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Knowing the Language (Part 2: E to R)

This page continues the A-Z of computing terms

Ethernet
A type of computer network developed by Xerox in the 1970s, allowing a number of PCs to be linked together and communicate with one another.

Firewall
Software or hardware that stops unauthorised access to your computer via the internet or over a network.

Flash
An application used to create high-quality animations on websites.

.GIF (GIF = Graphics Interchange Format)
A commonly used graphics file format popular for images displayed on web-sites.  The Graphics Interchange Format is a bitmap image format that was introduced by CompuServe in 1987 and has since come into widespread usage on the World Wide Web due to its wide support and portability. GIF and JPEG are currently the primary file types for graphics on the Internet. Generally, GIF files should be used for logos, line drawings and icons. GIF files support a maximum of 256 colors, which makes them practical for almost all graphics except photographs.

HD ready 
'HD ready' is a labelling scheme introduced by the TV manufacturers' organisation, the European Industry Association for Information Systems (EICTA). The label means the TV has the minimum screen resolution (at least 1280x720) and digital sockets (HDMI or DVI) to receive and display an HD picture.

HTML
Hypertext Markup Language – the language used to create web pages
Hyperlink
A clickable link on a web page or in a document that takes you to elsewhere, like to another website or a later page.

Icon
A small image used  by Windows or Apple to identify a file

Intranet
Has the look and feel of an internet website, and can be explored with a browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. Unlike the web, access is limited to pages on a company's internal network.

ISP
Internet Service Provider – a company that provides you with an Internet connection

JPEG (or JPG)
A common format for image files. JPEG images are compressed and the small file size makes them ideal for web pages.  Joint Photographic Experts Group

Lan
Local Area Network – describes two or more computers connected with the ability to share resources, such as printers etc.

Memory (or RAM)
Random Access Memory is the computer's temporary storage area, measured in megabytes (Mb). Anything written to memory will be lost when the power is switched off. Windows 95 needs at least 16Mb to work properly, and double that again to work smoothly. For Windows 98 and beyond, consider 64Mb as a realistic minimum.

MP3
A standard for compressing digital audio. The sound quality of an MP3 file is close to that CD audio but requires only a fraction of the storage space.

MPEG
Stands for Motion Picture Experts Group, and describes a method of compressing digital video. MPEG-1 compression gives VHS-quality vide, while MPEG-2 compression gives high-quality video with CD-quality sound. MPEG-2 compression is used for DVD movies.

PDF
Portable Document Format. A file format developed by Adobe that allows formatted pages of text and graphics to be viewed and printed correctly on a variety of machines, without the original author having to worry about the recipients. PDF pages created with Adobe Acrobat need to be read with the free Acrobat Reader application.

Peripherals
Add on hardware to your computer, such as screen, mouse, keyboard, printer, external hard drive, scanner etc.

RAM
Random Access Memory. The computer's working area, used for data storage while the PC is switched on. Its capacity is measured in megabytes (Mb): the more memory your PC has, the more things it can process simultaneously and the faster it will seem. Note that any information in RAM will be lost when the power is switched off.

Registry
A file integrated into Windows that stores information on all hardware and software installed on your computer.

Router
A device used to connect the computer to the Internet


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