Glossary

Cache A cache is a small, separate portion of memory that a computer (or a program) uses to store information it needs to access frequently. Computers have Level 1 and Level 2 caches. Level 1 cache is small and very fast. Level 2 cache is more commonly used, and is much larger. The more memory in a PC's Level 2 cache, the more operations it is capable of carrying out speedily.

Cookies A means by which, under the HTTP protocol, a server or a script can maintain state or status information on the client workstation. In other words, a cookie is bits of information about a person's visit to a Web page. A cookie can include such information as the way a Web page was customized or how a visitor shopped on a Web site, or it can be used to track repeat visits.

Worm A worm is a virus that does not infect other programs. It makes copies of itself, and infects additional computers (typically by making use of network connections) but does not attach itself to additional programs; however a worm might alter, install, or destroy files and programs.

Trojan Horse A computer program is either hidden inside another program or that masquerades as something it is not in order to trick potential users into running it. For example a program that appears to be a game or image file but in reality performs some other function.

Spam (or Spamming) An inappropriate attempt to use a mailing list , or USENET or other networked communications facility as if it was a broadcast medium (which it is not) by sending the same message to a large number of people who didn't ask for it.

Spyware A somewhat vague term generally referring to software that is secretly installed on a users computer and that monitors use of the computer in some way without the users' knowledge or consent. Most spyware tries to get the user to view advertising and/or particular web pages . Some spyware also sends information about the user to another machine over the Internet. Spyware is usually installed without a users' knowledge as part of the installation of other software, especially software such as music sharing software obtained via download .

Defragmentation is the term given to the process of scanning the file system and rejoining the split files back into consecutive pieces. The process of defragmenting can be time consuming, but it is one of the easiest ways to increase the performance of your PC, the frequency of which a PC should be defragmented will directly depend on the amount of usage.

Fire Wall Refers to a security program which protects your computer from un-authorised access through a network and/or the Internet. These are very important especially if your computer is connected directly to the Internet i.e. cable users