HelpDesk
JMU Computing HelpDesk Terminology
These are terms you may hear spoken at the JMU Computing HelpDesk when discussing a computing problem.
For a more complete list of general computing terminology please see an online computing dictionary such as Webopedia.
Also see Acronyms and Jargon.
Browse Term by Letter
- Account
- Typically used to describe a user's profile, which permits access to a computer system or application. At JMU many accounts, such as your e-ID (for access to e-mail, e-campus, J-Ess, Blackboard and more), Peregrin, www.jmu.edu, and other others are managed through the Accounts Portal.
- Active Directory
- Microsoft's directory service (which identifies the resources on a network and makes them available to users and applications). See also JMU's Active Directory information.
- Active Window
- A window is a rectangular or square box on your screen. The active window is the one you are currently using indicated by the default blue title bar (top line of the window), which typically appears on top of other windows (whose title bars are gray by default ) .
- AJAX
- Asynchronous JavaScript and XML. AJAX is a type of programming popularized by Google allowing for more efficient and user-friendly web applications via improved use of existing web standards (Source: http://www.w3schools.com/ajax/).
- Anti-Virus Software
- Software, such as Symantec Norton Anti-Virus, designed to detect and/or eliminate viruses before they damage a computer system.
- Application
- A piece of software designed for a specific kind of task, for example a word processor (such as Microsoft Word).
- Authentication
- The verification of the identity of a person or data typically by a password. Sometimes the question is asked "Can you authenticate?", which essentially means "Can you login?".
Backup As a verb, backup means to copy computer files such that the original files can be restored/recovered if the need arises. As a noun, backup means the actual copied files themselves.
Bandwidth Refers to the amount of data that can be transmitted during a specific amount of time.
Blocked Computer This typically refers to a computer that has been restricted in some fashion due to a security risk.
Browser Probably what you are using to read this right now. A Web browser, often just called a "browser," is the program people use to access the World Wide Web. Some common browsers are Microsoft Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Apple Safari.
Cache A cache stores recently-used information in a place where it can be accessed very quickly. For example, a Web browser uses a cache to store the pages, images, etc. of recently visted Web sites on your hard drive so that when you visit a page you have recently been to, the pages and images don't have to be downloaded to your computer all over again.
Configuration Configuration can refer to either hardware or software. The HelpDesk often uses the term when referring to software. For example, the HelpDesk may help you "configure" Microsoft Outlook XP by walking you through these documented configuration steps.
Cookie A cookie is data sent to your computer by a Web server that records your actions on a certain Web site.
Context JMU has organized Novell Directory Services to reflect a departmental structure. When the HelpDesk refers to your "context", it is referring to the location of your account within the database. You can learn more and determine your context here.
CSS Cascading Style Sheets define how to display HTML elements (Source; http://www.w3schools.com/css/css_intro.asp).
Database An electronic filing system and/or collection of organized information.
DLL file A Dynamic Link Library file contains a library of excutable functions or data. Your PC has many .dll files which are used by various Windows applications.
DNS Domain Name System (Service or Server). The means by which domain names (Web addresses) are translated into IP addresses.
Download To transfer a file from another computer to your computer. Also see upload.
Driver A progam which allows your computer to communicate with a peripheral device, such as a printer.
e-ID Your e-ID, or Electronic ID, is your unique indentifier when you access numerous computer systems on campus, such as e-mail, e-campus, J-Ess, Blackboard and much more. It is typically the first 6 characters of your last name, your first name initial and your middle initial (for instance Elmer P. Fudd, would be fuddep). See the Electronic ID (e-ID) FAQ.
Encryption A data security procedure which converts plaintext into cipher text (secret code) in order to prevent any but the intended recipient from reading that data.
Ethernet A very common method/architecture (widely used at JMU) of networking computers in a LAN.
FAQ FAQ stands for Frequently Asked Questions. For example, the HelpDesk maintains FAQ's.
File Extension Typically refers to the suffix which follows the period in a file name. For example, a Microsoft Word file will often have a ".doc" extension. More details are available on web sites such as http://www.filext.com/
Firewall Hardware and/or software designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a network or computer.
FTP File Transfer Protocol is a common method of transferring files from one computer to another. Common FTP programs are "Fetch" for the Mac, and "WS_FTP" for Windows.
