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Ad-Aware by Lavasoft
Ad-Aware is free software that will remove adware and
spyware.
Top
Adware
Any software application in which advertising banners
are displayed while the program is running is called
Adware. Some adware is safe to use, but some can
serve as spyware, gathering information about you from
your hard drive, the Web sites you visit, or your
keystrokes. Spyware programs can then send the
information over the Internet to another computer. So be
careful what adware you install on your computer. Make
sure it is from a reputable company and read the privacy
agreement that comes with it.
Common
adware programs are toolbars that sit on your desktop or
work in conjunction with your Web browser. They include
features like advanced searching of the Web or your hard
drive and better organization of your bookmarks and
shortcuts. Adware can also be more advanced programs
such as games or utilities. They are free to use, but
require you to watch advertisements as long as the
programs are open. Since the ads often allow you to
click to a Web site, adware typically requires an active
Internet connection to run.
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AGP
"Accelerated Graphics Port." This is a graphics card
expansion port designed by Intel that resides on the
motherboard of a computer. PCI graphics ports typically
run at 33 MHz and have a maximum transfer rate of 132
MB/sec. AGP ports, on the other hand, run at 66 MHz and
can transfer data up to 528 MB/sec. This allows games
and applications to store and retrieve larger, more
realistic 3D shapes and textures without slowing down
the animation on the screen. Additionally, AGP cards can
store graphics in system memory rather than video
memory, which also helps improve performance. Because of
these advantages, AGP cards will typically have better
performance per MB of VRAM than PCI graphics cards.
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Bandwidth
Refers to how much data you can send through a network
or modem connection. It is usually measured in bits per
second, or "bps." A good analogy for bandwidth is a
highway with cars traveling on it. The highway is the
network connection and the cars are the data. The wider
the highway, the more cars can travel on it at one time.
Therefore more cars can get to their destinations
faster. It's the same principle with computer data --
the more bandwidth, the more information that can be
transferred at one time.
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BIOS
"Basic Input/Output System" The BIOS is a program
pre-installed on Windows-based computers (not on Macs)
that the computer uses to start up. The CPU accesses the
BIOS even before the operating system is loaded. The
BIOS then checks all your hardware connections and
locates all your devices. If everything is OK, the BIOS
loads the operating system into the computer's memory
and finishes the boot-up process. Most people do not
need to change the BIOS settings on a computer, but it
can be helpful to know what it is.
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Broadband
High-speed data transmission in which a single cable
can carry a large amount of data at once. The most
common types of Internet broadband connections are cable
modems (which use the same connection as cable TV) and
DSL modems (which use your existing phone line). Because
of its multiple channel capacity, broadband has started
to replace baseband, the single-channel technology
originally used in most computer networks.
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Burn
Writing data to a CD or DVD. The the CD-writer, or
burner, literally burns the data onto a writable CD. The
laser in a CD-writer can be increased to a more powerful
level than an ordinary CD-ROM laser. This enables it to
engrave thousands of 1's and 0's onto a CD.
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Byte
A set of 8 bits that represent a single character in
the computer's memory. Bytes are typically used to
measure hard disk storage and computer memory
(megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes, etc.).
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CD-R
"Compact Disc Recordable." CD-R discs are blank CDs that
can record data written by a CD burner. The word
"recordable" is used because CD-Rs are often used to
record audio, which can be played back by most CD
players. However, many other kinds of data can also be
written to a CD-R; the discs are also referred to as
"writable CDs."
The data burned onto a CD-R disc is permanent, meaning
it can not be altered or erased like the data on a hard
drive. Typically, once a CD has been burned, it will not
be able to record any more data. Some CD burning
programs can record data as "sessions," allowing a disc
to be written to multiple times until it is full. Each
session creates a new partition on the disc, meaning a
computer will read a disc with multiple sessions as
multiple discs. CD-RWs, on the other hand, can be erased
and completely re-recorded. Like CDs, the data on CD-RWs
cannot be altered, meaning the disc has to be completely
erased each time you want to add new data.
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CD-ROM
"Compact Disc Read-Only Memory." A CD-ROM is a CD that
can be read by a computer with an optical drive. The
"ROM" part of the term means the data on the disc is
"read-only," or cannot be altered or erased. Because of
this feature and their large capacity, CD-ROMs are a
great media format for retail software. The first
CD-ROMs could hold about 600 MB of data, but now they
can hold up to 700 MB. CD-ROMs share the same technology
as audio CDs, but they are formatted differently,
allowing them to store many types of data.
