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Simplified Computer & Internet Glossary

Greetings. There are a fair number of internet and computer glossaries available on the web, but here's one that you may find quite unique. Let me explain. First, the Glossary is all original, meaning no definitions were copied from another source.

It was written (by me) with the following parameters in mind - to keep the definitions concise, no longer than one line in length, boiling each definition down to it's utmost simplicity, not watered down, precisely stated, with emphasis on how the definition applies to computer use.  Also, I wanted to include the most basic of terms, never assuming anything as understood.

Thus, the glossary so created is the 'Simplified' Computer & Internet Glossary - new computer users typically report the definitions 'easy to learn' while more experienced users, seeing definitions so simply stated, clarify their understanding.

Good luck and good computing.

 

.com - pronounced "dot com", a Domain Name extension, indicates a commercial enterprise
.edu - a Domain Name extension, indicates an educational institution
.gov - a Domain Name extension, indicates a government body
.mil - a Domain Name extension, indicates military
.net - a Domain Name extension, indicates a network
.org - a Domain Name extension, indicates an organization, often non-profit organization
ActiveX - an Internet Explorer only add-on to provide additional function such as animation display
Aero - graphical user interface for the Windows Vista operating system, stands for authentic, energetic, reflective, open
Application - short for "Application Program". Software "applied" to solve problems, etc.
Bandwidth - a measure of the electronic data that can be sent through a connection. Typically in kilobits per second
Beta - usually as "Beta Software" or "Beta Version", this is software in a testing or preliminary phase
Binary - a numbering system using only two digits, "0" and "1"
Bit - short for "Binary Digit", the smallest unit of computer information, either a "0", or "1"
BHO - Browser Helper Object, small programs added to a browser to provide additional function (for example a toolbar)
Boot - loosely, to start up your computer. At which time your computer loads the operating system into memory
Broadband - a type of Internet connection, usually Cable or DSL, much faster than dial-up
Browser - a software program for accessing information on the internet. Internet Explorer and Firefox are Browsers
Byte - bits and bytes are often confused, a "bit" is the smallest unit of computer information, a "byte"is 8 bits
Cable - a type of Internet connection using cable TV lines, much faster than Dial-up, now widely available to home users
Cache - a storage place for recently accessed items, these build up over time and can slow computer performance
Click - to press the left-hand button on a mouse. Done while also pointing to an on-screen item to select it
Computer - an electronic machine able to perform calculations and accomplish tasks as programmed
Context Menu - the small popup menu that appears when you right-click an item such as a file, folder or desktop icon
Cookie - a piece of data stored by your web browser when you visit a website, allows the site to recognize you on return
CPU - central processing unit. A high-tech silicon chip consisting of micro-miniature electronic circuits. The brain of a computer
Database - organized and related electronic information stored and accessible.
Defragmentation - to reverse the process of fragmentation, means putting file pieces back together for faster system access
Desktop - the initial display screen, so-called because with its icons and menus it resembles a "desktop".
DHTML - Dynamic HTML, HTML plus additional code to provide action and animation such as in interactive menus
Dial-up - an Internet connection via telephone lines. Usually 56K, accomodates 56 Kilobits of electronic data transfer
Digital - refers to the technology of encoding and manipulating electronic information using only the values "0" and "1"
DirectX - Microsoft software to facilitate the performance of multimedia applications (games) under any hardware configuration
DLL - Dynamic Link Library, specialized Windows files that may be shared by a number of running programs simultaneously
Domain Name - the unique name that identifies a website, such as SuperRedBear.com
Double-click - to press the left-hand button on a mouse twice in rapid succession. Double-click on desktop icons to open
Download - the transmission of electronic data from a computer on the Internet "down" to your computer
Driver - Device Driver, software that interacts with the operating system and a hardware device such as a printer or video card
DSL - Digital Subscriber Line, a type of "broadband" internet connection, much faster than dial-up
Electronic - having to do with devices operating based on the principles of atomic particles called electrons
E-mail - electronic mail. Text messages and graphics can be sent from one computer to another. That's e-mail
EULA - End User License Agreement, you click to agree to this prior to software installation, check for info on spyware/adware
Executable - a file containing a program ready to be run by a computer, click on it to run it. Has a .exe file extension
FAQ - frequently asked questions. A collection of commonly asked questions about a particular product or subject
File - related information stored together under an identifying name
Firewall - software or hardware that acts to shield a computer or a network from unauthorized access
Folder - a named storage area on a computer containing files and other folders
Fragmentation - a hard drive condition wherein individual files are scattered in pieces across the drive, slowing file access
Frame - a section of a web page which displays independently of other sections on the web page
Frameset - the HTML document to group together and control the display of two or more frames
Freeware - software made available to the general public free of charge by the author. Author retains copyright
FTP - File Transfer Protocol. Standardized rules/commands for transferring files from one computer to another on the Internet
GB - abbreviation for Gigabyte
Gigabyte - 1024 Megabytes. Today usually used to describe Hard Drive capacity
Graphics Card - also called a Video card. A ciruitboard with memory specifically for processing and displaying graphics
Graphics Adapter - same as Graphics card. Hardware that plugs into the motherboard. Typically made by ATI or NVidia
GUI - Graphical User Interface. All the Icons, Buttons, Menus, etc., with which a user interacts
Hard Disk Drive - the main storage device on a computer. Sometimes called Hard Drive or Hard Disk, as in 250GB Hard Drive
