ACCESS POINT (or HOTSPOT): An ACCESS POINT is what sends  Wi-Fi Signals to your Devices. An ACCESS POINT is also called a “HOTSPOT”.

ACTION CENTER: This is the little Flag you see on the right hand side of your taskbar. The ACTION CENTER is used in Windows to let you know if you have and need: UPDATES,  ANTI VIRUS SOFTWARE and how to FIX PROBLEMS ON YOUR COMPUTER.

ACTIVE DESKTOP: A Desktop where you can put webpages or web links to go to the internet. By doing this, you can check your favorite webpages without opening your web browser.

ACTIVE WINDOW: Any window (this could be a word document, a webpage, an excel page or basically anything) you are viewing that comes up first is the Active Window.

ADDRESS BAR: This is where you type in the web address you want to go to such as like www yahoo .com

ADOBE ACROBAT: Adobe Acrobat is a program that makes files easier to read on any computer. It is also called a Portable Document Format. This is an excellent program because it opens up ALL TYPES OF FILES.

AD HOC NETWORK: Computers or Devices that are connected to each other directly without a Router. An AD HOC NETWORK is usually just computers that are connected directly to each other without a Router to be the “middle man” to direct data traffic.

AGI (ARTIFICIAL GENERAL INTELLIGENCE):  AGI is a super-smart AI that “acts” like a human to help people. It’s being designed to understand human needs and emotions, but scientists are still working on it.

AIRPLANE MODE: AIRPLANE MODE cuts off all signals from your cell phones, tablets and computers. This means AIRPLANE MODE will cut off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Text Messages and Phone Calls. The only way AIRPLANE MODE will allow you to use Wi-Fi on a Airplane is if you use the AIRPLANE’S OWN WI-FI THEY PROVIDE!!

ALEXA: ALEXA is a DIGITAL BUTLER  created by AMAZON for products such as the AMAZON ECHO, AMAZON DOT and AMAZON TAP. ALEXA comes with a female sounding voice and gets its search results from the search engine “BING”

ALGORITHM: A set of instructions programed into computers so they can perform certain tasks.

ALTERNATIVE HOST: A Zoom ALTERNATIVE HOST is someone that is allowed to start a Zoom Meeting when the Host can not.

AMAZON DOT: AMAZON DOT is a hardware device from AMAZON that is a wireless search engine. You can ask it questions like a regular search engine just by using your voice. AMAZON DOT works just like the ECHO except it is smaller, cheaper and the built in speakers are not as loud as the ECHO.

AMAZON ECHO: AMAZON ECHO is a hardware speaker that is used as a search engine. It is connected to your Wi-Fi internet connection. It is  used like  a regular search engine except you use the name “ALEXA” before asking it a question. It then goes to the BING SEACH ENGINE to get the answers for you.

AMAZON TAP: AMAZON TAP is a wireless hardware device from  that can give you information using the BING SEARCH ENGINE. The AMAZON TAP works the same was as AMAZON ECHO and DOT, except you have to “TAP” or “HIT ON IT” to make it listen to you. You can also take it with you to places.

AMAZON FIRE TV (ITS LOOKS LIKE A BOX) = An AMAZON Device that gives you Internet access to online TV shows, movies and music. The AMAZON FIRE TV BOX is the same as the AMAZON FIRE STICK except the AMAZON FIRE TV is faster and you can add more memory to it. This is why the AMAZON FIRE TV is $90 and the AMAZON FIRE TV STICK is only $40.

AMAZON FIRE TV STICK (LOOKS LIKE A USB STICK)=An AMAZON Device that connects to your TV like a USB flash drive so that you can have access to internet TV shows, movies and music. It is around $40 retail.

ANALOG NETWORK: An Old School Telephone Network that IS NOT DIGITAL (ALL PHONE NETWORKS ARE NOW DIGITAL).

ANI (ARTIFICIAL NARROW INTELLIGENCE):  Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI) is when a computer or robot is trained to be very good at doing one specific task, but it can’t do other tasks. It learns from examples and data to perform that task well.

ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE: Software that protects your computer against viruses and hackers.

APPLET: An APPLET is software  used inside of other software. It is not a program by itself. For example Microsoft Excel has a Spreadsheet Calculator that helps with math. This is an APPLET, because this type of calculator can only be used INSIDE OF EXCEL, which is another SOFTWARE.

APP: An APP is short for “APPLICATION”. It is the same thing as a Computer Software Application, except with an APP, it is a smaller program and only does specific things.

APP LAUNCHER: An APP LAUNCHER allows you to change the way your cell phone acts. People use APP LAUNCHERS so they can make their cell phones do certain things that don’t normally happen. For example, with an APP LAUNCHER, you can make it so that when you get a phone call, a cartoon or video comes up along with the person’s name and number. (see the YouTube Video about this by clicking on the Link).

APPLE: Apple or Mac (this stands for Macintosh) Computers are very simple to use and learn compared to the Windows Based Computers. APPLE INC. was also the first to start using the pictures on the desktop or Icons as they are called. Mac Computers usually cost a lot more than Microsoft Computers.

APPLE TV: A Streaming device box that is designed by APPLE. APPLE TV (like ROKU), allows you to watch Movies and TV Shows from the Internet on your TV Set.

APPLICATION: An APPLICATION is a Full Software Program  that you use on your Computer or Mobile Device. This includes Programs such as Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer and PowerPoint (just to name a few).

APP PERMISSION: An APP PERMISSION is something you agree to when you download an App. These Permissions can be anything from allowing the App to have control over your WHOLE PHONE to smaller less intrusive things! 

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI):  ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE is when computers and machines are made to “Think” and make “Decisions” like a human when giving information. 

