It is some time since we included any
jargon-busting articles in Understand IT, for fear of being repetitious.
However, a recent survey by AOL (America OnLine), reported by the BBC,
indicated that many computer users do not understand some of the “geek speak”
currently being used. The following is therefore just a few of the terms you
may come across:
Virus: Malicious program designed to damage data;
usually spread via infected e-mail attachments
Trojan: Malicious software disguised as harmless
program
Firewall: Software to protect computers against
hackers
Keylogging: Software/hardware to track keystrokes on a
computer to gather passwords, credit card numbers
Pharming: When fraudsters redirect net users from
legitimate to fake sites
Phishing: Fraudulent e-mails and pop-ups to fool you
into revealing personal information for criminal gain
Rogue dialler: Software that installs itself on
computers and changes settings to dial a premium rate number instead of usual
dial-up account
Spam: Unsolicited e-mails, often offering products or
services in which you have no interest
Spyware: Small programs that secretly monitor sites
visited, potentially violating privacy and slowing computers.