Hardware - the physical components of a computer (ie. components you can actually touch)
Heuristics - a means of identifying viruses and other harmful computer code based on code behavior, defends against Zero-day attacks
Homepage - the main page of a website or the first page displayed upon opening a browser
Hosts File - list of IP Addresses and associated Url's, misuse may prevent sites from loading or direct to an unwanted site
HTML - HyperText Markup Language. The language (tags and rules) to create web pages. Easy to learn. See also HTML Editor
HTML Editor - a software program for creating web pages. See also WYSIWYG
Http - HyperText Transfer Protocol. Rules by which computers on the Internet communicate to one another
Hyperlink - sometimes just called a "link". Text or graphics which when clicked on with a mouse take you to another web page
Icon - a small picture or other graphic that represents a program, folder or file. Double-click on an icon to open
IDS - Intrusion Detection System (Software), security software which detects based on code behavior rather than signature files
IE - Internet Explorer. Microsoft's Internet browser - allows a user to view Internet websites.
Index.dat files - a record of sites visited when surfing with Internet Explorer. Unavailable via an ordinary search on Windows.
Install  - to set up a software program so that it is ready for use on a particular computer
Internet - a massive global network of computers
IP Address - Internet Protocol Address, a unique identifying number assigned to a computer on the Internet
IPS - Intrusion Prevention System (Software), security software which detects based on code behavior rather than signature files
Kilobyte - 1024 bytes, commonly a description of file size. For example a 325KB file
Link - hyperlink, text or graphics that when clicked on with a mouse take you to another web page
LSP - Layered Service Provider, software that acts as a link in the communication chain between your system and the internet
Malware - a generic term referring to any type of intentionally harmful software, such as a virus, trojan, spyware, etc.
MB - abbreviation for "Megabyte", 1024 Kilobytes, commonly a description of  memory (RAM) capacity, as in 512MB RAM
Megabyte - 1024 Kilobytes (roughly one million bytes) commonly a description of memory (RAM) capacity, as in 512MB RAM
Memory - typically refers to RAM, for Random Access Memory, a fast memory to facilitate on-going operations
Modem - Modulator-Demodulator. Hardware that permits a computer to communicate on a telephone, cable, or cellular medium
Monitor - visual display device. Loosely, Computer Screen. The point at which a human operator can monitor computer activity
Motherboard - the main circuitboard of a computer. The CPU, RAM Modules, Graphics Card, etc. plug into the motherboard
Mouse - palm sized device to control a pointer on a computer screen. Allows the user to point to and select items on the screen
Network - two or more computers, often hundreds, connected together and sharing resources
On-line - actively connected electronically to other computers or devices
Operating System - the main software which coordinates basic functions such as keyboard input, running applications, etc.
Phishing - attempts to dupe a computer user into divulging confidential information (via emails/websites that appear legitimate)
Pop-up - a window that appears suddenly and unexpectedly on your screen, it "pops up". Typically provides an advertisement
Port - a location through which communication may pass. For example a printer is connected to a port. A modem uses a port
Process - a running program or part of a running program. More formally, an executing program
Program(noun) - instructions provided to a computer (typically to carry out an activity-Firefox is a program to bowse the web)
Program(verb) - to provide instructions to a computer
RAM - Random-Access Memory. Sometimes just "Memory". Fast temporary memory for programs and data currently in use
Reboot - to restart your computer. This reloads the operating system. A glitch or hang-up can often be remedied by a reboot
RSS - Really Simple Syndication, a technology that provides a means for online syndication of news, website updates, etc.
Screensaver - an image or graphic that appears on a computer screen after a period of inactivity. Originally to prevent burn-in
Server - a computer that provides services to other computers. A server stores the pages of a website
Shell Extensions - a DLL module to extend Windows Explorer capability (ie. to add context menu items, custom icons, etc.)
S.M.A.R.T. - Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology, hard drive diagnostic monitors drive health, warns of failure
Software - a series of instructions that tell a computer what to do. Typically to perform some useful function
Spam - unsolicited junk e-mail to a large number of recipients
Spyware - a small hidden program that spys on activity including surfing habits. Often targets the computer for pop-up ads
Stealthed - commonly refers to computer ports actively hidden by means of a firewall
Surf - slang term meaning to browse the web. To look on-line at websites casually or randomly
Terabyte - 1024 Gigabytes
Trojan - a seemingly beneficial program containing a hidden intentionally harmful program
Video Card - also called a Graphics Card. A ciruitboard with memory specifically for processing and displaying graphics
Video Adapter - same as Video card. Hardware that plugs into the motherboard. Typically made by ATI or NVidia
Virus - a program that intentionally attempts to harm, capable of reproducing itself, and hence infecting additional computers
Vista - Windows Vista, latest Microsoft Operating system, contains enhanced security, graphics, search, and ease of use
Uninstall - to remove a program from interacting with your system. Reverses what occurred when the program was installed
Upload - to transfer data from a device such as a digital camera up to a computer. Also to transfer data up to a server
Url - Uniform Resource Locator. A website address, such as http://www.FreewareVista.com
Web Page - a document created using HTML and available on the Internet. Usually contains text, graphics and links
Website - a collection of electronic pages produced and maintained by a business or individuals and accessible on the internet
World Wide Web - a global collection of computers, loosely the"Internet", it actually makes up only a part of the Internet
www - abbreviation for "World Wide Web", commonly as http://www.FreewareVista.com
WYSIWYG - what you see is what you get. Can refer to an HTML Editor which visually assists the user to create web pages
Zero-day attack - attack against a vulnerability before a patch or updated anti-virus signature file can be released, see also Heuristics
 

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