10-100 mbps

Describes a device, such as a computer's network interface card, that can support two kinds of network speeds: 10 megabits per second and 100 megabits per second.

• Local Area Network
• Network Interface Card

2.5G Wireless service (2.5G)

An upgrade from 2G that allows carriers to transmit calls using packet switching, which provides for a much more efficient use of spectrum. 2.5G is capable of speeds up to 144Kbps but typically achieves real-world speeds of 35-60Kbps. 2.5G uses the same licensed spectrum as 2G, and requires only minor equipment upgrades. 2.5G includes GPRS and 1XRTT.

• Second generation wireless service
• Third generation wireless service

802.11g

A 54 megabits per second (mbps) wireless connection commonly used in desktop and laptop computers to connect to a network wirelessly. This is backwardly compatible with the 11Mbps 802.11b.

• Wi-Fi
• Wireless Local Area Network

Access Point (AP)

A wireless hub or "base station" that transmits and receives Wi-Fi wireless data traffic in a typical range of 100 to 500 feet. An external antenna can extend that range. An access point is usually attached to a wired LAN which is connected through a router back to the Internet. Access points are easy to set up and range in price from under £100 to over £1,000. They are available from companies such as Linksys, Proxim, D-Link, Netgear, Cisco and many others.

Acer

Acer Laptops comprise stunning style, excellent usability and unrivalled value. Acer Aspire laptops for seamless multi media , Extensa for the Home and value conscious user, Travelmate for Business and the outstanding Acer Ferrari range for premium style and performance. Acer laptops are reknowned for their reliability and ease of use.

Adobe

Adobe Acrobat reader (reads electronic documents), Adobe GoLive (designs Web pages), Adobe InDesign (used for desktop publishing) and Adobe Photoshop (creates and modifies images).

Asus

Asus Laptops are known for their style, innovation and outstanding build quality. From Ultra Mobile PC’s to Business Laptops and the must have Asus eee PC – an innovative sub-laptop that comes in at a budget price range and features all the features you’d expect in a tiny package. Worth a look.

Back Light

A method of illuminating a laptops display so it can be seen almost any lighting conditions. Some makers like Panasonic have extra bright displays that are called daybrite.

Beta Software

Beta versions of software have not been fully tested and often do not have full functionality. IT Services strongly advises against the downloading of beta software due to its instability and the threat it poses to computer system integrity.

Bit (b)

A binary digit. A '1' or a '0'. Represented in strings of 8 bits. 8 bits is equal to 1 Byte.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth wireless technology is a short-range (~ 10 - 100 meters) cable replacement technology that allows users to make wireless and instant connections between various communication devices, such as laptops, cell phones, printers, camcorders, mice headsets and keyboards, as well as connect to the Internet. This means you can check e-mail and access the Internet on your laptop via your mobile phone; share data files with colleagues at a meeting without using wires; and automatically transfer phone numbers that are housed in your laptop over to your cell phone. Bluetooth is a complementary technology to 802.11.

Broadband

Broadband is a term that describes a network where several data streams can be submitted simultaneously at high speeds. More recently, broadband has come to describe high-speed data transmission, such as cable modem, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), and DSL (Digital Subscriber Line).

Broadband Modem

A digital modem used for fast Cable or DSL Internet service. Usually supplied by an Internet Service Provider.

• Dial Up Modem
• Internet Service Provider
• Broadband

Burn

"Burn" is slang for recording data onto a CD-R/RW or DVD-R/RW drive. Laptops that are equipped with CD-R/RW or DVD-R/RW drives allow users to record images, music or video files onto blank discs for playback or back-up storage.

Byte (B)

One byte contains a series of 8 binary digits, or 'Bits'. Storage capacity for hard drives, RAM and memory cards are measured in bytes.

