0-9A-Z Computer Jargon Dictionary

Don’t know what’s people saying about computer and internet? Lots of strange gibberish associated with computers; and the industry just loves acronyms. We already record some of them and you can add it in our comment form, or correct me if I am wrong. The whole dictionary divide into pages for loading speed up.

404 error
An error message received when you try to access a web page that either doesn’t exist or is unavailable at the address you gave.

80211a, 80211b, 80211g, 80211i, 80211n
Different standards for operating wireless networks (Wi-Fi). Loosely the higher the letter, the faster the speed. So far they are mostly incompatible with each other.

80286, 80386, 80486 (or 286, 386, 486)
Three generations of PC processor, now pretty much obsolete, the ancestors of Intel’s Pentium. The 286 was the earliest processor able to run (just about) a version of Windows, although the 386 was really the minimum to run it properly. The 486 was the earliest processor able to run Windows 95 – just about. Machines of this vintage cannot run modern versions of Windows at all, but many are still in use as basic word-processors or where a dedicated machine is required which doesn’t need to be powerful.

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).

Adware
Software which displays advertisements on your computer. Sometimes installed as part of a “free” application, sometimes by stealth. See also Malware, Spyware.

AFAICS, AFAIK, AFAIR
(As Far As I Can See/Know/Recall) Internet slang.

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.

AIUI
(As I Understand It) Internet slang.

always-on
An internet connection which remains on 24/7 such as ADSL or cable, rather than only connecting on demand like a dialup.

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 sometimes 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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One Response to “0-9A-Z Computer Jargon Dictionary”

 
  1. P1 Asri says:
    March 15, 2010 at 02:33

    I has been woundering if you got further links on this matter