ASI (ARTIFICIAL SUPER-INTELLIGENCE): ASI  is a hypothetical kind of AI that they are working on to make machines smarter than the human brain. make machines mimic human intelligence. 

ATTACHMENT: This is a file you send with an email. When you want to send a picture, document or any other type of file, you can click on the attachment button and the file will be sent along with your email.

AT&T: This is an Internet Service Provider company. This company provides an Internet connection through a dedicated phone line.

AUDIO CONFERENCING: An AUDIO CONFERENCE is a call made on any device where a lot of people can hear each other at the same time on the same call. This type of call is done using an Internet Connection. Examples: ZOOM, MICROSOFT TEAMS, WHATSAPP, etc.

AUTHENTICATE: This is when a Computer Network (such as a INTERNET OR WI-FI CONNECTION) makes sure you are who you say you are by checking your username and Password.

ANYCAST DONGLE: A Device that is used along with  your Cell Phone  to send  Movies, Videos and Photos onto your TV screen to watch.

BACKLINK: A BACKLINK is a link on a website that takes you to another person’s website. People that want to advertise their websites create BACKLINKS so that more people will click on the link and go to their website. This makes their website more popular with search engines and people on the Internet.

BACKSPACE: This is a key on your keyboard that is located on the upper right hand side. It says on it “BACKSPACE”. This key is often used to either delete something or go back to where you were before on a document.

BACKWARD COMPATIBLE: This is when a newer version of software can run older versions on it. For example, if you have Microsoft Word 2010, BACKWARD COMPATIBLE means you can use Word 2010 to open up documents that were made with WORD 2003.

BACKUP (or COMPUTER BACKUP): A BACKUP is making copies of  files on your computer and then putting those files onto another device like a USB Drive or in the Cloud. This is done to protect your files in case your computer goes down!

BANDWIDTH (also called BROADBAND): This is how much information (or data) can pass through your internet modem. If you have a lot of Bandwidth your internet speed is faster and it takes less time to download a song or other type of file.

BAT FILE: These are files that help programs to load up and to run at the same time as other programs.

BCC (BLIND CARBON COPY): With Blind Carbon Copy you can send emails to lots of people without displaying their names or email addresses.

BEAMFORMING: BEAMFORMING is a process new routers use to send out  wider, faster and more direct Wi-Fi signals.  A BEAMFORMING ROUTER does the same thing.

BEAMFORMING ROUTERS: A BEAMFORMING ROUTER is a Router that gives out a wider, faster and more direct Wi-Fi signal or  Internet Connection to devices.

BGP (BOARDER GATE PROTOCOL): BGP is what routers use to send info across the Internet to get back search results for people.

BING: A search engine that is OWNED BY MICROSOFT. When you ask Cortana for something, the search engine she uses is BING.

BITMAP IMAGE: This is an image that is made up of tiny dots or PIXELS as they call them. Bitmap is used to make graphic images, Logos and Icons.

BIOMETRIC AUTHENTICATION: A BIOMETRIC AUTHENTICATION is when you use a part of your body to log into an account for extra security. For example, you use your fingerprint,  face or eyes to make sure IT IS ONLY YOU that is logging into your account and no one else!

BIOS: This is called the BASIC INPUT AND OUTPUT SYSTEM. This controls all the hardware in the computer such as the keyboard, disk drives and the Memory.

BLOATWARE: BLOATWARE is junk software that comes preinstalled on your cell phone, tablet and computer. It slows down the devices but it is safe to delete.

BLOG: A Blog is an online Journal people use to write about different subjects. Blogs get updated almost daily and sometimes more than that!

BLUE RAY DISC: This type of Disc holds more storage than a regular Disc or DVD.

BLUESTACK APP: A program that lets you use your cell phone apps on your computer as well.

BLUETOOTH RANGE: This is how FAR the BLUETOOTH SIGNAL can go. The most recent and most powerful is called CLASS 1  and it can go up to 100 feet! Most BLUETOOTH RANGES only reach  around 33 feet and that is what most devices have. This is called CLASS 2.

BLUETOOTH: Bluetooth uses radio waves so devices can talk to each other without wires. Both BLUETOOTH and WI-FI use radio waves, but BLUETOOTH IS CAN’T REACH AS FAR AS  WI-FI! (click the link to see the YouTube video about this!)

BLUETOOTH TRACKER: A BLUETOOTH TRACKER is a device that finds items that are lost  BUT ONLY WITHIN BLUETOOTH RANGE! (click the link to see video about this)

BOOT: To either Start a Computer or Restart a Computer.

BRIDGE: A BRIDGE is when you connect one Network Machine (like a MODEM), to another Network Machine (like a ROUTER) using an Ethernet Cable.

BRIDGEMODE: BRIDGEMODE is what you would choose if you have a router that  comes with a modem built inside of it and you only wanted to use the MODEM PART. When you click BRIDGEMODE it will SHUT OFF THE ROUTER PART and only use the MODEM PART.

BROADCAST DOMAIN: This is a NETWORK WITHOUT A ROUTER.

BROADBAND: High speed cables that makes your internet connection faster. One piece of BROADBAND Cable can carry a lot of data. Also, ANY CONNECTION IS BROADBAND IF IT IS NOT DIAL UP!  

BROWSER: This is what you use to look at INTERNET AND WEBPAGES. This type of Software usually comes with your computer, such as Internet Explorer for Windows and Safari for Mac’s.

BUFFER: This is when a video (or music ) file STOPS and STARTS ON YOU while you are watching it! This happens because your computer is trying to get the file as fast as possible from your Internet Connection and into your computer’s short term memory (see CACHE). This is done so you can eventually look at the whole entire file without any interruptions at all.

