Jargon Buster R-Z

Router
A router is a piece of equipment that interfaces between your computer and the internet and determines where you send data. A router is required if you want to connect more than one computer to broadband.

Server
A server is a central computer which delivers requests to other computers that are part of the network. It is also used to store data. Websites, for example, are stored on servers.

Spam
Spam is the electronic equivalent of junk mail - unwanted and unsolicited e-mail which is distributed to large lists of internet users, usually as part of a marketing scheme. Spam may contain viruses, but even without viruses, is a factor of annoyance for anyone with an email address.

Spyware
Spyware is a small programme that gathers information about internet users without their knowledge or consent, and delivers that information back to advertisers. It is normally attached to another programme downloaded from the internet, and users are normally not aware of its existence. Some anti-virus programmes can scan your computer for spyware and delete it.

Streaming
Streaming is a way of delivering large movie files or audio to your computer. A section of the file will be pre-loaded or buffered before you begin viewing it. The rest of the data then 'streams' behind and is viewed or listened to on delivery. This shortens your waiting time.

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Trojan horse
Trojan horses are programmes that appear to serve some useful purpose or provide entertainment, but often serve a covert purpose, which may be to damage files or place a virus on your computer.

Upload
When you upload something, you are usually transmitting a file from a smaller system to a larger one. Transmitting a file from your computer to an internet-based programme is referred to as uploading.

URL
An acronym for Uniform Resource Locator. A URL is a distinct address that locates a specific file or website on the internet.

USB
An acronym for Universal Serial Bus. USB and Ethernet are used to connect most ADSL modems to a computer.

USB modem
A small modem that plugs into the USB port on your laptop, which enables you to connect to the internet wirelessly.

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Virus
A virus is a malignant programme that replicates itself by getting itself copied or transmitted to another programme or machine. Viruses are easily transferred via e-mail.

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
A technology which enables broadband users to make voice calls via the internet. Visit www.skype.com to find out more.

Wi-Fi
Wi-fi is a term for Wi(reless) Fi(delity) which means the connection of two devices without wires. The speed of the devices, for example a laptop to a wireless router, will depend on the distance between devices and the nature of any obstacles in the path such as walls and ceilings, which may reduce signal intensity.

Worms
Worms are malicious programmes designed to quickly infect as many computers as possible. Worms are capable of performing multiple acts of damage at the same time and can spread by themselves or with the help of humans.

www
The acronym for World Wide Web, www encompasses all the files, programmes, resources, networks and users that are using HTTP addresses.

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