Techie Translator
Ever asked for help with your I.T. and ended up more confused than when you started?
We've come up with some common terms used by the techies, so if you do end up talking to one, at least you can understand them!
I.S.P – Internet Service Provider
The company or organisation that provides your connection to the internet, sometimes referred to simply as 'service provider'.
IP Address
Every PC on a network has an IP address, which is a unique identifying number. This also counts for PC’s on the internet. A techie can use this number to access your PC, so when asked for your IP address, here's and easy way to find it:
Click 'Start' (or the start bubble if you have Vista!), then 'all programs'...'accessories'...'command prompt'. Once in, type 'IPCONFIG' and press enter!
Task Bar
This is the bar along the bottom of your screen which shows you which programs are open and helps you switch between them. It includes the Quick Launch facility and Sys Tray.
Quick Launch
This is the group of small icons held on your task bar (usually to the left) that allow quick opening of some commonly used programs (such as Internet Explorer or Outlook). If it’s missing on your screen, right click on your task bar and click 'Toolbars' and select it from there.
Sys Tray (System Tray)
This is the group of icons to the bottom right hand corner of the screen, next to the clock. These are programs that are running in the background on your PC, which you may need to access. These usually run when the PC starts up, and can be accessed by clicking or double clicking on them.
Hard Drive/Disk
This is held in the main PC Base Unit and holds all of your data. You should make sure this is being backed up if you are not on a network and no central data/backup is being completed.
Memory/RAM
This is your working area on the PC. Files and programs are held on this whilst you use them and when you close them they are saved to your Hard Drive.
PC Base Unit
This is the box part of the PC which holds the Hard drive and Memory.
Wifi
This is a term commonly used for a wireless internet connection.
Desktop
This is the screen you see when you first log on to your computer. Typically this displays program and file icons and shortcuts.
Remote Desktop
This is a service which enables you to connect to your computer/server from any PC or Laptop. It allows you to control your PC as if you were sitting in front of it.
Operating System
This is the software used to run you PC or Laptop. Windows XP, Vista, Mac OS and Linux are the most common.
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