Glossary of Computer Terms
Here are simplified definitions to commonly used terms, phrases, and acronyms used in the tech world and on our site. We want to make sure that you recognize the lingo so that you can be more confident when you address your company's technology issues.
You can help us to expand this list—please contact us to submit any new term, phrase, or acronym that you want defined or you feel should be included. All who refer to this list will appreciate it!
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
a or b or g or n wireless (WLAN or Wi-Fi) – These are the wireless local area network (LAN) standards that are currently in use in the USA:
802.11a – Maximum speed: 54Mbit/s @ 5Ghz – a maximum of 54 megabits or 54 million bits of information that are theoretically passed over the air from a transmitter to a receiver during one second in time on a radio frequency of 5 gigahertz as designated by the Federal Communications Commission.
802.11b – Maximum speed: 11Mbit/s @ 2.4Ghz
802.11g – Maximum speed: 54Mbit/s @ 2.4Ghz
802.11n – Maximum speed: 300Mbit/s typical (600Mbit/s max) @ 2.4Ghz and/or 5Ghz
802.11b/g are the two most commonly used in consumer computing, but they operate on the same radio frequency as microwave ovens, baby monitors, and some cordless phones, any of which can cause substantial interference problems.
802.11a doesn’t suffer from these interference problems and has been widely implemented in corporate environments.
802.11n is the new standard of current wireless devices.
In reality, designated maximum transmission rates are rarely attained; 10-15% less is usually the norm, which, in most cases, is considered acceptable.
BIOS (basic input/output system) – code that is stored on a computer chip on the computer’s system circuit board that automatically executes when the computer is starting up. This process is also called booting or booting up or boot strapping (old terms handed down from mainframe computer days). Some of the code is user-configurable to allow the adjustment of certain hardware and security preferences. The BIOS code tests the system to see if everything agrees with its saved settings and, if it does, it then hands over the remainder of the startup process to the operating system (OS), such as Microsoft Windows.
business-grade or office-grade – refers to the overall build quality and reliability, expected life cycle, intended use, and performance specifications of a hardware device that is designed to operate in an office environment where reliability is critical and the occurrence of failure is minimal or is greatly mitigated by superior repair or replacement services. Products designed for home use do not meet these standards, which is underscored by their lesser warranties.
Cloud computing – refers to the emerging trend of application software and data moving from local (on premises) computers and servers to services accessed via the Internet. Cloud computing makes it easy for services and data to be accessed by individuals and businesses from anywhere, but also raises questions about data security and performance.
Energy Star – a voluntary international standard for energy efficient electrical products. Energy Star 4.0 standards for desktop computers require that their power supplies are 80% energy efficient or greater in order to qualify.
Ethernet – refers to the IEEE 802.3 standard (see IEEE below) for wired local area networking. Computers in an office are connected to one another by cables that are specifically constructed to an Ethernet specification, of which there are several, that dictate the cables ability to properly support certain types and quality of digital signals. For example, a cable designated as a Category 6 (Cat6) cable is well suited to stream full motion video across the line without any signal loss or drop outs, assuming that the entire wired path uses the same spec cable.
Exchange ActiveSync (EAS) – is a software mechanism that allows mobile devices to connect to, and synchronize with, Microsoft’s Exchange Server. It is used by most smartphone platforms, including Android and iPhone, and allows for two-way synching of email, contacts, calendars, tasks, and notes. ActiveSync also allows for push email, where an email message is synched to the mobile device as it arrives on the Exchange Server, rather than waiting to synch at specific intervals.
file server – is a broad term usually referring to a robust computer on a LAN that is designed to store and serve data files to client computers. Traditional file servers built to run 24/7, use server-specific operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows Server, and run centralized applications and databases, such as Microsoft Exchange Server. This term can also be applied to NAS boxes, which are not built as well as traditional file server computers, but are file servers in the purest sense.
hard drive – a hardware data storage device that, historically, contains a series of stacked platters that spin very quickly as recording/playback heads move across their magnetized surfaces-very close, but not quite touching. These platters are the media on which the system files and your data files reside. When you ask your computer to "Open" a program, a command is sent through the system to the hard drive requesting that it serve up the necessary files to start up that program. When you “Save” a document, you are sending a command telling the software and your computer system to copy the document that’s on your screen to a designated place on one of the spinning platters in the hard drive.