Hardware The physical parts of a computing system. For example the computer's disk drive would be considered hardware. Differentiate from software.
Help Feature This is a feature built into most software applications, for the purpose of providing you with how-to explanations and solutions to common issues. It is usually labeled "Help" and located on the top menu bar of the application.
Home Page The main page of a web site. Or may refer to the page which your browser automatically opens to every time the browser is opened or when you click the Home button.
HTML Abbreviation for HyperText Markup Language, which is the language used to create documents for the World Wide Web.
Hub Typically used to connect segments of a LAN, hubs provide a common connection point for devices on a network.
Hyperlink A reference (link) in one document that links to another document or to another place in the same document.
IMAP Internet Message Access Protocol. This protocol allows an e-mail client (such as Outlook, OSX Mail, etc.) to access and manipulate electronic mail messages on the server.
IP Address Your IP Address is an indentifier for your computer or device on the (TCP/IP) network.
IPCONFIG IPCONFIG is a utility included with Windows 2000 and Windows XP. The purpose of IPCONFIG is to provide the user with diagnostic information related to TCP/IP network configuration.
ISP Internet Service Provider. A company which provides access to, or presence on, the Internet.
JavaScript Pioneered initially as Netscape's World Wide Web object-oriented scripting language known as Livescript, JavaScript enables Web authors to design interactive sites. It is a key component of AJAX.
Knowledgebase A knowledgebase is a searchable database of helpful information, which can be used to solve many computing problems. See Knowledgebases and HelpDesk Knowledgebase.
LAN Local Area Network. A data communications network which is geographically limited or spans a relatively small area.
LDAP Lightweight Directory Access Protocol. LDAP is a non-proprietary access protocol created by a group of engineers at the University of Michigan as an easy to implement method of accessing X.500 compliant directories over TCP/IP.
Listserv An automatic mailing list server. See Listserv (.pdf).
Log a Call When a Computing HelpDesk staff person says they are going to "log a call", this means they will use the HelpDesk call tracking software (Remedy) to escalate or transfer responsibility for your computing need to the appropriate person or group.
Login As a noun this is your username or electronic ID (usually not a secret) used to gain access to a computer system. As a verb this is the act of connecting/authenticating to a computer system by giving your credentials (typically your username and password).
Modem Modulator/demodulator. An electronic device that enables a computer to transmit data, typically over telephone or cable lines. A modem converts between digital and analog data.
Network Any time you connect 2 or more computers in order to share resources, you have a computer network. There are thousands of networked computers/devices at JMU.
Network Jack This usually refers to the port or plug in the wall, into which you plug a network cable. Occasionally "dead" jacks need to be repaired by a technician.
Novell NDS/Netware A JMU Novell NDS/NetWare account provides access to many of the computing resources at JMU, such as network data file storage space, printers, etc. See Novell NDS / NetWare File Servers.
Operating System Your computer's operating system, such as Windows XP, Windows 2000, or Mac OSX. This provides the necessary software platform for other programs, such as applications (Microsoft Office, etc.) to run.
Password A string of characters chosen by a user (or system administrator) and used to authenticate the user when attempting to login. Passwords are necessary to help prevent unauthorized access to user accounts.
Patch A software, security, network, or operating system update.
Phishing Term used for an Internet scam, that is, identity theft attempts disguised as a helpful e-mail from what appears to be a reputable Internet site. For example, an e-mail will appear to be from a large company such as eBay and looks very authentic -- full of eBay logos and links. The e-mail says the user's accounts were expiring, and the user better fill out a form quickly or risk losing their current auctions. In doing so, malicious code steals the information a person enters. Sometimes, it may involve a link that appears to point to a reputable site, but actually points to one containing malicious code. Please see http://www.jmu.edu/computing/security/index.shtml#phish for more information. Also refer to vishing.
Ping PING is a utility which can be used to troubleshoot Internet connections. It works by sending a packet to a specified address and waiting for a reply. For example, you can open a command prompt and type:
Ping www.jmu.edu
and press Enter. You will either receive a reply or the request will time out. Another, ever more basic, ping test you can run will simply determine whether or not your workstation's TCP/IP services are running. This "loopback" test can be run by opening a command prompt and typing:
Ping 127.0.0.1
and then press Enter.
Print Driver A program that allows a PC to communicate with a printer. For example, in order for a given PC to be able to print to a HP LaserJet 5Si printer, the appropriate print drivers must be installed on the PC.
