Jargon Buster
32bit
A measure of how much information a computer can process at once. Most older PCS are 32bit.
3G/4G
A set of technologies that delivers faster mobile broadband.
4K
Video with a resolution of at least 3840x2160 pixels.
5K
A resolution of 5120x2880. Typically used in PC monitors.
64bit
A PC tech that processes information in larger chunks.
802.11ac
A standard for wireless networks that allows for higher transfer speeds than 802.11n.
802.11n
A slower standard for wireless networks.
ADSL2
A newer, faster type of ADSL broadband.
AES
Advanced Encryption Standard. A form of encryption that scrambles data so it can only be read with the correct password.
APK
Android Package Kit. File format Android uses to install apps.
Bandwidth
A measure of how much data can be transferred through a connection at one time.
Biometric
Using measurable personal characteristics, such as fingerprints, for identification.
BIOS
Basic Input-output System. Essential software built into every PC that connects the vital components.
Blue light
Harmful light given off by PC and phone screens.
Cache
A temporary space for storing information – memory used on a PC processor, or space on a hard drive used by a web browser.
Codec
Short for Compressor/ Decompressor. A file that tells a PC how to record or play a type of media file.
CPU
Central Processing Unit. Another term for a PC processor.
Cryptographic key
A string of bits used to encrypt and decrypt text.
Daisy-chained Daughterboard
An antiquated term for an expansion card.
DCI-P3
A colour space that has a wider spectrum than SRGB.
Displayport
A socket for connecting monitors.
DOS
Disk Operating System. DOS was the predecessor to Windows.
Driver
A file that tells Windows how to work with an external device.
DSLR
Digital single-lens reflex. A digital camera that uses a moving mirror so its viewfinder looks out through the lens.
DSP
Digital Signal Processor. A device that alters an audio signal, applying effects.
DVI
Digital Visual Interface. A common type of display connector that can carry a digital signal.
Dynamic range
The difference between the lightest and darkest shades in an image.
ESATA
External Sata. A relatively rare type of connection for external hard drives.
EXE
A program file designed to run in Windows. Has the file extension .exe.
Extension
A program that adds extra features to your browser.
Flash memory
A type of memory that can retain information without a power source.
GHZ
Gigahertz. A measure of how many instructions a chip can process per second.
Gigabit Ethernet
A very fast networking standard that can transfer data at up to 1,000Mbps.
GPU
Graphics Processor Unit. A chip designed to cope with 3D graphics.
Graphics card
A component in a computer that produces the image shown on the monitor.
Hash algorithms
Used in encryption to turn a string of data into another string that is unique.
HDMI
High-definition media interface. A type of connection that transmits HD video and audio. High-dynamic range
(HDR) Camera that takes more than one photo with different levels of colour and contrast.
ICO file
An image file format for PC icons in Windows that can be scaled appropriately.
IMEI
Integrated Mobile Equipment Identity. A unique number used to identify each mobile phone.
Keylogging
Recording everything someone types. Normally used to steal passwords.
M.2
A specification for internal PC expansion cards and connectors.
Megapixel
A measure of the amount of detail that can be recorded by a digital image.
Mesh router
Home Wi-fi system that uses multiple, connected routers.
Microsd card
A small type of memory card. Can be converted to SD size using an adapter.
Mini Displayport
Displayport that’s only 7.4mm wide, 4.5mm high.
MLC
Multi-level cell. Type of flash memory. Cheaper than singlelevel cell, but wears out faster.
NVME
Non-volatile Memory Express. An interface that lets solid-state drives work faster.
Opal 2
New version of the tech that encrypts data on drives.
Open source
Software that can be modified by anyone.
Plug-in
A small program that adds features to software.
PUP
Potentially unwanted program.
Quad core
A computer that has four processors on a single chip.
Read speed
How long it takes a hard drive to ‘read’ data.
SATA III
The latest and fastest version of the SATA interface.
SD card
Secure Digital card. A popular type of memory card.
SIM
Subscriber Identity Module. Smart card used by mobile phones.
Spacer
Fits around a 7mm SSD to make it fit a 9.5mm slot.
SRGB
A standard RGB colour space for use on monitors.
SSD
Solid-state drive. Storage that uses no moving parts.
Syntax highlighting
Feature in text editors that displays text and source code in different colours to indicate its category.
Thunderbolt
A very fast port for connecting external storage to a PC.
Tree view
A way of listing data using headings and sub-items.
Two-step verification
A security system that uses two means to identify the user.
Underclocking
Making a PC’S processes run slower to reduce power consumption, increase battery life and reduce heat.
USB 2.0/3.0 Faster successors to USB. USB Type-c
A new connector that’s reversible.
VDSL2
Very-high-bit-rate digital subscriber line 2.
VGA
Video Graphics Array. A standard socket for connecting a monitor to a computer.
Virtual drive
A set of files seen by Windows as a separate hard drive.
Virtual PC
A PC within a PC, running a second ‘virtual’ operating system on a PC.
WAN
Wide Area Network. Exists over a large geographical area.
Wave 2
New Wi-fi standard, succeeding the first generation of 802.11ac.
ZIP file
A file that contains compressed files.