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Dictionary of Computer Terms and Acronyms
by Leeon J. Pezok, Sr.

Here you will find definitions of the computer terms and acronyms contained within my articles. This document is updated periodically as necessary.

A is for Acronym
Adware	Malicious software which places advertisements, usually as pop-ups, on your computer desktop and internet browser windows, often pertaining to the content found on your computer or the keywords typed in documents and internet browser.

B is for Boot
Backup	The act of duplicating data to an alternative medium for safe-keeping storage. Typically recorded to magnetic tape, eternal hard drive, or optical media.
Boot	The initiation of a computer either by power-on or reset. Turning on a computer (when powered off) is referred to as a Cold Boot, while resetting the system during an already state is called a Warm Boot.

C is for Cathode
Cold Boot	The process of powering on a computer from an off state.
CRT	Acronym for Cathode Ray Tube. Much like television, the CRT is a monitor that uses a vacuum tube containing electron guns that when transmitting a beam to the phosphors at the front of the tube cause them to illuminate; creating the image or text that is seen by the computer's user.

D is for Diskette
Dialer	Malicious software that uses the computer's modem to redirect internet traffic or connect to pay services without the computer operator's consent - typically distributed by Trojans.
Downloader	Malicious software that is often pat of internet site scripts or startup routines, these are used to download virus and other malicious content without detection.

E is for Error


F is for Floppy


G is for Graphics


H is for Hardware
Hibernation Mode	Energy conservation feature of many modern computers, where the system memory is saved to the hard disk and the system is powered down, similar to a normal shut down. Upon power resumption, the memory contents are reloaded from the hard drive and the system resumes as the previous state.

I is for Ink
Impact Printer	A printing device where the print head has direct contact with the paper and ink-transfer medium (ribbon). These are usually dot-matrix, but may also be daisy wheel or ball-style print heads.
Inkjet Printer	Printing device that sprays ink directly onto paper to form the text and graphics.

J is for Jumper


K is for Keyboard
Keylogger	Malicious software that intercepts input from the keyboard and records it to a local file or alternate location with the intention of providing to its author or other party.

L is for Laptop
Laser Printer	Printing device that uses a laser to create an electrostatic charge on a photosensitive drum, attracting the toner powder. Paper is rolled against the drum, transferring the toner image to the paper. As the paper passes through a thermal unit, heat bonds the toner to the paper. This process is similar to the technology used by photocopiers.

M is for Memory
Malicious Software	Software that is designed to create an undesirable operation within a computer, including pop-ups, data damage, and information theft.
MALWARE	Abbreviation for Malicious Software.

N is for Network


O is for Oblique


P is for Printer


Q is for Query


R is for RAID
Rootkit	Malicious software that tracks your internet and computer use with the intention of reporting information back to its author or other party, possible including programs, keywords, account numbers and passwords.

S is for Storage
Spyware	Malicious software that tracks your internet and computer use with the intention of reporting information back to its author or other party, possibly including programs, keywords, account numbers and passwords.
Standby Mode	Energy conserving feature of many modern computers, where the hard drives and monitor are automatically powered off and system voltage is reduced to a minimum level during periods of not being used.
Surge Suppressor	An electronic device, usually containing multiple outlets, that filters incoming electricity to prevent power spikes from reaching components plugged into the device outlets.

T is for Toolbar
Trojan	Malicious software that poses as a harmless or useful program, but installs other malicious software, commonly creating a backdoor into a system.

U is for Universal
Uninterruptible Power Supply	Automatic battery backup which supplies electricity in the event of a power failure. Some UPS units feature voltage regulation circuitry, providing consistent power during electrical drops and surges. Backup power capacity varies with each unit and is measured in Ah (Amp hours).
Universal Serial Bus	A communications architecture for connecting external computer peripherals through a standardized port, allowing peripherals to be daisy-chained together.
UPS	Acronym for Uninterruptible Power Supply.
USB	Acronym for Universal Serial Bus

V is for Video
Virus	Malicious software which is typically destructive, intending to disable your computer or programs. Virus are sometime tied to other malware, including spyware. Many virus automatically spread via e-mail or a network.

W is for Wireless
Worm	Malicious software that is self propagating, spreading from computer to computer across networks, particularly in unsecured peer-to-peer environments. Worm can also refer to a serial written storage system, like optical discs and tape.

X is for Xmodem


Y is for Yellow


Z is for Zip
Zip	Zip is a compression format used to combine multiple (or just one) files into a single file. Zip was a brand name for an external storage solution, similar to floppy diskettes.

The definitions provided within this document are based on my experience and understanding of the term or acronym. There are instances where an alternate meaning may exist, however not necessarily relate to my use of the term or acronym within my technology articles. In the case that you have found an error, please write to me for correction.

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