glossary of internet terms - i

A COMPLETE LIST OF DEFINITIONS OF THE TERMS USED THROUGHOUT OUR WEBSITE

Use the letters below to jump to a particular section or scroll down through the definitions.

misc A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Icon - A small image used by Windows to identify a file or application.

IDE - Stands for integrated device electronics, which is a standard interface for connecting devices such as hard disks and CD-ROM drives to a PC.

Image-editing application - Software used to manipulate digital images, either created from scratch or obtained via a scanner or digital camera.

Import filter - A software feature that allows you read a file created using one application into a different one.

Infection - Describes the way a virus transfers itself from one computer to another

Infrared - An interface that allows you to transmit data via infrared light waves,allowing data to be transferred cordlessly between devices.

Infrared port - An interface that allows you to transmit data via infrared light waves, allowing data to be transferred cordlessly between devices with infrared ports. Most PDAs and notebook computers feature infrared ports, but few desktop PCs are so lucky ? limiting the usefulness as a connection method.

Ink cartridge - A plastic container holding ink, inserted into an inkjet printer. Some cartridges may incorporate the nozzles that will put the ink on the page but they are often just refills that slot into a reusable head.

Inkjet printer - Type of printer which squirts tiny dots of ink onto the page to form text and images. Almost all inkjet printers print in colour as well as black and white.

Instant messenging - Real-time text-based communication over a network (usually the internet), using a program such as AOL Instant Messenger.

Integrity check - A type of virus check comparing previously-stored information about a file to later versions, noting any suspect modifications.

Interface - In the context of software, the 'look and feel' of a program, such as its buttons, menus and windows. In hardware terms, it usually refers to a physical connection, like a parallel printer interface.

Internet - An global network that links millions of computers, using phone and cable links. Users connect to server computers, which act rather like a local phone exchange. A modem connects your PC to the server from home, allowing you to become part of the internet.

Internet Explorer - Microsoft's internet browser ? a program that allows you to 'browse' web pages, manage your favourite web sites, and so on.

Internet Protocol (IP) address - An identifying number of a computer attached to a network. A computer's IP address is similar to a phone number in function. Every computer must have a unique IP address ? either a permanent address or one that is dynamically assigned to them each time they connect to the net. IP addresses are written as four sets of numbers separated by full stops; for example, 204. 171. 64. 2.

Internet service provider (ISP) - A company which provides you with an internet connection, either for fixed monthly fee or for the cost of local call charges. Examples of popular ISPs include BT Internet, AOL and Freeserve.

Interpolation - When scanner software increases the resolution of a scanned image by mathematically guessing extra details.

Intranet - Has the look and feel of an internet website, and can be explored with a browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. Unlike the web, access is limited to pages on a company's internal network.

IRC (or Internet Relay Chat) - A vast, largely un-regulated global network allowing users to type messages in real time ? much like a real conversation. Divided into separate rooms, or 'channels'.

IrDA Infrared Data Association - A standard that allows two devices to communicate with each other via their infrared ports. IrDA-compatible ports are often found on notebook computers.

IRQ - Stands for interrupt request, which are settings that determine the memory addresses and processor usage for PC add-in cards and devices. You shouldn't change these unless you really know what you're doing.

ISA - Stands for Industry Standard Architecture, which is an old type of expansion slot inside a PC.

ISDN - Stands for Integrated Services Digital Network, which is a digital telephone connection providing high-speed data transfer, for such things as internet access. Popular in particular with businesses needing to transfer large amounts of data regularly and reliably.
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