The following list of technology definitions pertains to the terminology used within my website and therefore is not all-encompassing. For greater detail on the term, search my site for an article that contains it.
| Acronym, Term or Phrase | Definition or Intended Meaning |
|---|---|
| adware | Malicious software that places advertisements on computers through hijacking, popups or other means. |
| backdoor | A hidden function in a program or computer, allowing access without the computer user's knowledge or authorization. |
| BIOS | Basic Input Output System. Standard set of instructions/programs for computer system startup, to allow accessing storage and loading operations. |
| core | The processing paths within modern CPU chips. Because these paths are running in parallel within the CPU, each are often counted as a CPU. |
| CPU | Central Processor Unit or Central Processing Unit. The primary chip(s) in a computer system which performs instructions and calculations. |
| crawler | Also known as a spider. A program that automatically follows links on a web-site or document to generate indices of the data or obtain data. Commonly used by search engines. |
| CRC | Cyclic Redundancy Check. A mathematical process of verifying data transmission accuracy. |
| dialer | Originally using modems to deliver their payload, today's dialers take advantage of the victims broadband internet connection to deliver its payload elsewhere. |
| downloader | Sometimes used in conjunction with Trojan, this program gains access to a system and then downloads other content for installation on the system. |
| GPU | Graphics Processor Unit or Graphics Processing Unit. The primary chip(s) which render and present graphics for presentation to the user interface. |
| GUI | Graphical User Interface. Environment using images, text and shapes to interact with the user. |
| HA | High Availability. General term for redundant functionality to improve the availability of platforms in the event of failures. |
| hijack | malicious software that redirects browser traffic to other sites than intended by the computer user. Can also be a software that allows unauthorized remote control of a computer. |
| HTTP | HyperText Markup Language. Simple programming language used by web-sites and similar documents to provide textual and graphical elements. |
| hyper-threading | A processing technology that splits a CPU core into two virtual cores. This allows the core to perform two tasks simultaneously. |
| IGN | In Game Name. Usually a fictional name create by a game player, instead of using their real name. |
| keylogger | Often paired with spyware, this software tracks keyboard and sometimes mouse movement. |
| malware | Shortened version of malicious software. Includes virus, spyware, ransomware, among other harmful intending programs. |
| meta | General data, such as keywords, author, dates and other properties beyond the main data of a file, database or other content. |
| NVRAM | Non-Volatile Random Access Memory. This memory style retains its content when not powered. |
| RAM | Random Access Memory. |
| ransomware | Malicious software with an encrypting payload, demanding financial compensation for the key to unlock encrypted contents. |
| RJ-11 | Registered Jack number 11, containing four conductor connections, typically used in security systems and residential telephone. |
| RJ-45 | Registered Jack number 45, containing eight conductor connections, typically used to network cables and commercial telephone. |
| ROM | Read Only Memory. Typically holds permanently stored programs. |
| rootkit | Malicious software that loads as part or prior to the operating system. |
| SEO | Search Engine Optimization. Propagated meta data to assist crawlers with site and document indexing. |
| socket | The term for the connection point of a CPU into a circuit board. Used to identify individual physical (or virtual) processors, regardless of core count. |
| spyware | A program written to track internet and computer use with the intent of reporting information to its author or other party. |
| SSL | Secure Sockets Layer. An open standard for encrypted communications. |
| TLS | Transport Layer Security. An open standard for encrypted communications. |
| trojan | Software posing to provide a purpose other than the hidden purpose, including virus payload or providing backdoor access. |
| vCPU | Virtual CPU. Used in virtualized environments and often combines sockets and cores. I.e. 2 CPU virtual sockets, each with 2 virtual cores, equals 4 vCPU. |
| virus | Programs written to spread automatically and typically cause destruction to data. |
| VRAM | Volatile Random Access Memory. This memory style loses its content when not powered. |
| worm | A self-propagating program that methodically spreads through a computer, network or e-mail environment. |