broadband

adjective

Unit 6 — IT Lesson

Definition
A fast Internet connection that is active whenever your computer is on.

Example
We are using a broadband connection that is very fast and efficient.

dial-up modem

noun

Unit 6 — IT Lesson

Definition
A peripheral that lets a computer connect to an ISP using regular telephone lines.

Example
Connecting to the Internet by dial-up modem is still popular in places where it is difficult or too expensive to have a cable connection.

domain

noun

Unit 6 — IT Lesson

Definition
An Internet address that uses words instead of numbers.

Example
Well-known domain names are www.google.com or www.microsoft.com.

domain name server

phrase

Unit 6 — IT Lesson

Definition
A computer that converts domains into IP addresses.

Example
A domain name server converts domain names into IP addresses.

download

verb

Unit 6 — IT Lesson

Definition
Receiving information from another computer on the Internet.

Example
It is possible to download free software updates from software companies.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) software

phrase

Unit 6 — IT Lesson

Definition
Software that lets you upload or download files to another computer on the Internet. You can also use FTP software to delete, copy, or rename files on other computers, if you have permission to do so.

Example
You will need File Transfer Protocol (FTP) software if you want to upload files to another computer at work.

instant messenger

noun

Unit 6 — IT Lesson

Definition
Software that lets you send and receive short messages, which appear immediately on your computer or the one you send them to.

Example
Many teenagers like to use instant messenger so that they can communicate with each other easily and quickly.

Internet

noun

Unit 6 — IT Lesson

Definition
A collection of computers and other machines around the world that can send information to each other.

Example
The Internet is an excellent tool for finding out information on just about anything, from general university policies to technical documentation about software.

Internet Protocol (IP) address

noun

Unit 6 — IT Lesson

Definition
A series of numbers that acts as a computer’s address on the Internet. IP addresses are made up of four numbers from 0 to 255, separated by periods — for example, 142.104.5.64.

Example
Each computer has its own Internet Protocol (IP) address so that it can be identified by other computers.

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

noun

Unit 6 — IT Lesson

Definition
A company that connects your computer to the Internet by passing on messages for it.

Example
It is a good idea to find a reliable Internet Service Provider (ISP) so you can connect to the Internet at any time.

modem

noun

Unit 6 — IT Lesson

Definition
A peripheral that lets a computer connect to an ISP.

Example
A few years ago it was very common to use a dial-up modem to connect to the Internet.

online

adjective

Unit 6 — IT Lesson

Definition
Connected to the Internet.

Example
Once you are online, you can search the Internet or send out e-mail.

packet

noun

Unit 6 — IT Lesson

Definition
A small piece of information sent across the Internet. All Internet traffic is made up of packets.

Example
Internet traffic is made up of small pieces of information called packets. Each packet carries specific information.

router

noun

Unit 6 — IT Lesson

Definition
A machine that guides packets to their destination.

Example
Wireless routers are often used for computing at home.

streaming software

phrase

Unit 6 — IT Lesson

Definition
Software that lets you listen to, or watch, a broadcast over the Internet, much like a radio or television station.

Example
Streaming software is now commonly used for viewing video over the Internet.

TCP/IP

noun

Unit 6 — IT Lesson

Definition
The rules for sending, addressing, and assembling Internet packets.

Example
Any computer that knows TCP/IP can communicate with any other computer that knows TCP/IP.

update

verb

Unit 6 — IT Lesson

Definition
Getting new information to replace or add to older information.

Example
It is important to update the anti-virus software on your computer on a regular basis so that your computer cannot be attacked by a virus.

upload

verb

Unit 6 — IT Lesson

Definition
Sending information to another computer on the Internet.

Example
A server will upload information to other computers.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) software

phrase

Unit 6 — IT Lesson

Definition
Software that lets you use the files and peripherals of another computer over the Internet as though you were connected to it with a cable.

Example
If you are at home and want to access files you have saved at work, you can use Virtual Private Network (VPN) software to connect to the file server.