RTC Networks Tech Tip: Learning the Internet Alphabet

The Internet has a language of its own, and learning all of the new slang can be awfully confusing. For example, your computer cannot catch a virus if you sneeze on it. And unfortunately, the cookies we’re talking about aren’t mom’s signature chocolate chip.

In this Tech Tip, we are sharing definitions of some of the most commonly used (and misunderstood) Internet terms. If you are more of a visual learner, watch our latest Tech Tip video to follow along with tech expert Katie.

App

The most basic definition of an application, or app, is a type of software that allows you to perform specific tasks.

Bandwidth

Measured in bits per second, bandwidth is used to measure the amount of time it takes for a web page to fully load.

Cookie

In Internet terms, a cookie is a teeny tiny file that web servers send to browsers. They allow websites to remember you, your preferences, and your Internet habits.

Firewall

A firewall is a security device that can protect your private data by filtering activity and preventing outsiders from gaining unauthorized access to your computer.

IP Address

An IP address, or Internet Protocol Address, is a uniquely assigned numeric address for each computer connected to the Internet.

Virus

A virus is a code or program written to alter the way a computer operates. Like a flu virus, these programs are designed to duplicate and spread between computers.

That’s it for this edition of Tech Tips! Hopefully, with a few of these terms in your vocabulary, you can feel more confident using and talking about the Internet. Check back soon for another tip to make your technology work for you.