You can click on any of these words to get a simple definition in BSL and English text of what they mean.

ADSL

ADSL stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. It’s like a very fast telephone line that is always connected to the internet – and is one way of getting broadband.

Always on

If you have broadband, your computer connects instantly to the internet as soon as you switch it on. You don’t need to dial up. This is known as ‘always on’ technology.

Broadband

Broadband is a better way of connecting with the internet. It allows much faster transmission of data – including video - to and from your computer or mobile telephone.

Chatroom

Some websites offer a chatroom facility. A chatroom is an online area where two or more people can meet and ‘chat’ by typing messages to each other. Conversations take place in real time. You might have to pay to be a member of some chatrooms, but most are free.

Data

Data is the general term given to all information which is stored, processed or sent and received by a computer. It could be text, pictures, sound, or video.

Dial up

When you go online to visit websites, your computer calls your Internet Service Provider (ISP) who then connects you to the internet. This is known as ‘dial up’.

Email

Email is an abbreviation for Electronic Mail. An email is a message sent by computer from one person to another via the internet. As with sending a letter, you can include all sorts of things such as photographs and videos with your email. They are called attachments.

Instant messaging

Instant messaging is a software program that allows you to use your computer to instantly communicate with a friend or colleague. You open up a small window on your PC screen. Both you and the recipient can type in messages which both of you can see. Instant messaging allows you to have an ongoing ‘conversation’ while using your computer to do other things.

Internet

The internet is the network of networks which links millions of computers together worldwide

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

An ISP is a company that provides access to the internet to individuals or companies. ISPs provide local dial-up access from your personal computer to their computer network and their network connects you to the internet.

Modem

A modem is a small electronic device which plugs in to your computer. It allows your PC to connect to the internet via your telephone line. A broadband modem lets you use your telephone at the same time as using the internet.

PC

PC is an abbreviation for Personal Computer.

Software

Software is a general term for all the different instructions – written in code – which tell your computer what tasks to perform.

Virus

A virus is an unwanted computer program – usually hidden in an email - which loads itself onto your computer without your knowledge. It can seriously damage other programs and data stored in your PC. Like a real virus - for example a cold - it can spread to other computers.

Web

The worldwide web (abbreviated in web addresses to www) is the collection of electronic documents, or ‘pages’, that can be viewed on your computer when you are connected to the internet.

Webcam

A webcam is a miniature camera which sits on top of your PC screen. It enables you to send live or recorded images to other computers using a broadband connection.

Webcast

A webcast is a broadcast of information – sound and/or video – which uses the internet rather than television or radio. Webcasts are usually live.

Website

A website is a collection of web pages linked together on a single topic. Every website has its own unique name – called a domain name.

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