Spider
Also known as crawler. A computer program which roams the worldwide web to keep searches engines up-to-date with new or deleted webpages so that your internet searches will give you the latest information.
Spyware
Software that gets information from your computer without your knowledge or consent.
Stop button
Stops a webpage from loading. If you change your mind, and want to carry on loading it, click on the Refresh button.
Surfing the web
Searching the world wide web, probably using a search engine or web directory.
Terminal
Another word for a computer, particularly one connected to other computers, such as in the internet.
Text
Letters, words and sentences, rather than pictures.
Thread
A collection of messages with the same subject heading within a discussion forum or newsgroup.
Thunder
Free software that makes a computer talk from www.screenreader.net.
URL
Stands for Universal Resource locator, another term for a website address.
USB key
Also known as USB stick, memory stick, pen drive. A small device that plugs into a USB port. It can contain programs or be used to download files from your computer to hold as a backup so you don’t lose your work if your computer goes wrong. You also plug a USB stick into other computers.
USB port
A type of socket on a computer.
Usenet
The collection of most but not all newsgroups.
Username/User ID
A means of identifying you when you use the services on certain websites. It is often your email address. Unlike your password, it appears on the screen when you type it.
Virus
A program which copies itself from one computer to another. Some viruses are hardly noticeable but some can be very damaging and destroy everything you have on your computer. They can be passed to your computer via attachments or spam mail. Viruses are often associated with fraud and identity theft. If your computer is not working properly, check to see if you have a virus. To prevent them, be sure you have up-to-date antivirus software installed and don’t open emails or attachments that look suspicious.
The web
Short for the world wide web.
Web address
Typing a web address into your browser (WebbiE or Internet Explorer) takes you to that website. It usually begins with www. And has dots (.) And slashes (/) in. Don’t confuse it with email address.
