PS/2 Personal System 2. A set
of standards for such things as
mouse and keyboard interfaces.
PUP Potentially unwanted
program. A program that may
not be desired, despite the user
consenting to it being downloaded.
QR code Quick Response code.
A barcode that can be read using
smartphones.
RAM Random-access memory.
The computer’s working area.
Ransomware Malware run by
hackers who lock files on your PC and
demand a payment to release them.
RCA plug Part of an RCA connector
used to carry audio and video signals.
Read speed How long it takes
a hard drive to ‘read’ data, and
respond to it.
RTF Rich Text Format. A format used
to transfer files between different
word-processing programs.
Safe Mode A way of starting Windows
so that programs and peripherals are
prevented from working.Script A program that’s stored on a
server to control part of a website.Search engine optimisation
(SEO) Improving where your site
appears in search results.Secure Boot A security standard
designed to make sure your PC
avoids malware when booting.SIM Subscriber Identity Module. The
smart card used by smartphones.SIM-only A phone package in
which you pay only for the data,
calls and texts.Splash screen A program’s opening
screen, shown before the home page.sRGB A standard RGB colour
space for use on monitors.SSD Solid-state drive. Storage that
uses no moving parts.System restore point System files
stored at a given time to which
Windows can revert if necessary.Tethering Turning a phone into a
modem to give internet access to
a computer.Tor Browser A web browser
designed for anonymous surfing.TPM Trusted Platform Module. A
chip that allows your hardware to
perform security-related tasks.Trojan A malicious program that’s
disguised as a harmless one.Two-factor authentication
A system that uses two different
means to identify the user.USB 2.0/3.0/3.1 Faster successors
to USB.USB-C A connector that’s reversible.User Account Control Windows
tool that attempts to protect your
PC by verifying major decisions.Ve g a 8 Radeon’s built-in graphics
card for laptops.Virtual desktop System of multiple
desktops you can switch between
from your main desktop.VPN Virtual private network.
Keeps all internet communication
safe and private.Web crawler A tool used by
search engines to index the
content of websites across the
internet so they can appear in
search results.Widget A small program such as a
calendar that runs on the Windows
desktop.Wi-Fi 6 Wi-Fi standard with
speeds up to 10 times faster than
802.11ac. Also called 802.11ax.Write speed How long it takes a
hard drive to save data.ZIP file A file that contains
compressed documents or files.