Jargon buster

Firewall
Refers to a security program which protects your computer from un-authorised access through a network and/or the Internet. These are very important especially if your computer is connected directly to the Internet.

Domain name
A domain name is a unique name that is used to identify and locate computers on a network (including the internet), it can be used for websites and/or email addresses. For instance this website's domain name is www.brilliantpcservices.co.uk.

ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber)
Sometimes refered to as Broadband, ADSL is a connection available from Telecom companies using existing lines with fast download & upload speeds.

Freeware
This is software that is free, and as long as you can put up with the occasional advert there are some programs/utilities out there that are very useful. There are numerous sites on the internet that have huge collections of freeware.

Webmail
Email controlled from a website such as Hotmail or Yahoo instead of with a dedicated mail program like Outlook Express or Eudora. Many ISPs allow you to access your email both with a mail program and via the Web, so that you can access your email while travelling.

ISP (Internet Service Provider)
The company which provides you with a connection to the Internet via either a Dial-up Connection or broadband connection. Supanet is one such company.