Supporting Technology

A

Address

The location of a web site, e.g. EverybodyOnline's website address is www.everybodyonline.org.uk

Adware

A software application that can display advertising banners while the program is running or via some other triggering mechanism is called Adware. Ad delivery systems are most often integrated into free applications as a way for developers to recover costs. A critical eye has been placed on Adware systems since, in addition to downloading Adware; they may also upload user information collected without explicit permission.

Anti-virus software

An application designed to protect computers from malicious computer code

Application

Computer software programme that enables the user to perform specific tasks.

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Loop (ASDL)

High speed Internet access using the telephone line.

Attachment

A file that arrives with an email.

B

Backup

The process of copying your important computer files and documents from your hard disk to floppy disks or CD-RW.

Bitmap

A type of graphic image recorded as many dots.

Bulletin Boards System (BBS)

A dial-up meeting and announcement system for carrying on discussions, uploading & downloading files, obtaining online information and services.

Block/ing

An Instruction given to your computer not to allow certain types of activity on a particular machine, e.g. to stop access to particular web pages or chat rooms.

Blog / Blogging

A web site (or section of a web site) where users can post a chronological, up-to-date e-journal entry of their thoughts. Each post usually contains a web link. Basically, it is an open forum communication tool.

Bluetooth

A technology that allows devices [computers, phones etc] to communicate with each other wirelessly.

Bookmark

A way of flagging particular websites in the web browser for later reference.

Boot

The process the PC goes through after it is switched on.

Broadband

A high-speed Internet connection.

Browse

Using a web browser application to look at websites on the net.

Browser

The short name for web browser - an application that lets you view pages on the Internet

Bundle

An assortment of computer peripherals including programmes that comes with your computer. Bundles vary and you should have the opportunity to choose a bundle that is relevant to you.

C

Compact Disc (CD)

A disk with large capacity for storing data.

CD Writer

A special type of CD-Rom drive, which allows you to create your own CD's.

CD-R

Blank CD's onto which data or music can be recorded - but only once.

Compact disk read only memory

(CD-Rom)

A CD that can hold more than music and can hold up to 650mb of data

CD Drive

Used for installing software [on CD-ROM discs] and playing multimedia audio and video. Audio CD's can also be inserted.

CD-RW

Stands for compact disc rewritable format, or blank compact discs, which can be recorded over and over again.

Cell

A spreadsheet page uses rows and columns to divide a page into cells.

Chat

A means of communicating with people more or less instantaneously by typing messages which then appear on your computer screen, and are transmitted over the internet to be read by everyone.

Chatroom

Online venues for typed chat.

Click

Pressing down once and releasing a mouse button.

Clipart

A library of drawings or photographs that you can use in documents.

Commercial Software

Commercial software is computer software sold for profit; such software represents the vast majority of all software used.

Computer

A device that runs programs for displaying and manipulating text, graphics, symbols, audio, video, and numbers. A computer accepts information in the form of digital data. Complex computers also include the means for storing data (including software programs).

Computer Network

A collection of a series of computers that are connected to each other.

Configure

To tweak the functions of software or hardware to particular settings you require.

Control panel

A collection of icons that allow you to configure the basic functions of Windows and your PC.

Cookies

Text files generated by websites visited and stored on your computers hard disk.

Copy & Paste

Selecting part of an image or document in order to place it elsewhere.

Crash

This happens when a software application or operation goes wrong, often freezing the computer

Cursor

This blinking indicator shows you where you are in your file.

Cyber bullies

Known as griefers, snerts, or just plain cyber bullies. These are the Internet equivalent of playground bullies, who find fun in embarrassing and pushing around others. Online games appear to be a common haunt for cyber bullies, but they can also appear in chat rooms. The best deterrent is to ignore cyber bullies and if on a moderated chat room or game, make a complaint.

Cyberspace

Another word for the Internet.

D

Database

Any collection of information usually [but not always] used to refer to information stored on a computer.

Default

A standard hardware or software setting

Desktop

What you see on your computer screen

Desktop Publishing (DTP)

The design, layout and printing of documents, books and magazines using special software, such as Microsoft Publisher.

Dial up Connection

A type of Internet connection which allows you to dial a phone number to connect to the Internet.

Digital Camera

A camera that stores images in computer memory rather than on light sensitive film.

Discussion Board/s

A discussion board is a tool which allows groups to communicate online. It is quite similar to e-mail, but is separate from your e-mail account and is accessed, stored and organised centrally. The entire group can read all the messages. You can read old messages or post new messages at any time.

Distance Selling

Distance selling includes contracts made via the internet, text messaging, phone calls, faxing, interactive TV, mail order catalogues or mail order advertising in newspapers or magazines. Consumers have rights under the Consumer Protection Distance Selling Regulations (DSR's).

Distance Selling Regulations do not cover auctions, including online and interactive TV auctions. However, some activities described as auctions do not fall within the exemption, such as "buy now" slots on internet auction sites - familiar to eBay users - because the sale is not concluded by process of auction.