Emerging hard drive technology is beginning to replace this mechanical wizardry with solid state memory modules that yield a drive that runs silently, is much lighter (great for laptops), generates vastly less heat, uses less power, and is ultimately much safer to use because it has no moving parts. For now, solid state drives are expensive and their capacities are limited, but we’ll keep you posted on their development.
hot-swapping – refers to the ability to replace certain system components without the need to power down the system. Examples include USB memory sticks and SATA hard drives.
IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) – a non-profit professional organization responsible for creating the international standards for wired and wireless networking (802.11 and 802.3).
IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) – is a method for client software (e.g. Microsoft Outlook) to retrieve email as an alternative to traditional POP protocol. IMAP is more robust and allows for two-way synching between the email client and server, making it possible for multiple clients to access a single mailbox. This is useful for those who have a mobile phone and a computer accessing the same email account. IMAP is only offered by a handful of email providers, one of which is Google’s Gmail.
LAN (Local Area Network) – a communications environment located in one physical area (an office suite, for example), comprising a collection of computers and printers and sometimes other devices that are all connected to one another using IEEE certified CAT5 (category 5) or higher Ethernet cable and/or Wi-Fi.
laptop or notebook computer - these terms are used interchangeably in the industry, but we elect to use the term laptop in most cases.
LCD monitor – in simple terms, this is a flat, thin rectangular panel that contains electronic circuitry and a large array of liquid crystal diodes that together provide a way for you to see what your computer is doing. Panels are available in a variety of sizes and resolution abilities—the greater your needs, in terms of such things as how much information you need to see at once or how much detail you need to see in a photo, dictate the complexity and, ultimately, the price of the monitor.
malware - software that is installed without a user’s consent that can collect personal information, change computer settings, redirect web browsers, and install additional unwanted software, among other things. Malware includes computer viruses, spyware, worms, Trojan horses, adware, and other malicious and unwanted software. This creepy stuff is thwarted by employing an appropriate combination of anti-malware software and by ensuring that you always install Microsoft’s critical Windows updates.
Microsoft Exchange Server – the industry standard, file server-based software for centrally managing all personal and shared communications, shared contacts, and shared scheduling. Use Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Web Access, iPhone, BlackBerry, or Android phone—it makes no difference—they all look to, and rely upon, Exchange Server as the key element in seamless remote company e-mail access.
Historically, Microsoft Exchange has lived on an in-house file server, but now any business can use this powerful, important tool simply by contracting with one of a handful of Microsoft approved remote Hosted Exchange services; they do all of the grunge work involving updating, maintaining, and backing up the Exchange software and its hardware platform, and you enjoy all of the many benefits of using Exchange Server for a fraction of the cost of doing it yourself.
NAS (network attached storage) – a small, self-contained computer—a relatively little box—that stores and serves files over a LAN. No keyboard, no screen—it can sit anywhere in an office as long as it can connect to the LAN. It’s most often used as a data backup location, but we often use one in place of a traditional file server.
netbook – a very compact and lightweight laptop computer designed primarily for wireless internet access. Netbook's generally have 10'' or smaller screens and have much less powerful processors and graphics capabilities when compared to a standard laptop computer.
network switch – is a box containing high-speed switched ports to which multiple devices (computers, routers, IP telephones, etc.) are connected that allows them all to efficiently share one data connection to the LAN.
open source software – generally meant to mean software whose source code is made available to the public without any copyright restrictions. In contrast to closed source or proprietary software, this software can be modified by anyone and distributed for free.
