Jargon Buster

2G Second-generation mobile network.

32bit/64bit A measure of how much data a PC can process at once. Most older computers are 32bit, more modern ones are 64bit.

3G/4G/5G Technologies that deliver faster mobile broadband.

4K Video with a resolution of at least 3840x2160 pixels.

360p/720p/1080p/1440p Common types of high-definition video of 1280x720, 1920x1080 and 2560x1440 pixels respectively.

802.11ax Wi-fi standard with speeds up to 10 times faster than 802.11ac. Also called Wi-fi 6.

AMOLED Active-matrix Organic Light-emitting Diode. An alternative technology to LCD for creating flat-panel displays. Most commonly used in smartphones, tablets and smartwatches.

aptx A codec used to compress audio so it can be transmitted over Bluetooth with minimal loss in quality.

Aspect ratio A measurement of the shape of a display. Traditional computer screens are 4:3. Widescreen displays are 16:9 or 16:10.

Augmented reality Lets you view the real world on a digital display and add elements from the digital world.

Bandwidth A measure of how much data can be transferred through a connection at one time.

Benchmarking Comparing software and products with an accepted standard.

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. Software built into every PC that connects the vital components. It’s visible for a few seconds when the PC starts.

Bitrate A measure of data transfer speed, or of the quality of digital video or audio files.

Blue screen of death Technically called a ‘Stop error’, this is shown when your PC crashes.

Cache A temporary space for storing information. Can be memory used on a computer processor, or space on a hard drive used by a web browser.

Clean install An operating system installation that overwrites all other content on the hard drive.

Codec Short for Compressor/ Decompressor. A file that tells a computer how to record or play a type of 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.

Core Units on a processor that carry out program instructions.

CRT Cathode-ray tube. The technology used in older, non-flatscreen televisions and computer displays.

CSV Comma Separated Value. A standard file format, used for storing tabulated information, that can be opened by most spreadsheet applications.

DDR3L PC memory that works at both 1.5 volts and 1.35. DDR3 only supports 1.5 volts.

Directx A Microsoft technology required to run many games in Windows.

Displayport A new socket for connecting monitors.

Driver A file that tells Windows how to work with an external device.

Drive image File containing the contents and structure of an entire data storage device - a hard drive, for example.

Emulator A program that makes one computer act like another, allowing it to run that computer’s software.

Encoder A piece of software that converts media files to a new format, such as converting WAV audio files to MP3.

Encryption key A random string of characters used to encrypt and decrypt sensitive data.

EXE A program file designed to run in Windows. Has the file extension .exe.

Executable file A program file designed to run in Windows. Executable files have the file extension .exe.

Factory settings The original system state of an electronic device. You can restore a device to this state by erasing all the data stored on it and returning its software to its original manufacturer settings.

Firewall A piece of software or hardware that prevents unauthorised access to a computer over a network, such as the internet.

Firmware Basic software stored on hardware, such as a processor, to control its operation.

Fps Frames per second. Used to indicate gaming performance.

Frame rate The number of still images, or frames, shown per second to create a moving image. Higher frame rates make games appear smoother and more realistic.

FTP File Transfer Protocol. A system for transferring files between computers. Often used when uploading websites.

Geekbench 5 A test for measuring processor speed.

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.

Gorilla glass Scratch-resistant glass that’s used to protect the screens of tablets and phones.

GPS Global positioning system. Satellite-based navigational system.

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.

HTTP Hyper Text Transfer Protocol. The technology that sends data between your browser and the web

Incognito Mode A browser mode that doesn’t save your internet history, so other people using your computer can’t see which sites you’ve visited.

IMAP Internet Message Access Protocol. A method for email that lets the user manage messages stored on a remote server.

IMEI Integrated Mobile Equipment Identity. A unique number used to identify each mobile phone

IP address Internet Protocol address. A unique set of numbers used to identify computers and websites on the internet.

IPS A screen technology. Monitors that use it have wider viewing angles and better, more accurate-looking colours compared with monitors that do not use this technology.

ISO file A type of image file that contains all the data from a CD or DVD.

LCD Liquid-crystal display. The technology used to create almost all flatscreen monitors.

LED Light-emitting diode. An electronic device that emits light. Used on almost all electronic devices, and to provide the backlight for some LCDS.

LNB Low-noise Block downconverter. Amplifies weak satellite signals, and converts signals from high to low frequencies.

M.2 A standard specification for internal PC expansion cards and connectors.

Macro An automated series of commands or options that can be run at any time. Handy if you often need to perform repetitive actions.

Metadata A set of data that gives information about a file.

Microsd card A small type of memory card. Can be converted to SD size using an adapter.

Motherboard The main circuit board inside every PC into which all other parts connect.

NVME Non-volatile Memory Express. An interface that lets solid-state drives work faster.

Partition A large hard drive can be split into two or more partitions or ‘virtual’ drives. Once partitioned, each section is treated by Windows as though it were a completely separate, smaller hard drive.

Product key Unique serial number issued by software companies that must be typed in before a program will launch for the first time.

QR code Quick Response code. A barcode that can be read using smartphones and dedicated QRreading devices.

Quad core A computer that has four processors on a single chip, which allows it to operate faster than standard (single-core) computers.

RAM Random-access memory. The computer’s working area, used for data storage while the PC is switched on. Its capacity is measured in megabytes (MB): the more memory your PC has, the more things it can process simultaneously and the faster it will seem. Any information in RAM will be lost when the power is switched off.

Ransomware Malware run by hackers who lock files on your PC and demand a payment to release them.

SATA Serial ATA. An interface for connecting hard drives and optical discs to a computer.

SIM Subscriber Identity Module. The smart card used by all digital mobile phones. The SIM card carries the user’s identity and phone number for accessing the network.

SMTP Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. A standard for sending email messages. It is now largely reserved for sending messages rather than receiving them.

SSD Solid-state drive. Storage that uses no moving parts. Faster but more expensive than conventional hard drives.

TPM Trusted Platform Module. A computer chip that allows your hardware to perform securityrelated tasks

Two-factor authentication

A system that uses two different means to identify the user. For example, a code sent to your phone in addition to a password.

USB 2.0/3.0/3.1 Faster successors to USB.

USB-C A new connector that’s reversible, letting you plug it in upside down.

VESA Video Electronics Standards Association. A standard mount for attaching monitors on to stands, walls and PCS.

VGA Video Graphics Array. An older standard socket for connecting a monitor to a computer.

Virtual PC A Windows tool that enables you to run a second ‘virtual’ operating system on a PC, such as running a version of XP in a Windows 7 computer to use older programs.

Wideband A satellite dish that can receive a wider range of signals than standard dishes.

Widget A small program such as a calendar that runs on the Windows desktop.

ZIP file A file that contains compressed documents or files.