Domain name

The name used to identify a site on the Internet e.g. everybodyonline.org.uk

Double click

To click twice quickly in succession on a mouse button.

Download

Process of transferring files onto a PC directly from another computer.

Drag

The action of pointing to an item and press and releasing

the right mouse button while moving the mouse. This moves objects, resizes windows or draws.

Driver

Software needed to allow the computer to communicate with peripherals e.g. the printer.

Drop-down menu

A list of options displayed beneath a menu bar when you select a menu option.

Digital Video Disk Writer

(DVD Writer)

The DVD writer is a computer component which saves information and plays the DVD disk for you.

E

E-commerce

Buying and selling over the Internet

Email

Short for Electronic mail

Email address

A personal and unique address on the Internet.

Encryption

The manipulation of a ‘segment' of data in order to prevent any but the intended recipient reading that data.

Escrow

When money or other assets are held by a trusted third party pending completion of a transaction. An example of an Escrow service would be Paypal

F

Firewall

A system, which prevents unauthorised access to a computer over a network such as the Internet

FAQ's -Frequently Asked Questions

Many FAQ's can be found on the Internet providing a list of answers to the most common questions to help new users.

Filtering

Applying of a set of criteria or rules against which Internet content is judged acceptable or not, eg. checking the text on a web page with a list of forbidden words. If a match is found, that webpage may be blocked or reported through a monitoring process.

Flash

An application used to create high quality animations on websites

Floppy Disk

A small rigid square of plastic used to store data

Folder

Files on a computers hard disk are arranged within a system of folders, which group related items. Folders have names to describe what is in them, e.g. My Documents

Font

A set of letters, numbers and other symbols in a particular style.

Footer

A special area at the bottom of a document; type

something in this area and it appears at the base of every page.

Format

The process of preparing a floppy disk for use with a particular computer or operating system

Forum

An online community where users read and post topics of common interest.

Freeware

Software that is often downloadable from the Internet, which then is free for use.

G

Gigabyte (Gb)

A measurement of storage capacity - 1 Gb is equal to 1,024 megabytes

Gigahertz (GHz)

A thousand megahertz - a measure of how fast the processor is in your PC.

Graphics Card

This is a plug in device that processes and displays graphics on the computer.

Graphics Tablet

An alternative to the mouse. A stylus is moved over a small board. Similar to using pen and paper.

H

Hackers

People who break into other people's computer and networks, often in an attempt to steal sensitive information

Handheld Computer

A small computer, about the size of a spectacle case

Hard Disk

A high capacity disk drive fitted in PC's and used to store both applications and the documents and files they create.

Hardware

Describes the physical components, like the monitor and keyboard.

Header

A title that can be inserted at the top of a page, usually in a word processor document

Homepage

The first or main page of a website

HTML

The language use to create webpages

Hyperlink

A click able link on a web page that takes the user to another website or later page.

I

ICT

Stands for Information Communication Technology

Icon

A small image used to identify a file or programme.

Instant messaging

A form of chat. Many people refer to instant message (IM) conversations as "chatting," but there is a slight difference between IM and chat. IM usually refers to a conversation between two people, whereas chat is a conversation with a group.

Internet

A global network of connected computers

Internet Explorer

Microsoft's Internet Browser - a programme that allows you to browse web pages

Internet service provider (ISP)

Commercial companies that provide Internet access.

Intranet

Company's internal Internet network.

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)

A digital telephone connection providing high-speed data transfer.

J

Java

A special language used to create advanced effects on websites

K

Keywords

Words typed into search engines as search terms. Some filtering programs will not allow the use of any keywords which are on their list of banned words. The inclusion of keyword lists allows you to include 'words' such as your phone number or credit card numbers, so that their use can be monitored or blocked.

Kilobyte (KB)

This is a unit for measuring the speed of data transmission over a digital connection. Modems, for example, are measured in Kbps. This unit is equal to either 1024 or 1000 bytes.

L

Local Area Network LAN

Describes two or more computers connected.

Launch

To start up a program.

Logger Virus

Just as the name suggests if a program logs your every keystroke, it is considered a key logger. They are designed to steal your passwords and other sensitive information. There are two types of key loggers. One sends the logs to the author via email. Another one is stored in your hard drive. The author however would need the access to your computer in order to view the log. The second program can be installed on public computers, so beware and do not perform any sensitive procedures in public. Security software protects against these viruses.

Log on/in

To enter a password to gain access to a computer or network

Log off

To sign off from a computer or network.

M

Mailbox

The folder in the users email application that contains the messages.

Megabyte (Mb)

Short for megabyte. A measurement of storage capacity. 1Mb is equal to 1,024 Kilobytes.

Message board

An Internet based equivalent of an actual message board where people can post and reply to posted messages

Megahertz (MHz)

A measure of how fast the processor in a computer works.

Minimise

The ability to reduce the size of the window you see on your screen

Modem

A device that enables two computers to communicate with each other over a telephone line.