OS or O/S (Operating System) – the environment in which all of the software and hardware in your computer play together in perfect harmony—presuming that everything is set up properly. The OS dictates the rules under which all of the software and hardware must run and how the user can interact with it all. Windows XP, Windows 7, Linux, Mac OS X—these are all operating systems. Your computer needs one to work.
phishing – the process by which a fraudulent e-mail, website, or instant message attempts to collect personal information, such as a credit card number or a password, by masquerading as a legitimate, trustworthy entity.
POP (POP3 or Post Office Protocol) – is a traditional method for client software (e.g. Microsoft Outlook) to retrieve email and is an alternative to IMAP. POP is limited in that it only allows for one-way synching. Mail can be set to download and delete the original from the mail server, or it can be set to download and leave a copy on the mail server. In either case, the server does not synchronize with the mail that has been downloaded, making it difficult for those who have a mobile device and a computer accessing the same email account. POP is supported by almost every email provider and Internet service provider.
refurbished/refurb/remanufactured/remarketed – These are all terms used by manufacturers to describe products that are returned to the factory, for whatever reason, and are then repaired (if needed), re-conditioned, re-certified, and, because refurbs cannot legally be sold as new in the United States, are resold or remarketed at a discounted price. The secret is—in the case of business-grade office products—these are almost always fantastic buys because they have been through the factory twice, they offer high quality with great features, and they cost less than a brand new version (and often less than lesser models), and they always come with a warranty. Many of the solution packages that appear in our store throughout the year feature wonderful refurb products.
router – is a device that connects two or more computer networks together. A router is often the gateway between the Internet and a LAN. Many small business routers include firewalls, switches, and wireless (802.11a/b/g/n).
SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) – In simple terms, SATA is a physical interface—a method of connecting or attaching an add-on device such as a hard drive or a DVD drive to the electronics that are inside a computer. This technology makes it possible to pass information very quickly between the connected components.
ShareThis – You'll see the ShareThis icon in the right column on most of the pages in our site. Clicking on this icon allows you to instantly share pages of our site with business associates, as well as friends and family, by sending an e-mail, a text message, or by sharing the link using your favorite social networking website (Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.).
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) – is a method for client software (e.g. Microsoft Outlook) to send email. Mail clients can retrieve incoming mail using either POP or IMAP, but they generally all send outgoing email using SMTP.
solid-state drive (SSD) – a data storage device that uses memory chips to store data. Unlike a traditional hard drive, which uses spinning platters and moving read/write heads, an SSD has no moving parts and is, therefore, less susceptible to physical shock and will generally access data faster. Although the data capacity of SSD devices is increasing, they still lag behind traditional HDDs and are more expensive.
Twitter – a free social networking website that allows people to share information in short, 140 character messages called Tweets. A great way for you to get updates about changes and additions to jackrabbit.com is to follow us on Twitter! We include a link to "Follow us on Twitter" in the right column of most of the pages on our site.
uninterruptible power supply (UPS) – an electronic filtering and battery backup device that sits between the AC power wall outlet and almost any electrical product that you want to protect and whose operational life you want to extend. The UPS monitors, filters, and restricts the electrical signal that flows out of the wall and on to devices that are plugged into outlets on the UPS. When, for example, your computer and video display are plugged into a UPS, they receive clean, regulated AC power that’s places little strain on their power supplies and makes them far less susceptible to electronic noise, which often causes system crashes and data loss. You will also be completely protected from power surges, brownouts, and, because the UPS contains a battery backup, complete blackouts. Modern UPS devices can also communicate directly with a computer over a USB cable that, along with special software, will continually update the status of the incoming AC power and, if necessary, will gracefully shut down the computer until an errant power event is resolved.
