IT Glossary: computer jargon explained M - P

Macro
A small program that you can setup to perform simple tasks. For example, you can setup macros in Microsoft Excel that will carry out automatic calculations for you.

Mail server
A program that received email messages and distributes then to the correct email addresses. It is the backbone of an email system.

Malware
Malicious Software. Malware is software specifically designed to disrupt a computer system. Examples of malware would be a virus,  a worm, or any program that tries to reinstall itself after you have deleted it.

Mbps
Mega bits per second. A “bit” is a single piece of digital information. A “mega bit” is one million bits. This term is used to measure how quickly digital data can be transferred from one place to another.

Mbyte
Mega Bytes. A “byte” is 8 bits of digital information and can be thought of like a character (e.g. the letter “A”) in a text document.  A “Mega Byte” is one million bytes. This term is used to indicate the size of a file. See also GByte, Kbyte.

Memory
An area inside the computer where information is stored while it is being worked upon.  This type of memory is also referred to as RAM. When the computer is switched off, all the content of RAM is lost, therefore you must use the hard disc to store things that you wish to keep.

Modem
Modulator Demodulator. A device that converts digital information into a form suitable for transmission on a telephone line. This device allows computers to be connected to the Internet through standard telephone lines. Note that a DSL Filter should be used when sharing a telephone between a voice line and a computer.

Motherboard
The main (largest) circuit board inside a computer, upon which all the main components are mounted.

Network
A system for connection computers together so that they can share information and resources, such as printers and other hardware. This is usually done through a central computer, or server. See also LAN and WAN.

OEM Software
Original Equipment Manufacturer Software. This is software that is pre-installed onto a computer by the manufacturer of that computer. This software cannot be transferred to another computer.

Operating System
This is software installed on a computer that allows the user to interact with the computer by providing all of the familiar user interface items like menus, icons and a desktop. The most common operating system on PCs is Microsoft Windows.

Patch
An update for a program that fixes a specific bug or problem with that program. You can usually download patches from the software manufacturer’s website.

PDA
Personal Digital Assistant. Also known as a palmtop, this is a pocket-sized computer that is often used to access email whist on the move.

PDF
Portable Document Format. A standard file format for viewing and sending documents regardless of how the original documents were created. This is the native file format of the Adobe Acrobat program.

Phishing
An email that looks like a legitimate email from an official organisation such as your bank or ISP. It directs you to a website then asks you to enter confidential information such as bank details. A phishing email is really from someone trying to trick you into disclosing your details, which can then be used for fraudulent purposes.

POP3
Post Office Protocol (version 3). A set of rules for sending and receiving email, mostly used just for receiving email. Most email sending is done using  SMTP.

Program
A program determines how the computer will respond to input from you the user. Programs are sets of rules and instructions designed to carry out specific tasks on your computer.  Examples of commonly used programs include Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

Protocol
A set of rules or language that computers use to communicate with each other.