Also known as malware, sneakware, or spyware, adware is a type of software program that is installed without a users consent or knowledge while another program is being installed on the computer. Much like spyware, an adware program is used to track an individuals Internet activities and/or habits to help companies advertise more efficiently.

Short for Accelerated Graphics Port, AGP is an advanced port designed for Video cards and 3D accelerators.  Below is an illustration of what the AGP slot may look like on your motherboard.

When referring to your own connection, bandwidth is the total maximum capacity of your network or modem connection. A MODEMs bandwidth is measured in BPS. The more bandwidth you have, the faster you will be able to receive and/or send information.

If bandwidth is being shared, you will likely not be able to reach the maximum capacity of the bandwidth when other computers, users or other devices are utilizing the same line.

Short for Basic Input/Output System, BIOS is a chip located on all computer motherboards that contains instructions and setup for how your system should boot and how it operates.

Browser Help Object, BHO is a help object added to your Internet browser. For example, the Google Toolbar is considered a Browser Help Object; this add-on enables users to perform Google searches through the toolbar and contains additional features that help improve a user's experience.

Although most Browser Help Objects are helpful, unfortunately some can also be malicious, hijacking your browser and making the user visit sites he or she may not want to visit, track your viewing habits, etc. These Browser Help Objects are often considered Spyware or Malware.

Often abbreviated as CS, cable select is a disk drive setting that will allow a cable select compatible cable to determine what drive is the master and slave based off where the drives are connected to the cable. For cable select to work both IDE / EIDE drives (hard drives) must have their jumpers set to CS and be connected to a cable that supports cable select.

Users can easily identify if the flat ribbon cable supports cable select by examining the cable for any of the below characteristics.

Pronounced as Cash (like money). Cache is a high-speed access area that can be either a reserved section of main memory or a storage device. The two main types of cache are: memory cache and disk cache. Memory cache is a portion of memory of high-speed static RAM (SRAM) and is effective because most programs access the same data or instructions over and over. By keeping as much of this information as possible in SRAM, the computer avoids accessing the slower DRAM.

Like memory caching, disk caching is used to access commonly accessed data. However, instead of using high-speed SRAM, a disk cache uses conventional main memory. The most recently accessed data from the disk is stored in a memory buffer. When a program needs to access data from the disk, it first checks the disk cache to see if the data is there.

Most computers today come with L3 cache and/or L2 cache, while older computers included only L1 cache. Disk caching can dramatically improve the performance of applications because accessing a byte of data in RAM can be thousands of times faster than accessing a byte on a hard disk

Another type of cache is known as "Internet browser cache" also known as "Temporary Internet Files" in Internet Explorer. Internet cache is used to help improve how fast data is opened while browsing the Internet. In most cases, each time a web page is opened, it is sent to your browser's temporary cache on your hard disk drive. If that page is accessed again and has not been modified, the browser will open the page from your cache instead of downloading the page again. This saves users a lot of time, especially if that user is using a modem, and can also help save the web page owner on bandwidth.

A cache server is a computer or network device that has been setup to store web pages that have been accessed by users on a large network. Any user that accesses a page that is currently stored on the cache server will be sent the stored version instead of downloading the page again. By doing this, a company can help reduce network and Internet traffic congestion as well as save on bandwidth.

Sometimes improperly referred to as the pasteboard, the clipboard is the location in a computer Operating System such as Microsoft Windows that stores information that has been cut or copied from a document or other location. The clipboard will hold this information until it has been overwritten by new information. For example, a user may copy information from a word processor and paste that information into an e-mail message.

Many Operating Systems include software utilities known as clipboard viewers that enable a user to see what information is currently being stored in the clipboard, setup the clipboard with permissions, and/or view the history of the clipboard.

A cookie is simply an HTTP header that consists of text-only data that gets saved on your computer. This data commonly contains the domain, path, lifetime, and value of a variable that you set. If the lifetime of this variable is longer than the time the user spends at your site, then this string is saved to file for future reference.

