Geek to English

This glossary of terms is our attempt to translate some of the common technical terms into plain English. Unfortunately the Information Technology sector has more jargon and acronyms than most people can handle. Remember if a technican is not making sense stop them and ask them to repeat it in plain english.

ADSL/ADSL 2+ = Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
Like dial-up Internet, ADSL uses a regular phone line to connect your computer to the Internet, but it works at much higher speeds. One of the main advantages of ADSL over dial-up is that you can use your telephone line at the same time as you are on the Internet. As there are many providers of ADSL there is high competition for business ensuring low prices. ADSL 2+ is a newer and much faster version of ADSL. It uses similar technology and also uses existing phone lines.

Bandwidth
Bandwidth is how fast data transfers on a given transmission path. It is expresses in bits per second (bps).

Broadband
Broadband is a high speed connection to the Internet so you can view websites, and download music, videos and pictures at a fast rate.

CD Burner (compact disk burner) or CD-RW
A CD burner lets you create (or burn) CDs by writing information to blank CDs using a powerful laser - these are good for data backups or storing music. CD burners have now been replaced with DVD burners

DVD Burner (compact disk burner) or DVD-RW
A DVD burner lets you create (or burn) DVD's by writing information to both blank DVDs and CDs using a powerful laser - these are good for data backups, storing music, creating home movies etc.

Content Management System (CMS)
Any system that allows the easy updating of website content.Absolute Tech develops Living CMS which is designed to be used to manage business websites.

Computer
The computer is the box that is connected to your monitor (screen). It is like the engine of your system and holds all the hardware components needed to run all your programs. Some times technicans also call the computer a "box".

CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The CPU is the brain of the computer; it does the majority of the calculations and processing. The faster your CPU the quicker programs will open and the more things that can be done at the same time.

CRT (cathode-ray tube)
Invented in 1897, CRT's are still the most common display technology for televisions. The tube uses an electron beam to scan lines on the screen coated with phosphor, which glows when struck by the beam. The other display technology being used more and more often nowadays in television sets is LCD.

Database
A database is a digital collection of information categorized by specific fields. Databases are an easy way to store, search and retrieve large amounts of data quickly.

Dial-up Internet
Dial-up Internet connects you to the Internet using a standard phone line. It transmits information by converting data into 'noise' that is sent along your phone line just like the way voices are transmitted. Dial-up is quite slow (not great for accessing online music, video or large images) and you cannot talk on the phone and surf the Internet at the same time.

FTP
File Transfer Protocol is a standard format for transferring data between two or more computers.

Hard drive
A hard drive is like the filing cabinet of your computer. It is used to store files - like word documents, spreadsheets, music and images - when they are not being worked on. The larger the filing cabinet (or hard disk) the more files that can be stored.

ISP (Internet Service Provider)
An ISP is the company that connects you to the Internet - they're the people that you pay each month in return for a certain amount of Internet usage. In many cases, your ISP also provides you with your email address.

LCD (liquid crystal display)
LCD's are a type of display used in digital watches, desktop monitors and many portable computers. They use two sheets of polarizing material with a liquid crystal solution between them. An electric current passed through the liquid causes the crystals to align so that light cannot pass through them. Each crystal, therefore, is like a shutter, either allowing light to pass through or blocking the light. This generates the colours and images needed to use a computer.

Modem
A modem is a device that allows computers to connect to their Internet service provider and the Internet. All Internet connections (dial-up, cable, ADSL, ADSL2+ and wireless) need a modem to work.

Monitor
A monitor is the screen of your computer that displays programs, games, websites, documents and pretty much everything else that happens on your computer. It plugs into your computer.

Motherboard
The motherboard is the central skeleton of the computer, all parts connect into it. Therefore if it breaks most parts of the computer need to be replaced, especially if it is an older motherboard as replacing the motherboard can be tricky.

Network
A network is two or more computers that are connected which allows for things like sharing files, printers or Internet connections. For example a home with three computers might have a network that lets them all print using the one printer, or all access the same family music library.

OS (operating system)
Your operating system is the main software your computer uses to run everything from editing documents and listening to music to playing games and browsing the Internet. Lots of different programs can be run on top of the operating system, but the operating system brings everything together. Popular operating systems include Microsoft's Windows XP and Vista, Apple's MacOS and Linux.

