MEDIA

4K
Video that has a resolution of at least 3840×2160 pixels.

1080p
Of the three common types of high-definition video.

AVCHD
A format for storing high definition videos.

Cast
To wirelessly send content from your PC, Laptop or Tablet to a TV.

OPERATING SYSTEMS

32-bit

64-bit
A technology that processes memory in larger chunks.

MEDIA

DVD
A type of disc able to store up to 4.7GB of digital data.

CD-R
CD recordable. Standard for blank CDs onto which information (such as data or music) can be recorded, but only once.

CD-RW
CD recordable. Standard for blank CDs onto which information (such as data or music) can be recorded, and formatted then recorded onto again, multiple times.

SECURITY

Firewall
Prevents unauthorised access to a computer over a network.

Anti-Virus
Software that detects repairs, cleans, or removes virus-infected files from a computer.

Encryption
Scrambling data.

Botnet
A group of infected computers connected together via the internet.

Keylogger
A piece of malicious software that records all the letters and numbers typed on a PC in an effort to find passwords and or valuable information.

Browser Hijackers
Programs that change your default browser it homepage or search engine, without prior warning.

DATA

Byte
A unit of computer storage that can hold a single character.

KB
Kilobyte. Measure of capacity of a storage device. Equal to 1,024 bytes.

MB
Megabytes. A measurement of storage capacity, usually for computer memory. 1MB is equal to 1,024KB (kilobytes).

GB
A measurement of storage.

INTERNET

ADSL
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. Transmits digital information at broadband speed on phone lines.

Cable
An alternative to ADSL internet and provided on a different network but can be more limited in serviced post codes.

Broadband
A fast internet connection, such as ADSL or Cable.

3G/4G/5G
A mobile phone network that supports faster mobile broadband.

Dial-up
A component of Windows that allows PCs to connect to the internet using a modem and a telephone line.

Open source
Software that can be modified by anyone.

Emoji
A small graphic that can show your mood and be inserted into a text or email.

HARDWARE

Hard Disk
A high-capacity disk fitted in PCs and used to store applications and the files they create.

Graphics card
The part of a PC that displays the image on a monitor.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
The technology used in almost all flat screen monitors.

Ethernet
A standard used by almost all wired computer networks.

Motherboard
The main circuit board inside any PC into which every other component connects.

Processor
The chip that is the ‘brain’ of the computer. The faster the processor, the better a PC will perform.

USB (Universal Serial Bus)
A standard that allows easy connection of external peripherals such as storage devices to your PC.

Process
An individual task being performed by Windows. Running a program often involves several processes.

Blu-ray
A type of optical disc.

DDR
A type of Ram installed into a computer or laptop available in Dimm or So-Dimm.

DDR2
A type of Ram installed into a computer or laptop available in Dimm or So-Dimm.

DDR3
A type of Ram installed into a computer or laptop available in Dimm or So-Dimm.

DDR4
A type of Ram installed into a computer or laptop available in Dimm or So-Dimm.

eSata
A socket for connecting external hard disks.

SSD (Soild State Drive)
Storage used like a hard drive, but has no moving parts.

Sata (Serial ATA)
An interface for connecting modern Hard Drive and Optical disc drives to a computer.

Bluetooth
A technology that allows. Devices to communicate wirelessly.

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)
A tiny chip that transmits information about the item it is attached to.

NAS (Network Attached Storage)
A Hard Drive attached to a network that can be shared with other PC, Laptops & Tablets.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A technology for keeping all internet communication safe and private.

GENERAL TERMS

Social networking
Websites that enable you to meet new people.

Blog
Short for ‘web log’, a blog is an online journal or news site.

Driver
A program that allows Windows to communicate with a peripheral device.

Toolbar
A strip of icons that runs across the top of most Windows applications. Used to provide quick access to certain important features, such as saving and printing.

Uploading
The process of transferring information to another computer on the internet, often when publishing a web page.

Reboot
To restart a computer. Normally, this is by using the ‘Restart’ option on the Windows Start menu. However, it may be necessary to press Control- Alt-Delete or even to use the Reset button if one is fitted to the PC.

Windows Taskbar
The bar that runs across the bottom of the screen in Windows, showing which programs are running.

Defragment
To reorganise the data on a hard disk to access it quickly.

Firmware
Basic software stored on a device to control its operation. Can sometimes be upgraded in a process called flashing.

Coaxial
Cable with one channel that carries the signal.

File format
A method of organising data for storage and retrieval.

ZIP File
A file that contains a number of compressed documents or files.