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Miscellaneous

Analogue Signal whose value varies continuously over time. For example, when a person speaks, the sound wave is an analogue signal, varying smoothly as they talk. Analogue signal information differs from digital signals, which move sharply between fixed values. To help visualise this, consider the difference between an analogue watch face with sweeping hands and a digital watch display, which jumps from one number to the next.
Annotation A comment or mark added to an image or a document, much like sticking a Post-it note on an office memo to highlight a point of interest.
Back-Up The process of copying your important computer files and documents from your hard disk to removable media (such as Zip or CD-RW discs) or another computer, to protect against loss of the originals.
Bit A contraction of binary digit, which is the smallest unit of computer data. A bit can hold one of two values ? 1 or 0. Consecutive bits combine together to form larger units of information. There are eight bits in a 'byte'.
BPS Bits per second. Measure of computer data transmission speed. For example, a 56Kbps modem can receive up to 56,000 bits of computer data per second.
Buffer A small amount of memory used as a reservoir for data that's provided (usually in spurts) from a source.
Byte A unit of computer storage that can hold a single character. 1024 bytes make a kilobyte, or 1Kb.
Cache A store for frequently-used data or files. Data can be accessed from a cache more quickly than from its original source. Internet Explorer uses a hard disk cache for web pages, while computer processors often have small amounts of very speedy memory as a cache.
CAD Stands for Computer-Aided Design, which are special software applications that allow designers and architects to draw precise blueprints on screen, then model them in 3D to see how the design will appear in real life.
CD-R Standard for compact disc recordable format, or blank CDs onto which information (such as data or music) can be recorded ? but only once. Playable on most CD-ROM drives (except some older ones) and CD players. You need a CD-R drive to record onto CD-R discs.
CD-Rom A version of the CD, which can store a lot more than just music. This small plastic disc can hold up to 650Mb of data.
CD-RW Stands for compact disc rewritable format, or blank compact discs which can be recorded on over and over again.
Checksum Mathematical formula performed on some data to generate a result that will be statistically unique for that data.
Click Pressing down once and releasing a mouse button, or other key.
CMY Abbreviation for cyan, magenta, yellow ? the three colours found in a colour inkjet printer cartridge. Sometimes you may see CMYK where K stands for black (if they used B this might be mistaken for Blue).
Combination Keystroke Literally where you have to hold down more than one key at once to access a particular function. Holding down the Alt and Tab keys, for example, lets you cycle through any programs you're running.
Composite A type of video signal in which the red, green and blue signals are mixed together.
Configure To tweak the functions of software or hardware to the particular settings you require. For example, Windows can be configured so that it displays a particular colour background, or so that it uses a larger typeface
Crash This is what happens when a software application or operation goes wrong, often freezing the computer. Sometimes, the only way to recover from a crash is to switch the PC off and start again ? and this in turn may cause you to lose documents or data you were working on.
Decryption The process of making encrypted data readable again.
Default A standard software or hardware setting. Most programs, including the Windows operating system itself, ask you to make a series of selections in order to perform a task. Sometimes the computer will already have made some selections ? these are called the defaults. You can change the defaults to fit your own preference, or accept them as they are supplied.
Defrag To reorganise the data stored on a hard disk so that it can be accessed as quickly as possible by the computer. A fragmented disk can adversely affect system performance.
Digital Unlike the smooth signal of analogue, digital information consists of discrete parts. An analogy would be a car's gearbox. A vehicle can be in first or second gear, but not first-and-a-half. Computers only recognise digital information, so must convert analogue signals. A soundcard, for example, converts the sound of a recording into a series of numbers the PC can process.
Digital Signature A piece of encrypted data that can be used to verify the identity of someone who sent the message to which it is attached.
Disk Spanning Copying data from one disk to several smaller ones, automatically. This allows, for example, a large file to be copied from a hard disk to several floppy disks.
Double Click To click twice quickly in succession on a mouse button. If you double-click on an application icon, Windows will then attempt to launch the application.
Download Process of transferring files onto your PC directly from another computer. You might, for instance, download pictures and files from the internet.
