Common Technology Terms

The A-Z of Technology Terms Don't know your bandwidth from your back-end? Here's a handy glossary of tech terms.Adobe Acrobat Reader Acrobat Reader is software that allows you to view a PDF document (a document that can be seen but not changed). It can be downloaded free of charge from Adobe.ADSLAsymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) is a type of digital subscriber line (DSL) broadband technology that is used to connect to the Internet. It uses standard telephone lines to deliver high-speed data communications (up to 24 megabytes per second).AnalogueAnalogue is a conventional method of transmitting data. Standard landline telephones use analogue technology. It is distinct from digital technology, which provides for greater quality and speed of data transmission.

• Computer Basic II
• The Internet/ the Web Basics

Common Technology Terms

Assistive technologyAssistive technology refers to any software or hardware that acts to assist and improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities. Examples include wheelchairs, prosthetics, voice-to-text technology and text-to-speech technology.AttachmentAn attachment is a document sent with an email message. Many types of files can be sent this way (e.g. Word documents, PDFs, Excel files, JPEGs). Be wary of attaching large files because these can take a lot of time for the recipient to download. If you have a large file, it is considered good practice to compress the file using software such as Winzip before attaching it.Back-endBack-end refers to the part of an application that performs an essential task not apparent to the user.Backward compatibleIf software is backward compatible, it is compatible with earlier (superseded) versions of the same software. For example, the Microsoft word-processing program Word 2010 can read files created in the 2003 version of the same program, so it is backward compatible.

BandwidthBandwidth refers to the maximum amount of data that can travel a communications path in a given time, usually measured in seconds.BitA bit (short for binary digit) is the smallest unit of measurement in computing. 8 bits make up 1 byte.BluetoothBluetooth is a wireless communications technology intended to replace cables. It allows short-range connections between two or more Bluetooth-compatible devices such as mobile phones, tablets, headsets or medical equipment.

BookmarkA bookmark is a saved link to a particular Web page. Microsoft Internet Explorer denotes bookmarks as "favourites."Boolean operatorsMost search engines (e.g. Google) allow you to limit your search or make it more specific by using words such as "and", "or" and "not". These words are known as boolean operators because of their origin as terms in logic.Boot (re-boot) To boot (or re-boot) is to load and initialise the operating system on a computer. Think of it as starting up your computer. In Windows you can use the key combination CTRL and ALT and DEL as a "soft" boot. This means restarting the computer rather than turning it completely off and on again, which could cause damage to your computer's hard disk under some circumstances.

Bounce backAn email message that cannot be delivered and returns an error notification to the sender is said to "bounce back". If you receive such an error notification, check that you have typed the address correctly.BroadbandBroadband is a type of communications technology whereby a single wire can carry more than one type of signal at once; for example, audio and video. Cable TV is one technology that uses broadband data transmission.BrowserA software program that allows you to surf the web. Popular web browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer.

CacheWhen you download (read) a web page, the data is "cached," meaning it is temporarily stored on your computer. The next time you want that page, instead of requesting the file from the web server, your web browser just accesses it from the cache, so the page loads quickly. The downside to this is that if the cached web page is often updated, you may miss the latest version. If you suspect that the web page you're seeing is not the latest version, use the "refresh" button on your browser.CADComputer-aided design (CAD) is a type of software that allows users to create 2D and 3D design and modelling. CAD is used by architects, engineers, artists and other professionals to create precise technical drawings.ChipA chip is a microprocessor that performs many functions and calculations that make your computer run. Your computer's chip is also referred to as the CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the processor.

Cloud computingCloud computing refers to the storing and accessing of data and programs over the Internet instead of on another type of hard drive. Examples of Cloud services include iCloud, Google Cloud and Dropbox.CompressionCompression is the reduction of the size of a file. Compressed files take up less memory and can be downloaded or sent over the Internet more quickly.ContentContent refers to a website's text and information, as opposed to its design and structure.

CookieA piece of code or data created by a web server and stored on a user's computer. It is used to keep track of the user's usage patterns and preferences.CPUThe central processing unit (CPU) is the brains behind your computer. The CPU is responsible for performing calculations and tasks that make programs work. The higher the speed of a CPU, the faster the CPU undertakes the calculations and tasks.CybercrimeCybercrime is any type of illegal activity that is undertaken (or relies heavily) on a computer. There are thousands of types of cybercrime, including network intrusions, identity theft and the spreading of computer viruses.CybersecurityCybersecurity refers to measures designed to protect your computer, device or network from cybercrime. This involves preventing unintended and unauthorised access, change and damage.Device driverA device driver is a small program that allows a peripheral device such as a printer or scanner to connect to your PC.

DomainA domain is a set of computers on a network that are managed as a unit.DownloadDownloading is the method by which users access and save or "pull down" software or other files to their own computers from a remote computer via the Internet.DVDV stands for digital video.EmailEmail or electronic mail is a way of sending messages over the internet. Popular email programs include Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird, Gmail and Yahoo Mail.EncryptionEncryption is the process of converting electronic data to an unrecognisable or encrypted form, one that cannot be easily understood by unauthorised parties.EthernetEthernet is the most common way of connecting computers on a network with a wired connection. It is a type of local area network (LAN) technology, providing a simple interface for connecting multiple devices.

FirewallA firewall is a barrier that acts as a security system to protect trusted computer systems and networks from outside connections and untrusted networks, such as the Internet.FTPFile transfer protocol (FTP) is a common method of transferring files via the internet from one host to another host.GatewayA point within a network that interconnects with other networks.GIFGraphics interchange format (GIF) is a graphics file format. Because GIF files are compressed, they can be quickly and easily transmitted over a network. GIF is one of the main graphics formats on the Internet.Hard diskThe physical place where a computer stores information - applications and files - is known as its hard disk drive (HDD). The bigger the HDD, the more data it can store.Home pageThe page that an Internet browser first opens up to. It is usually the starting point of an organisation's or individual's website.