Cookies received over the Internet should be considered more useful than dangerous. Without cookies, users could not have customized settings or would have to verify their identity each time they visit a site. Because cookies can be used to track you while at the site, who sent you a cookie, and because they may contain private information, there is potential that they could be compromised, but it is very unlikely.

Also known as a processor or microprocessor the CPU was first developed by Intel in 1974 and is short for Central Processing Unit. The computer CPU is responsible for handling all instructions and calculation it receives from other hardware components in the computer and software programs running on the computer.

Today there are several different manufactures of computer processors. However, Intel and AMD are the leaders in the PC market.

Term used to describe the process of reorganizing a hard drive's data to help increase the proficiency of accessing the data. Hard drives that are severely fragmented will take longer to access the data because it is spread across the drive and not located in a central area.

Download is a term used to describe the process of retrieving data from another computer, either over a network or modem. Each page you visit on the Internet you download to your computer first. The term download is often associated with downloading a software program from the Internet that can be installed and ran on your computer.

ESD, or ElectroStatic Discharge, is one of the few things an individual can do to damage or destroy his or her computer or hardware components. Much like the shock you receive when rubbing your feet on the carpet and touching something metal, ESD can occur when working in your computer and will cause components you touch to no longer work properly. ESD can occur without the user feeling a shock and will only occur while working on the inside of the computer or handling an expansion card. 

The process of encoding data or a file for the purpose of preventing others from gaining  access to its contents. An encrypted file appears as a string of garbage. In order to read or use the file, it must be decrypted. Files are usually encrypted using encryption programs. In most cases, only users with the correct password are able to use the encryption program to make the file readable again.

An individual who uses hardware and/or software programmed or designed by another and does not help support that product. Most computer users are considered end-users.

Short for File Allocation Table, FAT is a method used by Microsoft operating systems to keep track of the contents of a disk; the table is a chart of numbers that correspond to cluster addresses on the hard drive.

Short for Gigabyte, GB is equal to 1,073,741,824 bytes, however the IEC defines a GB equal to 109 or 1,000,000,000 bytes. Therefore, a GB could be either of these values; many hard disk drive manufacturers and computer manufacturers will define what they consider a Gigabyte to equal in the fine print.

An individual who enjoys computers and technology and frequently uses the  computer in his or her free time rather than participating in any other activities. While a Geek shares some similarities to a nerd or a hacker, they are not the same.

Computer's main storage media device, also called a hard disk drive or abbreviated as HD or HDD. The hard drive consists of one or more hard disks inside of an air sealed casing. Most hard drives are permanently stored in an internal drive bay at the front of the computer and are connected with one ATA / SCSI cable and power cable. Below is an illustration of the inside of a hard disk drive.

Hardware is best described as a device that is physically connected to your computer or something that can be physically touched. A CD-ROM, Monitor, Printer, and Video Card are all examples of computer hardware. Without any hardware your computer would not exist and software would have nothing to run on.

Formerly known as LiveScript and renamed to JavaScript in 1995, JavaScript is an interpreted programming language that allows a web designer the ability to easily insert code into their web page. JavaScript is commonly placed into a HTML, ASP, or a similar type of file and run directly from the web page to perform tasks such as printing the time and date, creating a calendar, or other tasks that are not possible through plain HTML.

On my home page is an example of a JavaScript implemented into that page that will print the current day and date. Like all JavaScript files the user must have a browser capable of viewing JavaScript as well as have it enabled. If JavaScript is not enabled you will see a message instead of the date.

Also known as a keystroke logger, a keylogger is a software program or hardware device that is used to monitor and log each of the keys a user types into a computer keyboard. The user who installed the program or hardware device can then view all keys typed in by that user. Because these programs and hardware devices monitor the keys typed in, a user can easily find user passwords and other information a user may not wish others to know about.

Additionally, users who are using a hardware device and have access to a computer can easily connect these devices to the back of a computer, often without a user knowing about them, and then disconnect the device and connect it to another computer to obtain all the information.

