Jargon Buster
1080p
Of the common types of high-definition video, this is the best quality: 1920x1080 pixels.
32bit/64bit
A measure of how much information a computer can process at once. Most older computers are 32bit, more modern ones are 64bit.
4K
Video with a resolution of at least 3840x2160 pixels.
720p
A common resolution of high-definition video: 1280x720 pixels.
802.11ac
A standard for wireless networks that allows for much higher transfer speeds than 802.11n.
Add-on
A program that adds extra features to your browser.
Augmented reality
Lets you view the real world on a digital display and add elements from the digital world.
Beta
A version of software that’s being tested. Beta versions are often released so problems can be ironed out.
BIOS
Basic Input-output System. Essential software built into every PC that connects the vital components.
Cast
To send content from your PC, phone or tablet to your TV.
Cookie
A small text file stored on your computer by a website.
Domain name
These are used to identify one or more IP addresses.
DOS
Disk Operating System. DOS was the predecessor to Windows.
dpi
Dots per inch. A measure of printed image quality, or the size an object will be shown on screen.
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.
Extension
A program that adds extra features to your browser.
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.
HDR
High-dynamic range. A camera that takes more than one photo with several levels of colour and contrast, then combines them.
Hyperlapse
Timelapse videos formed of photos taken at regular intervals, with the camera moving to show different angles.
Hyperlink
A clickable link that takes you to a document or website.
IP address
Internet Protocol address. A unique set of numbers used to identify computers and websites on the internet.
ISO
The light sensitivity of a camera. Higher ISO numbers allow you to shoot without flash in darker situations.
JPEG
Joint Photograph Experts Group. A common type of image file created by most digital cameras.
LED
Light-emitting Diode. An electronic device that emits light. Used on almost all electronic devices, and to provide the backlight for some LCDS.
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.
Material Design
Google’s design style for its websites, apps and services.
Megapixel
A measure of the amount of detail that can be recorded by a digital image.
Microsd card
A small type of memory card. Can be converted to SD size using an adapter.
Micro USB
A miniature version of USB, often found on phones, tablets and portable hard drives.
Mirror link
Link to a third-party download site that hosts software installers.
Mirrorless camera
A camera that has a digital viewfinder, rather than a mirror or optical viewfinder like DSLRS.
NFC
Near-field communication. A technology that allows two devices to communicate by being touched together or placed near to each other.
Noise
Visible dust-like speckles that appear in some camera and TV images.
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 boost performance at the cost of it getting hotter and requiring more power.
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 to your web browser.
PNG
Portable Network Graphics. A format for images that shrinks file sizes using compression but without discarding any data.
PS/2
Personal System 2. A set of standards for such things as mouse and keyboard interfaces, originally used by IBM.
PUP
Potentially unwanted program. Examples include unnecessary plug-ins, toolbars and browser hijackers.
Quad core
A computer that has four processors on a single chip.
QR code
Quick Response code. A barcode that can be read using smartphones and dedicated QRreading devices.
Ransomware
Malware run by hackers who lock PC files and demand a payment to release them.
RAW
A format for digital photos that stores the image exactly as the camera captured it.
SD card
Secure Digital card. A popular type of memory card.
Search operator
Characters you can add to a search query to narrow the results.
Security certificate
A file used by banking and shopping websites to verify the identity of the company running the website. Issued and guaranteed by third-party security companies.
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.
SSD
Solid-state drive. Storage that, unlike a hard drive, uses no moving parts. Faster but more expensive than conventional hard drives.
Steamvr
The operating system that runs on some virtual-reality gaming headsets.
System image
A backup of your ‘system image’, which includes your operating system drivers, PC’S settings, programs and files.
TIFF
Tagged Image File Format. A standard file format used to store graphics images.
Tool tip
A small message that appears when the cursor hovers over an option.
Travel
The distance the keys of a keyboard have to be pressed before the keystroke is recognised.
Two-factor authentication
A system that uses two means to identify the user. For example, a PIN in addition to a password.
Unibody
Term used to describe a smartphone or tablet case made from a single piece of metal.
USB 2.0/3.0/3.1
Faster successors to USB.
USB Type-c
A new connector that’s reversible, letting you plug it in upside down.
ZIP file
A file that can contain compressed documents or files.