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CD-RW
"Compact Disc Re-Writable." A CD-RW is a blank CD that
can be written to by a CD burner. Unlike a CD-R
(CD-Recordable), a CD-RW can be written to multiple
times. The data burned on a CD-RW cannot be changed, but
it can be erased. Therefore, you have to completely
erase a CD-RW every time you want to change the files or
add new data. While it may be somewhat inconvenient,
this capability makes CD-RWs a good choice for making
frequent backups. However, because CD-RWs can be erased,
they do not store data as reliably or for the length of
time as CD-Rs. Therefore, you should use regular CD-Rs
for long-term backups.
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CMOS
"Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor." This
technology is typically used in making transistors. The
"complementary" part of the term unfortunately does not
mean these semiconductors are free. Instead, it refers
to how they produce either a positive or negative
charge. Because CMOS-based transistors only use one
charge at a time, they run efficiently, using up very
little power. This is because the charges can stay in
one state for a long period of time, allowing the
transistor to use little or no power except when needed.
Because of their wonderful efficiency, processors that
use CMOS-based transistors can run at extremely high
speeds without getting too hot and going up in flames.
You may also find CMOS memory in your computer, which
holds the date and time and other basic system settings.
The low power consumption of CMOS allows the memory to
be powered by a simple Lithium battery for many years.
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Codec
The name "codec" is short for "coder-decoder," which is
pretty much what a codec does. Most audio and video
formats use some sort of compression so that they don't
take up a ridiculous amount of disk space. Audio and
video files are compressed with a certain codec when
they are saved and then decompressed by the codec when
they are played back. Common codecs include MPEG and AVI
for video files and WAV and AIFF for audio files. Codecs
can also be used to compress streaming media (live audio
and video) which makes it possible to broadcast a live
audio or video clip over a broadband Internet
connection.
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Database
Data structure used to store organized information. A
database is typically made up of many linked tables of
rows and columns. For example, a company might use a
database to store information about their products,
their employees, and financial information. Databases
are now also used in nearly all e-commerce sites to
store product inventory and customer information.
Database software, such as Microsoft Access, FileMaker
Pro, and MySQL is designed to help companies and
individuals organize large amounts of information in a
way where the data can be easily searched, sorted, and
updated.
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Defragment
Process of reorganizing files on disk to make segments
contiguous and to recover wasted space between segments.
Improves performance, saves disk space and may improve
data security should a hardware failure occur. Required
when disk files are frequently updated in place,
particularly if portions are dynamically compressed.
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DHCP
"Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol." A network server
uses this protocol to dynamically assign IP addresses to
networked computers. The DHCP server waits for a
computer to connect to it, and then assigns it an IP
address from a master list stored on the server. DHCP
helps in setting up large networks, since IP addresses
don't have to be manually assigned to each computer on
the network. Because of the slick automation involved
with DHCP, it is the most commonly used networking
protocol.
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DLL
"Dynamic Link Library." A DLL (.dll) file contains a
library of functions and other information that can be
accessed by a Windows program. When a program is
launched, links to the necessary .dll files are created.
Dynamic links help programs use resources, such as
memory and hard drive space, more efficiently.
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Driver
A driver is a small file that helps the computer
communicates with a certain hardware device. It contains
information the computer needs to recognize and control
the device. In Windows-based PCs, a driver is often
packaged as a dynamic link library, or .dll file. In
Macs, most hardware devices don't need drivers, but the
ones that do usually come with a software driver in the
form of a system extension, or .kext file.
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DVD
"Digital Versatile Disc." or "Digital Video Disc," With
the multiple uses of DVDs, the term "Digital Versatile
Disc" is a more reflective name. A DVD is a
high-capacity optical disc that looks like a CD, but can
store much more information. While a CD can store 650 to
700 MB of data, a single-layer, single-sided DVD can
store 4.7 GB of data. This enables massive computer
applications and full-length movies to be stored on a
single DVD.
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Encryption
The coding or scrambling of information so that it can
only be decoded and read by someone who has the correct
decoding key. Encryption is used in secure Web sites as
well as other mediums of data transfer. If a third party
were to intercept the information you sent via an
encrypted connection, it could not be read.
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Ethernet
Ethernet is the most common type of connection computers
use in a local area network (LAN). An Ethernet port
looks much like a regular phone jack, but it is slightly
wider. This port can be used to connect your computer to
another computer, a local network, or an external DSL or
cable modem.
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Firewall
A computer firewall is used to protect a networked
server or client machine from damage by unauthorized
users. The firewall can be either hardware or
software-based. A router is a good example of a hardware
device that often has a built-in firewall. Software
programs that monitor and restrict external access to a
computer can also serve as firewalls. A network firewall
allows only certain messages from the Internet to flow
in and out of the network.
