Jargon Buster
32bit
A measure of how much info 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.
64bit
A technology that processes information in larger chunks. Most modern computers are 64bit.
720p
Common resolution of highdefinition video: 1280x720 pixels.
802.11ac
A standard for wireless networks that allows for much higher transfer speeds than 802.11n.
Add-in
Microsoft’s name for tools compatible with Office software.
ADF
Automatic Document Feeder. A device that feeds sheets of paper into a photocopier or scanner, one by one.
Anti-aliasing
A graphical technique used to smooth jagged edges of 3D objects in PC software and video games.
Aspect ratio
A measurement of the shape of a display. Traditional computer screens are 4:3.
Benchmarking
Comparing software and products with an accepted standard.
Beta
A version of software that’s being tested. Beta versions are often released to iron out problems.
Cast
To send content from your PC to TV.
Dark net
Websites only accessed through special privacy networks.
dbase
One of the first database management systems for home computers, having been launched in 1979.
DCI-P3
A colour space that has a wider spectrum than SRGB. Used by US film industry.
DDOS
Direct Denial of Service. A targeted cyber-attack which brings down a web server and the websites running on it.
Directx
A Microsoft technology that runs many games in Windows.
DOS
Disk Operating System. DOS was the predecessor to Windows.
Download mirror site
A website that contains the same downloadable software as others.
Driver
A file that tells Windows how to work with an external device.
DVI
Digital Visual Interface. A connector carrying a digital signal.
Emulator
A program that makes one computer act like another, so it can run that computer’s software.
Extension
A program 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 computer access.
Flash memory
A type of memory that can retain information without a power source.
Frame rate
The number of still images, or frames, shown per second to create a moving image.
G.fast
Broadband technology that extends the frequency range of copper cables, enabling them to deliver speeds up to 330Mbps.
Gigabit Ethernet
A very fast networking standard that can transfer data at up to 1,000Mbps.
GPRS
General Packet Radio Service. A type of mobile phone internet connection that’s not as quick as 3G or HSDPA.
GPU
Graphics Processor Unit. A chip designed to create 3D graphics, but which can also be used for other computing tasks.
Graphics card
A component in a computer that produces the image shown on the monitor.
HDMI
High-definition media interface. A connection transmitting high-def video and audio signals.
Hotspot
A public area covered by a Wi-fi network that allows you to access the internet.
Hybrid hard drive
Storage device with both a conventional hard drive and a flash memory module.
ISO
Light sensitivity of a camera. Higher ISO numbers let you shoot without flash in darker situations.
LCD
Liquid-crystal display. The technology used to create almost all flatscreen monitors.
LED
Light-emitting diode.
M.2
Standard specification for PC expansion cards and connectors.
Megapixel
A measure of the detail recorded by a digital image.
Microsd card
A small type of memory card. Can be converted to SD size using an adapter.
Opencl
A programming standard used across multiple platforms, including PCS and mobile devices.
Opengl
A programming standard used for work such as 3D modelling. Setting a game to use Opengl can improve the graphics.
Overclocking
Making a processor work faster to improve PC performance, though it gets hotter and requires more power.
Path
In file management, the names of the drive, folder and subfolders that indicate where a file is stored.
PCIE
Peripheral Component Interconnect Express. A faster version of PCI – a slot on the motherboard for expansion cards.
Phishing
A form of internet fraud that tries to trick you into revealing personal details.
Plug-in
A small program adding features to software or a browser.
Proxy server
A computer that sits between your computer and the internet and filters the connection.
PUP
Potentially unwanted program, such as plug-ins, toolbars and browser hijackers.
Quad core
A computer that has four processors on a single chip, which allows it to run faster.
RAM
Random-access memory. The computer’s working area, used for data storage.
Read speed
How long it takes a hard drive to ‘read’ and respond to data.
Refresh rate
Measured in Hertz (Hz), the number of times per second the image on your monitor redraws to show movement.
Root
To hack an Android device to perform tasks not permitted by the manufacturer.
SATA
Serial ATA. An interface for connecting modern hard drives and discs to a computer.
SD card
Secure Digital card. A popular type of memory card.
SIM
Subscriber Identity Module. The smart card used by mobile phones.
Source code
Program instructions written that are readable by people but not computers.
SRGB
A standard RGB colour space for use on monitors, printers and the internet.
SSD
Solid-state drive. Storage that uses no moving parts.
Transceiver
A device that contains both a transmitter and a receiver.
USB Type-a
A flat, rectangular cable designed to connect to other USB devices.
USB Type-c
A new connector that can be plugged in upside down.
USB 2.0/3.0/3.1
Faster successors to USB that are used by devices such as external hard drives.
VGA
Video Graphics Array. A standard socket for connecting a monitor to a computer.
VPN
Virtual private network. A technology for keeping all internet communication safe and private.
Write speed
How long it takes a hard drive to save data.
ZIP file
A file that can contain compressed documents or files.