CACHE: A Cache is a section of the computer’s memory that keeps files available for easier access. For example, if you go onto the internet and you are always on the same website, your computer will keep a file of that website in the “Cache Memory”.  By keeping it  in CACHE, the website will come up quicker.

CAPTCHA (COMPLETELY AUTOMATED PUBLIC TURING TEST to tell COMPUTERS and HUMANS APART): CAPTCHA This is a security test that websites use to make sure it is a real human being logging onto their website and NOT A COMPUTER PRETENDING TO BE A HUMAN!

CARBON COPY (CC): A CARBON COPY is a way to send the same email to more than one person at the same time. For example, if you want to invite 20 people to your party all at the same time, you would click the “CC” button on your email  and then enter the email addresses of the people you want to invite.

CASTING: CASTING is using an APP (software) to send movies, videos,  music and other stuff from your phone, tablet or computer and SEND IT TO YOUR TV SCREEN! Examples of CASTING Devices are CHROMECAST STREAMING STICK and ANYCAST DISPLAY.

CHATGPT: CHATGPT is a free search engine that gives personalized and specific search results in a fast and easy manner. This means YOU WILL NOT GET MILLIONS OF SEARCH RESULTS after you type in a search but ONLY WHAT YOU NEED AND WANT!  CHATGPT uses a CHATBOT (see CHATBOT)

CHIP SET: These are Microchips that help the Computer’s Central Processing Unit (CPU) with giving the computer instructions.

CHATBOT: CHATBOTS are computer programs that are programed to give specific and personalized answers to your search questions. CHATBOTS are faster and easier than regular search engines because they can understand how REAL HUMANS TALK!

CHROMECAST AUDIO: This Device allows you to play music from ANY DEVICE IN YOUR HOME. Because you hook CHROMECAST AUDIO up through your WI-FI instead of Bluetooth, it goes further and has a stronger connection!

CHROME BROWSER: A Internet Browser that is owned by GOOGLE. This is one of the faster Internet Browsers out there and also the most popular.

CHROMECAST BUILT IN: This is when your TV already comes with the technology to cast or show what is on your cell phone or tablet and put it onto your TV screen. For example, if you have a movie or photo that is on your cell phone but you want to look at it on your TV, CHROMECAST BUILT IN will allow you to do this.

CHROME OS (or CHROME OPERATING SYSTEM): CHROME OS is its own OPERATING SYSTEM from GOOGLE. It is not related to MICROSOFT or APPLE. It is based on the LINUX type operating system (see LINUX).

CHROME CAST STEAMING STICK: A Streaming Device that plugs into your TV and displays Internet TV Shows. This is only around $35 Dollars and looks like a “USB” stick.

CHROMECAST ULTRA: A Streaming Device that uses your Internet Connection to get Movies and TV shows for your TV. It works the same as the CHROMECAST STREAMING STICK except it is more expensive ($69), is for  HD 4K TV SCREENS and requires a faster Internet Connection!

CLEAN UP SYSTEM FILES: An option that lists more files to delete so you can free up space on your hard drive.

CLIENT:  A CLIENT is any Device that requests and gets something from another computer, device or website. For example, if I download a song from ITunes, MY COMPUTER IS THE CLIENT.

CLIPBOARD: Whenever you Copy something, the computer stores it inside of the CLIPBOARD.

CLOUD: This word means the INTERNET. For example, if you wanted to listen to your music files IN THE CLOUD, this means your music files are stored on a website over the Internet.

CLOUD STORAGE (or CLOUD DRIVE / CLOUD COMPUTING):  CLOUD STORAGE is a website you use to store your computer files on over the INTERNET ( the CLOUD). An example of a CLOUD STORAGE would be websites you send your files to such as DROPBOX, GOOGLE DRIVE or WINDOWS ONE DRIVE.

CLUSTER: A bunch of computers that work together. A CLUSTER is sort of like a COMPUTER SERVER and NETWORK put together.

COLD BOOT: This is when you turn the computer on after the power has been COMPLETELY TURNED OFF. For example, when you “shut down” your computer, the power goes off. When you turn your computer on with the Power button, this is called a “COLD BOOT”.

COMCAST (XFINITY): A INTERNET SERVICE COMPANY. This company uses cable to supply an Internet Connection.

COMMUNICATION MEDIA: This a  that is used to connect computers together to form a Network and send Data. The most popular types of COMMUNICATION MEDIA are: Ethernet Cables, Wi-Fi Signals, Fiber-Optic Cables and Satelites.

COMPUTER: An electronic machine that does extremely fast calculations. Computers also help people to get on the Internet, write Documents and send Email.

COOKIE: When you visit a website a lot, it creates a file to remember what you like and what you typed in. This file is stored on your computer so that the next time you visit the same website, you don’t have to type in the same information over and over again.

3rd PARTY COOKIE: A 3rd PARTY COOKIE are ADS that are based on what you have bought online or the links you have clicked online. This info is then bought by other companies like YAHOO, FACEBOOK, TWITTER and people like that. That’s why when you check your email you might see an AD for things you might have bought or looked for online.

COMMAND LINE: This is when you type a set of instructions (or COMMANDS) to make a software program open up on your computer. You no longer have to do that today because we now have Icons that represent the software and all you have to do is click on them with your mouse to open them.

CONTROL PANEL: This is a software used in Windows to help people see and adjust what is on their computer (your SETTINGS). You can use the CONTROL PANEL to set up user accounts, internet connections and installing or removing any programs on your computer.

COPY & PASTE: This is when you use your mouse to choose a word, click on “COPY”, place the word where you want it to go and then click “PASTE”. People do this as a shortcut so they don’t have to retype the same word.