DPI (Dots Per Inch) The way the resolution of printed and scanned images is measured. Both types of picture are made up of dots. The more dots there are per inch, the smaller they are and the better the picture looks.
Dual-Layer DVD A DVD that holds twice as much data as an ordinary DVD by adding an extra layer.
DVD A type of disc able to store huge amounts of digital data, including full-length movies, with excellent-quality sound and pictures.
DVD+R One of the emerging recordable DVD standards. It uses DVD+RW disks that are designed to have data recorded on to them time and time again. Movies recorded on to DVD+RW disks are fully compatible with DVD players
DVD+RW A rewritable version of the DVD+R format.
DVD-R Standard for Digital Versatile Disc-Recordable format, or blank DVDs onto which information (such as data or music) can be recorded ? but only once. Playable on most DVD players and DVD-ROM drives. You need a DVD-R drive to record onto DVD-R discs.
DVD-RAM One of a number of competing standards for recordable DVD. DVD-RAM is really only of use in DVDRAM drives fitted in computers and some set-top DVD recorders.
DVD-Rom Drive These drives will play both CD-ROM and DVD discs. Huge amounts of data can be stored on one DVD disc, which looks just like a CD, including full-length movies, with excellent-quality sound and pictures.
DVD-RW A rewritable version of the DVD-R format.
eCommerce A term used to describe financial transactions over the internet.
Encryption The science of scrambling data ? be it text, audio, or video ? so that it can only be read by the authorised sender and recipient. Encryption can also be used to embed identifying markings in data, so that it can't be undetectably falsified.
Ergonimics A term used to describe efficiency and health for people whilst in their working environment.
FAQ Stands for frequently asked questions, usually a text file containing useful information about an application or website.
FAT (File Allocation Table) A system used by Windows to organise files stored on a hard disk. Windows 95 used a system called FAT16, Windows 98 and Me use FAT32 that allows, among other things, long filenames.
Firewall A system that prevents unauthorised access to a computer over a network, such as the internet. Firewalls can be either hardware or software ? businesses tend to use the former; home users the latter.
FTP Stands for File Transfer Protocol, which is a way of transferring files over the internet, particularly when maintaining websites.
Gb A measurement of storage capacity ? usually for hard disks. 1Gb is equal to 1,024Mb (megabytes).
Gb/s Gigabits per second. A measure of data transfer rate equal to 1024Mbits/s or 1,048,576Kbits/s
GHz (Gigahertz) A thousand megahertz ? a measure of how fast the processor in your PC works.
GPS Network of satellites orbiting the earth, and used to pinpoint an exact position on the planet. Used in modern in-car navigation systems and handheld GPS devices.
Hackers People who break into other people's computers and networks, often in an attempt to steal sensitive information.
Hacking The slang term used to describe illegal access of computer systems by unauthorised users.
Infection Describes the way a virus transfers itself from one computer to another
Infrared An interface that allows you to transmit data via infrared light waves, allowing data to be transferred cordlessly between devices.
Intranet Has the look and feel of an internet website, and can be explored with a browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. Unlike the web, access is limited to pages on a company's internal network.
IrDA (Infrared Data Association) A standard that allows two devices to communicate with each other via their infrared ports. IrDA-compatible ports are often found on notebook computers.
Kb (Kilobyte) Measure of capacity of a storage device. Equal to 1,024 bytes.
Kb/s Short for kilobytes per second, which is a measure of data transfer speed.
Kbit/s Short for kilobits per second, which is a measure of data transfer or modem speed. A kilobit is 1,000 individual bits of computer data, and most computer modems download information at up to 56Kbps.
Kerning Certain pairs of letters, such as 'A' and 'V', appear too widely spaced at large sizes and need to be squeezed together to look balanced. This is known as kerning and is used regularly in desktop-publishing applications. Can be performed either manually or automatically by software.
KHz (KiloHertz) For digital audio, this refers to the number of samples per second a piece of music is recorded at. Audio CDs use 48KHz samples -- 48,000 samples per second.
Knowledge Base A structured store of electronic information. Like an interactive encyclopaedia but designed to help with decision-making and problem-solving in a specialised field, not as general reference source.