• 1024 Bytes = 1 Kilobyte (1KB)
• 1024 Kilobytes = 1 Gigabyte (1GB)
• 1024 Gigabytes = 1 Terabyte (1TB)

Cache Memory

High-speed memory is located between the CPU and the main memory. Cache memory is designed to supply the processor with the most frequently requested data. Storing data here speeds up the operation of the computer. When an item is requested, the computer first checks the internal cache (built-on the processor), then the external cache (built-on the motherboard) and, finally, the hard disk.

Card Reader

A device for reading the data stored on Media Cards such as Secure Digital (SD) or MemoryStick. Usually capable of reading the data from many formats.

CD-R/RW Drive

Translation: Compact Disc Recordable or Rewritable. A CD-R/RW drive can record data, images or music files onto blank discs. With recordable discs, files can only be recorded once and cannot be changed. With rewritable discs, files can be recorded, deleted and re-recorded. Most discs created with a CD-R/RW drive can be played back on the laptop or on other entertainment devices such as the CD or DVD player.

• Optical Drive
• DVD-R/RW Drive

Centrino

A suit of mobile technologies from Intel which includes the Pentium-M processor, the Intel 855PM chipset and Intel Pro wireless chipset, only laptops that use all of these together can use the Centrino logo. The main advantages over the P4 are a larger L2 cache memory (1MB minimum), low power speed optimized processor and integrated wireless LAN. These should give the laptop user better performance, longer battery life and wireless capability as standard. The low power requirement also means that a Centrino laptop does not run as hot as a laptop that uses a P4 CPU, which allows Centrino laptops to be lighter and thinner because they do not need the same amount of cooling equipment in them to keep them running.

• Processor

Compaq

• Compaq HP

Cores

Modern processors consist of multiple cores. These are, in effect, processors within a processor. For example, a Dual Core processor consists of two 'Cores' that are able to carry out functions independantly of each other. Simply, more cores are better.

• Processor

CPU

• Processor
• Centrino

Deeper Sleep Alert State

Deeper Sleep is an Intel power management technology. It helps to deliver longer battery life by minimizing the power consumption of the processor during brief periods of inactivity by the user including microseconds between keystrokes.

Dial Up Modem

A modem (short for "Modulator - Demodulator" ) is a device that allows a computer to send and recieve data over a telephone line for connecting to other computers and systems like the internet. The speed that data can be transmitted is from as low as 4.8kbps to 56kbps. Nearly all new laptops and many used laptops have a modem built in with a standard maximum speed capability of 56kbps.

• Broadband Modem

Display

The device which you use to view information on the laptop in the same way as you would on a desktop PC's CRT glass tube monitor. All laptop displays are LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). All new laptops use TFT or active displays, these are faster and brighter than the older Dual Scan displays of a few years ago. The size if the display is measured diagonally from corner to corner and not straight across the display, and currently vary from 8.9" on ultra portables to 17" on desktop replacement laptops.

Display Resolution

A measure of how detailed an image can look, it is measured in pixels or dots a typical example is 1024 x 768 which is also known as XGA. The following is a list of resolutions found on the traditional displays and also the newer widescreen displays, currently the highest resolutions are not available in laptops.

Docking Station

A docking station is the base that laptop PCs can be plugged into when at a fixed location. Many consumers leave the docking station at home, in the office or in the dorm and slip the laptop PC into the docking station when they finish traveling. This allows users to attach their laptop to a full size keyboard, external mouse, a large monitor, and other peripherals.

DVD-R/RW Drive

DVD stands for "Digital Versatile Disc." The recordable and rewritable concept is the same as with a CD-R/RW drive, but in addition to recording photos and music files onto blank discs, DVDR/ RW drives can also record video or movie files. DVD discs have a greater capacity for storage than CD discs. There are five different formats available which are listed below. DVD-R : This was the original recordable DVD format and is the most compatible of all the DVD formats with DVD ROMs and home DVD players. DVD-R is a WORM (Write Once Read Many) format DVD that will hold upto 4.7GB of data. It is the cheapest of the recordable DVD discs to buy but like CDR's you can not erase it or rewrite to it. DVD-RW : A DVD-RW disc will hold upto 4.7Gb of data, and can be written, erased and rewritten about 1000 times each. Unfortunately before you can rewrite to a DVD-RW you must erase the entire disc. Also DVD-RW's are not compatible with some DVD players and DVD ROM drives. DVD+R : This is the newest WORM (Write Once Read Man

• Optical Drive
• Burn

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

Stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. DHCP is a simplified means of automatically getting an IP address and connecting to a network.

