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There are a lot of technical terms used in the IT and web development industries which the layman may not be entirely familiar with.
While we always strive to use plain English when talking to clients, there are inevitably occasions whereby we have to use computer terminology. So, to help you make sense of some of the jargon used in the computer world, we have compiled this handy glossary of techie terms and web speak. We hope it helps to make things a bit clearer!
An American software company responsible for a number of popular product lines, including Photoshop (an image editing program) and Acrobat Reader (a program which allows the user to view PDF files.
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. Broadband technology which allows faster data transmission over a normal telephone line (i.e., a traditional line using copper wire). It effectively splits the line in two, allowing telephone calls and Internet connection to be made simultaneously. Download speeds are faster than upload, making it ideal for home Broadband connection.
See Google AdWords.
A popular eCommerce website. It originally began as an online book store but now sells a wide variety of products to Internet users all over the world. Members can also sell their own products through Amazon.
A program which is used to prevent spam emails from being received. It works principally by blocking emails that feature trigger specific words (for example, ‘Viagra’), although other methods exist. It is not foolproof and can sometimes block legitimate emails accidentally.
Software that prevents viruses from infecting a computer, and detects and removes existing viruses.
Major computer and electronics manufacturing company based in the USA. Producers of the Mac series of computers and laptops.
A piece of software designed to perform a specific task or set of tasks.
Active Server Pages. A tool for creating dynamic web pages.
A file which is stored and delivered within an email.
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The storage of data from a hard drive to another data storage device such as a portable hard drive or an offsite server in order to prevent loss of data in the event of destruction of or damage to the computer.
Computer technology which can identify an individual by unique physical characteristics, for example their fingerprints, or behavioural characteristics, such as the way they speak.
A wireless handheld device which combines mobile phone technology with Internet connection, giving users access to telephone, email, and web, as well as the typical features of a PDA.
An online log or diary which is updated regularly by one or more users. A blog is often used as a page on a website and updates can be sent to subscribers via RSS feed.
See spider.
Communications technology which allows for multiple high-speed data transmission over a single medium (e.g. a telephone line).
See web browser.
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A specific part of the memory of a computer which is used for temporary storage of frequently used data, allowing it to be retrieved more quickly. It is typically used to store web pages that you have visited previously, so that they can be accessed more quickly if you visit that website again.
Also known as Cat 5 or Cat 5e cable. A type of cable containing twisted pairs of copper wires. Cat 5 cable is mainly used in computer networks and voice transmission and is designed for high signal integrity.
Also known as Cat 6 or Cat 6a cable. A type of cable containing twisted pairs of copper wires. Cat 6 cable is mainly used in computer networks and voice transmission which can carry much higher frequency signals than Category 5 cable.
A compact disc that is designed for use as a data storage device.
A major manufacturer of networking equipment such as routers.
A major software manufacturer specialising in applications for networks and the Internet.
A program which analyses web traffic and the behaviour of visitors to a website.
In I.T. terms, an application that accesses information on a server by way of a network.
Content Management System. A program which is used to create a framework for the content of a website.
An electronic machine which has the ability to store and process data and run complex programs.
When referring to a website, all of the subject matter included on the pages of the site, such as text and images.
See spider.
Cascading Style Sheets. A method used when building a website that ensures styles such as colours, layouts and fonts are uniform across the site. Using CSS to construct a site also helps to prevent the source code of web pages from becoming cluttered.
An on-screen image, usually an arrow or vertical line, which is moved using a mouse and used to interact with elements on the screen.
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Working with i-Zimbra is great because they know how we need to have our sites built. As a web marketing company ourselves, it is vital that our sites look great and are web standards compliant.Katherine Dawson
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