Glossary

ANTI VIRUS:- Antivirus (or "anti-virus") software is a program that searches your hard drive and floppy disks for any known or potential viruses. Popular programs include CA & Trend Micro. These programs are to be bought separately and their licence to renewed yearly

COMPUTER :- A computer, in simple terms, is the collection of hardware that allows you to perform the functions that you wish to perform. Bundle a Motherboard, CPU, Power Supply, Hard Disk Drive and any number of CD and DVD ROM's and RW's or Floppy Disk Drives together and you have yourself a computer.

CD-RW :- A CD-RW is the same as a CD-ROM, with one additional feature. As well as being able to read information contained in a CD, a CD-RW also allows you to write information to a CD.

CPU :- A CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is the brains of your computer. A CPU is in fact the chip that does all the computing. When buying a new system, upgrading an existing system, or buying new software, it is important to make sure you have the right CPU in your computer.

DOMAIN :- A Domain is simply the address to a website.

DVD-ROM :- A DVD-ROM is a device in your computer that reads DVD's and Cd's. Unlike a DVD-RW, a DVD-ROM cannot write to a CD or DVD, or copy files to a CD or DVD, only read the information that is contained on a CD or DVD

DVD-RW :- A DVD-RW is the same as a DVD-ROM, with one additional feature. As well as being able to read information contained in a CD or DVD, a DVD-RW also allows you to write information to a CD or DVD.

FIREWALL:- A firewall is a system that secures a network, shielding it from access by unauthorized users. Firewalls can be implemented in software, hardware or a combination of both. In addition to preventing unrestricted access into a network, a firewall can also restrict data from flowing out of a network.
Windows based operation systems have a firewall that can be turned on and off (control panel) or your anti-virus may have a firewall. TeePee IT Solutions recommend that if you have a good antivirus installed, you turn on the firewall installed in the anti-virus instead of the operation system one. NOTE: One firewall active is recommended to avoid conflict.

FULL RETAIL:- Here's one we decided to include due to the number of inquiries we've had regarding categories of software, mostly relating to people wishing to upgrade from Windows XP to Windows Vista. This explanation relates only to Microsoft, and specifically to Windows.
When purchasing a Windows operating system, you have three choices. Full Retail Version, Upgrade, or OEM. Going last to first, OEM, or Original Equipment Manufacture, can only be purchased when buying a new system. OEM will be explained fully in it's own section of this glossary. Upgrade is simply that. An upgrade from Windows XP to Windows Vista.
A full retail version of a product is a product you can load onto any computer and comes complete with software disk, product key and instructions on how to use the product.

GRAPHICS CARD :- A Graphics, or Video card, is the interface between your computer and monitor. A Graphics Card allows you to see what you have typed into your computer, on your monitor. The blue plug that connects your monitor to your computer is the outlet for your graphics card. All motherboards come with an onboard, or built in, graphics card, but different software may require a graphics card that is faster or has more capacity. Graphics cards are an easily upgraded component to your computer .

HARD DISK DRIVE :- A Hard Disk Drive is the storage memory in your computer. Whenever you save a document, application, load software or perform any other function that saves something to your computer, you are placing something into the Hard Disk Drive. This is your permanent storage area and performs the same function within your computer as a filing cabinet would within your home or office.

INTERNET :- The Internet, what more can be said? The Internet is a means by which almost anything can be shared.

KEYBOARD :- A keyboard is the main data input device for your computer. As well as allowing you to input text, most modern keyboards also have functions that allow you to access multimedia function, the Internet, jump straight to your email or access pre-programmed parts of your operating system.

MODEM :- A modem is a device connected to your computer that allows you to connect with the outside world. When you send or receive information via the Internet or via fax, the information you send or receive is sent in packages of bits. When these packages reach their destination, the modem translates them into text, images or audio that the receiving computer can understand.

MONITOR :- A monitor is simply the screen in which you can view actions performed on your computer.

MOTHERBOARD :- A motherboard is the main board inside your computer that connects all the components that make up a computer. Everything you see on your computer, not to mention the bits inside that you can't see, are connected to the motherboard.

