Icon
A small picture on a computer screen representing a program, e.g. recycle bin, email, etc.
Internet
A vast collection of ever-changing files and resources stored on millions of computers all over the world. The interactive internet allows you to communicate with groups of like-minded people. It may be a notice board, discussion forum, newsgroup or email group.
Internet cafe
A place where you can use computers for a charge. You will be able to use the world wide web and web-based emails. You may also be able to buy coffee!
Internet Explorer
This is a browser.
ISP
Internet service provider, the company you pay to connect to internet, some well known providers are BT or Virgin. They have a large computer called a server.
Install
To put a program onto your computer, e.g. your printer software will need to be put on/installed.
Java/JavaScript
Simple webpages are written in HTML. Java and JavaScript are other languages used to add extra functionality to websites. Java programs, known as Applets, can take a little time to start and are not always easy with screenreaders.
Language
This is used for writing computer programs. You can use a computer without knowing anything about computer programming languages.
Laptop
A portable computer combining a keyboard, a flat screen, CD/DVD drives, hard drive, processor and speakers in one brief-case shaped unit. They can be run off rechargeable batteries and are ready to use on the internet.
Link
The part of a webpage that you click on to go to another webpage.
Linux
A free, open source operating system.
Load a webpage or website
Get the website or webpage onto your computer temporarily so that you can browse it. Loading starts when you click on a link or enter a web address. It finishes when the finished webpage appears on your screen. Log on to the internet The same as to connect to the internet. But you can also log on to an email service. To logoff is to disconnect.
Macintosh computers
Personal computers made by apple. They are called Macs or iMacs. They have a different processing chip and operating system from PCs, so work in a subtly different way. Modern Macs have a screenreader program called VoiceOver which both speaks and enlarges. The internet is designed so webpages and emails will work on both Macs and PCs.
Mailing list
This enables members of a group to send emails to the whole group at the same time.
MB
Abbreviation for megabyte, 1024 kilobytes.