Users who are concerned about their privacy or have sensitive data may wish to consider anti-keylogger protection software that is designed to prevent and stop hardware and software keyloggers.

When referring to communications, a link is a connection between two devices.

In data management or a file system, a link refers to the capability of sharing or viewing shared information. 

On the Internet, a link or hyperlink refers to a reference that points to another web page.

Also known as scumware, malware is a type of software program that has been intentionally designed to change a user's settings without his or her permission, delete a competing software program, cause a competing software program to stop working, and/or leave a computer open to attacks.

One million  pixels. Megapixels is a value given to digital cameras to rate the capability and resolution of pictures the digital camera is able to take. The higher this value is the higher the resolution of pictures the camera will be able to take.

More commonly known as RAM, memory is a location where information is stored that is currently being utilized by the operating system, software program, hardware device, and/or the user.

There are two types of memory, volatile memory and non-volatile memory. Volatile memory is memory that loses its contents when the computer or hardware device loses power. Computer RAM is a good example of a volatile memory. Non-volatile memory, sometimes abbreviated as NVRAM, is memory that keeps its contents even if the power is lost. CMOS is a good example of a non-volatile memory.

It is very common for users to confuse what memory is exactly. For example, a computer hard drive is sometimes thought of as memory. A hard drive is a type of storage but not memory. As mentioned above, memory is more commonly known as RAM.

Also known as the mb, mainboard, mobo, mobd, backplane board, planar board, or system board. The Motherboard is a printed circuit that is the foundation of a computer and allows the CPU, RAM, and all other computer hardware components to function with each other. Below is a graphic illustration of the ASUS P5AD2-E motherboard and some basic explanations of each of the major portions of the motherboard.

A collection of computers, servers, mainframes, network devices, peripherals, and/or various other devices connected to one another allowing for data to be shared and used. A great example of a network is the Internet, connecting millions of people all over the world together.

Below is an example image of what a home network or small office network may look like. As can be seen below, this network is setup to enable all computers and other devices with network abilities, such as the Tivo, to communicate with each other as well as share the single Internet connection.

Term used to describe a method of setting a computer to perform faster than its advertised speed by setting or changing jumpers, switches, CMOS or software. Overclocking allows users to get a small increase (sometimes large) in performance boost and is commonly performed on CPUs and/or Video cards. 

It is recommended that overclocking be performed only by advanced computer users or users aware of its risks. When overclocking a computer it is possible for the computer to experience random errors or lockups related to heat. It will void your warranty on the hardware device and possibly the computer and/or motherboard. Finally, overclocking can sometimes damage and even destroy computer components.

Short for Peripheral Component Interconnect, PCI was originally developed by Intel as an expansion to the ISA bus. Below is a graphic illustration of the PCI slot on a motherboard.

Originally known as 3rd Generation I/O (3GIO), PCI Express, or PCIe. PCI Express is designed to replace PCI and AGP and is available in several different formats: x1, x2, x4, x8, x12, x16 and x32. Below are some graphic illustrations of what the PCI Express would look like on the motherboard.

In general, refers to a hardware device that allows a computer to perform additional features but is not a necessity for the computer. Below are some good examples of computer peripherals. 

• Printer
• Plotter
• Scanner
• Projector
• Tape drive

Good examples of computer peripherals are computer disk drives, keyboards, printers, etc... Computer peripherals are incapable of operating by themselves and rely on the computer to function properly.

Term that comes from the words Picture Element (PEL). A pixel is the smallest portion of an image or display that a computer is capable of printing or displaying. You can get a better understanding of what a pixel is when zooming into an image

Short for Random Access Memory, RAM, also known as main memory or system memory, is a term commonly used to describe the memory within a computer. Unlike ROM, RAM requires power; if power is lost, all data is also lost. Below is an example image of a 512MB DIMM memory stick

A hardware device designed to take incoming packets, analyzing the packets and then directing them to the appropriate locations, moving the packets to another network, converting the packets to be moved across a different type of network interface, dropping the packets, or performing any other number of other types of actions. Below is a picture of the Linksys BEFSR11 router and is similar to what most home users would use for their home network.