CPU (CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT): This is the brains of the computer. There would be no computer without a Central Processing Unit. It sends out instructions so the programs on the computer can work.

CORTANA: CORTANA is a DIGITAL BUTLER that was created by and for WINDOWS 10. CORTANA comes with a female sounding voice and gets its search results from the search engine “BING”.

CRON JOB: A CRON JOB are a set of commands that computer programmers use to schedule programs to do things at a certain time. The UNIX Operating System calls this a “CRON JOB“, But the WINDOWS Operating System calls this a “SCHEDULED TASK”.

CRON TAB: A CRON TAB is the program that INSTALLS and REMOVES the CHRON JOBS or SCHEDULED TASKS that programmers use.

CURSER: A Curser is used to show where you are able to type in words with your keyboard.

CUT & PASTE: This is when you use your mouse to choose a word, right click on “CUT”, place the word where you want it to go and then click “PASTE”. This works the same as “COPY & PASTE” except when you choose “CUT” you take the whole word and leave no copies.

DALL-E2: DALL-E2 is an AI Art Application that can create anything based on what you type! This means it can create images from sentences!  Also, you can upload a Picture and it will generate different variations of that picture!  DALL-E 2 is a powerful AI model created by Open AI (the same company that makes CHATGPT)

DASHBOARD: This is like a “Control Panel” that software programs have. A DASHBOARD makes it easier to both create and manage websites, spreadsheets and blogs.

DATA: Data is information. Every File on your computer is DATA! This means all types of files! Once again, files are DATA, WHICH IS INFORMATION.

DATABASE: A DATABASE is when you use computer software to organize and store information.

DEFAULT: This is when something is automatically selected by the computer. For example, your computer’s Default Internet Browser is Internet Explorer. You can always change your Default settings and make them whatever you want.

DEFAULT GATEWAY: Your Router’s IP ADDRESS!

DEFRAGMENT/DEFRAGMENTING: Organizing files on your hard drive so that your computer can run faster.

DESKTOP: The first thing you see when you turn on your computer and your Operating system loads.

DHCP (DYNAMIC HOST CONFIGURATION PROTOCOL): DHCP is Software that can quickly give your computer an IP ADDRESS (INTERNET PROTOCOL) so that you can go onto the Internet. You internet service company uses this software to do this.

DIGITAL: This is an electronic signal that processes information (or DATA).

DIGITAL BUTLER: A DIGITAL BUTLER is a product or software that allows you to ask it something and it brings back the information you asked for with a “HUMAN SOUNDING VOICE”. For example, ALEXA, SIRI, CORTANA, GOOGLE NOW and GOOGLE ASSISTANT are all DIGITAL BUTLERS. DIGITAL BUTLERS are the same as a DIGITAL PERSONAL ASSISTANT.

DIGITAL PERSONAL ASSISTANT: A DIGITAL PERSONAL ASSISTANT is a voice activated search engine. It works like a regular search engine such as Google, except you “ask it things”. It brings you back the search results with a “Human Sounding Voice”. DIGITAL PERSONAL ASSISTANTS are the same as DIGITAL BUTLERS.

DIGITAL SIGNATURE: A DIGITAL SIGNATURE is when a person signs their name using on a digital device. This is done using digitized credit card readers, cellular devices and computers.

DISK CLEAN UP: A software program used in Microsoft Windows that  gets rid of files you don’t need.

DISK DRIVE: This is a device inside a computer that reads or writes information (or data as they say) on to a disk. A DISK DRIVE is also called a “HARD DISK”.

DLL FILE (DYNAMIC LINK LIBRARY): This is a shortcut file that can be called upon by any type of software to be used quickly. DLL files have instructions that most programs use to do certain things.

DLNA (DIGITAL LIVING NETWORK ALLIANCE): DLNA is a function that allows people to  have videos, movies,  and music  on one device and watch or listen to them on another device. With DLNA, the devices don’t have to be connected to each other through wires.

DNS (DOMAIN NAME SYSTEM): A DOMAIN NAME SYSTEM (or DNS) is software that turns website names into numbers so that computers can find those websites on the Internet.

DOGPILE SEARCH ENGINE: This is a search engine website that gets it’s results from MORE THAN ONE SEARCH ENGINE ALL AT THE SAME TIME! For example, DOGPILE SEARCH ENGINE gets its results from a mixture of GOOGLE, YAHOO, AOL, BING and many, many others (see META SEARCH ENGINE).

DOJO SECURITY GATEWAY (or DOJO GATEWAY): DOJO SECURITY GATEWAY is a HOME SECURITY SYSTEM that protects things inside of the home from being hacked into.  The home devices they protect are the ones that can connect to the internet such as: SMART TV, SMART APPLIANCES, STREAMING BOXES and HOME SECURITY SYSTEMS. (click the link above to see YouTube video)

DOMAIN NAME: This is the name of a website. The first part of A Domain name (or website name) lets you know where you are. The last part tells you what type of website it is. For example, the Yahoo part of Yahoo.com tells us that Yahoo is a Search Engine. The .COM part tells us it is a COMMERCIAL TYPE WEBSITE (.COM stands for COMMERCIAL).

DOMAIN SUFFIX: This is the last part of a website name. For example, in Yahoo.com, the DOMAIN SUFFIX is “.COM”.

DONGLE: A DONGLE is a portable modem that you can stick on the side of your Laptop so you can get a Wi-Fi  Internet Signal.

DOWNLOAD: This is a term that means GETTING SOMETHING ( over the internet) FROM ANOTHER COMPUTER.  An example would be Downloading a song. After you have Downloaded a file, IT’S NOW ON YOUR COMPUTER!

