Jargon Buster

32bit A measure of how much information a computer can process at once. Most older computers are 32bit. 4K Video with a resolution of at least 3840x2160 pixels. 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-in Microsoft’s name for tools that can be added to Office software. Add-on See Extensions.

aptx Software that’s used to compress audio so it can be transmitted over Bluetooth with minimal loss in quality. Benchmarking Comparing software and products with an accepted standard. Beta A version of software that’s being tested. BIOS Basic Input-output System. Software built into every PC that connects the vital components.

Bootable disc Describes a DVD with system files on it so it can be used to start up your computer. Botnet A group of infected computers connected via the web, and used to infect other PCS. Calibration The process of checking that colours are accurate on a monitor. Cast To send content from your PC or mobile device to your TV. Client A computer program used to access and manage a user’s email.

Clock speed The speed at which a computer processor can perform operations. Measured in GHZ. Cookie A small text file stored on your computer by a website. CPU Central Processing Unit. Another term for a PC processor.

Crowdfunding A process where a company gets the financing to launch a new product from prospective customers online. CSV Comma Separated Value. A file format that can be opened by most spreadsheet programs. DDR4 The newest, fastest type of computer memory. Displayport A new socket type for connecting monitors. DOCX The default file format used by Word 2007 and later. Driver A file that tells Windows how to work with a peripheral device (for example, a printer). Dual-band router A Wi-fi router that operates on two bands: 2.4 and 5GHZ. EPUB A file format used by many popular ebook readers. Ethernet A standard used for almost all wired computer networks.

Expansion card A card that can be fitted inside a desktop PC to add extra functions or sockets.

Exploit kit A ready-made program for taking advantage of security flaws in another piece of software. Extension Software that adds extra features to your browser. False positive When an antivirus program wrongly detects a malware infection. Firewall A piece of software or hardware that prevents unauthorised access to a computer. Firmware Basic software stored on a device, such as a music player, to control its operation.

GHZ Gigahertz. A measure of how many instructions a chip can process per second. 1GHZ is equal to 1,000MHZ. 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. HDMI High-definition media interface. A type of connection that transmits high-definition video and audio signals.

IDE Integrated Drive Electronics. An interface used to connect some hard drives and optical disc drives.

IP address Internet Protocol Address. A unique set of numbers, used to identify computers and websites on the internet. Jailbreak Modifying an iphone, ipod or ipad to get around Apple’s restrictions. Keylogging Using software to record everything someone types. Normally used to steal passwords. LED Light-emitting Diode. An electronic device that emits light. M.2 A standard specification for internal PC expansion cards and connectors. Machine learning The science of teaching computers how to learn by themselves, without further human input.

Megapixel A measure of the amount of detail that can be recorded by a digital image.

Mesh router Wireless network setup that uses multiple connected routers to stretch Wi-fi further than a single traditional router.

NAS Network-attached storage. A hard drive attached to a network that can be shared with other PCS. NFC Near field communication. A technology that allows two devices to communicate when touched together.

Open source Software that can be modified by anyone, rather than just by the employees of the company that created it. Overclock Make a processor work faster to improve performance. PATA Parallel ATA. An interface for connecting hard drives and optical drives to a computer.

Pci-express Peripheral Component Interconnect Express. A faster version of PCI – a slot on the motherboard for expansion cards, such as for memory. POP3 Post Office Protocol 3. A system for remotely accessing and retrieving email from an ISP. PSU shroud Enclosure designed to conceal the often messy array of wires protruding from a PC’S power supply unit (PSU). QHD Quad High Definition.

Quad core A computer that has four processors on a single chip, which allows it to operate faster than standard (single-core) computers. 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. SIM Subscriber Identity Module. The smart card used by all digital mobile phones. SRGB A standard RGB colour space for use on monitors, printers and the internet. RGB stands for red, green and blue. SSD Solid-state drive. Storage that, unlike a hard drive, uses no moving parts.

System image A backup of your hard drive which includes your operating system drivers, as well as your PC’S settings, programs and files. TGA A graphics file format that was common in the 1980s.

Thunderbolt A very fast port for connecting external storage to a computer. Can be used to connect monitors, a network and more.

USB 2.0/ USB 3.0 Even faster versions of the USB standard used to connect devices to a computer. USB Type-c A new connector that’s reversible, letting you plug it in upside down. ZIP file A file that contains compressed files to save space.