Jargon Buster
2.4GHZ Wireless networks working at this frequency have longer range.
32bit A measure of how much information a computer can process at once. Most older computers are 32bit.
4G A set of technologies that delivers faster mobile broadband.
4K Video with a resolution of at least 3840x2160 pixels.
5G The next (fifth) generation of mobile networks, to supersede 4G.
64bit A technology that processes information in larger chunks. Most modern computers are 64bit.
802.11ac A standard for wireless networks that allows for much higher transfer speeds than 802.11n.
802.11n A standard for wireless networks that allows for high transfer speeds.
Add-on See extension.
ADSL Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. A technology that converts a standard phone line into a broadband internet connection.
AMOLED An alternative technology to LCD for creating flatpanel screen.
Aperture An opening that controls the amount of light entering a camera lens.
Aspect ratio A measurement of the shape of a display.
Beta A version of software that’s being tested.
Blue light Light given off by PC and phone screens. Can disrupt sleep patterns.
Bookmarklet A small, simple program stored as a bookmark in your web browser.
Browser hijackers Programs that change your default browser and search engine without prior warning when you install them.
Buffer Memory fitted to a device that acts as a temporary storage area before passing data to another location or application.
Cache A temporary space for storing information.
Captcha Distorted text you have to type to prove you’re a human.
Codec A file that tells a computer how to record or play a media file.
Cookie A small text file stored on your computer by a website. Used to store browsing preferences, website log-in details and so on.
DDR Double Data Rate. A type of computer memory.
Displayport A new socket for connecting monitors.
DSLR Digital single-lens reflex. A digital camera that uses a moving mirror so its viewfinder looks out through the lens.
Dual-band router A Wi-fi router that operates on two bands: 2.4 and 5GHZ.
Ethernet A standard used for wired computer networks.
Extension A program that adds extra features to your browser.
False positive When an antivirus program wrongly detects a malware infection.
Flash storage A data-storage device that includes flash memory with an integrated USB interface.
Gesture Finger movements on a laptop’s touchpad that perform actions on screen.
GHZ Gigahertz. A measure of how many instructions a chip can process per second. 1GHZ is equal to 1,000MHZ.
Gigabit Ethernet A very fast networking standard that can transfer data at up to 1,000Mbps.
GPU Graphics Processor Unit. A chip designed to create 3D graphics.
Graphics card A component in a computer that produces the image shown on the monitor.
Haptic feedback A touchscreen or other controller that triggers vibrations in response to an action.
Hard reboot Manually restarting a PC other than by using Windows’ controls.
HDMI A type of connection that transmits high-definition video and audio signals.
Hotspot A public area covered by a Wi-fi network that allows you to access the internet.
HTTPS Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure. The secure version of HTTP.
IP address Internet Protocol Address. A unique set of numbers used to identify computers and websites on the internet.
IPS A screen technology that gives wider viewing angles and better, more accurate-looking colours.
JPEG Joint Photograph Experts Group. A common type of image file created by most digital cameras.
Licence key A unique serial number that must be typed by the user before a program will launch for the first time.
M.2 A standard specification for internal PC expansion cards and connectors.
Metadata A set of data that gives information about a file.
Microsd A small type of memory card. Can be converted to SD size using an adapter.
Open source Software that can be modified by anyone.
Optical image stabilisation A mechanism built into digital cameras that compensates for any shaking or vibrations that occur during shooting.
Overclocking Making a processor work faster to improve PC performance.
Pattern code Pattern made by your finger to unlock a phone.
PCI Express A faster version of PCI, used by modern graphics cards.
Phishing A form of internet fraud that tries to trick you into revealing personal details.
Plug-in A small program that adds extra features to software or your web browser.
PUP Potentially Unwanted Program. A program that may not be desired, despite the user consenting to it being downloaded.
RAM Random-access memory. The computer’s working area.
Ransomware Malware run by hackers who lock files on your PC and demand payment to release them.
Render How a website converts digital code into an image.
SATA Serial ATA. An interface for connecting modern hard drives and optical discs to a computer.
SD card Secure Digital card. A popular type of memory card.
Speaker driver Cone-shaped part of the speaker that converts audio signals into sound waves.
SRGB A standard RGB colour space for use on monitors, printers and the internet.
SSD Solid-state drive. Storage that, unlike a hard drive, uses no moving parts.
Trojan Malware that’s disguised as a harmless program.
USB 3.0 Faster successor to USB.
USB Type-c A new connector that’s reversible, letting you plug it in upside down.
VESA A standard mount for attaching monitors on to stands and walls.
VGA Video Graphics Array. A standard socket for connecting a monitor to a computer.
Web protocol A type of technology that is either the accepted standard, or hopes to be.
Woofer A speaker designed to produce low-frequency bass sounds.
ZIP file A file that can contain a number of compressed documents or files.