What does all the “Techno speak” actually mean !!

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ActiveX

A Windows technology which allows programmers to do various things on your computer. Unfortunately it also allows hackers to do bad things to your computer, particularly via webpages in Internet Explorer, and is safest switched off. (In Internet Explorer go to Tools/Internet Options/Security and set the Security Zone slider for Internet to High. A few websites won't display quite as intended without it, but most bad ones won't be able to hijack you).

ADSL

(Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) A method of connecting a computer to the internet over an ordinary phone line using ethernet office networking technology instead of an ordinary modem, which produces a much faster (broadband) connection. Asymmetric because it is faster from internet to PC than the other way (also true of a 56K modem).

AGP

(Advanced Graphics Port) A special slot on the PC motherboard for graphics cards, and the format of the cards themselves. Standard on new PCs from 1998. "AGP x 2" runs at twice the speed of the original AGP, AGP x 4 at four times the speed etc. Now being replaced by PCI Express.

AI

(Artificial Intelligence) A program designed to respond "intelligently" to various situations, for example the computer opponent(s) in a game.

AMD

AMD is a leading manufacturer of processor chips for PCs, including the Athlon and Duron chips.

antispam

An antispam program is used to filter out email spam, and to block it or complain about it.

antivirus

Software which protects computers from viruses and suchlike. Has to be updated frequently to keep up with the latest threats, so is usually sold with a subscription which enables you to download updates from the internet.

AOL

(America On Line) An Internet Service Provider, or ISP. AOL were in business as a large commercial bulletin board before the internet really took off. Now they are an ISP specialising in family-friendly internet access.

Apple

The Apple Corporation makes the only successful personal computer which doesn't use Microsoft Windows, the Macintosh, and the popular iPod music player.

Applet

A small program used to carry out a particular task, often on a web page. See Java.

Application

Software used to carry out a particular task, such as word processing or desktop publishing. Essentially another word for program.

Architecture

The basic design of a computer's hardware. Computers with different architecture, such as the PC and the Mac, cannot run each others' programs.

ASCII

(American Standard Code for Information Interchange) An early and very basic format for text files, standard across pretty much all computers and mail systems. It only includes upper and lower case letters, numbers, and standard punctuation marks, but more sophisticated text formats still tend to be based on it. An ASCII file is a basic text-only file generated by a program like Notepad.

ATAPI

(Attachment Packet Interface) An upgrade to EIDE which allows the hard disk controller to control CD drives as well. Almost all CD and DVD drives are controlled this way.

Athlon

A PC processor - AMD, the other leading chip manufacturer's equivalent to Intel's Pentium. Like the Pentium, constantly being upgraded. You will often see a number such as 2700 following the word Athlon, which is a rough measure of the processor's speed - the higher the number, the faster the chip.

ATB

(All The Best) Internet slang.

ATM

(At The Moment) Internet slang.

Attachment

A file sent by email is "attached" to the email. An attachment can be a picture, a word processor document, a program or any other type of file. You should never open an attachment if you are not sure what it is, because some viruses propagate as email attachments; but they can't infect your machine if you don't open the attachment.

AUP

(Acceptable Use Policy) A document setting out what an Internet Service Provider deems an acceptable use of their services, usually published on their website. Typically it will forbid the publication of obscene or defamatory material, and sending email or newsgroup spam. If you violate your ISP's AUP, they will usually close your account down immediately.

autocorrect

A feature in MS Word and other programs which automatically corrects your spelling, and even your grammar, as you type. Better switched off if you use obscure technical terms, or prefer your own interpretation of the rules of grammar, or else you are likely to find that it's "corrected" your text to something you didn't intend.

Avatar

A picture or figure representing a person in an online environment.

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