MOUSE :- A mouse is the main pointing device on your computer and works in conjunction with your keyboard. A mouse allows you to point to and access an icon on your screen, jump straight to a certain part of text to be edited, etc.

NETWORK :- A network is a group of two or more computers connected together to share information or work in conjunction with each other. A network is controlled by a main computer known as a server, which then has one or more slave computers attached.

OEM :- OEM, or Original Equipment Manufacture, refers to software that can be installed only to a new computer system. This software is cheaper than buying a retail version of the same software, but comes only with the software disk and product key. Again it's important to remember that this software is only available when purchasing a new system.

OPERATING SYSTEM :- An operating system is the software that allows the user to perform functions on a computer. Other compatible software is able to be added to an operating system, which acts as a host for this newly introduced software. The most common operating systems are Microsoft Windows and Apples Macintosh OS.

POWER SUPPLY :- A power supply's main function is to provide power to your computer. The most important thing it does while providing power is ensure the power it supplies is stable. While the power available at the wall socket is 220 volt AC (Alternating Current), the type of power required in your computer is 3.3 volt, 5 volt and 12 volt DC (Direct Current). The power supply, in addition to powering up your computer, also converts the power to that required by the different components. A power supply, whilst one of the most overlooked, is also one of the most important components in your computer.

PRINTER :- A printer is one of the most used peripheral devices used on a computer. The main function of a printer is to print work you do on your computer onto paper. Whilst there are numerous printers that perform a variety of functions, the most common printer for home use is a three in one printer that allows you to not only print, but photocopy and scan images or documents to your computer. Some printers can also be used as a fax machine.

PRODUCT KEY :- A product key is the license number given to you by software manufacturers when you purchase their software that lets you know the product you have bought is a genuine copy.

RAM :- RAM, or Random Access Memory, is the working memory on your computer. The easiest way to think of it is to consider RAM your desk. Underneath your desk is your filing cabinet or Hard Disk Drive. When you want to work on a document, you remove it from your Hard Disk Drive (filing cabinet) and place it on your RAM (desk). When you are finished working with, save and close a document, you are removing it from your RAM (desk) and placing it back into your Hard Disk Drive (filing cabinet). RAM is also known as "volatile memory". This description is spot on. RAM is only accessed whilst the computer is turned on. If your computer turns of for any reason while you are working on a document, any unsaved work will be lost. It is important to remember to save all work to your Hard Disk Drive. The other thing to remember is that RAM, like your desk, only has a certain amount of space to place documents or other files or folders. If you have too many applications open at once your computer will run slower.

ROM :- ROM, or Read Only Memory, is the memory pre-programmed into your computer that allows your computer to perform functions at start-up to get your computer working.

ROUTER :- A router, in simple terms, is a networking device. Most modems now double as a router, allowing the home user to access the internet on multiple computers using the one connection. If you have more than one computer or notebook in the one room, you can network them via cable. If you have computers or notebooks in different rooms, wireless routers are available.

SERVER :- A server is a computer that acts as a central point for a network.

SPAM :- Unlike the ham, Spam is unsolicited e-mail on the Internet. From the sender's point-of-view, it's a form of bulk mail, often to a list culled from subscribers to a Usenet discussion group or obtained by companies that specialize in creating e-mail distribution lists.

SOFTWARE :- Software is programs that you load onto your computer that allow you perform the funtions that you want.

SOUND CARD :- A sound card is a device that allows you to hear audio on your computer. Motherboards come equipped with a built in sound card, but they are also available as an expansion device if you need to upgrade.:- Software is programs that you load onto your computer that allow you perform the funtions that you want.

USB :- USB, or Universal Serial BUS, is a type of plug that allows you to connect devices to your computer.

VIDEO CARD :- See Graphics Card. .

WAN :- WAN, or Wide Area Network, refers to two or more computers on a network in remote locations.

WEBSITE :- A website is a place to visit on the internet for information, shopping, social networking and pretty much anything else you can think of.

WWW :- WWW, or World Wide Web, is the standard universal starting point for a website address.

Find yourself getting confused with some of the terms people use? Well no longer. We invite you to add this page to your favourites to use as a reference.

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