PHP
PHP is a computer scripting language originally designed for producing dynamic web pages.The name PHP is a recursive acronym for PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor.
PHP is used mainly in server-side scripting, but can be used from a command line interface or in standalone graphical applications. Textual User Interfaces can also be created using ncurses.
The main implementation is produced by The PHP Group and released under the PHP License. This implementation serves to define a de facto standard for PHP, as there is no formal specification

PSU (power supply unit)
A power supply converts power from standard electrical outlets into a steady stream of power which your computer can use. A 300 Watt power supply is generally sufficient for home users, but power users may need a 400 or 500 Watt version if they have multiple hard drives or other components. The quality of power supply can be very important and may make the difference between a stable computer and a computer that crashes often. Most good power supplies are designed to be self-sacrificing (like a fuse) in the event of a power surge to protect the components in your computer. It is worth investing in a power supply unit with surge protection.

RAM (random access memory)
RAM, or more simply referred to as memory, is the space you need to run the programs and files you are currently working on. If the hard disk is like a filing cabinet, then RAM is like the desk where all your current projects are running. The more RAM you have, the more things you can work on at once - like email programs, design software, word processing and games etc. Larger amounts of RAM are useful in situations where you do lots of things on your computer at once.

Refresh rates
A refresh rate is the speed at which your monitor's picture is redrawn or flashed in front of your eyes. Slower refresh rates provide a noticeable flicker. Higher refresh rates create a steady picture. The maximum refresh rate changes depending on your monitor. A minimum of 75 Hertz is recommended for computer monitors. Television refresh rates are 30 Hertz which is why there is a noticeable flicker.

Ripping
CDs can be copied onto your computer via a process known as 'ripping'. It is called this because all of the information on the CD is effectively ripped off the disk and copied onto your computer. The information still remains on your CD so you can play the songs (or access the files) using the CD or on your computer.

Router
A router is a device that determines where data should be sent and is used to create a network of computers sharing information. Routers also provide security preventing non-requested data from entering the network - for example stopping intruders from remotely connecting to your computer).

Satellite Internet Connection
Satellite is a way of connecting to the Internet via satellites. It is quite expensive to use and set up so is usually only used in regional areas where regular dial-up or broadband Internet access is unavailable. This cost is subsidised by the government in some rural areas.

SEO
SEO or Search Engine Optimization is a procedure in which a website is made “readable” to the search engine robots so your website are not just recognized by your visitors, but also the search engines. This normally would have the effect of making the website rank higher in user searches.

Spam
Spam is basically any email message that is sent to you without your permission. These can include unwanted advertising or online scams requesting your bank details or similar. Note: banks don't ask for personal information over email, so always check with your bank before you give out any details.

Spyware / malware
Spyware is the name for programs that contain hidden nasties which can be used to send your private information across the Internet and destabilise your computer. Some can even cause your modem to dial overseas pay numbers leading to high phone bills. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet. Malware is software that is designed to cause problems on your computer and like spyware is downloaded with other programs and runs without your knowledge.

Streaming audio or video
Unlike downloading, where you receive the full file on your computer before you can play it, streaming allows you to play a file as it is being downloaded. This means that the file starts playing much faster and continues to download in the background as you are watching or listening. Also, the file is usually not stored on your computer permanently.

UPS (uninterrupted power supply)
A UPS keeps your computer running for several minutes after a power outage. That means if there is a power failure you have time to save your important work and shut down your computer properly to avoid any problems of a sudden shut down.

User account
Using Windows XP you can create separate accounts for each person who will be using the computer. This allows each user to log onto the same computer yet have their own personalised document folders and settings such as wallpapers, start menu items, visual styles and so on. You can create and configure user accounts with the User Accounts tool in the Control Panel.

Virus
A virus is a self-replicating program that spreads by inserting copies of itself into other code or documents on your computer. Viruses can be caught from documents, attach themselves to emails and spread through networks. Viruses usually attempt to hide and disrupt your system as much as possible.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
VoIP lets you make phone calls using the Internet. Because all you pay for is your broadband connection (which you are probably paying for anyway), this can be a very cheap way to make long distance or local phone calls. All it requires is a broadband connection, microphone and headphones. Some VoIP technology even makes it possible to use your existing phone handsets to call via the Internet saving lots of money. The only limitation with VoIP is that it cannot make emergency calls and does not function in a power blackout. A common VoIP program is www.skype.com.

Windows Updates
As Microsoft becomes aware of new vulnerabilities in Windows they releases pieces of software called Updates that remove the vulnerabilities that your computer was previously exposed to. Windows Update - available at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ - should be run at least once a month. If this is not done, your computer could be vulnerable to attack from hackers or virus infection.

Wireless network - Wifi
A network is two or more computers that are connected which allows for things like sharing files, printers or Internet connections. A wireless network simply uses high-frequency radio waves rather than cables to make the connections. This can be helpful in cases where wiring may be difficult, and also gives you the freedom to be online from just about anywhere in your home.