Glossary of Computer Terms

We have put together a simple list of common computer words and phrases to help you better understand your computer and IT systems.

If you would like further information on any of the terms you have read here, please contact us on 01635 567756 and we would be happy to help.

• Anti-Virus

A form of software designed to search your computer and external storage devices for known or potential viruses.

At the Lapworth Consultancy, we use Sophos protection on our network which guards against viruses, spyware, adware, trojans and more.

We would be happy to discuss our anti-virus setup with you, please call us contact us today.

• Boxed software

Boxed software available to buy from retail outlet and other software resellers and can be purchased for one computer.

Do you know what you want to do but are not sure what software you need to do it? Give us a call on 01635 567756 and we will help chose the right software.

• Domain Name

A domain name is used to find an organisation or other entity on the Internet. When you type a domain name into your web browser you are directed to the web site for that domain name.

For example, our domain name is www.tlc-ltd.com

Associated terms include; URL

• E-mail

E-mail stands for 'electronic mail' and is a method of exchanging computer messages by telecommunication. You can send an e-mail to an individual or a group of people using e-mail software on your computer or via your web browser.

There are many companies that offer e-mail services such as the popular Google Mail.

At the Lapworth Consultancy, we have chosen to run our own e-mail services and do not rely on a third party. We use Microsoft Outlook to send e-mail messages and Microsoft Exchange Server to manage our e-mail accounts.

If you would more information on how to setup e-mail services for your organisation please contact us. We have experience supporting our own and our clients email systems and would be happy to help.

• Pre-installed software

Pre-installed software is available from an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and is supplied already installed on an OEM computer. As with Boxed software is available to buy from retail outlets and other software resellers.

• Spam

Spam, also referred to as Junk E-mail, is unsolicited e-mail sent to your e-mail address.

How do spammers get my e-mail address? Your e-mail address may be collected by a spambot, a software program that scans the internet collecting e-mail addresses, or from a company that specialises in creating and selling e-mail lists.

There is only so much you can do to stop people from getting a hold of your e-mail address, however our advice would be when subscribing to e-mail newsletters and distributions, make sure you read their privacy policy. Make sure it says they will not sell your e-mail address and personal information to third parties, otherwise you may want to re-think your subscription?

Its not all doom and gloom! There are methods to reduce the number of spam e-mails delivered to your inbox.

If you are using a third party e-mail service, they may already have a spam filtering facility that you can activate.

At the Lapworth Consultancy, we use a service called Message Labs which filters our e-mails and prevents spam e-mails from reaching our inboxes.

To find out more about the spam filtering options available to you and your business, please contact us today.

• Spyware

Spyware is a technology that enables the collection of personal or company information without your knowledge or consent.

Usually in the form of software, spyware can make its way onto your computer as a virus or when you install a new program.

The general term for such unwanted software is Malware. Malware stands for Malicious Software and includes computer viruses, worms, trojan horses and spyware.

To minimise the risk of installing spyware on your computer, make sure you only download software from trusted sources.

If you think you may have spyware on your computer or you would like to run regular checks on your system to check for spyware, please contact us today and we will be happy to advise you on the best action to take for your situation.

• URL

Have to heard people say to you or others 'what's the URL?' but are not sure what that means?

URL stands for Universal Resource Locator and is the unique address for a web page on the Internet. Any file within a web site can be found with a specific URL. For example, the URL for this page is;

http://www.tlc-ltd.com/support/computer_terms_glossary.php

Associated terms include; Domain Name