8 - Glossary

Term/Word

Definition

Ad blocker

Android

Apps

Programmes installed on your mobile device, tablet

Bluetooth

A kind of wireless technology that enables short-range communication between devices like mobile phones or tablets. It only operates when devices have their bluetooth capability turned on.

Bug

A fault or failure in a software program

Cookies

Encryption

The process of encoding information or messages in such a way that only authorized parties can read it.

Firewall

Geotagging

The process of adding geographical information to various media for example photos

GPS

The Global Positioning System (GPS) identifies your location using a system of satellites.

Hack

To get unauthorised access to data in a system or computer

Incognito mode

Incognito mode on the web prevents Google Chrome from saving a record of what you visit and download.

iOS

Operating system for apple mobile devices

IP (Internet Protocol) Address

A unique set of four numbers separated by a full stops which is used to identify your computer or device when it connects to the internet

Facebook Timeline

The area of facebook where a user’s photos, updates and events are shared.

Open Source

Software for which the original design and code is made freely available to the public so it can be redistributed and modified.

Phishing

The fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers, online.

Plug-in

An application that can be installed and used as part of your normal web-browser to add new features such as virus scanners.

Spyware & Malware

Malware is a kind of software designed to damage a computer system without the owner’s knowledge or consent. The most common way a person will install Malware on a computer system is through the internet, including e-mail. Spyware is a form of malware that is installed on computers to collect information about users without their knowledge. Spyware programs can monitor and collect personal information and change user settings stored on the compromised computer.

Rooting (or jailbreaking)

Spokeo

A website that combines data from various social networks.

SIM

A smart card inside a mobile phone that stores the identification number unique to the owner and personal data (i.e. contact data). Removal of the SIM card will stop the phone from working.

Two-factor Authentication

Technology that provides identification of users by means of the combination of two different components. For example when withdrawing money from a cash machine users are required to provide the combination of a bank card and a personal identification number (PIN).

Trackers

The analysis of a visitor’s behaviour on a website that results in the visitor being presented with content tailored to their interests based on what websites they visit and what they look at.

VoIP

Voice over IP (VoIP) is a form of technology that allows voice and video communications over the internet. The most well-known example is Skype.

Web Cache

Temporary storage of web documents

HOW TO VIDEOS

Shopping & Banking

VPN

Social Networking

General

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