Computer and Internet training: jargon-buster

Backing up
Perhaps the most important thing you'll learn in computer training is that computers sometimes break down. That's why you regularly need to back up all your photos, documents and other data by making an emergency copy on another computer disk.

Browser
A program you use to look at web pages. Computer training companies can show you how to use a browser to read news, shop for bargains, search for information and more.

Drag and drop
One of the first things you'll learn in computer training, drag and drop is a technique for moving files from one part of a computer to another using your mouse.

Document
This is the name computer training teachers give to just about any file that you create and write in using a program called a word processor—from letters to shopping lists to short stories. Introductory computer training courses should include the basics of creating and printing a document.

Firewall
A kind of electronic "bouncer" that guards the gateway between the internet and your computer, preventing worms and other undesirable and potentially damaging software from coming in. Your computer training instructor will be able to advise you on which firewall to install.

Instant Messaging (IM)
A way of sending short messages to people so that they can receive and reply to them immediately if they are online. If you are interested in instant messaging, make sure it's covered on any computer training course you're considering.

Netiquette
A vital thing you'll learn during computer training is how to behave on the internet. A generally accepted rough code of practice—netiquette—has sprung up as a way to help people communicate with each other respectfully online. Ignoring netiquette conventions—for instance, sending an email messages IN CAPITALS, which is the online equivalent of shouting—is considered very bad manners.

Search engine
A special website that helps you find just about anything you might want on the internet. During computer training you'll learn how to use search engines to find information quickly and accurately.

Spam
Junk emails that can clog up your inbox on your computer. Computer training courses can teach you several ways to avoid it.

Worms
Nasty programs that travel from computer to computer over the internet, infecting them as they go. As any computer training expert will tell you, the best way to keep worms away is to run a firewall.

Computer training tip:
Many computer training companies will teach you using a PC running Windows software. If you decide to buy a different type of computer—say a Mac made by Apple—you may prefer to seek out a computer training company that specialises in that sort of machine.