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Glossary
Short definitions used across the site. Some examples (market share, Windows versions) reflect when the original notes were written.
- Anti-virus software
- A program that detects, removes, and tries to stop viruses. New PCs often ship with a short trial. Free tools such as Avast or AVG are a starting point if you have nothing installed.
- CPU
- The central processing unit — the computer’s main processor, usually from Intel or AMD. Clock speed in GHz is only part of the story; cores, RAM, and storage matter as much.
- Dongle
- A small USB device used as a software licence key, TV tuner, or mobile modem.
- Firefox
- A free, open-source web browser. An alternative to whatever browser shipped with the operating system.
- Firewall
- Software or a router feature that blocks traffic that has no business reaching the machine. Often bundled in an internet security suite.
- Linux
- A free operating system maintained by volunteers. Common desktop versions include Ubuntu, Fedora, Linux Mint and others. Comes with browsers and office tools.
- Netbook
- A small, cheap laptop of the late 2000s, typically around a 10-inch screen, little power, and no optical drive.
- Open source
- Software whose source code can be inspected and changed, usually maintained by a community rather than a single vendor.
- Operating system
- The main program that runs the machine — Windows, macOS, or a Linux distribution — and provides the desktop, drivers, and a place for other software to run.
- Patch
- An update that fixes bugs or security holes. Unpatched systems are how a lot of malware still gets in. Turn automatic updates on.
- PDF file
- Portable Document Format. A file that keeps its layout on screen and on paper. Readable in the browser or a dedicated viewer.
- Phishing
- A trick email or site that pretends to be a bank, shop, or government service so you will type in a password or card number. If in doubt, do not click; go to the real site yourself.
- Trojan
- Malware that looks useful while it logs keystrokes, steals data, or turns the PC into a spam relay. Prevention is easier than cleanup.
- Virus
- A program that copies itself onto other files or machines. Many arrive by email or through unpatched software.
- Wi-Fi
- Wireless networking. Convenient, limited in range, and unsafe on open public networks — do not do banking on café Wi-Fi.