A utility that searches a hard disk for viruses and removes any that are found. Most antivirus programs include an auto-update feature that enables the program to download profiles of new viruses so that it can check for the new viruses as soon as they are discovered.

A small Java application that is downloaded by an ActiveX or Java-enabled web browser. Once it has been downloaded, the applet will run on the user's computer. Common applets include financial calculators and web drawing programs.

Computer software that performs a task or set of tasks, such as word processing or drawing. Applications are also referred to as programs.

American Standard Code for Information Interchange, an encoding system for converting keyboard characters and instructions into the binary number code that the computer understands.

Software that damages other software intentionally, whether just to disable the victim, uninstall the software, or attempt to forcefully uninstall the software.

The capacity of a networked connection. Bandwidth determines how much data can be sent along the networked wires. Bandwidth is particularly important for Internet connections, since greater bandwidth also means faster downloads.

The most basic language a computer understands, it is composed of a series of 0s and 1s. The computer interprets the code to form numbers, letters, punctuation marks, and symbols.

(short for “binary digit”). The smallest piece of computer information, either the number 0 or 1.

Blended threats combine the characteristics of viruses, worms, Trojan Horses, and malicious code with server and Internet vulnerabilities to initiate, transmit, and spread an attack. By using multiple methods and techniques, blended threats can rapidly spread and cause widespread damage. Characteristics of blended threats include: causes harm, propagates by multiple methods, attacks from multiple points, and exploits vulnerabilities.

To start up a computer. Cold boot—restarting computer after having turned off the power. Warm boot—restarting computer without having turned off the power.

Software used to navigate the Internet. Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer are today's most popular browsers for accessing the World Wide Web.

A malfunction due to an error in the program or a defect in the equipment.

Most computers use combinations of eight bits, called bytes, to represent one character of data or instructions. For example, the word “cat” has three characters, and it would be represented by three bytes.

A small data-memory storage area that a computer can use to instantly re-access data instead of re-reading the data from the original source, such as a hard drive. Browsers use a cache to store web pages so that the user may view them again without reconnecting to the Web.

Computer Aided Drawing-Computer Aided Manufacturing. The instructions stored in a computer that will be translated to very precise operating instructions to a robot, such as for assembling cars or laser-cutting signage.

Compact Disc Read-Only Memory. An optically read disc designed to hold information such as music, reference materials, or computer software. A single CD-ROM can hold around 640 megabytes of data, enough for several encyclopedias. Most software programs are now delivered on CD-ROMs.

Common Gateway Interface. A programming standard that allows visitors to fill out form fields on a Web page and have that information interact with a database, possibly coming back to the user as another Web page.

CGI may also refer to Computer-Generated Imaging, the process in which sophisticated computer programs create still and animated graphics, such as special effects for movie

Typing text into a message box on a screen to engage in dialog with one or more people via the Internet or other network.

A tiny wafer of silicon containing miniature electric circuits that can store millions of bits of information.

A single user of a network application that is operated from a server. A client/server architecture allows many people to use the same data simultaneously. The program's main component (the data) resides on a centralized server, with smaller components (user interface) on each client.

A Content Management System is a computer software system for organizing and facilitating collaborative creation of documents and other content.

A text file sent by a Web server that is stored on the hard drive of a computer and relays back to the Web server things about the user, his or her computer, and/or his or her computer activities.

Central Processing Unit. The brain of the computer.

A person who “breaks in” to a computer through a network, without authorization and with mischievous or destructive intent (a crime in some states).

A hardware or software problem that causes information to be lost or the computer to malfunction. Sometimes a crash can cause permanent damage to a computer.

A moving position-indicator displayed on a computer monitor that shows a computer operator where the next action or operation will take place.

Slang for the Internet.

A collection of similar information stored in a file, such as a database of addresses. This information may be created and stored in a database management system (DBMS).

Slang. To find and correct equipment defects or program malfunctions.

The pre-defined configuration of a system or an application. In most programs, the defaults can be changed to reflect personal preferences.

The main directory of the user interface. Desktops usually contain icons that represent links to the hard drive, a network (if there is one), and a trash or recycling can for files to be deleted. It can also display icons of frequently used applications, as requested by the user.

The production of publication-quality documents using a personal computer in combination with text, graphics, and page layout programs.

A list of files stored in the computer.

The equipment that operates a hard or floppy disc.

Represents an IP (Internet Protocol) address or set of IP addresses that comprise a domain. The domain name appears in URLs to identify web pages or in email addresses. For example, the email address for the First Lady is -email-, “whitehouse.gov” being the domain name. Each domain name ends with a suffix that indicates what “top level domain” it belongs to. These are: “.com” for commercial, “.gov” for government, “.org” for organization, “.edu” for educational institution, “.biz” for business, “.info” for information, “.tv” for television, “.ws” for website. Domain suffixes may also indicate the country in which the domain is registered. No two parties can ever hold the same domain name.