Li-ion Short for lithium-ion, which is a sophisticated type of rechargeable battery used in many portable computers and mobile phones. Li-ion cells offer good weight:life ratio and, unlike earlier battery technologies, do not suffer from the so-called 'memory' effects- allowing them to be recharged in haphazard fashion without detriment.
Malware A generic term for software designed to perform harmful or surreptitious acts.
Mb (Megabyte) A measurement of storage capacity, usually for computer memory. 1Mb is equal to 1,024Kb (kilobytes).
Mb/s Short for Megabytes per second, which is a measure of data transfer speed.
Mbit/s (Megabits per second) A measure of data-transfer speed. A megabit is one million bits.
MHz (Megahertz) A measure of how fast the processor in your PC works ? 800MHz Pentium III, for example. As a rule of thumb, the higher the number the faster a PC will be.
Multimedia Implies that either hardware (such as your PC) or software is capable of handling both video and sound.
Ni-Cad Heavy, cheap and basic type of rechargeable battery, which suffers badly from 'memory effect' ? that is, the problem of a battery not recharging properly if you attempt to charge it up before it is fully exhausted.
NiMH Stands for nickel-metal hydride, which is an older type of notebook battery. They last longer if you let them run flat before recharging, which can be inconvenient.
NTFS (NT File System) NT File System. A more secure and reliable file system used by Windows NT and XP.
OCR An abbreviation of optical character recognition, the process by which printed text is scanned and converted into a computer-editable electronic document.
OEM Short for original equipment manufacturer, which refers to components sold to manufacturers purely for incorporation in complete systems. Often, OEM parts are similar to those sold retail, but may be cheaper or sold with different software.
Packet Writing A technique (provided through software) that allows CD-Rs and CD-RWs to be treated as floppy disks, with drag-and-drop file management.
PDF Portable Document Format. A file format developed by Adobe that allows formatted pages of text and graphics to be viewed and printed correctly on a variety of machines, without the original author having to worry about the recipients. PDF pages created with Adobe Acrobat need to be read with the free Acrobat Reader application.
RDS Radio Data System. A feature of many radios, especially in cars, which can interpret coded data included with the radio signal to display the name of the radio station and interrupt other programmes with local traffic reports.
Right Click Most actions in Windows are performed by clicking the left mouse button. However, since the arrival of Windows 95, many programs ? and Windows itself ? make use of the right mouse button click to display a pop-up menu with special functions.
Serial Cable A cable which connects to a serial or COM port. Such leads can connect peripherals to the computer or can be used to link one computer to another.
Template A web page design, document or a spreadsheet that contains all the required formatting for a particular style or type of document. This 'master' can then be used over and over and again, merely filling in the newly changed information or text each time.
Trojan Horse A malicious computer program that's disguised as a different, harmless program. For example, a Trojan horse may be disguised as a game but it's actually a program that steals your internet username and password. Trojan Horses don't copy themselves and so are not viruses or worms.
Upgrade To improve the performance or specification of your computer by adding more memory, a larger hard disk or making another improvement. Software can also upgraded, usually by updating it to the latest version.
Virus A malicious computer program designed to cause at best annoyance and at worst, damage to computer data. Viruses usually spread from computer to computer by 'infecting' files that are passed between them, or by automatically sending an email to everyone in your address book. They are often hidden in innocuous-looking files or email attachments, and may lie dormant waiting for a trigger date or event before they launch.
Watts A measure of power, most commonly used to quantify electrical output. It is often quoted for computer power supplies or amplifiers.
Wizard An automated online 'assistant' designed to guide you, step-by-step, through a potentially complex process such as faxing, creating a template or changing software options.
Worm A program that transmits and copies itself over a computer network, such as the internet. Not all worms are harmful but many are. Worms are often mislabelled as viruses -- worms cannot attach themselves (or 'infect') other files, viruses can.
WYSIWYG What You See Is What You Get. Used in word processors, desktop publishing packages, web-authoring software and the like to signify that the on-screen image of your page is the same as the printed output or published web pages. Non-WYSIWYG programs generally force you to use control codes which only take effect on printing: you cannot see the results on screen as you work.