1080p
Of the common types of high-definition videos, this is the popular one: 1920x1080 pixels.
4K
Video with a resolution of at least 3840x2160pixels.
4K
Video with a resolution of at least 3840x2160pixels.
64-bit
A technology that processes information in larger chunks. Most modern computers are 64 bit.
720p
A common resolution of high-definition video: 1280x720 pixels.
Add-on
A program that adds extra features to your browser.
Add-on
A program that adds extra features to your browser.
Airplane Mode
Phones and tablets in this mode disable all radio communication (GSM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.) so they are safe to use on aircrafts.
Bandwidth
A measure of how much information can be transferred through a connection at one time.
Bandwidth
A measure of how much information can be transferred through a connection at one time.
Benchmarking
Comparing software and products with an accepted standard.
Beta
A version of software that's being tested. Beta versions are often released so problems can be ironed out.
Comparing software and products with an accepted standard.
Beta
A version of software that's being tested. Beta versions are often released so problems can be ironed out.
BIOS
Basic Input-Output System. Essential software built into every PC that connects the vital components. It’s visible for a few seconds when the PC starts.
Bulletin Board System
Or as it was often called BBS - is a precursor to the world wide web, this system was used for sharing news and messages.
Cache
A temporary space for storing information.
Client
A temporary space for storing information.
Client
On a computer network client computers are connected to and retrieve information from a server.
Cookie
A small text file stored on your computer by a website. Used to store browsing preferences, website log-in details and so on.
DOS
Disk Operating System. DOS was the predecessor to Windows.
DPI
Dots Per Inch. A measure of printed image quality, or the size an object will be shown on screen.
DPI Scaling
Items on a screen are made bigger or smaller to match the resolution.
DTP
DeskTop Publishing. Creating documents, books, leaflets or other printed matter on a computer.
Dual core
When two processors are combined into a single chip.
Duplex
Printing on both sides of a sheet of paper.
DVI
Digital Visual Interface. A common type of display connector that can carry a digital signal.
DVI
Digital Visual Interface. A common type of display connector that can carry a digital signal.
Eight-core
A standard processor has one core, but most modern processors are dual, quad, or even eight-core, making them faster.
FAT32
A system for formatting hard drives used by Windows 98 and ME, and still used for some portable disks. FAT stands for File Allocation Table.
Feedback
The tactile response that the keys on a keyboard give when they’ve been pressed.
File Extension
The part of a file name after the full stop. For example, .doc is the file extension for Word documents.
Firmware
Basic software stored on hardware, such as a processor, to control its operation.
Frame rate
The number of still images, or frames, shown per second to create a moving image.
GHz
Gigahertz. A measure of how many instructions a chip can process per second.
Firmware
Basic software stored on hardware, such as a processor, to control its operation.
Frame rate
The number of still images, or frames, shown per second to create a moving image.
GHz
Gigahertz. A measure of how many instructions a chip can process per second.
HDR
High-Dynamic Range. A camera that takes more than one photo with different levels of colour and contrast. These images are then combined to create a better-quality image.
Hibernation
A power-saving standby mode where the computer stores everything from its memory on the hard drive before switching off almost all power.
IoT
Internet of Things. Term for electronic devices that are connected to the web.
IoT
Internet of Things. Term for electronic devices that are connected to the web.
IPM
Images Per Minute. A test of printer speed that looks at how quickly it prints pages of graphics, tables, and text.
LANLocal-Area Network. A computer network in one place, such as a home or office.
Megapixel
A measure of the amount of detail that can be recorded by a digital image. A one-megapixel image is made up of a million dots (pixels).
MFP
MultiFunction Device. A combined printer and scanner.
Micro SD
A small type of memory card. Can be converted to SD size using an adapter.
Micro SIM
A smaller version of SIM (Subscriber’s Identification Module) cards used in mobile phones. Commonly found in smartphones.
Micro USB3
A faster version of micro USB (Universal Serial Bus) which has become a standard connection for phones and tablets.
Network card
Allows your computer to connect to a network.
Noise
Visible dust-like speckles that appear in some camera and TV images. In photos, they are caused by the camera’s own sensor. In TV images, they can be caused by the TV’s processor or by a flaw in the broadcast signal itself.
Patch
Software file that fixes problems with an existing program.
PCI
Peripheral Component Interface. A high-performance expansion slot for desktop PCs, allowing simple installation of PCI components such as sound cards and modems.
PCI Express
A faster version of PCI, used by modern graphics cards.
PCB
Printed Circuit Boards. These are used in all but the simplest electronic products to create electrical connections between components.
Processor
The processor - or CPU (Central Processing Unit) - is the brain of a computer. Processors now are tiny and are capable of carrying out millions of calculations every second.
Quad core
A computer that has four processors on a single chip, which allows it to operate faster than standard (single-core) computers.
Raw
A format for digital photos that stores the image exactly as the camera captured it, without compression or optimisation, but which is not compatible with all image editors.
Refresh rate
The number of times per second that the image on your monitor is redrawn.
Refresh rate
The number of times per second that the image on your monitor is redrawn.
Registry
A file integrated into Windows that stores information on all hardware and software installed on your PC. The Registry can be edited to tweak settings, but incorrect changes can damage the PC.
Resolution
The amount of detail shown in an image, whether on screen or printed.
RSS
Really Simple Syndication. A format for distributing news and other content from the web.
RSS
Really Simple Syndication. A format for distributing news and other content from the web.
SSD
Solid-State Drive. Storage that, unlike a hard drive, uses no moving parts. Faster but more expensive than conventional hard drives.
Tag
A keyword used to describe a file or webpage. Many programs use tags to organise related information quickly.
Thumbnails
Smaller versions of pictures or videos that give a preview of how the full-sized ones look.
USB2
Faster successor to USB that’s used by devices such as external hard drives.
USB3
A faster version of the USB standard used to connect devices to a computer.
WYSIWYG
What You See Is What You Get. Used in word processors, desktop-publishing packages, web-authoring software and the like to signify that the on-screen image of your page is the same as the printed output or published web pages. Non-WYSIWYG programs generally force you to use control codes which only take effect on printing: you cannot see the results on screen as you work.
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