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Computer Jargon Explained [5]
The Community Site For Chester & Newtown
Register With Us For An Upload Password: This is a new website for Chester:NewTownSaints (newtownsaints.co.uk)RAM
Stands for Random Access Memory and is the primary decider of a computer's speed and performance. The more RAM you can afford to install, the faster your programs can run from memory. This does, of course presume a decent speed of CPU... say 1.5GHz plus.
Memory is particularly cheap at the moment, and you can buy it on eBay for around £10 per Gb - August 2008 (Top spec gaming computers typically use 2, 3 or 4Gb RAM).
Rogue dialler
A software program that attaches itself to your computer and deliberately changes your settings to dial a premium-rate number instead of your usual number for internet access.
Safe mode
A simplified version of Windows you can launch on your PC to trouble-shoot any technical problems.
Search engine
A website directory that indexes as many Websites as it can in order for you to search for information on a given subject.
Shoulder surfing
Looking over someone's shoulder when they enter a password or a PIN codeIt's always wise to be aware of who's around you when you're surfing in a public space, whether an Internet cafe or at a university. Wherever, always try to ensure the latest antivirus, firewall and browser software is installed. If in doubt, don't use it.
Skyscrapers
A tall thin banner, usually running down the right side of a web page and often used for advertising.
Spam
Unwanted email that has not been requested by the recipient. The online equivalent of junk mail.
Specials
Similar to microsites in that Specials are usually part of a larger Web site, but more often dedicated to a theme such as Christmas or Valentine's Day. Often grouping content that links through to areas within the larger website.
Spiders
Non-threatening automated programs used by search engines to roam the internet, finding new and updated pages from other Websites to use in their directory. Your website would (typically), be 'spidered' by Google, for example.
Spyware
Programs that secretly monitor your online activity, often slowing your computer and threatening your online security
SSD
Solid-State Drive. A hard 'disk drive' that isn't a drive at all. Without platters, stylii, heads and other moving parts, SSDs use less power, read and write data more quickly, and generate less heat and noise that conventional hard drives (disks). The hard dive of the future - think USB Flash Cards or memory cards for cameras - but huge!
Trojan
A piece of malicious software that deliberately disguises itsef as useful, in order to change your settings or gain personal information. Named after the Trojan horse used to infiltrate Troy
URL
The Uniform Resource Locator is the entirety of a website address eg: http://www.newtownsaints.co.uk
USB
Universal Serial Bus, the standard interface that connects your computer to devices such as printers, phones or cameras.
Virus
A program that travels from computer to computer by email or other networks. It can destroy data, corrupt programs and more
Webspace
A storage space on a server (remote computer) where you can store your Website/Webpage on the world wide network (www).
W3C
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) develops interoperable technologies (specifications, guidelines, software, and tools) to lead the Web to its full potential. W3C is a forum for information, commerce, communication, and collective understanding. All Websites should srtive to be W3C compliant and valid.
Jargon Buster - Page 1 »