HTMLHyper-text markup language (HTML) is a set of symbols inserted into files intended for display on the world wide web. The symbols tell web browsers how to display words and images - e.g. which colour, font and type size to use - and they direct it to link to other pages on the world wide web via hyperlinks.InternetA set of interconnected networks that allow computers in different locations to exchange information. The Internet includes services such as the world wide web, electronic mail, file transfer protocol (FTP), chat and remote access to networks and computers.ISPAn internet service provider (ISP) is a company that provides access to the Internet. In Australia, widely used ISPs include Bigpond, iinet and Dodo.IntranetAn intranet is basically a private, internal internet specific to an organisation or group.JavaJava is a programming language that is commonly used in the development of client-server web applications.

JPEGJPEG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group, which was the committee that created the file format known as JPEG. The format is commonlyl used for photos displayed on the world wide web.LANA local area network (LAN) is a system that connects computers and other devices that share a common communications line and wireless link, generally within a limited geographical area such as a home or office building.Malware"Malware" is short for malicious software. It refers to a software program that has been developed to do harm to other computers. Types of malware include viruses, worms and spyware.MegabyteA measure of computer processor storage and real and virtual memory. A megabyte (Mb) is 2 to the 20th power bytes, or 1,048,576 bytes in decimal notation.MegahertzMegahertz is the unit used to measure the speed of a computer's processor (e.g. 2.8Ghz)

ModemA modem is a device that allows computers to transmit information to each other via ordinary telephone lines.OnlineIf a computer (or computer user) is online, it is currently connected to a network or to the Internet. Online also refers to resources and services available on the Internet - e.g. online banking, online dictionary.Operating systemAn operating system (OS) is the software that manages all of a computer's processes and allows programs and applications to run. The most prominent operating system is Microsoft Windows. Others include Mac OS X and Linux.PDFPortable document format (PDF) is a file type created by Adobe Systems Inc. PDFs can be read using free software called Adobe Acrobat Reader or another PDF reader.

PhishingPhishing is a type of email fraud in which the perpetrator sends out emails that appear to come from a legitimate service or reputable company, such as a bank or an email service provider. These emails aim to lure recipients to reveal confidential information that the perpetrator can use for their financial advantage - for example, online banking log-in details and passwords.Plug-inA software plug-in is a component that adds to a software program's functionality.POPA Post office protocol (POP) is an Internet protocol used by your Internet service provider (ISP) to handle email. A POP account is an email account.PPMPages per minute (PPM) generally refers to the speed of a printer.ProcessorThe processor is the brains of your computer. It is responsible for performing calculations and tasks that make programs work. The faster the processor, the faster the computer works.

ProtocolA protocol is a standard or set of rules that computers and other devices use when communicating with one another.RAMRandom access memory (RAM) is usually referred to as a computer's "memory" - it stores information used by programs. Generally, the larger your computer's RAM, the more programs it can run at once without slowing down.Read-onlyA read-only file cannot be edited, modified or deleted.ResolutionResolution refers to the number of distinct pixels that make up the display on a computer monitor. It is denoted in DPI (dots per inch). The higher the resolution, the finer and smoother the images appear when displayed at a given size.ROMROM stands for read-only memory. It is the part of a computer's memory that cannot be changed by a user. The contents of ROM remain even when the computer is turned off.

SAASSAAS stands for software as a service. It is a software distribution model whereby software applications are centrally hosted and licensed on a subscription basis.Search engineA search engine enables a computer user to search information on the Internet. It is a type of software that creates indexes of databases or Internet sites based on the titles of files, keywords, or the full text of files. The most popular search engines areGoogle.com.au, Yahoo.com.au and Bing.com.au.SSLSSL, or secure sockets layer, is a protocol that allows Internet users to send encrypted messages across the Internet. It is generally used when transmitting confidential information (e.g. personal data or credit card details). A web address that begins with "https" indicates that an SSL connection is in use.SEOSEO, or search engine optimisation, is the practice of making adjustments to certain aspects of a website in an effort to improve its ranking on search engines.

ServerA server is a computer that handles requests for data, email, file transfers, and other network services from other computers.SpamSpam refers to unsolicited email messages sent for marketing purposes.UnzipTo unzip a zip file is to extract and decompress compressed files from it. If you are sent a zip file via email, you will need to unzip it before you can access the files inside it.URLA URL (unique resource locator) or web address is the string of characters you type into a browser to access a particular website or other resource on the Internet. (eg. http://www.ourcommunity.com.au )ViralIf an online video, photo or article "goes viral", it experiences a sudden spike in popularity in a short period of time.

VirusA virus is a piece of programming code inserted into other programming to cause damage. Viruses can be sent in many forms but are often transmitted via email messages that, when opened, may erase data or cause damage to your hard disk. Some viruses are able to enter your email system and send themselves to other people in your list of contacts.WEPWired equivalent privacy (WEP) is a security protocol used in wi-fi networks. It is designed to provide a wireless local area network (LAN) with a level of security similar to that of a regular wired LAN. WEP-secured networks are usually protected by passwords. (See also WAP.)Wi-FiWi-Fi is a technology that allows computers and other devices to communicate via a wireless signal. Essentially, it means you can browse the internet without tripping over phone cords.

WPAWi-Fi protected access (WPA) is a security protocol used in wi-fi networks. It is an improvement on WEP because it offers greater protection through more sophisticated data encryption.ZipTo zip files is to archive and compress them into one file of smaller size using a program such as WinZip. It's a handy way to make files smaller before sending them via email.