IT Glossary: computer jargon explained U - Z

Update
An update is usually a new version of software that fixes problems or bugs that have been reported by users. An update is often downloaded from the manufacturer’s website. An update to Microsoft Windows, for example, might be issued to protect it against a newly identified virus. Updates are usually provided free of charge, although they may only be supplied to users who have purchase a software maintenance contract.

Upgrade
An upgrade is new, improved version of software. It is distinct from an update because it introduces new features and benefits rather than just fixing problems. It will often have a different name or a larger version number than the software it upgrades and there will usually be an extra cost to upgrade.

Upload
The process of transferring data up from a PC to a network or to the Internet.

URL
Uniform Resource Locator. An address used to find something on the Internet, most often a web page. All web addresses are URL and the term “address” and “URL” are generally interchangeable.

USB
Universal Serial Bus. A standard socket or port on your computer to which you can attach hardware devices that use the same type of socket. USB devices can be “daisy-chained” which means that a single connector on your PC can be used to connect to multiple devices. USB 2.0 is a newer faster version of the same standard.

VPN
Virtual Private Network.  A secure way to provide access to your company’s network remotely, over the Internet.  A VPN uses encryption techniques to provide secure login and secure transfer of data from, for example,  an employee working at home to the company network.

Virus
A program designed to cause problems when installed on a PC. The nature of the problems will depend upon the virus itself – some will delete important files whereas others will simply slow down the computer to the point where it may become unusable. The big problem with viruses is that they are designed to spread, copying themselves over a network or via email. Antivirus software is now essential for all business.

WAN
Wide Area Network. A group of networks or LANs that are linked together for form a larger network. Usually a WAN will link computer systems over remote locations. The communications methords can vary from Internet to direct dial-up links. These can be office-to-office links or, increasingly common, office-to-home workers.

World Wide Web or WWW or The Web
A way of accessing information over the Internet. The Web uses a network of Internet servers that hold documents formatted in HTML; these contain graphics, audio and video files. Your browser asks for a web page to be sent to your computer and allows you to view the HTML formatted page. The Web is only a part of the internet: email, news groups, FTP and instant messaging use the Internet not the Web.

Worm
A worm is a damaging type of virus that does need a host program to work. It duplicates itself through email and the Internet.