Dictionary
At Happy Lappy we keep things simple by talking a language our clients understand. We have invented a language called 'Technowt', which means we don't use technological words - because they don't mean anything to you and you don't need to know them anyway! Here we give you our 'Technowt' description of words you might come across when using the Internet.
'Technowt' Description
Word
A baby programme which helps out if a larger programme cannot manage on it's own.
ActiveX
Like the annoying little man who puts unwanted rubbish through your letter box!
Adware
Think of this as the online equivalent to the national rail network. You decide where you want to go, tell the driver and you're taken to the destination. Instead of First Great Western, South West Trains and Virgin Trains - on the I you have got Internet Explorer, Firefox and Google Chrome.
Browser
Best described as a virtual telephone call. Instead of talking you type - the person at the other end see's it instantly. Chat rooms tend to have a specific subject and are on a dedicated wesbite, you will not always know the person you are talking to.
Chat rooms
Not that you will ever see or notice one of these, but so you know it is a file which is plopped on your computer by a website and remembers certain information such as which products you were looking at.
Cookie
A bit like an important amendment to a large publication. The amendment gets sent to everyone who has an incorrect copy.
Critical
update
When you get something from a computer in another place and bring it onto the one you're using via the Internet.
Download
The electronic version of putting stuff in a shredder - it can't be read!
Encryption
Something on your computer which acts like a window on a sunny day, you shut it to stop unwanted insects and pests getting into the house.
Firewall
Computer obsessed people - a bit like Angela and Ian!
Geek
A mischief email which clogs up email systems. Designed to gain sympathy, cause alarm and get forwarded to other users. Eg: Fake virus warning or charity letter.
Hoax email
Instant Messaging
Similar to the chat room principle but used more bet-ween friends and work colleagues.
In a nutshell - your computers ID number on a network.
IP Address
Java
Something which makes a website interactive!
Local Area Network (LAN)
Think of a large office with lots of computers, each user can access the same files and use the same printer. A LAN makes this possible.
An attempt to get users to disclose private information such as bank details or passwords - a bit like the highstreet pick pocket!
Phishing
A small window which appears over a web page to display an advertisement - as irritating as posters on fences and trees!
Pop-up
This is a way someone with more knowledge about computers can connect to yours and sort it out from theirs without having to come to your home - brilliant!
Remote desktop
On a network of more than one computer this is the 'boss'.
Server
The online version of junk mail landing on your door mat!
Spam
Like the nosey neighbour who watches everything you do and reports it to everyone else. This does the same on your computer!
Spyware