Technology+Glossary

=Computer Vocabulary=
 * Anti-virus Software – Protects your computer from viruses that can destroy your data, slow your computer's performance, cause a crash, or even allow spammers to send email through your account.
 * Backing up – Making copies of computer data in case something happens and your information is lost.
 * Bandwidth – A measure of the "speed" of an internet connection.
 * Blog – A site where someone regularly posts personal observations.
 * Bookmark – A list where you save addresses of useful websites you can revisit.
 * Broadband – A high speed internet connection such as DSL or cable modem, constantly connected to the internet.
 * Browser – A computer program used to access the internet.
 * Browser Hijacker – Malware that “hijacks” your browser and changes the home page.
 * Cache – A place your browser saves web pages and information you access so it can be accessed quickly.
 * Cookie – A small text file that a website can place on a computer's hard drive while viewing the site. It collects information about your activities on the site and may gather information about.
 * Cyberbullying – Bullying or harassment that takes place online; includes posting embarrassing pictures or unkind comments on someone’s profile or with a text, instant message, or email.
 * Cyberspace – It refers to digital, electronic, computer, or internet spaces.
 * Domain – The last part of a main URL address such as .com for commercial sites, .gov for governmental sites, .org for not for profit organizations, or .edu for university sites.
 * Download – To copy files from the internet or a server to a computer.
 * DSL or Digital Subscriber Line – A type of high speed internet using standard phone lines and the local telephone network.
 * Firewall – Hardware or software that blocks unauthorized information coming into or out from your computer.
 * Gigabyte – A measure of digital information that equals 1,024 megabytes.
 * GPS or Global Positioning System – a navigation satellite system to determine location and provide directions for drivers, hikers, boaters, and others.
 * Hardware – The physical parts of a computer system, including the central processing unit (CPU), monitor, keyboard, and mouse, as well as other equipment like printers and speakers.
 * HTML or Hypertext Markup Language – A language used to create websites which browsers interpret and display.
 * HTTP or Hypertext Transfer Protocol – The standard language that computers connected to the World Wide Web use to communicate with each other.
 * IM or Instant messaging – A way to communicate by text and sometimes video with two or more people in real time. This type of software allows you to create a buddy list and notifies you when your friends are online.
 * Intellectual property – Copyrighted property such as but not limited to books, photos and songs.
 * IP or Internet Protocol – The system which allows computer programs to communicate over the internet.
 * IP Address – This is a computer's address. It consists of a series of numbers separated by periods.
 * Java – A computer programming language invented by Sun Microsystems that enables web pages to include animations, calculators, scrolling text, sound effects, and games.
 * JPEG – Short for "oint Photographic Experts Group, an image file format usually used for photographs.
 * LAN or Local Area Network – A computer network located with computers located near each other, such as a school or office.
 * Malware – Short for malicious software; it includes worms, viruses, and spyware
 * MAC or Media Access Control Address – A unique number that the manufacturer assigns to each computer or other device in a network.
 * Network – A group of two or more computers that are able to communicate with one another.
 * Operating System – An operating system allows other software to run and allows users to save and manage files. Operating systems include UNIX, Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
 * Password – A secret word or phrase used with a user name to grant access to your computer or protect sensitive information online.
 * Personal information – Information which can be used to identify you, like your name, address, birth date or Social Security number.
 * Phishing – When scam artists send spam, pop-ups or text messages to trick you into disclosing personal, financial or other sensitive information.
 * RAM or Random Access Memory – The primary storage in a computer. It retains information on a short-term basis while you work.
 * Smart phone – A mobile phone with advanced capabilities and features such as an internet connection.
 * SMS or Short Messaging Service – Sending text messages to and from mobile phones.
 * Social networking – Websites which allow users to build profiles and make connections with others.
 * Spam – Unwanted email which is often sent in bulk.
 * Texting – Sending short messages from one mobile phone to another.
 * Upload – To copy or send files or data from a computer to a server or internet site.
 * User name – A name used with a password to access accounts, networks, or websites.
 * Webcam – A camera that can send video on the web.
 * WPA or Wi-Fi Protected Access – A security protocol developed to fix flaws in WEP. It encrypts data sent to and from wireless devices within a wireless network.
 * WEP or Wired Equivalent Privacy – A security protocol that encrypts data sent to and from wireless devices within a network. Not as strong as WPA encryption.
 * Wireless Network – A computer network that uses radio signals instead of cables to transmit data.
 * World Wide Web – Part of the internet using graphics and hyperlinked information through a browser.
 * Worm – A program that reproduces itself over a network and can use up your computer's resources and possibly shut your system down.