Take the mystery out of some of those alien broadband terms with our jargon buster.
ADSL An asymmetric digital subscriber line, which is a broadband connection through your ordinary phone line.
Attachment A file that is ‘attached’ to an email – such as an image. It often can’t be seen in the body of the email (the main section where the text sits) but can be downloaded onto the recipient's computer.
Bandwidth This is a way of measuring the speed at which data is transmitted. It is measured in bytes per second (bps).
Bitmap An image format you can choose when saving graphics on your computer. When asked to submit an image, e.g. to a photo album website, it may need to be in a specific image format though this will usually be in a JPEG format. Bitmaps are only used on Microsoft operating systems.
Blog (web log) An online diary where users can post their thoughts on a specific subject and share it with other web users.
Bookmark A way of recording your favourite web pages in a list in your browser for future reference.
Broadband An internet connection that enables high speed data transfer – much faster than dial up.
Browser A program that enables you to view websites. The two most popular are Internet Explorer (IE) and Firefox, but others are available. Most operating systems come with a browser already installed. e.g. Windows operating system comes with Internet Explorer
Cable Some providers in the UK can set up users to receive broadband through a cable connection separate from their phone line. This means they have the choice to not pay line rental on a separate phone line.
Cable modem A modem that enables access to an internet signal sent through a cable network. Cable providers include Virgin Media and Wight Cable.
Capping Often broadband packages have a limit on how much users can download per month. E.g. video files, music files and internet radio.
Desktop The name for the visual representation of your computer when you power it up. From the desktop you can perform many actions such as looking at menus and opening documents.
Dial up A slow internet connection through a standard phone line. Needs to be dialled up to, and logged on to. At least 20 times slower than a broadband connection.
Digital radio The next generation of radio transmission, which allows more channels to be transmitted, with a much clearer signal. Can be listened to via a digital radio or online.
Domain The address of a specific website is known as its domain name.
Downloading When data is transferred from the internet to your computer (e.g. in the form of a music file)
Email Electronic mail that can be sent from computer to computer, regardless of location, using an internet user’s email address.
Encryption Data can be encrypted so that only the sender and the intended recipient can read/alter it.
Fair usage policy Broadband providers who offer ‘unlimited’ downloads employ these to ensure users don’t download an excessive amount. They have the power to limit a user’s bandwidth if someone exceeds their download limit. This will result in slower speeds for the user.
Firewall Hardware and/or software that you can use to control what information goes in and out of your computer via your internet connection.
GIF A format in which images can be created on a computer. Often used to create very short, basic animations.
Gigabyte (GB) A unit of computer information or storage equal to one billion bytes. You will find download limits are measured in gigabytes.
Hard drive The internal storage device of your computer, where all your information is kept.
Homepage The ‘front’ page of any website – often used as an index page. It can also be the term applied to the page you set your browser to default to when it opens.
Hyperlink Pieces of text or images that you can click on to open a web page or see some media. Text is usually highlighted and underlined.
Internet A global network of connected computers sharing information via websites, email and various other methods.
Internet radio You can listen to many commercial and non-commercial radio stations over the Internet, including digital stations.
IP Address An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique identifier for a computer on a network – it’s very own address, just like a house has.
ISP (Internet Service Provider) The technical term for a company that provides internet access, web space or web site hosting for business and home users.
JPEG An image format you can choose when saving graphics on your computer and one of the most common types. When asked to submit an image, e.g. to a photo album website, it may need to be in a specific image format.
Kilobyte (KB) A unit of computer information or storage equal to 1000 bytes.
Kilobit (KB) A unit of data transfer usually used to describe slower broadband connections. These connections are measured in kilobits per second (kbps).
LAN (Local Area Network) A network of computers that are connected together in a small area such as a home or office. These will be able to send data between each other at faster speeds than over the Internet, and often have more file sharing abilities.
Linux A lesser used operating system, more geared towards IT professionals. Linux is free and open source – meaning it can be edited by users when necessary.
Mac OS The most recent development of the operating system used on Macintosh computers – these are less prolific than Windows PCs.
MAC (Migration Authorisation Code) The name of the code given to ADSL broadband users by their current provider when they want to switch provider.
(1) Megabyte (MB) A unit of computer information or storage equal to one million bytes.
(2) Megabyte (MB) A unit of data transfer equivalent to one million bytes. Faster broadband connections are measured in mega bytes per second (Mbps).
Modem A piece of hardware you need to connect to the internet. Broadband providers will often include these as part of a broadband package to help you connect to the internet.
MP3 The most popular format for digital music files, though there are many other different ways to save music files.
Network The term that refers to any number of interconnected computers. The Internet is one huge network, but the term can also refer to a few computers connected in a household.
Operating system Software such as Windows XP which allows you to run other programs on your computer.
Phishing A criminal activity where fraudsters send out emails that direct users to web sites that are copies of trusted company sites. The aim is to collect sensitive information such as bank details and passwords.
Router A piece of hardware that splits an internet connection between different computers, enabling multiple users to use a single connection at the same time. It often incorporates an ADSL modem. Users can also purchase a wireless router, allowing them to do this without the restriction of cables.
Search engine A website tool that allows you to search all other websites on the internet for key words and phrases. e.g. Yahoo! and Google.
Spam A form of internet junk mail, usually advertising dubious special offers. Many email servers will filter out these types of email from your inbox to a separate junk mail folder.
Spyware Spyware is the term used for computer programs downloaded via the internet that are created to collect information about the user without their consent. These are often in the form of ‘useful’ looking tool bars that are free to download. Spyware can be detected and removed using special software similar to anti-virus programs. Also known as ‘adware’.
Streaming Instead of downloading a file as a whole, the information can be ‘streamed’ onto your computer and you can watch it as it plays. This doesn’t store a permanent copy of the file on your PC.
Tool bar Usually the bar at the top of windows you have open on your desktop. Allows you to change elements of whatever is open in the window and provides extra information about the program or operating system you are running.
Uploading The opposite of downloading, where you transfer information to the internet. e.g. uploading pictures to a website.
Virus The term used for a computer program that replicates itself and is created to damage computers. The viruses can lie dormant in the computer, crash a whole system or cause other kinds of disruption.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) This technology allows you to make calls over the Internet through your computer. You can do this by signing up with one of the various different services available, many of which offer free calls.
Windows The most common operating system used on standard PCs. It’s most recent evolution is Windows Vista, though most users run Windows 2000 or XP. Windows 98 is the oldest version you can use for most broadband packages.
Wireless hotspot A region covered by wireless access points. If you are in one of these areas with a wirelessly enabled computer, you can connect to the internet without needing a modem or cables.
Wireless internet (Wi-Fi) A way for several computers to access the Internet without using expensive equipment or extra cables.