Computer Terms You Should Know

2010-10-15T11:05:00.000-07:00

The famous computer scientist Bjarne Stroustrup once said, “There’s an old story about the person who wished his computer were as easy to use as his telephone. That wish has come true, since I no longer know how to use my telephone.”

As technology evolves, advanced computers and other tech devices appear more complicated and intimidating to the average user. In the event of a malfunction, most users who are limited in tech knowhow dread the call to tech support and frequently lug in their systems to computer stores where professionals can resolve the issue for a hefty price.

As “Sam,” a security engineer and technology expert who wishes to remain anonymous because of his job, explains, “Unfortunately, computers and operating systems are extremely complex devices. It's very easy to be intimidated at the complexity…and they have gotten progressively more complex over the last 20-plus years.” It’s so common apparently that cyberphobia, which the Free Dictionary defines as “the irrational fear of computers and technology,” is a typical occurrence.

Computer knowledge and maintenance
When traveling in a foreign country, it’s always helpful to learn a few everyday words and phrases, and the world of computers is no different. Words such as ‘RAM’ or ‘screenshot’ or ‘cache,’ for example, are common phrases with which average computer users should familiarize themselves.

You can also perform routine maintenance on your computer without getting technical. There are a host of easy-to-use at-home programs available that can help make your computer healthier. Computer Checkup Premium andSystem Mechanic, for example, help fix and speed up your computer and boost performance.

Popular tech terms
A majority of Americans own computers, yet the average user doesn’t know what ‘URL’ stands for (it’s Uniform Resource Locator, by the way -- a fancy term for an Internet address). Though most users have come a long way since the early days of the digital age when they mistook the CD-ROM drive for a cup holder, many are still baffled by tech-speak. Mastering just a handful of definitions may help users bridge the wide gap between the experts and the rest of us.

Firewall: A part of your network, a firewall allows certain communications to get through while blocking others. As Sam explains, “[Think of] a firewall as a doorman that stands outside your home (computer). It prevents unwanted users from just walking in to your home, and (with Windows 7 and Vista) checks that strangers that snuck into your home are allowed to leave.”

Malware: Malware is a catch-all phrase for viruses, adware and Trojans, which can cause damage to your computer. The best way to prevent malware from infecting your system is to regularly update your anti-virus program.

Cache: Your web cache stores all your web browsing info. You should clear your cache every so often to free up space on your hard drive and help protect your privacy.

RAM: Random-access memory (RAM) is a type of computer memory. “RAM is memory, and hard drive is space. Users often get these two mixed up,” our tech expert, Sam, says. “The best analogy I have is a room: RAM is the height of a room, and hard drive space is the square footage. The greater the ceiling height (RAM), the easier it is to move items (programs) around the floor (hard drive).” When you receive messages that your computer is low on memory, it’s usually time to add more RAM.

CPU: The Central Processing Unit (or more commonly, processor) is basically your computer’s 'brain,' which processes all the information. About.com sums it up best by saying that it’s “responsible for interpreting and executing most of the commands from the computer's hardware and software.”

HTTP and HTTPS: HTTP, or hypertext transfer protocol, is the standard prefix used for website addresses. HTTPS (Hypertext transport protocol secure), on the other hand, signals that the website you have visited is secure. When browsing bank, credit card or shopping websites online, for example, look for ‘HTTPS’ before entering any sensitive information.

Defrag: As we reported earlier, hard drives eventually become fragmented with daily wear and tear -- meaning that files are scattered and stored in various locations, rather than being neatly lined up on the drive. Hence, it’s important to “defrag” your hard drive, which basically reorganizes the files correctly so your computer can access them more quickly.

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Computer Terms You Should Know

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