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Format
In order for storage media, such as a hard or floppy
drive, to be recognized by your computer, it needs to be
formatted. Formatting a disk involves testing the disk
and writing a new directory structure, or "address
table," onto the disk. If you would like to erase or
initialize a hard drive, you can use a disk utility
program to reformat it. This will create a blank, empty
disk for storing your files. While the disk appears to
be empty, most of the files on the disk are actually
untouched by the formatting process. When you format a
disk, it creates a new address table, making the entire
disk available for writing. However, the files are still
on the disk -- they just don't show up since they are no
longer part of the directory structure.
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FTP
"File Transfer Protocol." A common method of
transferring files via the Internet from one computer to
another. Some common FTP programs are "Fetch" for the
Mac, and "WS_FTP" for Windows. However, you can also use
a Web browser like Netscape or Internet Explorer to
access FTP servers. To do this, you need to type the URL
of the server into the location field of the browser.
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Gateway
A gateway is either hardware or software that acts as a
bridge between two networks so that data can be
transferred between a number of computers. For example,
when you send an e-mail to a friend or when you log in
to a Web site, there is a gateway that allows the
connection take place. Often, your connection to a Web
site will involve many smaller connections to other
servers along the way. In these cases, a number of
gateways are used.
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Gigabyte
A gigabyte consists of roughly 1 billion bytes. To be
exact, there are 1024 megabytes, or 1,073,741,824 bytes
in a gigabyte, but 1 billion is a much easier number to
remember. Because of the large size of today's hard
disks, storage capacity is usually measured in
gigabytes.
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GUI
"Graphical User Interface," pronounced "gooey." It
refers to the graphical interface of a computer that
allows users to click and drag objects with a mouse
instead of entering text at a command line.
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Hard
drive
This is where all the data in your computer is stored.
It is where all your files and folders are physically
located. A typical hard drive is only slightly larger
than your hand. The data is stored on a stack of disks
that are mounted inside a solid encasement. These disks
spin extremely fast (typically at either 5400 or 7200
RPM) so that data can be accessed immediately from
anywhere on the drive. The data is stored on the hard
drive magnetically, so it stays on the drive even after
the power supply is turned off.
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Hyperlink
A hyperlink is a word, phrase, or image that you can
click on in order to jump to a new document or a new
section within the current document. Hyperlinks are
found on nearly all Web pages, allowing users to click
their way from page to page. Text hyperlinks are often
blue and underlined, but do not have to be. When you
move the cursor over a hyperlink, whether it is text or
an image, the arrow should change to a small hand
pointing at the link. When you click on the link, a new
page or place in the current page will open.
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Internet
Believe it or not, the Internet was created in 1969,
during the Cold War, by the United States military. It
was meant to be a "nuke-proof" communications network.
Today, the Internet spreads across the globe and
consists of countless networks and computers, allowing
millions of people to share information. Data that
travels long distances on the Internet is transferred on
huge lines known collectively as the Internet backbone.
The Internet is now maintained by the major Internet
service providers such as MCI Worldcom, Sprint, GTE,
ANS, and UUNET. Because these providers make huge
amounts of revenue off the Internet, they are motivated
to maintain consistent and fast connections.
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Intranet
Contrary to popular belief, this is not simply a
misspelling of "Internet." "Intra" means "internal" or
"within," so an Intranet is an internal or private
Internet used strictly within the confines of a company,
university, or organization. "Inter" means "between or
among," hence the difference between the Internet and an
Intranet.
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IP address
Also known as an "IP number" or simply an "IP," this is
a code made up of numbers separated by three dots that
identifies a particular computer on the Internet. Every
computer, whether a Web server or the computer you're
using right now, requires an IP address to connect to
the Internet. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) will
assign either a static IP address (which is always the
same) or a dynamic IP address, (which changes every time
you log on). ISPs typically assign users a dynamic IP
address each time they sign on because it reduces the
number of IP addresses they must register. However, if
you connect to the Internet through a network, it is
more likely that you have a static IP address.
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ISP
"Internet Service Provider." In order to connect to the
Internet, you need an ISP. If you use a dial-up modem to
connect to your ISP, a point-to-point protocol (PPP)
connection is established with another modem on the
ISP's end. The modem connects to one of the ISP's
routers, which routes you to the Internet "backbone."
From there, you can access information from anywhere
around the world.
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Kilobyte
A kilobyte consists of 1024 bytes of computer data.
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LAN
"Local Area Network,", pronounced “lan”. A LAN is a
computer network limited to a small area such as an
office building, university, or even a residential home.
Most mid to large-sized businesses today use LANs, which
makes it easy for employees to share information.
Currently, the most common type of LANs are
Ethernet-based and use software from Novell or Oracle.
However, with the emergence of wireless networking,
wireless LANs have become a popular alternative.
