Technology Basics
Glossary of Small Business Terms
Here are some terms that often appear in a Small Business context.
On This Page
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| H-N |
| O-T |
| U-Z |
A-G
ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) – a method for moving data at high speeds over regular phone lines. ADSL circuit is much faster than a regular phone connection.
Bandwidth – how much data you can send through a connection measured in bits per second (bps).
Bps (bits per second) – rate of data transfer between computers or modems.
Broadband – a wide band of frequencies used to transmit information. Information is multiplexed and sent on many different frequencies or channels within the band, allowing more information to be transmitted at the same time.
Browser – program that allows you to view Web pages and explore the internet.
Byte – a set of bits that represent a single character. There are 8 bits in a byte.
Client – a computer that accesses shared network resources provided by another computer (the server – hence client/server relationship).
CD-R – Compact Disc Recordable.
CD-ROM – Compact Disc Read Only Memory.
CD-RW – Compact Disc Re-Writable. CDs that can be written on many times. Data can also be removed at any time, but data written onto a CD-RW disc can only be read by CD-RW drive.
Compress File – way of reducing a file or files sizes for internet transport via e-mail. Usually in ZIP format.
CPU – Central Processing Unit. The brain of a computer.
Desktop Publishing – creating documents on your computer, such as Web pages, flyers, posters, catalogues, newsletters, and graphics.
DNS – Domain Name System. System that locates a website via the site’s numerical address.
Domain Name – an address of a network connection that identifies the owner of that address in a hierarchical format: server.organisation.type. For example, www.fabrikam.co.uk identifies the Web server at the company Fabrikam.
Download – load a file from a host, such as a website or another computer onto your own computer.
Downtime – the length of time that a website or network cannot be accessed.
DVD – Digital Versatile Disc.
E-mail (Electronic Mail) – content sent from one person to another via computer over the internet.
Ethernet – common method of networking computers in a LAN.
Firewall – a computer security system used to restrict access to and from a network.
FireWire (or IEEE1394) – a very high-speed serial bus for connecting devices to your personal computer at data transfer speeds up to 400Mbps.
Gigabyte – Measurement of memory. 1 GB = 1,024 Mb.
GHz – Gigahertz. Measurement of internal processor speed.
GUI – Graphical User Interface. Allows you to control a computer through graphics and icons displayed on screen.
GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) – enables data to be sent and received via a mobile phone network.
H-N
Hacker – a person who breaks through computer security systems.
Hardware – physical items such as computers, printers, scanners and external modems.
HD – Hard drive.
Host – usually a computer, which hosts other computers for a person or organisation.
Hub – a device used to connect computers together.
Internet – a vast collection of interconnected worldwide networks.
Intranet – a private network inside a company or organisation that uses the same kinds of software that you would find on the public internet, but only for its internal use.
ISP – Internet Service Provider. Company providing access to the internet.
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) – JPEG is common format for image files.
KB – Kilobyte. Measurement of memory equal to 1,000 bytes.
Kbps – one thousand bits per second. The measure of data that can be transferred by a modem.
LAN (Local Area Network) – a computer network limited to the immediate area, usually the same building or floor of a building.
MB – Megabyte. Measurement of memory. 1Mb=1,000k.
Mbps – Million bits per second.
MHz – Megahertz. Measurement of internal processor speed.
Microprocessor – an integrated circuit that accepts coded instructions for execution.
Modem (MOdulator, DEModulator) – a device that connects your computer to a phone line, enabling the computer to talk to other computers through the phone system.
Motherboard – main piece of hardware inside a computer. Other parts can be added to it, such as sound cards, RAM, graphics cards, modems, etc. The motherboard enables everything to work together.
Multimedia – combination of text, graphics, sounds and video.
O-T
Online – computer that is connected to the internet or network.
OS – Operating System. Program used to help run programs on a computer.
ParallelPort – connection used to connect printers to a computer. Can also be used to connect other devices, such as digital cameras or scanners.
Patch – an add-on or upgrade for software.
PC – Personal Computer.
PDA – Personal Digital Assistant. Handheld basic computer.
Peripheral – any piece of equipment attached to the computer (i.e., disk drives, printers, CD–ROM)
Plug-in – a small piece of software that adds features to a larger piece of software.
Port – place where information goes into and out of a computer. For example, the serial port is where a modem would be connected.
RAM – Random Access Memory. All memory accessible at any instant (randomly) by a microprocessor. This memory is erased when the power is switched off.
SCSI – Small Computer Systems Interface. Known as “scuzzy,” it is a method of connecting devices to a computer, such as hard drives and CD-ROMs.
Search Engine – a program that searches a database of websites.
SerialPort – Part of a computer where you can connect devices, such as a mouse or modem.
Server – a computer, or a software package, that provides a specific kind of service to client software running on other computers.
Shopping Cart – software that allows users to browse a website and add items to a shopping cart. The value is totalled up and all goods can be ordered at a checkout.
U-Z
URL – Uniform Resource Locator. Addressing system of the World Wide Web.
USB – Universal Serial Bus. Port on a computer that allows USB devices to be added, such as scanners, Zip Drives, etc.
Virus – file or program used to harm or destroy a computer system.
WAN (Wide Area Network) – a network that covers an area larger than a single building or campus.
WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) – enables access to advanced digital communications and the internet over a mobile phone network.
Web Page – single page accessible on the internet.
Website – collection of Web files accessible on the internet.
WWW – World Wide Web – all the resources and users on the internet.
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