EEE PC (E3 PC)

A new form-factor for a Laptop from Asus (sometimes Asustek). Very small and light Laptops with a small screen and simple Linux based operating system. Very popular among consumers looking for a Laptop to surf the internet and check email. Soon to be sold in a desktop version looking similar to a thin client.

• Asus

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology

Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep™ technology is supported in both the Mobile Intel® Pentium® III Processor M and the Mobile Intel Pentium 4 Processor M. The technology is smart enough to know how much performance you need to run a specific application. When maximum performance is required, the processor runs at the highest speed. When maximum performance is not needed, the processor speed and power is reduced. This reduction in power helps to extend battery life. For the consumer, this means the ability to watch a DVD movie on a long flight or work for hours on a research paper while sitting in the campus quad.

Ethernet

A common network cabling and signaling standard used to connect computers to a network. Make sure your computer has a network interface card supporting 10/100BaseT so you can use Ethernet to get online.

ExpressGate

Asus branded version of Splashtop. Enables a computer to boot in to an internet enabled linux-based environment within 5 seconds.

• Slashtop

Extensible Markup Language (XML)

A document format that defines areas and elements of a document so that it can be properly read by a software application, such as a web browser. More offen referred to as its abbreviation 'XML'.

Firefox

Mozilla Firefox is a free, cross-platform, graphical web browser developed by the Mozilla Corporation and hundreds of volunteers The browser began as a fork of the Navigator component of the Mozilla Application Suite; Firefox has since become the foundation's main development focus (along with its Thunderbird mail and news client), and has replaced the Mozilla Suite as their official main software release.

Firewire

• IEEE 1394 Connection

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Pronounced "eff-ay-cue," an FAQ is compilation of frequent asked questions with corresponding answers.

Fujitsu Siemens

Fujitsu-Siemens laptops are designed with you in mind. Mobile, stylish, and high performance. Wherever you go, a Fujitsu-Siemens laptop matches your pace and meets your needs. Some people struggle to keep up with technology. With an Fujitsu-Siemens laptop, technology keeps up with you!

General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)

General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) refers to the next generation cellular wireless services. GPRS enables networks to offer 'always-on', higher capacity Internet-based content and packet based data services. This enables services such as color Internet browsing, e- mail on the move, powerful visual communications, multimedia messages and location-based services.

Gigabyte (GB)

A gigabyte is a measurement of data storage that equals 1,024 megabytes. Typically used to describe the storage capacity on a computer's hard drive.

• Byte

Gigahertz (GHz)

Abbreviation for gigahertz. Describes the speed of a computer's processor, the taskmaster of the computer. One gigahertz equals one billion cycles per second; each computer task requires a certain amount of cycles to run.

• Megahertz
• Processor

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

An interface that represents data or commands visually. These can be manipulated using a direct input, such as a computer mouse, instead of using text only menus or typed commands. Microsoft Windows is an example of a 'GUI'.

• Operating System
• Windows Vista

GSM

Groupe Speciale Mobile, Global System for Mobile communications. A 2G global standard for digital cellular communications which was introduced in 1991. GSM uses a variation of TDMA and is the wireless standard most commonly found in Europe and Asia. US carriers with GSM-based networks include T-Mobile, AT&T Wireless and Cingular.

Compaq HP (HP)

Enjoy quick and easy access to your entertainment using HP QuickPlay features. Watch a DVD or TV, listen to music, view photos or video, play games or watch yourself singing along to your favorite songs with the Karaoke feature and optional HP Webcam. There’s so much to do, and the touch of a button on the HP command console or media center remote brings it all to life. Take your mobile entertainment to the next level with HP QuickPlay.

