How confusing is IT lingo? – Very is my answer! If you don’t know your Spyware from James Bonds Tux or your Apple from well your Apples then this is the blog for you. I have listed some of the most common IT engineers Jargon words and translated them into English for us mere mortals.
Bandwidth - This is the amount of information or data that can be sent over a network connection at any one time.
Cookie - Is a small file created by a browser to store information about a web site. They will typically store information about previous visitors to the site, remembering their user names and passwords, and customizing the site to suit returning visitor’s tastes.
Firewall - A program or device that is designed to limit the external access to a computer for security reasons.
Malware - Software which includes viruses, adware and spyware. It is designed to intentionally damage a computer and causes inconvenience.
Modem - Is a device that will allow computer information to be sent over a telephone line.
OS - Operating system - OS is the software that controls a computer system - The OS is loaded when the computer is started. The most common OS’s include Windows, Linux, Unix and Mac OS.
Peer-to-peer - Peer-to-peer technology allows 2 computer users to share files directly without using a server.
Router - A router will decide the correct location for data being transmitted between networks
Server - A central computer that delivers information to other computers in its network in response to a request.
Spyware - Is a program designed to steal private information from your computer, such
as passwords and credit card details. Software which is downloaded from the Internet may contain spyware.
USB - Universal Serial Bus - This is a standard type of port for connecting hardware such as a digital cameras, MP3 Players, keyboards and printers.
Virus - Viruses are deliberately written by vandals they do not arise by accident. A virus is a self-replicating sequence of instructions that spreads from one computer to another by replicating itself into a files / program.
VPN - Virtual Private Network - This refers to a secure network connection that uses the internet to transmit data.
Wi-Fi - This is a set of standards which ensures the compatibility of wireless network devices manufactured by different companies.
Wireless network - This is a computer network where data is transmitted via radio signals instead of cables.