A UPS device is sized according to the power needs of what will be plugged into it. Very powerful UPS boxes capable of protecting 3, 4, or more devices are inexpensive and are considered by us to be cheap insurance. In fact, the major brands will repair or replace most items that are plugged into one of their units if the item fails because of a lapse of the UPS. You will, however, have to check with those manufacturers for details about their policies.
USB 2.0 (Universal Serial Bus) – a standard for connecting peripherals to a computer. Version 2.0 is the current iteration; it was introduced in 2000, and it passes data from one device to another at a maximum speed of 480 Mb/s (megabits per second).
Video Display Resolutions and Shapes
This is going to be way more information than you're probably interested in knowing, but this topic is important. And having some familiarity with the basic concepts, as well as being able to recognize some of the labels, will help to remove much of the mystery surrounding how to select a video display that will best meet your needs. For future reference, brief summaries appear to the far right.
The standard 4:3 aspect ratio – the old standard. Television sets were the predecessors of computer video displays; they were built around bulky glass cathode-ray tubes that were created to support the motion picture standard at that time–a horizontal to vertical measurement ratio of 4 wide to 3 high. When early computers emerged for the masses, the associated monitor took on the same format; they were little more than stripped down televisions—no audio, no wood, no channel tuner, and, as it turned out, not enough quality to handle the work that needed to be done. It was not much later that a completely separate computer monitor industry emerged.
Now, many years later, the old-style picture tube has been replaced with a modern, versatile LCD screen. Here is some of what’s available to you today.
XGA - Extended Graphics Array (1024x768) in 4:3 aspect ratio - means that 1,024 pixels (picture elements) will be required to draw a line stretching horizontally all the way across the screen, and it will take 768 pixels to draw a line vertically from the top to the bottom of the screen.
SXGA - Super Extended Graphics Array (1280x1024) in 4:3 aspect ratio - the same as above, but using 1,280 wide by 1,024 pixels high.
UXGA - Ultra Extended
Graphics Array (1600x1200) in 4:3
aspect ratio – the same as above, but using 1,600 wide by 1,200 pixels
high.
Picture this — if we use the exact same video display to look at all three of the above resolutions, we see that it takes more pixels to draw a line across a screen when we use UXGA (the highest resolution) than are required to draw a line across the same screen using SXGA, and way more than are required to draw the line using XGA. This means that a photograph would appear much sharper when displayed on the UXGA screen than on the other two displays (a lot more information appears in the same amount of physical space), but the image will also be much smaller because UXGA pixels are smaller than SXGA pixels and very much smaller than XGA pixels. When a picture becomes too small to work with, it’s time to move to a larger display.
WXGA - Widescreen XGA (1280x800) in 16:10 aspect ratio – a widescreen display that's most often found in modern base-model laptop computers.
WXGA+ (aka WSXGA) - Widescreen XGA Plus (1440x900) in 16:10 aspect ratio – an enhanced WXGA display that's often found in higher-end laptop computers and in better 19” or larger desktop monitors. It displays proportionately more information than does the WXGA. Great for looking at spreadsheets and movies (not at the same time).
WXSGA+ - Widescreen Super Extended Graphics Display (1680x1050) in 16:10 aspect ratio – found in high-end laptops with 17" displays and in large 20"-22" desktop displays. Good for graphics artists and photo editors and business power-users. Buying one at a refurb (refurbished or remanufactured) price is a good thing.
WUXGA - Widescreen Ultra eXtended Graphics Array (1920x1200) in 16:10 aspect ratio – Don’t work, watch HD movies instead! Seriously, there are so many good things about working all day on a huge monitor, not the least of which are far less tired eyes and the ability to have lots of windows open at once (a spreadsheet, a movie, e-mail, eBay, or whatever—all at the same time.) Not too many refurbs are available, but we’ll keep an eye out for you.
virtual private network (VPN) – refers to a secure tunnel that allows for remote access to resources across the Internet. For example, remote workers can access data that exists on a LAN at their office using their laptop computer connected on a VPN.
