Support :: Common Terms
Application/Software.
Software programs that help users perform specific tasks with their computers. A word processing program, for instance, is an application.
Bookmark.
A feature of most Web browsers that allows users to quickly return to their favourite Web sites.
Bootup.
To turn on a computer. While booting, a computer loads its operating system into memory, thus making it functional.
Bug.
Malfunctioning software code. Bugs impinge on a program's ability to run properly. Some bugs can cause a computer, or even an entire network of computers, to crash (i.e., cease functioning entirely).
CD.
Short for "Compact Disc." A wafer-thin plastic disc (usually 5 inches in diameter) that has information encoded on its tracks as a series of ones and zeros. A laser reads the CD by scanning the tracks while a motor simultaneously spins the disc. The first CDs were designed for music playback, but now they are used to store virtually any kind of information. DVD's work in a similar manner.
Computer.
An electronic device that can store, retrieve, organize, and process information according to a user's specifications. Unlike other electronic devices, a computer is designed to be able to execute an indefinite number to tasks.
Crash.
When a computer or other piece of technology becomes unresponsive to a user's commands and has to be restarted.
Cursor.
A screen-marker of some kind (often the little arrow that moves on the computer screen when you mouse move your mouse or the flashing bar in a text editor) that allows a computer user to see where data will appear on screen when it is entered.
Database (DB).
A software application that allows users to store and organize a wide variety of information. Databases are often used with spreadsheet applications.
Download.
To transfer or copy a file or application from one computer (or network of computers) to another computer. When browsing the Web, a user sees files that have been downloaded from the Internet onto your computer's hard drive.
e-mail.
Short for "electronic mail." E-mail programs allow computer users to exchange text messages and attached files over the Internet. Outlook, Outlook Express, Kmail etc. are e-mail applications.
File.
A computer file contains information that can be accessed with the appropriate software application.
Hard copy.
Printed text, as opposed to text that is available only as a computer file.
Hard drive.
The main data storage device inside most computers. Often your C: drive or root drive.
Hardware.
The physical devices that make up a computer system. These include the CPU, the monitor, the mouse, and any other attached peripherals.
Home page.
Either the Web page that a Web browser opens upon start-up or the main Web page that gives access to a Website's sub-pages.
Icon.
A graphical representation of a file or application.
Instant messaging (IM).
A computer program that allows users to exchange messages in real-time. As soon as one user enters a message, it appears on the other user's screen.
The world's largest network of computers. Access to the Internet is provided by Internet Service Providers (ISP's). i.e. NTL, Demon, AOL etc.
Linux
A Unix like operating system.
Macintosh.
A computer manufactured by Apple with its own proprietary operating system. Macintoshes (or "Macs" for short) do not use Microsoft Windows.
Menu.
A list of options in a software program or Web site, from which a user can select using a mouse or keyboard.
Monitor.
The computer screen and its supporting apparatus. Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) screens are most popular, but flat Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD's) are also widely used.
Mouse.
A hardware device that fits in the palm of the hand and is dragged across a flat surface (such as a desktop or mouse pad) in order to move a pointer or other object around on the computers graphical user interface. A mouse usually has at least one button for making selections (e.g., highlighting text).
Online.
When a computer is on and connected to a network (such as the Internet) it said to be "online."
Operating system.
The software (Windows, Linux, UNIX) that serves as the basic interface between a computer's hardware and the user. It is the software "environment" that supports individual software applications.
Password.
A string of letters and/or numbers that allow access to otherwise blocked programs or files.
PC.
Short for "Personal Computer." This name often synonymous with computers running IBM-compatible operating systems (such as Microsoft Windows).
Save.
To commit data to a storage device (hard drive, CD-R, 3.5-inch disk, memory stick etc.)
Software.
The name for the code that runs on computer hardware.
Spreadsheet.
A software application that is used to organize information and execute mathematical and/or logical operations on that information. Widely used to analyse financial data.
URL.
Short for "Uniform Resource Locator." Every Web site has a URL, which designates where it exists on the Internet. The URL of Linx Data Ltd, for instance, is http://www.linxdata.net.
UNIX
An operating system co-created by AT&T researchers Dennis Ritchie and Ken Thompson. Unix is well known for its relative hardware independence and portable application interfaces. Lots of big companies are using Unix servers for its reliability and scalability. Some of the popular Unix flavours are: Solaris, HP-UX, AIX, etc.
Upload
To transfer or copy a file or application from one computer (or network of computers) to another computer. When browsing the Web, a user sees files that have been uploaded from a computer's hard drive onto the Internet.
Virus.
Malicious code that is transmitted from one computer to another, usually via the Internet. Computer viruses degrade or disrupt a computer's ability to work properly. Viruses are often sent as e-mail attachments. Exercise caution when opening attachments from individuals you do not know.
Web page.
A file consisting of text and/or graphics that can be accessed on the World Wide Web.
Window.
A graphical interface first developed by Zerox to make working with computers more intuitive. Windows appear as adjustable boxes on a computer screen's "desktop," and they contain files, text or other data.
Word processor.
An application for writing, editing, and storing text.
World Wide Web (WWW or W3).
The total network of computers that make available files that have been created with Hypertext Markup Language. These files make up Web pages, which are viewable with a Web browser.