Mouse

A handheld device used for pointing and clicking as a means of issuing commands to a computer

Mouse pointer

Also known as the pointer, this is what is seen on the screen when the mouse is moved. Usually an arrow shape.

My computer

Usually an icon labelled my computer in the top left hand corner of the desktop. It contains icons for any disk drives you have connected to you computer

N

Net

Short for Internet

Network

A way of connecting several computers and printers so that they can share data.

Newsgroup

A newsgroup is a forum for sharing information. Each one is an area on the Internet that allows users to post messages and reply to other users.

Not Lists

Lists of unacceptable sites or words, often grouped in categories such as sex, violence etc. Programs which use NOT lists will deny access to any site or word listed. Software using NOT lists must be updated often to keep up with new Internet content.

O

Offline

Not being connected to the Internet, but with the ability to do emails and then send once online.

Online

Being connected to the Internet

Online Community

Primarily, these are areas on the Internet that cater to people's common interests. They are virtual in the sense that they exist in cyberspace and do not take up physical space. Communities are formed on Web sites, discussion groups, newsgroups, and even in chat rooms, and there are several popular gaming communities online. The Internet represents an extraordinary opportunity to converse with people all over the world; online communities provide a framework in which to exchange ideas and information, build relationships, and interact.

Open source

In general, open source refers to any program whose source code is made available for use or modification as users or other developers see fit. Open source software is usually developed as a public collaboration and made freely available. When programmers can read, redistribute, and modify the source code for a piece of software, the software evolves. People improve it, people adapt it, and people fix it.

Operating System

E.g. Windows 98, 2000 and XP are all operating systems

P

Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)

A term for any mobile hand held device that provides computing and information storage. Used for personal or business use PDA's can provide Internet connectivity. PDA's are also known as palmtops, handheld computers, and pocket computers.

Portal

A website that offers a variety of services, such as news, weather reports, email and so on.

Processor

The chip that is the brain of the computer

Program

Programs tell the computer what to do and how to do it

R

Random Access Memory (RAM)

The computers working area, used for data storage while the PC is switched on

Real-time

The present, as in right now. Not the past, not the future, not even one minute from now, it means this actual moment.

Recycle Bin

Where all files that are deleted are sent. It is shown as a rubbish bin icon on the desktop.

Router

A device that is used to connect more than one computer together and/or the Internet as an alternative to a modem

S

Scanner

A device which uses a light sensor to convert a drawing or photograph or document into data which can then be interpreted by software on the computer and copied.

Scroll bar

The section of a window - normally grey with a slider

control- the user can use to scroll around the window's contents when they are too large to display at once

Search Engine

A site on the net that indexes the names and addresses of other sites.

Shareware

Software which you can try out for free before buying it.

Shortcut

A file that acts as a link to something else. Used as a quick way to start programs

Site

Short for website

Software

Otherwise known as a programme i.e. instructions to the computer to perform certain tasks.

Spam

Unsolicited emails also known as junk mail.

Spreadsheets

A software application for creating sheets of calculations, set out in rows or columns

Spyware

Any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet. Once installed, the Spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else.

Surf

When you are moving around between and within websites.

T

Taskbar

The bar that runs along the bottom of the screen in versions of Windows from Windows 95 onwards.

Template

A web page design, document or spreadsheet that contains all the required formatting for a particular style of document. This master can be used over and over again.

Text box

desktop publishing - a piece of text set apart from the main story

Text Message

A brief, electronic message (less than 160 characters) sent and received via a wireless network and viewed on any number of mobile or handheld devices.

Touchpad

A small, touch sensitive pad, usually a couple of inches square.

Tower

A computer system unit which stands upright and stores the main components of the computer

Trojan Horse

A malicious computer programme that's disguised as a different harmless program.

U

Undo

A command in most programmes which reverses the last

action.

Uninstall

To remove unwanted applications.

Upgrade

To improve the performance or specification of a computer

Upload

The process of transferring information to another computer, often for publishing on the internet as a web page.

Uniform Resource Locator (URL)

The unique address of a web page.

Universal Service Bus (USB) Port

This is a connection for devices such as printers, scanners, and most digital cameras via cable. These ports are usually located either on the front or back of your desktop computer or on the side or back of your laptop.

Users

A term that defines the online audience, it also refers to anyone who uses a computer or a person who is online.

V

Virus

A malicious computer program which can do great damage to a computer or the programmes on it.

VoIP

Voice Over Internet Protocol

A technology for transmitting telephone calls (voice conversations) over a data network such as the Internet. One advantage of VoIP is, that like using e-mail on the Internet, telephone charges do not exceed what the user is already paying for Internet access.

W

Web

The web or World Wide Web, consists of a whole series of sites

Web Cam

A video camera, usually attached directly to a computer which takes digital images and transmits them over the Internet.

WiFi

A catchier name for the standard used for wireless networking devices

Worm

A program that transmits and copies itself over a computer network such as the internet

Z

Zipfile

A file or files that have been compressed using a program like WinZip to save disk space or to make it quicker to email.