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LCD
"Liquid-Crystal Display." LCDs are super-thin displays
that are used in laptop computer screens and flat panel
monitors. Smaller LCDs are used in handheld TVs, PDAs,
and portable video game devices. Since LCD screens are
based on the principle of blocking light (rather than
emitting it), they use up much less power than standard
CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) monitors.
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Motherboard
Also known as the main board or logic board, this is the
main circuit board of your computer. If you ever open
your computer, the biggest piece of silicon you see is
the motherboard. This is where you'll find the CPU, the
ROM, memory expansion slots, PCI slots, serial ports,
USB ports, and all the controllers for the hard drive,
DVD drive, keyboard, and mouse.
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Network
When you have two or more computers connected to each
other, you have a network. The purpose of a network is
to enable the sharing of files and information between
multiple systems. Computer networks can be connected
through cables, such as Ethernet cables or phone lines,
or wirelessly, using wireless networking cards that send
and receive data through the air.
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NIC
Stands for "Network Interface Card." Pronounced "nick,"
this is the card that physically makes the connection
between the computer and the network cable. These cards
typically use an Ethernet connection and are available
in 10, 100, and 1000 Base-T configurations. A 100-Base-T
card can transfer data at 100 Mbps.
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Operating System
Also known as an "OS," this is software that
communicates with computer hardware on the most basic
level. Without an operating system, no software programs
can run. The OS is what allocates memory, processes
tasks, accesses disks and peripherals, and serves as the
user interface.
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Parallel Port
This interface is found on the back of a PC and is used
for connecting external devices such as printers or
scanners. It uses a 25-pin connector (DB-25) and is
rather large compared to most new interfaces. Parallel
ports are also referred to as a printer port because the
printer is the device most commonly attached to the
parallel port.
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PCI
"Peripheral Component Interconnect." A hardware bus
designed by Intel and used in both PCs and Macs. Most
add-on cards such as SCSI, Firewire, and USB
controllers, use a PCI connection.
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PDA
"Personal Digital Assistant." Today's PDAs allow you to
organize your schedule, take notes, do math
calculations, play games, write memos, and even surf the
Internet and send e-mail.
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PDF
"Portable Document Format." A multi-platform file format
developed by Adobe Systems. A PDF file captures document
text, images, and most impressively, the formatting of
documents from a variety of applications. To view a PDF
file, you need Adobe Acrobat Reader, a free application
distributed by Adobe Systems.
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RAM
"Random Access Memory." RAM is made up of small memory
chips that are connected to the motherboard of your
computer. Every time you open a program, it gets loaded
from the hard drive into the RAM because reading data
from the RAM is much faster than reading data from the
hard drive. Running programs from the RAM of the
computer allows them to function without any lag time.
The more RAM your computer has, the more data can be
loaded from the hard drive into the RAM, which can help
speed up your computer.
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Registry
This is a database used by Microsoft Windows to
store configuration information about the software
installed on a computer. This information includes
things like the desktop background, program settings,
and file extension associations. It is not
recommended that you alter your Registry without the
assistance of a qualified technician.
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Resnet
Residential Network
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Server
A server provides information to computers that connect
to it. When users connect to a server, they can access
programs, files, and other information from the server.
Common servers are Web servers, mail servers, and LAN
servers.
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Spyware
Spyware can capture information like Web browsing
habits, e-mail messages, usernames and passwords, and
credit card information. It is software that transmits
information back to a third party without notifying
the user.
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TCP/IP
"Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol." It
allows computers to communicate over long distance
networks. TCP has to do with the verifying delivery of
the packets and IP refers to the moving of data packets
between nodes.
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USB
"Universal Serial Bus." It is today's most commonly used
type of computer port due to its faster connection. USB
can be used to connect a mouse, keyboard, game
controllers, printers, scanners, digital cameras, and
removable media drives.
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Virus
Computer viruses are small programs or scripts that can
negatively affect the health of your computer. These
malicious little programs can create files, move files,
erase files, consume your computer's memory, and cause
your computer not to function correctly. Some viruses
can duplicate themselves, attach themselves to programs,
and travel across networks. Opening an infected e-mail
attachment is the most common way to get a virus.
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Wi-Fi
Short for "Wireless Fidelity." Wi-Fi refers to wireless
network components that are based on one of the Wi-Fi
Alliance's 802.11 standards. The Wi-Fi Alliance created
the 802.11 standard so that manufacturers can make
wireless products that work with other manufacturers'
equipment.
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Zip
A zip file (.zip) is a "zipped" or compressed file.
"Zipping" a file involves compressing one or more items
into a smaller archive. A zipped file takes up less hard
drive space and takes less time to transfer to another
computer.
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