Adware – A software application which displays unwanted pop-up advertisements on your computer while in use. Adware is often installed at the same time as free software or shareware
Bloatware/fatware – Pre-installed software that occupies a lot of space, leaving little memory for storing personal data
Bug – A defect or fault in a programme that prevents it from working correctly. Bugs are caused by mistakes or errors made by those who write the programme
Cache – A sort of fast memory used for temporary storage of recently accessed web pages, which enables the browser to display them more quickly on the next visit
Cookies – Small piece of information on the times and dates you have visited web sites. A web server can temporarily store this information within your browser. The main purpose is to identify users and possibly prepare customised web pages for them
Crash – What happens when a programme or the entire operating system, unexpectedly stops working
Cursor – A blinking symbol on the screen that shows where any new text will next be entered
Driver – A special programme which enables a computer to work with a particular piece of hardware such as a printer
e-Business – Business done over the internet or any internet-based network
Font – A particular kind of lettering
Firewall – Specialised hardware or software designed to prevent unauthorised access into or out of a computer or network
Hit – A visit to a website
Netiquette/Network etiquette – A set of informal rules defining proper behaviour on the intenet
Portal – A website that acts as a gateway or entry point to the internet (for example, Yahoo).
Typically, a portal offers a search engine and links to other sites grouped into categories, as well as news or other services
Provider – Company that provides access to the internet
Spam – Unwanted, irrelevant or inappropriate e-mail messages, especially commercial advertising. Also referred to as “junkmail”
Spyware – Software that collects information, without your knowledge, about your web-surfing habits and uses it for marketing purposes. Very often contained in free downloads or shareware programmes
Trojan – A computer programme that is hidden in a useful software application and actually used to gain access to your computer. It then performs malicious actions such as displaying messages or erasing files. Trojans may be found in a hacked legitimate programme or in free software
Worm – A self-replicating computer programme, similar to a computer virus. It infects additional computers (typically by making use of network connections), often clogging networks and information systems as it spreads
Wysiwyg – What you see is what you get (pronounced ‘ wizzy-wig’). A WYSIWYG application enables you to see on the screen exactly what will appear when the document is printed
