Back-up:
A system which allows you to make a copy of information held on your computer.
Backing-up the contents of your computer is one of the wisest things you'll ever do. When, for instance, you're whole business is built on information held electronically, a complete system crash is unthinkable. It's absolutely crucial, then, that you have a disaster recovery strategy in place, and that this strategy is both effective and manageable.
Firewall:
A virtual ‘wall’ which secures your system against unauthorised access.
A firewall is a piece of software or hardware which prevents unauthorised access to, or from a computer or private network. Firewalls are most commonly used to stop viruses and other hostile programmes accessing information stored on your computer – without one, you can’t be sure who, or what, you’re leaving yourself open to.
Hard Drive:
Your system’s storage space.
The hard drive is your system’s storage space. Quite simply, the bigger your hard drive, the more files you can keep. A large hard drive is particularly important if you work with audio and video files, or any very large applications.
Instant Messaging:
An internet-based form of communication which allows users to type messages to one another in real time.
Instant Messaging (IM) is an internet-based form of communication which allows users to type messages to one another in real time. IM has been widely used recreationally for some time, and has now become a key tool for commercial organisations eager to take communication to the cutting edge.
Memory:
A computer’s way of storing and accessing any information in current use.
Memory, or Random Access Memory (RAM) is your computer’s way of storing and accessing any information about a program or application in current use. Increasing memory will mean that more tasks can be carried out simultaneously, and that your whole system will run more efficiently.
Processor:
Your system’s brain, the bigger the better.
The processor, or microprocessor, is essentially your system’s brain. Also known as the Central Processing Unit (CPU), its quality and power will determine how quickly the computer can perform tasks.
Server:
A high-power computer that stores and distributes information to other computers connected to it./p>
A server is a high-power computer that stores and distributes information to other computers connected to it. Typically, the server will sit at the core of your network, allowing users to access centralised applications and large amounts of data from their PC.
Spam:
The electronic equivalent of junk mail.
Spam is the electronic equivalent of junk mail, usually taking the form of an unsolicited email sent to multiple recipients. Organisations use spamming as a cheap means of reaching large audiences, but as more and more do so, the amount of unwanted material in your inbox can become intolerable.
Virus:
A form of rogue computer programme that can seriously damage your system.
Viruses are probably the most widely-known form of rogue computer program, and anyone using the internet needs to take action to avoid becoming infected. Like a biological virus, the electronic equivalent is designed to replicate itself once inside a host, in this case a computer. But while some viruses may lay benign, others could be doing irreparable damage to your system or jeopardising the safety of the information it holds. If you use the Internet for any purpose, be sure to have effective antivirus software running at all times.
VoIP:
A technology which allows telephone calls to be made over the internet.
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol is a technology which allows telephone conversations to be conducted over the internet. Through this medium, phone calls are substantially cheaper than traditional telephony - in some cases completely free - and for this reason, VoIP looks likely to revolutionise the way people communicate.