Computer Definitions

Know your computer inside and out.

Ping:

Ping is a computer network tool used to test whether a particular host is reachable across a network; it is also used to self test the network interface card of the computer, or as a latency test.

IP:

Internet Protocol is the primary protocol in the Internet Layer of the Internet Protocol Suit and has the task of delivering distinguished protocol datagram’s (packets) from the source host to the destination host solely based on their addresses. (IE. Address via a router 192.168.X.X, or address given from the provider.)

IPCONFIG:

You run this in the CMD terminal, when you type this it will give you your IP address, Gateway, DNS. You can also attach a switch to this at the end to release your current IP or renew a new IP. (IE. Typing in ipconfig /renew, or ipconfig /release)

CMD:

Is the Command Terminal from Windows, this function is used most commonly with releasing and renewing IP for the computer, and for running checkdiscs on mounted drives.

WiFi:

Also known as WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) Links one or more computers or devices to your current network to enable communication between devices in a limited. This gives users the mobility to move around within a broad coverage area and still be connected to the network.

LAN:

Local Area Network is a computer network covering a small physical area, like a home, office, or small group of buildings, such as a business, or a school.

Viruses:

Malicious computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer without the permission and knowledge of the owner.

Malware:

Short for Malicious Software is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's consent. This is the most common type of infected files.

Spyware:

A type of Maleware that is installed surreptitiously on personal computers to collect information about users, their computer or browsing habits without their consent.

O.S.:

Means Operating System; Microsoft Windows XP, Apple OS X.

MBAM:

Malwarebytes is a program that removes Malware, Spyware, Adware, and viruses.

ComboFix:

A more extensive program that removes viruses, malware, rootkit viruses.

Router:

A hardware network tool that allows you to network multiple computers on a LAN or WLAN. Most common home /small business routers are LinkSys, Netgear, and Belkin. You access the router from an internet browser by typing the IP address of the router in the address bar. (Linksys is 192.168.1.1 and logging in to the router)

RAM:

Random Access Memory is a form of temporary data storage that allows stored data to be accessed in any order. Any piece of the data can be returned in a constant time regardless of its physical location and whether or not it is related to the previous piece of data. This effects running multiple programs and cause the system to have “slow down”.

Hard Drive:

A hard drive is a form of Permanent Storage that saves all stored programs and files; Music, Pictures, and Documents.

Power Supply:

source of electrical power that is supplied to the computer, peripherals, and other devices.

Motherboard:

A motherboard is the central printed circuit board in some complex electronic systems, such as modern computer. The motherboard is the main component every other device and peripherals plugs into. The motherboard is sometimes alternatively known as the mainboard, system board, or, on Apple computers, the logic board.[1] It is also sometimes casually shortened to mobo.

CPU:

Central Processing Unit or Processor is an electronic circuit that can execute computer programs; known as the “Brain” of the computer.

MSCONFIG:

Microsoft Configuration Utility this allows you edit start up services and programs; this is used to configure start up items to help performance of a system by removing unneeded start up programs/services or this is used to help in diagnosing why Windows fails to load.

Autoruns:

Autoruns is a program that is supplied by Microsoft to help go through your current registry settings, start up items, services, scheduled tasks. This is more advanced then Msconfig and will help assist in removing unwanted programs, services to load with Windows.

Registry:

The registry is a database which stores settings and options for Microsoft OS’s. It contains information and settings for hardware, operating system software, most non-operating system software, and per-user settings.