DOWNLOAD PROGRAM FILES: These are Temporary programs that are downloaded so you can view a website’s special effects. These are only  temporary files and they are safe to delete.

DRIVER: A Driver is a group of small files that  talks to the Computer’s Hardware through the operating system. Without Drivers, your printer, monitor or other hardware devices would not work because they would not be able to talk to the computer.

DROPBOX: A free online website that is used to back up and save your files to.

DSL (DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER LINE): DSL is a high speed Internet Service that works over a Telephone line along with a DSL Modem. You can talk and surf the Internet at the same time using DSL.

DVD (DIGITAL VERSATILE DISK): A DVD is basically a Cd (Compact Disc) that holds more data (or information) than a regular CD does.

DVD-R: (DVD-RECORDABLE): DVD-R is a DVD that you can put data on such as Photos, Music, Software, etc. It can only record Information ONCE. This means what you record  is permanent and cannot be erased. DVD-R can only be played on your COMPUTER.

DVD+R (DVD+RECORDABLE): DVD+R is basically the same as DVD-R but has a few more perks to it. DVD+R can play on ALL DVD PLAYERS (Game Consoles, CD Players, etc.) and records at a better quality and with fewer errors than DVD-R. But you can only record on this ONE TIME and it cannot be erased!

DVD+RW (DVD+REWRITABLE): This is a DVD that you can erase and re-record files on as many times as you like. For example, if you burned a song on your DVD+RW but want another one in its place, you can erase the song you don’t want by RECORDING OVER  it with a song that you do want!

DVI CABLE (DIGITAL VISUAL INTERFACE): DVI is an older cable that is still used to connect computers to TVs, Projectors or Video Cameras. The bad thing about DVI is that it can show a video BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE AUDIO, SO YOU CANT HEAR THE VIDEO. HDMI is taking over because it can do both. (See HDMI CABLE)

DUAL BAND ROUTER:A DUAL BAND ROUTER is a faster Router because it gives you 2 Wi-Fi Signals instead of just one. You get a 2.4 GHz signal for surfing the Internet and a 5 GHz Signal for Streaming Movies and Music.

DYNAMIC IP ADDRESS: Anything that connects to the Internet is given a set of numbers so your Computer can be found on the Internet. These numbers are called an Internet Protocol Address (or IP ADDRESS). A DYNAMIC IP ADDRESS is the same as a regular IP ADDRESS, except the set of numbers change every time you connect to the Internet.

E-COMMERCE: Any transactions done over the internet. This also includes businesses set up over the internet such as company websites, etc..

EBAY: This is a very popular auction website where a person can sell anything they want online. EBAY is all over the world.

EDGE BROWSER: This is the new default Browser for Windows 10. The EDGE BROWSER is much, much faster than INTERNET EXPLORER!

EMAIL SERVER: This is a computer that is only used to hold email messages. The email server contacts your computer when you want to look at messages people have either sent you or you want to send a message to others.

EMBEDDED: EMBEDDED means to put something inside of something else. For example, if you were to send an email with an EMBEDDED Picture, this means that the actual picture is INSIDE OF THE EMAIL MESSAGE. When the person opens up the email, they see the picture along with the email message.

EMOJI: A small digital Picture or Icon that people use to show how they feel when they are texting or emailing. For example, if you text a person a Heart EMOJI, that means you “love them”.

ENCRYPTION: The process of hiding information such as passwords so people cannot get them and hack into your computer or use your internet connection.

END-TO-END ENCRYPTION: END TO END ENCRYPTION is a very secure way that Data is sent and received. When you use END-TO-END ENCRYPTION, only the person who SENDS the Data and the person who RECEIVES the Data are the ONLY ONES WHO CAN READ THE DATA–NO ONE ELSE! 

END USER: These are people that software and hardware developers make their products for. These are basically product customers.

ETHERNET CABLE: A cable used to connect computers together to form a Network.

E-READER: This is a device  you use to read electronic books on.

EXCEL: Excel is a software program that is used to do payroll and to calculate numbers quickly. People also use Excel for accounting, managing checkbooks or to organize a huge amount of information.

EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE: This is a Computer Hard Drive that is OUTSIDE OF THE COMPUTER CASE. People buy External Hard Drives to back up their files in case their computer  crashes. External Hard Drives are like USB and FLASH Drives but they can hold more.

EXECUTABLE FILE: This is a file that is used by the computer to do an action such as starting the operating system or opening a computer program.

EXPANSION CARD: This is a device you connect or add on to the computer’s main board (MOTHERBOARD). People buy EXPANSION CARDS to do more things with their computers. Since the motherboard is located inside of the computer, so is the EXPANSION CARD.  

EXTERNAL LINK: An EXTERNAL LINK is a web link that takes you to another website when you click on it. You leave the website you were in and go to a whole new one.

EXTERNAL NETWORK ADAPTER (also known as a WIRELESS NETWORK ADAPTER) connects your computer to the Internet by an Antenna and picks up Wi-Fi Signals.

FACEBOOK.COM: FACEBOOK.COM is a social website where people can both connect and keep in contact with relatives, friends and anyone they meet while on FACEBOOK.

FAX: This is when you send a Document over a Phone line (usually done by a FAX MACHINE). You can also  fax through a printer if the printer has a Fax function on it.

FIBER-OPTIC CABLE: These are cables that  not only holds more info (DATA) but also sends it extremely fast!  FIBER OPTIC CABLES are used for Internet Connections and are very expensive because of how fast they are!

FILE: This is ANYTHING on your computer that stores Information (DATA). Pretty much EVERYTHING on your computer is a file because it has information or Data in it. The main types of files we use are documents, music, video and image files.

FILE COMPRESSION: FILE COMPRESSION helps to make big files into smaller files so that they can both download and load onto your computer faster.