Hard drive (HDD)

Also known as a hard disk. The hard drive is your laptop's "filing cabinet." The computer's hard drive serves as the main data storage area for the operating system (e.g. Windows XP), programs (e.g. Microsoft Word) and documents (e.g. your resume).

Hewlett Packard (HP)

• Compaq HP

Hot Spot

"Hot spots" are locations where consumers can log onto the Internet via a wireless access point. All that's needed is a Wi-Fi networking card, which is currently sold as an add-on option with many laptops. Some laptop PCs sold today come with this capability built right in. Additionally, many airports, hotels, even coffee bars are now equipped with this technology.

Hot Spot Operator (HSO)

A company that sets up and operates commercial hot spots in cafes, airports, hotels, train stations, convention centers, office buildings and other public locations. An HSO typically installs one or more access points and an access control device along with a high speed Internet connection to the location. HSOs include Cometa, Wayport, Surf and Sip, Airpath, Pronto, NetNearU, Deep Blue, Fatport, Gatespeed, Airborne Access, Air Portal, Air2LAN, Ikano, and Azure, to name a few. In the last year, major wireless carriers have become HSOs, including T-Mobile (which is building hot spots in Starbucks cafes, Borders book stores and airline clubs), AT&T Wireless and Sprint PCS.

• Wi-Fi
• Wireless Local Area Network

IBM Thinkpad

• Lenovo

IEEE 1394 Connection

IEEE 1394 is a high-speed external port that is used to connect computer peripherals such as a digital camera to the laptop. This allows budding cinematographers to quickly and easily transfer their footage from their digital video camera to the laptop for editing. (IEEE 1394 is also know as Firewire, iLink*, or simply 1394).

IEEE 802.11

Wireless Technology IEEE 802.11 replaces your wired Ethernet connection, using radio waves instead of cables to establish network between computers or connect to the Internet. 802.11 networks can be setup within the home so consumers can share files, printers and Internet access from all rooms in the home, without cables. The same scenario applies for businesses; employees can have continuous, cable-free access to the network, e- mail and the Internet, even while moving through the workplace. Currently, IEEE has specified three wireless LAN standards: 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g.

iLink

• IEEE 1394 Connection

Infrared (IR)

Operates in a similar manner to a TV remote control but allows your laptop to exchange data with other computers or devices like mobile phones. It has to be used in line of sight of the devices and has only a short range.

Integrated Service Digital Network (ISDN)

Integrated Service Digital Network is a standard established by ITU (International Telecommunication Union). enables digital traffic over existing copper wires. This means that a household can have two telephone numbers the same connection, and that it is possible to surf the Internet twice as fast as with an ordinary telephone link-and a 56k modem.

Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP)

IMAP is an e-mail retrieval method that allows you to view and keep your e-mail on the mail server, making it easier to access e-mail from multiple locations. Compare to POP.

• Post Office Protocol
• Simple Mail Transfer Protocol

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

Internet Service Provider. A company that provides Internet access to individual or corporate customers over dial-up, DSL, cable, satellite, and, increasingly, wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi. Traditional consumer ISPs include EarthLink, AOL and MSN.

IP address (IP)

A series of four numbers separated by periods (e.g. 134.48.1.249) that identify computers on a network including the internet. DHCP automatically assigns your computer an IP address.

JPEG

A popular image format used commonly on the internet. Usually used to compress the file size of images that contain many colours, such as photographs.

Kilobit (Kb)

• Bit

Kilobyte (KB)

A kilobyte (or 1 KB) represents 1024 bytes.

• Byte

Laptop

A laptop (also called notebook PC, or a mobile PC) is a portable computer that is small enough to be easily transported so users have the freedom and versatility to work, learn, share, and create anywhere, at anytime. Laptops are powered by a rechargeable battery and/or a power line that can be plugged into an electrical wall outlet. Laptops also come with a built- in flat screen monitor, a keyboard and a modem so users can access the Internet and other networks.

