Backup  A copy of data from a computer to a CD, DVD or some other storage device so that it is available if the computer fails or is damaged.

Bandwidth  The speed of the connection to the internet.

Blog  A personal online journal that is frequently updated and which can be read by anyone.

Broadband  A connection to the internet with high bandwidth.

Chatrooms  Websites in which users can have a conversation over the internet by typing messages.

Data  Information that can be stored or transmitted (usually via computers).  Data can be sound, text or images.

Desktop computer  A computer designed to stay in one place.  It usually has a separate screen and keyboard.

Disk drive  A computer component that enables you to read data from a CD or DVD and, in some cases, to store data on CD or DVD.

Download  Copy data from a computer on the internet to yourown computer.

Email (electronic mail)  A way of sending typed messages and files from one computer to one or more others.

Firewall  A protective software shield that stops unauthorised people from accessing a computer over the internet.

Hard disk  The part of a computer that stores data even when the computer is switched off.

Internet (also ‘the net’ or ‘the web’)  Networks that connect hundreds of millions of computers all over the world. 

Internet browsing  Looking at websites using software on your computer.

Internet Service Provider (ISP)  A company that provides access to the internet, usually for a monthly fee.

IT  Information Technology: the production, storage and communication of information using computers and electronic technology.

Laptop computer  A computer that is designed to be carried around.  The keyboard and screen are in one unit.

Online  Connected to the internet.

Operating system  The software that manages how a computer works.

Scanner  A machine that can copy a picture, photograph or document to a computer. The scanned image can then be kept on the computer, put on a website, or sent to other people via email.

Secure websites  On a secure site, users’ details are scrambled into code (encrypted) before being sent over the internet and stored on a secure database.

Software  Electronic instructions for a computer: for example, its operating system, applications such as word processing and databases, and computer games.

Spam  Electronic junk mail or any unsolicited email.

Virus  Programs that infiltrate computers and, when activated, corrupt the data or destroy the operating system.

Website  A set of pages that is owned and managed by an individual, company or organisation and viewed using the internet.