Hey, technology can be confusing. There are hundreds of buzzwords and acronyms, and keeping up with them all can be a chore. So, for your convenience, we have compiled our Tech Dictionary to help you understand the technology you are using.

Adware

A form of spyware that displays unwanted advertisements on your computer.

Antivirus

An antivirus program is used to detect and remove viruses from a computer. Having an antivirus program is essential to keep a computer running smoothly. Modern antivirus programs have also begun detecting and removing other forms of malware, including trojans, adware and spyware.

Bit

The smallest unit of measurement that represents data. A bit represents a single electrical circuit and can only be one of two things: on ( represented by 1 ) or off ( represented by 0 ). Every piece of information in a computer is built on this foundation of ones and zeros.

Bluetooth

A wireless communications standard frequently used to connect computers with smaller devices, such as cellphones, mice and keyboards.

Byte

A unit of measurement that represents data. A byte is equal to 8 bits. Typically, a byte is used to represent a single character or letter.

CPU

Stands for Central Processing Unit. The CPU is the brain of the computer and is where 99% of all calculations and programs are run.

Direct X

A Microsoft technology that makes it easier for applications and games to utilize specialized hardware like 3D graphics cards, 5.1 surround sound, and joysticks.

Driver

A program that teaches the Operating System how to use a particular piece of hardware. For example, without a driver your computer would not be able to use it's printer.

Ethernet

A standard way to network computers together. An Ethernet plug looks like an oversized phone plug, with eight wires instead of four.

Firewall

An application that blocks unwanted communications between your computer and the Internet.

Flash Drive

See USB Flash Drive.

FTP

Short for File Transfer Protocol, FTP is used to exchange files between computers from across the Internet.

Gigabyte

A unit of measurement that represents data. A gigabyte is equal to 1,024 megabytes, or 1,048,576 kilobytes.

Hard Drive

The hard drive is the primary storage device in a computer.

Hyperlink

A hyperlink is a reference or jump point to another place in a document. In many cases, the hyperlink may refer to another document from the original one.

Jump Drive

See USB Flash Drive.

Kilobyte

A unit of measurement that represents data. A kilobyte is equal to 1,024 bytes.

Malware

A blanket category which covers all malicious software. Malware is often installed without permission and can lead to degraded system performance, pop up advertisements, and loss of data. See Adware, Spyware, Trojan Virus and Viruses.

Megabyte

A unit of measurement that represents data. A megabyte is equal to 1,024 kilobytes, or 1,048,576 bytes.

Motherboard

The motherboard is the main circuit board in the computer and is responsible for connecting and coordinating all of the various components inside the computer. Also known as the Mainboard.

Operating System (OS)

The Operating System, or OS, is the core program of any computer. Without an OS, a computer can not function. Famous operating systems include Microsoft Windows, Apple OS X, Linux, Unix, and DOS.

RAM

Stands for Random Access Memory. RAM is used to store information that the computer is actively using. A shortage of RAM in a computer can lead to poor performance.

Router

A device used to connect multiple computers to a single Internet connection.

Spyware

A form of malware that records your personal information that can be used to target advertising, commit extortion, or even outright theft.

Switch

A device that can connect multiple computers together. Unlike a router, a switch can not share the Internet between the computers it connects.

Terabyte

A unit of measurement that represents data. A terabyte is equal to 1,024 gigabytes, or 1,048,576 megabytes.

Thumb Drive

See USB Flash Drive.

Trojan Virus

A form of malware that is used to create a back door or hole in your security system. This is then used to easily install Adware, Spyware, and Viruses.

UPS

Short for Uninteruptable Power Supply, a UPS is a battery pack that automatically detects problems with your electric supply and switches to battery power to allow you to continue working.

USB

Short for Universal Serial Bus, USB is a way to connect a variety of computer components together easily.

USB Flash Drive

A USB Flash Drive is a small storage device that plugs in to your computer's USB port. They are a convenient way to transport documents between computers, and can also be used to create data backups. USB Flash Drives are also known as Thumb drives, Jump drives, Flash drives, and USB drives.

Virus

A form of malware that is self replicating and can often lead to poor system performance and even the loss of data.

World Wide Web

Also known as the web, the world wide web is the primary means to exchange information with others on the Internet. Using a Web Browser, one can browse from one web page to another, which are connected together using hyperlinks. These web pages can contain text, images, video, music, and other multimedia.

WiFi

Shorthand for wireless fidelity. WiFi is commonly used to refer to wireless network and Internet connectivity.