Query As a noun, Query means a request for information from a database. As a verb, Query means to make a request for information from a database.
Ribbon According to 10 new Office 2007 interface elements (and what they’re really called) by TechRepublic blogger Jody Gilbert the ribbon is the Microsoft Office 2007 interface, which "houses tabs with functional groupings of buttons and drop-down lists that are supposed to be relevant to particular tasks. Some icons are bigger than others, engineered that way to add prominence to the most commonly used items" (Source: http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/msoffice/?p=139). The ribbon replaces the traditional menu of older Office versions.
Router Commonly located at gateways, a router is a device which acts as a "traffic cop" and determines the best path for forwarding data packets between networks.
Search Engine A program which allows you do keyword searches for information on the Internet. For example, Google.
Self-Help Self-Help is the HelpDesk's online compilation of frequently needed computing information (including FAQ's) for JMU faculty, staff, and students. See What is Self-Help and how do I use it?.
Server A device or computer on a network which manages network resources and provides some service to other (client) devices or computers.
SMTP Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. A protocol used to send e-mail messages between computers.
Software Software refers to the information or data that can be stored electronically. For example, an application like Microsoft Word would be considered software. Differentiate from Hardware.
Spam Typically junk mail. See SPAM.
Spyware Sometimes referred to as "adware". Spyware is software that gathers information via your internet connection, typically without your knowledge. The information may be used for advertising, to track your movements, etc.. At the very least, spyware can have a very adverse effect on your computer's performance and can interfere with your network connection. You can combat Spyware by becoming familiar with this spyware removal information.
SSL Secure Sockets Layer. A protocol designed by Netscape for transmitting encrypted communications on the Internet.
System TuneUp Quick maintenance tasks to enhance PC performance such as those found here.
TCP/IP Abbreviation for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, the suite of protocols used to connect computers over the Internet and the standard for transmitting data over networks. TCP/IP is built into all major operating systems, such as Unix, Windows, and the Mac OS.
Telnet Telnet allows communication between two computers over a network. See also.
Trojan A destructive program that masquerades as a benign application. Unlike viruses, Trojan horses do not replicate themselves but they can be just as destructive.
Upload Essentially the opposite of download. Transferring data (typically a file) from the computer you are using to another computer.
URL URL, which stands for Universal Resource Locator, is the address of a web site on the internet. For example http://www.jmu.edu/computing/helpdesk.
USB Universal Serial Bus. Intending to replace parallel, serial, keyboard, mouse, and monitor ports, etc., USB is an external peripheral interface standard for communication between a computer and external peripherals. See http://www.usb.org/faq.
Version When the HelpDesk asks for the "version" of your software application, they are asking which release of the software you have. For example Microsoft Office has different versions, such as Office 2000, Office XP, etc.
VPN Virtual Private Network. The use of encryption and other security mechanisms to provide a secure connection through an otherwise insecure network, typically the Internet.
Virus A program or piece of code that is loaded on your computer and "infects" one or more other programs, generally running against your wishes and without your knowledge. Damage varies. See Viruses and Worms.
Vishing Voice phishing, i.e., phishing that is done by phone where a voice-response system is used to steal a person's information as malicious code is used in phishing. For more information about vishing, please see this article: Something's Fishy.
WAN Wide Area Network. A computer network that spans a relatively large geographical area, such as two or more local-area networks (LANs).
Web site A location on the World Wide Web. For example, http://www.jmu.edu/computing/helpdesk/selfhelp/ is a web site.
WINIPCFG WINIPCFG is a utility included with Windows 95 and Windows 98. The purpose of WINIPCFG is to provide the user with diagnostic information related to TCP/IP network configuration.
Wireless A computer network where there is no traditional physical connection (such as copper cable) between sender and receiver. Radio is an example of wireless communication. See JMU's Wireless Home Page.
Worm A program that propagates itself over a network, reproducing itself as it goes and typically causing malicious activity. Damage varies. See Viruses and Worms.
XHTML XHTML, EXtensible HTML, "is a stricter and cleaner version of HTML" (Source: http://www.w3schools.com/xhtml/).
XML XML stands for EXtensible Markup Language and is designed to describe data using user-created tags and hierarchies and focus on what that data is (Source: http://www.w3schools.com/xml/). XML is a key component of AJAX.
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