drive/Disk A removeable storage medium that allows transport of files etc between computers. The Drive is also used for emergency recovery booting of PC.
  
• Font Also called typeface.Thousands of fonts are available, each with its own characteristics.
  
• Footprint The desk area occupied by a peripheral, like a printer or scanner.
  
• Freeware A program which the author has decided to let you use (and often distribute) for free.
  
• FTP (File Transfer Protocol) FTP programs can be used to copy programs from the Internet to your hard drive or vice versa. It is used to upload a Web site from your hard disk to your Web Server


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• gateway A computer that moves data from one physical network to another. As Gateway, a computer manufacturing company.
  
• GIF (A common type of picture format for simple line-art or graphics, such as company logos. Can also handle simple animations.
  
• Gigabyte (Gb) equals 1024 Mb. (see table below).
  
• Graphics card The part of a PC that controls the images on a monitor. Often called the Video card.
  
• Graphic Equaliser A feature that allows the user to adjust specific frequencies – add bass or reduce treble, for example – to music. The more 'bands' the equaliser has, the more frequencies can be altered.
  
• GUI (Graphical User Interface) An operating system such as Windows that uses Icons for accessing programs and or settings.


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• hard disk is the computers built in storage medium.
  
• hardware are the solid bits of the computer, (monitor, printer, modem, keyboard, etc.).
  
• HD High Density diskette (1.44Mb used in the FLOPPY DRIVE).
  
• Hit A guage of a visit to a Web site. When someone visits a Web site, that has received a hit.
  
• homepage publication on the World Wide Web, normally with a fixed address. (see URL).
  
• host Any computer directly connected to a network. A hots is not the same as a server.
  
• Hot key Also called a Keyboard shortcut. Usually two keys used together to perform a task in an application. For example, Windows uses Ctrl + C to copy data.
  
• HTML (HyperText Markup Language) code language for formatting Web Pages.
  
• HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) transmission protocol as part of address of Web pages.
  
• Hyperlink This is a reference to another file on the Internet. The hyperlink, or simply link, is usually a blue underlined word or phrase. When you click on it the Web browser goes to the Web page or file it refers to.
  


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• Icon A small image used in Windows, or MAC, to identify a file or application.
  
• ICQ Pronounced "I Seek You"; the most prevalent instant messaging program.
  
• IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics). Now outdated control system for controlling hard drives. (see EIDE).
  
• Instant messaging A little like e-mail except that messages are sent to and forth instantly and not via an e-mail server.
  
• Interface A means of connecting peripherals to a computer. They come in many different styles.
  
• interlace Interlaced graphics appear gradually in a browser. They begin as blurred images at first and slowly clarify. These help the viewer to see that the page they've clicked to is indeed loading.
  
• Internet the world wide computer network.
  
• Internet Explorer Microsoft's Web browser. Internet Explorer 5.5 (IE5.5) is very popular. It is actually packaged and integrated with Windows 2000.
  
• Intranet A local network which doesn't have public access such as an office system.
  
• IP (Internet Protocol) A method of communicating across the Internet.
  
• ISA-bus (Industry Standard Architecture) Original data transmission system for IBM and compatible PC's. It is still used along side the more effective and modern PCI-bus.


• ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network.) A telephone line which allows data to be transferred quicker. A 64Kbps communication standard.
  
• ISP (Internet Service Provider) The company or server that allows you access to the Internet.
  
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• Java Not a type of coffee as you might expect, this is a programming language used largely for Internet Pages.
  
• JavaScript A relatively easy-to-use programming language that enables you to do relatively advanced things on Web pages, like changing the coloir of an image whenever the cursor is over it.
  
• jpeg An acronym for Joint Picture Experts Group. The jpeg (or jpg) system is used to pack bitmapped images into fewer bytes. It does this by removing tiny details. These are lost forwver, but in practice this isn't noticeable unless the image is examined closely. JPGs can be extremely effective, and van squeeze images into around ¹/₂₀ of the space without serious side effects.


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• Kilobyte (Kb) equal to 1,024 bytes. (see table below).


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• LAN (Local AREA Network) Connecting conputers within a limited area so that uesrs can exchange information, share peripherals and draw on the resourses of a server.
  
• laptop reasonably sized 'mini-PC' that sits on the users lap.
  
• LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Technology used to create low power, wafer thin displays.
  
• links Easy access buttons to take you onto another page, usually relevant to where you've just been.
  
• login attaching to a network or a password protected area on a computer.
  
• LPT port parallel port on a computer, used to connect a printer to is as an example.
  


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• Megabyte (Mb) equals 1,024 Kb. (see table below).
  
• Messenger Netscapes e-mail program and part of the Communicator package.
  
• Messenger Also the name used by Yahoo!, AOL and Microsoft for their respective 'pager' programs.
  
• Microsoft A company that provides various programs for PCs..
  
• Midi-keyboard Music keyboard attached to a sound card used to mimic many musical instruments (helped by a special sequencer often built into the said keyboard.).
  
• Midi-standard (General-Midi) commands for generating the sounds of 128 instruments and percussion using a sound card.
  
• MMC (MultiMedia Card) A small postage stam-sized storage card used by some digital cameras and MP3 players.
  
• MMX (Multi Media eXtensions) extra commands for the CPU, accelerating graphic generation and movement. (3D, Video)
  
• modem(MOdulator-DEModulator) accessory to enable data to be transmitted over telephone lines, used for e-mail, fax, Internet etc.
  
• motherboard the main board in a computer. All other boards will connect back to this board.
  
• mouse input device on a computer that resembles a mouse by shape only.
  
• MP3 Type of music file wherein the data is shrunk significantly without any form of noticeable affect on the sound quality.
  
• MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group) MPEG (pronounced empeg) is a method for compressing digital video. MPEG-1 compression gives VHS quality video, while MPEG-2 compression gives high quality video with CD quality sound. MPEG-2 compression is used for DVD movies.
  
• MSN (MicroSoft Network). Microsoft's corner of the Internet (visit www.msn.com for more info). Nowadays the name is more commonly linked to MSN's Messaging Services, an instant messenging program like ICQ.
  
• multimedia playing of sounds, videos, interactive programs etc. All new/modern computers are multimedia.
  
• multitasking the ability built into most modern operating systems that allow the processing of many things simultaneously.