FILE CONVERSION: To change one File into another type of File. An example would be to change a TEXT FILE file into a DOCUMENT FILE.

FILE EXPLORER (also called WINDOWS EXPLORER): FILE EXPLORER is a window that has all the files and folders that are on your computer.  It is easy to see them all and manage them all with FILE EXPLORER.

FILE EXTENSION: A FILE EXTENSION are the last letters after a file name, which tells the computer what type of file it is. For example, if I have a file called “BUFFALO GIRLS.MP3”, that means “BUFFALO GIRLS” is a song because “.MP3” is a MUSIC FILE!

FILE FOLDER: This is a location you make to put and store your files. An example would be creating a Folder to organize and store pictures you have on your computer. You can name the folder “MY PICTURES” and then put them in that folder.

FILE FORMAT/FILE TYPE: A FILE FORMAT tells the computer what type of information (DATA) is stored on a file and what programs to use to open that file (the same thing as a FILE EXTENSION).  For example, a Music FILE FORMAT/ FILE TYPE is .MP3 file and a Document FILE FORMAT/FILE TYPE is a .DOC  file.

FILE MANAGER: This helps you manage and organize all of your files on your computer.

FILE SYSTEM: A FILE SYSTEM is how files are stored, organized and retrived on any digital device.

FIREWALL: A FIREWALL stops hackers from breaking into your computer by FIRST STOPPING THEM FROM BREAKING INTO YOUR INTERNET CONNECTION!

FIREWIRE (sometimes called “FIREWIRE 400): This is a High Speed cable that can transfer data at very high speeds. The “400” is the speed at which it can transfer data, meaning 400 megabits per second.

FIRMWARE: FIRMWARE is software that is programmed into hardware and tells it how to work and what to do.

FIREWIRE 800: This is the exact same thing as FIREWIRE 400, except it is faster! The 800 means it can transfer data such as video, music or any Large File at 800 megabits per second instead of only 400!

FIREFOX: This is a Browser such as Internet Explorer or Google Chrome. All Browsers are free and can be downloaded from the internet.

FIRMWARE: Software that is programmed inside of Hardware Devices. FIRMWARE gives the Hardware instructions on what to do once it is plugged into your computer. For example, the following devices have Firmware inside of them: CELL PHONES, KEYBOARDS, WEB CAMERAS, and GAME CONSOLES.

FLASH PLAYER: This is software used to view videos, music or movies without having to download them onto your computer.

FOLDER: This is a way to organize files on your computer. You can put pictures, documents or music inside of folders.

FONT: Fonts are different designs or styles of text that you can use for your words when you type. Microsoft Word is one of the many programs that comes with different Fonts for words.

FLOPPY DISK: This is an older  disk people used to save their info on. They no longer use these for computers anymore. USB Drives have now taken over.

FTP (FILE TRANSFER PROTOCOL): This is a fast way to send files over the internet. The most popular FTP software is called FILEZILLA.

GAME CONSOLE: A Game System that can connect to your Internet.

GATEWAY ROUTER: This is a Modem and a Router all in one!

GEOFENCING: A virtual area that companies pay for to send their ads and commercials to your cell phone, tablet or computer over Wi-fi. GEOFENCING works through an APP because  YOU HAVE TO ALLOW THOSE COMPANIES TO KNOW YOUR LOCATION SO THEY CAN SEND YOU THEIR STUFF!!

GIGABYTE: A very large  File size. VERY LARGE!

GMAIL: This is an email service that Google provides.

GOOGLE ASSISTANT: GOOGLE ASSISTANT is a DIGITAL BUTLER created by GOOGLE. You can ask it anything and it controls everything! You can ask it to play music, tell you the weather, order a pizza, buy groceries and much, much more!

GOOGLE CHROME: An Internet Browser made by GOOGLE.

GOOGLE DRIVE: This is an  free service run by google where you can upload your files and save them on the Google Server on the Internet. It comes with 15 GB of storage space to upload your files from your computer so they can be saved in the cloud.

GOOGLE NOW: GOOGLE NOW is another  DIGITAL BUTLER   created by GOOGLE. If you ask GOOGLE NOW a question, it will give the answer with a “Human Sounding Voice”. GOOGLE NOW comes with ANDROID Cell phones and Tablets.

GOTOMEETING: GOTOMEETING is a video conferencing app that lets people have video meetings over the Internet. GOTOMEETING uses safe technology called “END to END ENCRYPTION”.

GRAPHICS CARD (also called VIDEO CARD): This is located inside the computer and allows you to see images and pictures on your Computer Monitor.

GPS  (GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM): GPS is made up of a bunch of Satellites in space that can locate objects ANYWHERE in the world! Recently they have built GPS TRACKERS inside of objects just in case they get lost or stolen.

GPS TRACKER:  This is an object that can locate any object that gets lost or stolen–EVEN IF ITS TAKEN TO ANOTHER COUNTRY! This is done by using the GPS SATELITES.

GPU (GRAPHICS PROCESSING UNIT): This is a microchip that helps the computer make 3-D images.

GUI (GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE): These are Pictures or Icons on your Computer Desktop. When you click on them they open up software programs and applications.

HACKER: Someone that breaks into your computer and steals your information without your permission.

HARD COPY: Something you can hold in your hand. For example, a document that has been printed out is a “HARD COPY” compared to the document file that is on the computer.

HARDWARE: The parts of your computer that you can physically touch such as your Monitor, Printer, Speakers, etc..

HARDWARE PORT (also called PHYSICAL PORT): This is a hole or connection located on the back of the computer for plugging in different devices. You use ports to plug in modems, routers, printers, mice, keyboards and other devices.

