Computer Jargon

K

Kb, Kbit

A Kilobit - a unit of computer storage consisting of 1024 Bits.

KB

A Kilobyte - a unit of computer storage consisting of 1024 Bytes.

L

Link

Another name for a hyperlink which you can click on to go to another web page.

Login

When a user wants to gain access to a protected website, they must Login using their password and username.

Lurking

The act of reading through mailing lists and newsgroups before posting any messages. Considered good netiquette to get the feel of the topic before joining in.

M

Mailing List

A list of email addresses to which messages are sent. You can subscribe to a mailing lists typically by sending an email to the contact address with the following in the body of the message: the word subscribe, the name of the list, and your email address.

Megabyte (MB)

A unit of data comprised of 1024 Kb, i.e. 1048576 bytes.

Modem

(MODulator - DEModulator) A device which converts information from your computer into phone signals enabling you to communicate with another computer and connect to the internet via the phone line.

MP3

MP3 files are used to store music or audio information on the internet. Audio content of an MP3 file is compressed so that it is smaller and easier to download than the original audio file.

MPEG

Motion Picture Experts Group - a video file format offering excellent quality in a relatively small file. Video files found on the internet are frequently stored in the MPEG format.

Multimedia

A combination of media types on a single document, including: text, graphics, animation, audio and video.

N

Netiquette

Internet etiquette.

Network

A system of connected computers exchanging information with each other.

Newsgroup

A particular section within the USENET system typically, though not always, dedicated to a particular subject of interest. Also known as discussion groups.

O

OfflineWhen NOT connected to the internet.

Online

When connected to the internet.

Outlook Express

This is the free Microsoft email application that is supplied with Internet Explorer on the Supanet CD.