Welcome to your Tallahassee Tech Guy's Glossary of Computer Terms
Do you have a term you have heard of but don't know what it means? Call us at 850.339.5115 or email us at tallytech@gmail.com and we will define your term.
Address Bar: The address bar is where you type in an address you know such as www.tallytechguy.com. This is different than using the search bar which allows you to search by words such as tallahassee tech guy.
Alert Box: Alert Boxes appear on your screen to notify you of changes, problems or permission to perform certain tasks.
Application: An application is a program. Examples are Internet Explorer, My Computer, or Outlook.
Bandwidth: The amount of space you have to access the internet. The more bandwith you have the faster your connection. If multiple computers are attached to one connection, they must share bandwidth which slows all the computers.
Boot: Booting a computer is when the computer is turned on and the operating system starts. If the computer is already on and the operating system is restarted it is called rebooting.
Browser: A browser or internet browser is an application that allows you to view the internet. Examples are Internet Explorer (MSIE - Microsoft Internet Explorer), Netscape or Firefox.
Buffer: The process by which a CD is stablized as it burns.
Burn: The process of copying data onto a CD
Byte: The smallest increment of memory used for a file.
Cable: Cable Internet is a high speed connection through a cable line as opposed to satellite or phone.
Cache: Your computer has a memory of web pages that you have visited so that the next time you visit it loads faster. See clearing your cache also.
CD-R: A CD that you can burn files to once.
CD-RW: A CD that you can reuse.
Cookie: A small program used in your browser to remember anything from passwords to tracking browsing patterns. Some cookies are good while others can be of questionable intent.
CPU: CPU stands for Central Processing Unit.
Defragmenting: Defragmenting your computer is a process that reorganizes files so your computer can access them more readily.
Desktop: A Desktop refers to a computer that would rest on your desk. If the computer is in a tower separate from the monitor it is a desktop.
Dialog Box: Dialog boxes are the windows that allow you to interact with your computer, including personal options, secutity and settings. See picture.
Dial Up: Dial up refers to an internet connection through a phone line. This was the first way to connect to the internet and is the slowest method of connection.
Drivers: Programs that allow basic interactions between your computer and other devices. Examples include drivers that run your mouse and keyboard.
DSL: Stands for Digital Subscriber Line. It is a way of connecting to the internet through a phone line, but it is faster than Dial Up.
DVD+R: A DVD that you can burn once.
DVD+RW: A DVD that can be reused.
Ethernet: This is a hardware device used for Local Area Networks (LAN) to connect to the internet.
FAQ: Stands for Frequently Asked Questions.
File Extension: The short letter combination after a file name that indicates what program should open it. For instance, .doc stands for document. Your computer knows to open it with Microsoft Word because it is a Word Document.
FireWall: A firewall is a method of preventing unauthorized access of your comoputer files through the internet.
FireWire: A type of cable that transfers data from digital devices at a high speed.
Freeware: Software that is free of charge. Be aware that some freeware can actually be spyware.
Jump Drive: See Memory Stick.
Hard Drive: Your computer's hard drive is where all your files are stored including your operating system. It is often referred to as memory. Your hard drive is different than RAM. See RAM definition.
ISP: ISP stands for "Internet Service Provider". This is any company you pay for the service of connecting to the internet.
Install: There are two types of installation; software and hardware. Software Installation is the process by which all the files that the computer uses to run a program are placed in the appropriate location on your computer. Hardware installation is when new devices or parts are added to the computer such as a new hardrive.
LCD: LCD stands for "Liquid Crystal Display". LCD screens are filled an electrically reactive substance that can be easily damaged unlike monitors that are made of glass. For this reason, it is important to avoid touching the screen or cleaning it with products not specifically intended for LCD screens.
MAC Address: Most "addesses" in the computing world are like real addresses in that they are numerical directions to the location of an object. In this case, a MAC address (Media Access Control) locates devices on your network. You may have heard of MAC addresses when setting up your cable.
Malware: Malware is defined as programs with malicious intent that are installed on your computer.
Memory Stick: Memory sticks are small USB harddrives. They are often used in replacement of CDs as a way to carry around portable files.
Modem: There are two types of modems: Cable modem and dial-up modem. This device allows you to connect to the internet. See Dial-up and Cable.
Operating System (OS): The operating system is the base of your computer. It defines your computer's ability to interact with other programs and even you. Without the operating system, your computer would essentially be useless.
Pixel: The most basic point of light on your screen. Resolution is defined by how many pixels your computer displays.
POP3: POP3 stands for Post Office Protocol. It is often used to receive email.
Port: Port is a point of connection both in hardware and in connection to the internet.
Processor: The processor is the part of the computer that thinks. The better the processer, the faster the computer can think. The processor needs space to think as well to be able to run multiple programs. For optimal speed of your computer, it is important to couple the processor with RAM.
Program: A program is a collection of prcesses that allows you to interact with your computer. For instance, Internet Explorer is a program that allows you to access the internet.
RAM (Random Access Memory): RAM is the space alotted for your computer to think. Imagine having a desk to do your work. The bigger the desk you have, the more work you can do at one time. If you have more RAM, your computer can think about more things at once. This coupled with a fast processor makes your computer run more quickly.
Registry: Registry is a record of all the programs, what they do, your preferences, and just about anything else on your computer. This portion of the computer should only be edited by a professional because any edits or deletions can cause damage to the computer or even ruin it.
ROM (Read Only Memory): Read only memory is usually used in reference to a CD or DVD drive. In this case, it is saying that the device can read CDs or DVDs.
Screen Resolution: The screen resolution your computer displays is based on pixels. For instance, if you have your resolution set at 1024x768 your computer is displaying 1024 pixels wide by 768 pixels tall. The larger these numbers, the higher the resolution, which creates a higher quality image. See changing screen resolution also.
Search Bar: A search bar is different than an address bar. It can be associated with any number of search engines, such as AOL, Google, MSN, or Yahoo!. A search bar is best used to find a website that you are interested in. If you already know the web address, you should use your address bar to ensure you arrive at that exact site.
Service Pack: A service pack is a package of updates to a program or operating system. You may be most familiar with Windows SP2 which is simply service pack 2.
SMTP: This stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. It is often the way that Outlook sends email out.
Taskbar: Your taskbar is at the bottom of your screen where the start menu and clock are located. Your taskbar shows you what programs you have running such as internet windows. It also shows you icons for programs that are running in the background such as instant messaging or virus protection.
USB: Stands for Universal Serial Bus. This is a way of connecting your computer to external devices such as Memory Sticks, External Harddrives or Printers.
Word Wrap: This feature forces long text to go to the next line rather than running off the screen where you have to scroll over to see it.
|