HASH TAG: This is the symbol that is used on Twitter. You create it by pressing “shift and the number 3” on your keyboard.

HDMI CABLE (HIGH-DEFINITION MULTIMEDIA INTERFACE): This is a cable that is used to connect cell phones, tablets, computers and other devices to a TV SCREEN!  Smart Tv’s already come with a small HDMI CABLE socket on the back of the Tv.

HIBERNATE: This is when your computer goes to sleep (it usually shows a black screen) after a certain time in order to save on the Battery Life.

HIDDEN PARTITION: A HIDDEN PARTITION is a hard drive letter that is hidden on your computer. For example, if you have a G DRIVE but you cant see it, then that G DRIVE is a HIDDEN PARTITION!

HOMEPAGE: The first page or website you will see when you open up an Internet Browser. This can be changed to whatever website you want it to be.

HOST ADDRESS: The last part of an IP ADDRESS. For example, if my computer’s IP ADDRESS is 192.168.123.132, the HOST ADDRESS part would be .132.

HOTSPOT (or ACCESS POINT): A place that sends Wi-Fi Signals (WIRELESS INTERNET CONNECTION) to devices either for free or for a price. This is also called an “ACCESS POINT”.

HOT SWAPPABLE: This is when a hardware device can be plugged in and start working right away without having to re-start your computer. You can also remove the device without having to re-start your computer.

HTML (HYPER TEXT MARK UP LANGUAGE): This is a programming language that tells Internet Browsers how to display webpages. Without this program, we would not be able to look at websites that have pictures, videos or graphics.

HTTP (HYPERTEXT TRANSFER PROTOCOL): This is how computers exchange information on webpages and  get websites you request. For example, if you wanted to go to yahoo.com, the computer server with  yahoo.com on it would use HTTP to get that website  and would then send it to your computer.

HTTPS (HYPERTEXT TRANSFER PROTOCOL SECURE): This is the same as “HTTP”, except the “S” at the end means the website is “SECURE” and has extra anti-virus security against any hackers.

HUB: This is a hardware device that connects one or more computers together to form a network.

HULU /HULU PLUS: An Online Service that allows you to watch INTERNET TV.

HYPERLINK: This is how the internet links webpages together. A Hyperlink or link can be a picture, text or little icon. When you click on it, it takes you to another webpage.

HYPERMEDIA: This is a link that is made up of a cartoon, audio or video. When you click on it, it takes you to another webpage.

HYPERTEXT: This is a type of software that links words together by text. They are usually highlighted on the Internet. When you click on these highlighted or Hypertext words, you go to another Webpage.

INCOMING EMAIL SERVER: This is a Computer Server that lets you RECEIVE  and GET YOUR EMAILS.   For example, IMAP and POP3 are INCOMING EMAIL SERVERS. (See POP3 and IMAP)

ICON: This is a picture that represents a software program on your Computer. You usually see Icons on your desktop.

IMAP (INTERNET MESSAGE ACCESS PROTOCOL):  IMAP is an INCOMING EMAIL SERVER!  Both Web and Software based Emails use IMAP. IMAP is used so you can RECEIVE EMAILS.

INBOX: When people send you email, they send it to the INBOX section of your email. New email is ALWAYS stored in this box.

INBOUND CONNECTION (also called INTERNAL CONNECTION): An INBOUND CONNECTION is a connection that comes from the inside of your home which is your LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN). Your INBOUND CONNECTION is protected by your router.

INCOGNITO MODE (also known as PRIVACY MODE): This allows people to surf the Internet without leaving behind information about what they are searching for or the websites they have visited.

INPUT DEVICES: Hardware used to put information inside a computer. For example, to create a document, I would need to use a keyboard to type or INPUT words inside of the document.

INSTALL: Putting something new on your computer. An example would be installing a new software program, game or memory.

INSTANT MESSAGE: This is talking to a person live (like a telephone call) over the internet by typing in messages. You can also use your cell phone to INSTANT MESSAGE someone.

INTELLIGENT PERSONAL ASSISTANT:  Digital Software that is created with a “Human Sounding Voice”. When you ask your device for information, An INTELLIGENT PERSONAL ASSISTANT brings back the answer or internet search results, with a voice response that you can hear.

INTERNAL HARD DRIVE: This is the main Hard Disk or Drive that stores the entire computer’s information (DATA). It is located inside of the computer, that’s why it is called INTERNAL HARD DRIVE.

INTERNAL LINK: An INTERNAL LINK is a web link that takes you to another part of the same website. You DONT LEAVE THE WEBSITE, you GO TO ANOTHER PART OF IT.

INTERNAL MODEM: A modem that is installed inside your computer or Hard Drive. This type of modem is usually very slow. As a matter of fact, it can only do dial up.

INTERNET: A connection of millions of computers linked together by cables, satellites or Wi-Fi connections from around the world. Without the Internet we could not look at web pages.

INTERNET BACKBONE: The INTERNET BACKBONE are big companies that sell parts of the internet to  INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS!  Without the INTERNET BACKBONE, we wouldn’t have the Internet because these Big Companies connect the world’s Internet companies and networks together. They do this by OWING the world’s FASTEST ROUTERS, SATELLITES and FIBER OPTIC CABLES!

INTELLIGENT ASSISTANT: Robot Type software with a Human-Like voice that is used when you want information. This type of software comes with phones, tablets and the new Windows 10 (see WINDOWS CORTANA).