The name of a network or computer linked to the Internet. Domains are defined by a common IP address or set of similar IP (Internet Protocol) addresses.

Disk Operating System. An operating system designed for early IBM-compatible PCs.

The process of transferring information from a web site (or other remote location on a network) to the computer. It is possible to “download a file” or “view a download.”

v. To transfer information from a web site (or other remote location on a network) to the computer.

A menu window that opens vertically on-screen to display context-related options. Also called pop-up menu or pull-down menu.

Digital Subscriber Line. A method of connecting to the Internet via a phone line. A DSL connection uses copper telephone lines but is able to relay data at much higher speeds than modems and does not interfere with telephone use.

Digital Video Disc—Similar to a CD-ROM, it stores and plays both audio and video.

e107 is a Content Management System (CMS) written in php and using the popular open source mySQL database system for content storage. It's completely free and totally customisable, and in constant development.

An electronic (usually hand-held) reading device that allows a person to view digitally stored reading materials.

Electronic mail; messages, including memos or letters, sent electronically between networked computers that may be across the office or around the world.

A text-based expression of emotion created from ASCII characters that mimics a facial expression when viewed with your head tilted to the left.

The process of transmitting scrambled data so that only authorized recipients can unscramble it. For instance, encryption is used to scramble credit card information when purchases are made over the Internet.

A board inside a computer to which a network cable can be attached.

A set of data that is stored in a computer.

A set of security programs that protect a computer from outside interference or access via the Internet.

Apple® Computer's high-speed data transfer. Frequently used to import video to a computer.

A floppy disc, 3.5" square, usually inserted into the computer and can store about 1.4 megabytes of data. The 3.5" square “floppies” have a very thin, flexible disc inside. There is also an intermediate-sized floppy disc, trademarked Zip discs, which can store 250 megabytes of data.

A structure for containing electronic files. In some operating systems, it is called a “directory.”

Sets of typefaces (or characters) that come in different styles and sizes.

Software created by people who are willing to give it away for the satisfaction of sharing or knowing they helped to simplify other people's lives. It may be freestanding software, or it may add functionality to existing software.

File Transfer Protocol. A format and set of rules for transferring files from a host to a remote computer.

A hard disc stores vast amounts of data. It is usually inside the computer but can be a separate peripheral on the outside. Hard discs are made up of several rigid coated metal discs. Currently, hard discs can store 15 to 30 Gb (gigabytes)

(mal´wãr) (n.) Short for malicious software, software designed specifically to damage or disrupt a system, such as a virus or a Trojan horse.

1. Computer memory that dynamically stores program and data values during operation and in which each byte of memory may be directly accessed.

2. The main memory of a computer available for program execution or data storage.

1. A computer memory chip that stores values but not does not allow updates; values are nonvolatile in that they are retained even when the computer is unpowered.

Spamvertising is the practice of sending E-mail spam, advertising a website. In this case, it is a portmanteau of the words "spam" and "advertising".

It also refers to vandalizing wikis, blogs and online forums with hyperlinks in order to get a higher search engine ranking for the vandal's website. Spamvertisers insert links to their websites (typically, sites purporting to sell some commercial product) and add keywords of common or related searches. The apparent goal is that a search engine will find the vandalized page full of links and improve the popularity rating of the pages to which they link. This is typically done by automated editing programs which look for editable text fields in web forms and automatically fill them in with web links. The links typically lead to pills, porn and poker sites.

A destructive program that masquerades as a benign application. Unlike viruses, Trojan horses do not replicate themselves but they can be just as destructive. One of the most insidious types of Trojan horse is a program that claims to rid your computer of viruses but instead introduces viruses onto your computer.

The term comes from the a Greek story of the Trojan War, in which the Greeks give a giant wooden horse to their foes, the Trojans, ostensibly as a peace offering. But after the Trojans drag the horse inside their city walls, Greek soldiers sneak out of the horse's hollow belly and open the city gates, allowing their compatriots to pour in and capture Troy.

A program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and runs against your wishes. Viruses can also replicate themselves. All computer viruses are manmade. A simple virus that can make a copy of itself over and over again is relatively easy to produce. Even such a simple virus is dangerous because it will quickly use all available memory and bring the system to a halt. An even more dangerous type of virus is one capable of transmitting itself across networks and bypassing security systems.

(1) A program or algorithm that replicates itself over a computer network and usually performs malicious actions, such as using up the computer's resources and possibly shutting the system down. Also see virus.

(2) When used in all capital letters, WORM is an acronym for for write once, read many, an optical disk technology that allows you to write data onto a disk just once. After that, the data is permanent and can be read any number of times.