A router has a lot more capabilities than other network devices such as a hub or a switch that are only able to perform basic network functions. For example, a hub is often used to transfer data between computers or network devices, but does not analyze or do anything with the data it is transferring. Routers however can analyze the data being sent over a network, change how it is packaged and send it to another network or over a different type of network. For example, routers are commonly used in home networks to share a single Internet connection with multiple computers.

Also known as Y/C video, S-Video is short for Super Video and is a type of interface and cable that transmits video luminance (Y) and chrominance (C) signals separately. When received by the TV or other display device this generates a better picture when compared to composite video.

Software is a collection of instructions that enables a user to interact with the computer or have the computer perform specific tasks for them. Without any type of software the computer would be useless. For example, you wouldn't be able to interact with the computer without a software Operating System. Almost all software purchased at a retail store is included in a box, this box usually contains all the disks (floppy diskette, CD, and/or DVD) required to install the program onto the computer, manuals, warranty, and other important documentation. 

The name of of a worm first encountered on April 16, 2003 that is spread through P2P (peer to peer) networks (also known as file sharing )and links the infected computer to an IRC networks. Users familiar with the IRC channels used with the spybot can then remotely control the computer over IRC.

Term used to describe a software program that is intentionally installed on the computer by a user to monitor or spy on what other users of the same computer are doing.

A term used to describe a software program that has been designed to track a user's activity without the user fully understanding the intentions of the program or not knowing about its installation. Spyware programs are often used to help with tracking users' habits and help with delivering proper advertisements to a user. Spyware is installed onto a user's machine when installing free programs such as free music sharing programs, visiting web pages such as adult oriented web pages, and through other downloads and plug-ins on the Internet.

Also known as restore, System restore is a term used to describe the process of reverting a computer back to its original configuration. Often a restore is done because of one or more of the following reasons.

a.) Serious data corruption or other serious error that cannot be resolved.
b.) Wish to remove all old software and programs and get it back to how it was when you first purchased it.
c.) Wish to remove all personal data because plan on selling the computer or plan on giving it away.

A software utility found in  Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, and Windows XP that enables a user to view each of the tasks currently running on the computer, each of the processes, and the overall performance of the computer. The Task Manager is easily accessed by pressing: "Ctrl + Alt + Del" on the keyboard. Below is a visual example of the Microsoft Windows Task Manager under Windows 2000. A quicker way to access the Task Manager is to press: " Ctrl + Shift + Esc".

A program or utility that falsely appears to be a useful program or utility, such as a screen saver. However, once installed, it performs a function in the background such as allowing other users to have access to your computer or sending information from your computer to other computers.

Term used to describe the process of transferring (sending) a file to another computer through a modem or network. Below are two examples of how a file may be uploaded to another computer.

Virtual memory is a method of using the computer hard disk drive to provide extra memory for the computer. Segments of memory are stored on the hard disk drive known as pages. When a segment of memory is requested that is not in memory it is moved from the virtual memory to an actual memory address. 

A computer virus is a software program, script, or macro that has been designed to infect, destroy, modify, or cause other problems with a computer or software programs. Users can protect themselves and remove any viruses on the computer by installing an antivirus protection program, which is designed to detect, protect, and clean any computer viruses.

Also known as IP telephone, VoIP is short for Voice over Internet Protocol and is an Internet protocol that enables users to make calls over the Internet.

This enables long distant phone calls to be cheaper, although at a lower quality of audio.

Term used to describe a collection of computers or other hardware connected to a network that are all related. For example, a workgroup may be dedicated to just the marketing department within a company.

A worm is a destructive software program containing code capable of gaining access to computers or networks, and once within the computer or network, causes that computer or network harm by deleting, modifying, distributing, or otherwise manipulating the data.