Lenovo

Lenovo Laptops, formerly IBM Thinkpads until IBM sold their PC division, are perfect for everyone from individuals to small business owners. Industry-leading capabilities dramatically increase productivity and reduce cost. Lenovo delivers the flexibility you need, the dependability you can trust at a price you can afford.

Level 2 (L2)

• Cache Memory

Li-ion or Lithium-ion

Lithium-ion batteries offer longer charge times than NiMH batteries and have less tendency to develop the 'memory' syndrome that can the ability of the battery to hold it charge.

Local Area Network (LAN)

Short for , a LAN is a group of computers and associated devices that share a common communications line to share resources, such as a high-speed link to the Internet and printers. A LAN may also tie computers to a larger system called a "server" designed to manage resource and connectivity allocation. A LAN may serve as few as two or three users in a home network, or many thousand users in a local office network.

MAC address

Stands for Media Access Control address. It's a string of numbers and letters (e.g. 00-C0-4F-68-89-D6) that uniquely identifies a network device, such as a network interface card or a wireless network card.

Megabyte (MB)

A megabyte is a measurement of data storage. 1,024 megabytes is equal to one gigabyte. A computer's RAM is typically measured in megabytes.

• Byte

Megahertz (MHz)

Abbreviation for megahertz. Describes the speed of a computer's processor, the taskmaster of the computer. One gigahertz equals one million cycles per second; each computer task requires a certain amount of cycles to run.

• Gigahertz
• Processor

Memory

• Random Access Memory

Mobile Intel Pentium 4 Processor-M (P4M)

The "M" in Mobile Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor-M indicates that the processor was specifically designed for use in a laptop. It includes low power technologies -- not included in the desktop version -- that help extend battery life. When purchasing a laptop, consumers should look for the "M" for outstanding performance and enhanced battery life for on-the-go computing.

• Processor

Network Interface Card (NIC)

Also known as an Ethernet card. NICs are expansion cards that allow a computer to connect to a network. The most common standard now is the 10/100BaseT which uses an RJ45 type of connector. The lastest laptops and computers now have 10/100/1000 also known as Gigabit LAN which can transfer data upto 1000Mbps when connected to another computer with a Gigabit LAN.

NiMH

Nickle-Metel Hydride, an older and now cheaper type of battery used in laptops, can suffer from the 'memory' effect that can shorten the batteries operational life

Notebook

• Laptop

Operating System (OS)

This is the software that allows you laptop to function , the most common being Microsoft Windows, Linux and the Apple MAC OS. They include a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that acts as an interpreter between the user and the machine code language that make the computer function.

• Readyboost

Optical Drive

A type of storage drive that uses a laser to read data from a spinning disc which includes CD's, CDR, CDRW, DVD, DVD-RW, DVD RAM etc. See also CD-R/RW Drive and DVD-R/RW Drive

• DVD-R/RW Drive

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)

An Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) is a manufacturing company developing and manufacturing standardized products or modules, which are then incorporated into end products using the reseller's brand name. In this case there is a low degree of customization of the OEM product compared to an ODM offering. When a customer purchases an OEM product often only a limited number of changes are made to the product, for example limited to branding or labeling.

Outlook

A Microsoft e-mail/calendar program for Windows and Macs.

Panasonic

Engineered to meet the demands of doing business on the road or in the office. Designed using specified testing procedures, Toughbook laptops are ready for the environmental challenges your mobile PC will face everyday. Whether it's being dropped, shaken or soaked, the Toughbook - like our Tough customers - stands up to just about anything you can throw at it.

PC card (PCMCIA)

A lightweight, removable credit-card sized module that adds features to a portable computer such as Wireless cards, USB 2.0, Firewire and external CDROMs. PCMCIA stands for Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (or, more humorously, People Can't Memorize Computer Industry Acronyms). PCMCIA is a nonprofit trade association founded to standardize the connection of peripherals to portable computers. Also known as PC card.