IOT (INTERNET OF THINGS): The IOT or INTERNET OF THINGS is a term that means that EVERYTHING including your Toilet can be hooked up to the Internet!  For example, now they have Doorbells, Thermostats, Appliances and other household items that have network connections. (click the link above to see YouTube video about this subject)

IOT GATEWAY ((IOT HUB): An IOT GATEWAY translates IOT signals into Wi-Fi Internet Signals. After they are translated into Wi-Fi signals, people can then control their IOT DEVICES with their Cell phone Apps!

IOT HACKING (INTERNET OF THINGS HACKING): IOT HACKING is when hackers take control of Smart home devices. (See SMART HOME HACKING)

IPAD: This is a Tablet Device made by Apple. With this device you can get on the internet, play games, download applications, etc.…

IP ADDRESS (INTERNET PROTOCOL ADDRESS): This is a number given to your computer by your Internet Service Provider while you are connected to the Internet. Anything that connects to the Internet has an IP ADDRESS. It is sort of like a street address for your computer (also called EXTERNAL IP ADDRESS /PUBLIC IP ADDRESS).

IPv4 (INTERNET PROTOCOL version 4): IPV4 is a system that gives out a different IP Address to every device that is used on the internet. IPv4 has billions of numbers but they are running out!  (click on the Link to see YouTube video about IPv4)

IPv6 (INTERNET PROTOCOL version 6): IPV6 is a system that gives out a different IP Address to every device that is used on the internet. IPv6 is taking the place of IPv4 because IPv6HAS TRILLIONS OF IP ADDRESSES AND WILL NEVER RUN OUT OF NUMBERS LIKE IPv4 DID!   (clink on the link to see the YouTube video!)

IPHONE: A Phone made by Apple. This phone not only allows you to make calls, but is like a minicomputer. You can browse the internet, download music, play games, etc…

IPOD: This is a music playing device that was created by APPLE. You can use an IPOD to download not only music but also pictures and videos. This is sometimes called a MP3 player.

INPUT DEVICE: These are devices that you use to put information inside of the computer. An example would be a Keyboard, Mouse or Scanner. The most popular INPUT DEVICE is a Keyboard.

ISP (INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER): A company that you pay to get an Internet Connection. Popular ISP’s are: TIME WARNER, AT&T or COMCAST.

JAVA: A Program Language that can talk or be used to talk to more than one Operating System from Different Companies.

JPEG FILE: A picture file that can be made smaller and re-sized in order to save on your Computer disk space (without losing its quality).

JUMP LIST: This is a new Windows 10 feature that lets you see websites, documents or other files that have been recently opened. Programs that are on the START MENU and the TASKBAR usually have JUMPLISTS you can see.

KBPS (KILOBITS PER SECOND): This is a speed of how Data or Information is transferred on your computer or over the internet.

KEYBOARD: A KEYBOARD is a device you use so you can type on your Computer, Laptop or Tablet.

KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: These are keys on your Keyboard that you can use to perform the same functions as your mouse. For example, the Keyboard Shortcut to save a file is to press the “CTRL” button along with the letter “S“.

KEYLOGGER: A KEYLOGGER is a hacker that uses a device that records the keys you type on your keyboard! For example, if you typed in your password, the KEYLOGGER  could record that!

KEYWORDS: These are words or phrases that you enter into a Search Engine Box (such as Google) to get what you are searching for.

KODI TV:  KODI TV is a movie app that lets you download movies that are still playing in the theatres and ARE NOT FREE! KODI TV is like NAPSTER except you download MOVIES  instead of MUSIC! KODI TV is not safe because the movies are downloaded onto the APP from unsafe website and other unsafe sources.

LAN (LOCAL AREA NETWORK): A LOCAL AREA NETWORK is when two or more computers are connected together so they can communicate with each other. A LAN helps computers share files, printers and other devices.

LAPTOP COMPUTER (sometimes called NOTEBOOK COMPUTERS): These are portable computers (meaning you can take them with you). They are small, light and easy to take inside a bag or purse.

LASER PRINTER: A Laser Printer prints at a faster speed but does the same thing as a regular printer. These types of printers are used in an office setting instead of at home.

LCD MONITOR (LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY): A Computer Monitor made of Liquid Crystal Glass. This type of glass makes the Monitor sleeker, brighter and takes up less space. An LCD monitor can be used both as a Television and Computer Monitor.

LED (LIGHT EMITTING DIODE): An LED is a new light bulb that uses a microchip to create light inside of a bulb. An LED light can also be used to send Wi-Fi (see LI-FI).

LEFT-CLICK: This is the main part of the mouse you use to open, close and choose programs and files on your computer.

LI-FI (LIGHT FIDELITY): LI-FI is a new technology that allows a Wireless Internet Connection to come in your home through LED type LIGHT BULBS (see LED). LI-FI is wireless like Wi-Fi but instead of receiving the wireless signal through radio waves, you will get it through the LED LIGHT BULBS!

LIFESIZE: LIFESIZE is a video conferencing app that lets you have video meetings using an Internet Connection. LIFESIZE is secure because it uses a “END to END ENCRYPTION“. This means their video meetings are NEVER HACKED INTO! 

LLM (Learning Language Model): A LLM is a type of software that understands the words you use and can give you sensible responses. It learns from previous conversations and uses techniques to understand how people talk and write. Language models are what make chatbots give you better search results and answers.

LINUX: A software program created by a man named Linus Torvalds. He created this software to be used for Operating Systems free of charge.  LINUX  is called a “OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE” because it is free.

LIVE TILE: A LIVE TILE is a software application in Windows 10 that shows you live news, sports, entertainment and other things all within a little TILE!! In other words, you don’t have to open a website or an app to get this info, you are SHOWN THIS INFO ALL WITHIN THAT LITTLE TILE!

LOG ON: To sign on to a Computer or email account with a username and password.

LOG OFF: To sign off on a Computer or email account.