Glossary of cybernetic terminology
Badware – Bad software that contains viruses and spyware that can steal your personal information trick you and send you spam messages. (See Malware).
Back up – Saving copies of the data from the computer for safety reasons, so that the information is not lost in case there is a problem with your computer.
Blocking software – A program that filters content from the internet and limits the access in the websites or content based on specific criteria.
Blog – is a shortened version of “web log”, a webpage where you can regularly post information, pictures etc.
Browser– Software used to find and bookmark webpages. Some browsers allow users to send and receive email, to read news, and view video or audio files. Some of the most popular browsers are: internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Google Chrome, etc.
Buddy list – List of people with whom you communicate through a program called IM. (Messenger).
Chat room– An internet space where you can meet and exchange information through messages that appear on other people’s display that are present in the “room”.
Cyber bullying –Online violence or harassment; includes embarrassing pictures or unpleasant comments posted on someone’s profile, or their delivery through messages or by email.
Firewall – Hardware or software that blocks unauthorised communication on your computer or from your computer; helps protection from hackers and to prevent someone from using your computer to copy your personal data without your permission.
Flash drive – A small device used to save information. Discs with USB are placed in the USB ports in the computer, to copy the information in them or from them, by easing the process of transferring the information.
Forum –An internet page where you can exchange different information, on different topics.
GPS(Global Positioning System) – A global satellite system of navigation that is used in vehicles or phones to determine the direction and the location.
Hacking –Breaking into a computer or network by avoiding or disabling the safety measures.
Hard disk– A device for saving data that use hard disks made of aluminium and coated with iron oxide. The reading-writing head moves through the disc on a thin air shock absorber without ever touching the disc. Hard disks have more storage capacity than floppy disks. In early 1980s, average storage capacity for floppy disks was 10 MB. Today, disks are measured in hundreds of gigabytes.
Instant messaging (IM)–The service for instant messaging (messenger) enables direct communication between two or more people, and provides information about who is online from the list of friends.
Intellectual property (IP) –are creative products that have commercial value, including copyright such as books, pictures and songs.
Java Script – Scripted language used to create interactive content or animation for the internet, such as games, advanced financial applications.
Limited user account –when someone is allowed to access several functions and computer programs, but allows only one administrator to make changes that will affect the computer.
Malware – “Malicious software”: includes viruses and spyware that steal personal data, send spam, and trick people.
Malicious software –Software that enables a hacker to create planned damage during its performance. For example viruses, worms and Trojans are malicious software.
Password – A secret word or phrase that a user (username) uses to access the internet or to protect sensitive information on the internet.
Patch – A program downloaded to correct or update an existing computer program.
Personal information– information that can be used to identify you, such as your name, address, birthday, etc.
Pop-up – A pop up window that appears above the window of the browser of a webpage that a user has visited. A pop up window is imposing, since it covers other windows, especially the window that the user is trying to read. Pop up advertises are used widely in the web advertising, even though advertising is not the only application for pop-up windows.
Privacy settings– management of privacy in social networks and other websites where you can put limits to who can have access to the information and what kind of information can be visible to your profile visitors.
Profile– A personal page where you can create a social network or other internet pages where you can exchange information about yourself or communicate with others.
Security software– Identifies and protects your computer from threats that can risk your computer or your personal data; includes antivirus and anti-spyware programs and firewalls.
Sexting – Sending or forwarding sexual messages from one cell phone to another.
Smart phone– A mobile phone that offers advanced features such as internet connection and portative media player.
SMS – Short Messaging Service –technology that allows sending text messages from one mobile phone to another.
Social networking site – An internet page that allows you to create a profile and connect with others
SPAM – Unwanted email or an email received without the request of the receiver.
Spyware – A program installed on your computer without your permission to monitor and control its usage.
SSID-Service set identifier – Unique set of characters or numbers that identify a wireless network. A computer or device that connects to a wireless network should support the network SSID. A SSID can contain up to 32 characters. SSID are sometimes called the names of the networks. SSID is also used as abbreviation.
Texting – sending short text messages from a mobile phone to another.
Trojan horse– A computer program with hidden damaging function, such as deletion of the disks in a specific date. Trojans are often distributed as falsified “new” versions of warning software products.
User name – a pseudonym that is used with a password to allow access to an account or an internet page.
Video calling– internet services that allow users to communicate while using video cameras.
Virus –Malware that enters your computer without you being aware, often through an email attachment that copies itself.
Webcam – A video camera that can show direct images. It can be integrated into a computer or bought separately.
World Wide Web (WWW) – is not a synonym for the internet. World Wide Web, or simply “Web”, is an internet subgroup. Web is composed of pages that can be accessed by using a web browser.