Peripherals

A device (usually external to your computer) such as a printer or scanner.

Personal Area Network (PAN)

A PAN is how you can wirelessly connect your personal communication devices together using the Bluetooth Wireless technology. Devices include your laptop, cell phone, printer, PDA, etc.

Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)

A generic term that describes a small handheld computer that can serve as an address book, calendar, phone, or email and Internet access device. Popular PDAs include the Palm Pilot, the HP iPaq and the RIM Blackberry. PDAs increasingly include Wi-Fi radios which can connect to hot spots.

Pixels

The dots that make up the picture on a computer screen, the more pixels the display has the finer the detail that can be displayed.

• TFT Display
• Display
• Display Resolution

Ports

These are the sockets on the back of your laptop for connecting to other devices like printers, monitors etc.

Post Office Protocol (POP)

POP is an e-mail retrieval method that allows you to download local copies of your e-mail from the mail server to your computer. Compare with IMAP.

• Internet Message Access Protocol
• Simple Mail Transfer Protocol

Processor

Also known as the central processing unit (CPU), the processor is the brain of the computer it's the engine for the software that tells your computer what to do. The main makers of CPU's are Intel and AMD The power of a processor is measured by the megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz) number. The higher the "hertz" number, the faster the processor, though AMD do not use the clock speed as the true rating of the CPU's speed, they use the name of the processor i.e Athlon 2400+, Athlon 2600+ etc. to indicate the performance. See also Centrino

PS/2

A port used to connect either an external keyboard or mouse to your laptop. It can also be used to power other small external devices

QWERTY

Used to define a keyboard layout used by the UK. So called because the first six alphabet keys spell out 'QWERTY'.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Pronounced 'ram'. RAM is the memory available to run computer programs. Upgrading (or increasing) your computer's RAM can boost computer performance.

Readyboost

ReadyBoost is a disk caching technology first included with Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system. Its purpose is to give Laptops and Desktop PC’s running the Windows Vista Operating System a performance gain by using the flash memory on a USB 2.0 drive or digital media card such as Secure Digital (SD) or CompactFlash (CF) card.

• Universal Serial Bus

Refurbished Laptops

Refurbished Laptops are 'Nearly New', sometimes just meaning the box has been opened. They represent an excellent value option as the laptops are generally in prime condition and usually very current stock. They can cost significantly less then their brand new equivalent and as such remain a very popular purchase among our customers. Stock is almost always very limited so get in fast!

Take a look at our range of Refurbished Laptops

Rip

A slang term to describe the action of copying media from a data source such as a CD or DVD. The opposite of 'Burn' which means to put media on to a CD or DVD.

• Burn
• CD-R/RW Drive
• DVD-R/RW Drive

RJ-45 cable

Also known as a network cable or Ethernet cable. Connects your computer's network interface card to another network device like a hub

RPM

RPM, revolutions per minute, relates to the spin speed of a Hard disk drive. The higher the RPM, the faster the drives spins and therefore the quicker it can find the data.

• Hard drive

Samsung

Samsung Laptops are among the best on the market for style, quality and performance. Being Samsung, most of the parts used in the production are Samsungs own – including the displays. Award winning Laptops from Samsung are the perfect choice for the modern technology enthusiast. No compromise.

Second generation wireless service (2G)

Implemented in the 1990's and based on circuit switching, it allows carriers to transmit a call over dedicated radio channels. 2G was designed primarily for voice transmissions, and as a result, data transmission over 2G networks is quite slow. 2G includes CDMA, TDMA and GSM.

• 2.5G Wireless service
• Third generation wireless service

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)

A method to securely transmit sensitive information like credit card data via a web browser. Web sites that use SSL start with https://

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)

A means of sending e-mail from a e-mail program to a mail server which then relays your message to recipients.

• Post Office Protocol
• Internet Message Access Protocol

Slashtop

Linux based software that enables a computer to boot in to an internet enabled environment within 5 seconds powering up. Laptops, Destop PC's and motherboards featuring this technology will probably have it re-branded - Asus call it 'ExpressGate'.

• ExpressGate

Software

Software is the general term for IT programs that make PCs and other electronic devices function.

Sony

Thanks to the innovative use of strong but lightweight materials in its construction and attention to ergonomics in its design, Sony VAIO Laptops are easy to use at home or at the office and light enough for working anywhere in-between. All of which means that whatever your demands, and however you choose to use it, Sony VAIO Laptops can open the doors to a host of new creative, commercial and recreational possibilities.

Spindle

A spindle is actually the shaft that rotates in the middle of a disk drive. Today, laptops are described by the number of drives and, therefore, spindles they can support. For instance, a three-spindle laptop PC houses three drives one for the hard disk, one for floppy disks and one for CD-ROMs and/or DVDs.

TCP/IP

Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol. A set of standards for how computers and other devices communicate with each other over networks. Developed in the 1970's, TCP/IP allowed computers from different manufacturers to talk to each other in a common way for the first time, and it became the foundation of the Internet.

TFT Display

Thin Film Transistor, TFT or 'active' displays which they are also know as are the standard technology for displays on laptops. They offer brighter displays that have wider viewing angles and faster redrawing speeds than the older passive or dual-scan (DSTN) displays. See also Display Resolution

• TFT Display
• Display
• Display Resolution

Third generation wireless service (3G)

An upgrade from 2G and 2.5G wireless networks that allows for even greater voice capacity, along with medium-speed data transmission of 128-384Kbps for moving devices and a theoretical top speed of 2Mbps for stationary devices. 3G is expensive to implement, as it requires different spectrum than 2G and 2.5G, and entirely new equipment.

• Second generation wireless service
• 2.5G Wireless service

Toshiba

Toshiba Laptops inspire confidence in their build quality and exceptional components. From the great value performance of their Satellite range to the multimedia station Qosmio Toshiba deliver quality in droves. Toshiba Laptops rank among the most popular laptops in the world.

Touch Pad Mouse

Small rectangle located in front of a laptop's keyboard that allows you to glide your fingertip over the surface to control your mouse pointer/cursor.

• Laptop

Toughbook

Rugged Laptops, for use in extreme environments. Usually shock and splash resistant.

• Panasonic

Trackstick

Tiny, foam/rubber- like mouse device embedded in the center of a keyboard (looks like an eraser on the top of a pencil) that you move with your finger to control the position of the mouse/cursor.

• Laptop

Trojan

A Trojan is a computer program that is hidden in a useful software application and actually used to gain access to your computer. It then performs malicious actions such as displaying messages or erasing files. Trojans may be found in a hacked legitimate program or in free software .

• Virus
• Worm

Uniform Resource Locator (URL)

Web addresses that identify resources on the World Wide Web. i.e. http://www.laptopshop.co.uk/

Universal Serial Bus (USB)

The Universal Serial Bus, or USB, is the standardized high-speed connection technology for most PC peripherals today. The USB allows the use of one common connector to link various types of products (such as digital cameras, audio players and PDAs) into one plug. Most laptop PCs come with two USB connections.

VAIO

Sony Laptops. Abbreviation of Video Audio Input Output.

See our range of Sony VAIO Laptops.

• Sony

Video chipset

This is the specialized electronics that control the display on a laptop. Many laptops uses chipsets that are integrated into the main chipset of the laptop and share part of the main memory. This helps the makers to keep the costs of the laptops down but is does mean that there is performance trade off and these integrated graphics are slower than dedicated video controllers. If you want to play games or have other high performance graphic needs then look for laptops with a dedicated video chipset and separate Video memory also know as VRAM. The current front runners in high performance graphics chipsets are the ATi Mobility Radeon 9000, 9200 and 9600 and nVidia Geforce FX Go5200, 5600 and 5700 both of which can have upto 128Mb of VRAM.

Video RAM (VRAM)

This is the memory that the laptop uses to control the display. The more memory the laptop has the higher the resolution and more colours can be viewed on the display at the same time.

Virus

A computer program that is usually malicious. Often self-replicating and harmful to your computer. A virus is more often contracted through email or webpages. Anti-Virus software can be installed to help protect your computer.

• Worm
• Trojan

Web Camera (Webcam)

A low resolution video camera more often used for Video Calls over client software such as Microsoft Messenger, Skype or other Instant Messaging solutions. Also used to monitor locations and provide frequently updated images over the internet automatically. In a laptop a web camera is usually integrated above the display screen.

Wi-Fi

A contraction of "Wireless Fidelity". A global technical standard for wireless LANs with a typical range of 100-500 feet. Anyone can set up a low-cost Wi-Fi network and cover a home, an office or a public space with high speed wireless Internet access that is more than 100 times faster than a typical dial-up modem connection. Unlike other wireless technologies such as CDMA and GSM, Wi-Fi enjoys 100% global acceptance. It is becoming known as a single wireless networking standard for all developers, equipment manufacturers, service providers and users, any innovation in Wi-Fi benefits everyone else in the Wi-Fi community. Hundreds of manufacturers produce and distribute Wi-Fi radios and access points. The single Wi-Fi standard ensures these devices all interoperate with each other, so, for example, an access point made by Proxim will communicate with a network card from Linksys. The term "Wi-Fi" covers many wireless standards established by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), an inte

• Wireless Local Area Network

Wi-Fi radio

A set of computer chips and an antenna that can send and receive Wi-Fi transmissions from a laptop, PDA, cell phone, access point, or other wireless device. A Wi-Fi PC Card contains a Wi-Fi radio that can be used by a laptop computer. Wi-Fi access points also contain one or more Wi-Fi radios. Through competition, Wi-Fi radios are becoming very inexpensive and will soon be built into laptops, consumer electronics devices and even cars. Wi-Fi radio manufacturers include Intersil, Intel, Atheros, Broadcom, Texas Instruments and Agere.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Short for a wide area network, a WAN is a large network in which computers are connected to each other over a long distance, using telephone lines and satellite communications. For example, a global company could have a WAN network to connect all of the offices in the different cities and countries, while each office individual office operates from its own LAN.

Windows Vista

The latest Operating System from Microsoft. It features many advancements on Windows XP including an all new user interface called 'Aero'. Windows Vista is supplied in a number of different options. Windows Vista Home Basic features many of the new security benefits but does not provide a Media Center or the new 'Aero' interface. Windows Vista Home Premium has all the features of Home Basic but includes media center and 'Aero'. Also available are Windows Vista Business and Ultimate. For a complete feature list please refer to the Microsoft website - Windows Vista, choose an edition.

• Operating System
• Readyboost

Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)

Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) is a set of standardised communications rules used to allow mobile appliances such as mobile telephones to access special Web sites and e-mail. WAP also enables Internet access and a range of different services from a mobile telephone.

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

A wireless network connecting two or more computers or other devices over a short distance of 100 to 500 feet, as within an office, a home or a hot spot. Wi-Fi is the dominant WLAN standard.

• Wi-Fi

Wireless Wide Area Network (WAN)

A wireless network that covers a broad area such as an entire city. WWANs operated by major wireless carriers provide voice and relatively low-bandwidth data service over a broad area, require hundreds of communications towers and special spectrum licenses from the government and cost hundreds of millions or billions of dollars to establish and maintain.

Worm

A special type of virus that can replicate itself and use your computer's memory, but it cannot attach itself to other programs.

• Virus
• Trojan

XML

• Extensible Markup Language

ZIP File (.ZIP)

A file type that takes single or multiple files and compresses their file size down for easier and quicker transfer. Often used for archival purposes.