R

RAID

RAID is an acronym for redundant array of independent disks. A RAID uses an array of disks that are independent from one another to store the same data in several places. The primary objective of a RAID is to back up important data in a manner that is safe from potential problems like hard drive failures.

RAM

RAM stands for random access memory. RAM is extremely fast, temporary memory—as soon it loses power (when you shut down your computer), it loses the data that was stored there. RAM is what people are usually referring to when they ask, "How much memory does your computer have?"

Registry

The Microsoft Windows Registry, usually referred to simply as the registry, is a database that stores information about users, installed programs, hardware, and file types and that is used to configure and run the system.

The registry is often targeted by viruses, spyware, adware, and other malicious programs. If a program can access your registry, it can gather information about you. SecureClean can clean your registry and remove any sensitive personal information.

S

Script

A script is a piece of executable code—code that can perform actions on you computer. Scripts are usually very powerful and very useful, but sometimes hackers use them for malicious purposes. It is important to only visit reputable sites and to have an anti-virus solution in place.

SCSI

SCSI means small computer system interface. SCSI is an interface that allows the connection of up to 15 external or internal peripheral devices (such as scanners, cameras, hard drives, CD-ROM drives, etc.) to one card in the computer.

Server

1. A computer dedicated (permanently or temporarily) to filling requests for other machines, e.g. a web server or a file server.

2. Software that handles requests for other programs called clients, e.g. a chat server or an FTP server.

The confusion about servers is due to the fact that the two different definitions are used interchangably and that servers are combinations of hardware and software.

Service Pack

A service pack can be thought of as a package of many patches that are designed to improve a program, especially with regards to security. The most famous service packs are Microsoft's SP1 and SP2 for Windows XP.

Spam

Spam is unwanted, irrelevant, unsolicited e-mail, usually sent out by spammers indiscriminately and in bulk. Spam is sometimes called "electronic junk mail."

Spammer

A spammer is someone who is responsible for sending out spam. Spammers send out solicitations, often disguised with misleading subject lines, in order to sell their or someone else's products. Spammers still send out spam because a small percentage of people continue to open spam and participate in the spammer's offers.

Spoof

1.Phishing scams often spoof, or create hoax copies of, company web sites and e-mails.

2.To spoof means to fool computer systems into believing you are someone other than who you really are. Typically this refers to a trick that fools network security into believing a computer has an IP address inside of the network, thus granting it clearance to network resources.

Spyware

Spyware is software that is intended to gather data about a user without their permission and transmit it over the Internet to the person(s) who wrote the spyware. Spyware is often installed with another program that the user wished to install, like a freeware or shareware game download. Spyware represents a significant security risk and can also cause dramatic decreases in system performance.

SSL

SSL stands for secure socket layer. SSL is a communications protocol that encrypts the information you send while the connection is active. SSL is widely used in e-commerce, banking, and other transactions that involve personal data. Make sure that a web site uses SSL or some other encryption method before you enter a user name, password, or any personal information.

Starware

Starware creates an unsolicited search bar in Internet Explorer and displays advertisement web pages without your permission. Starware represents a significant drain on system resources.

T

TCP IP or TCP/IP

TCP IP stands for transmission control protocol / internet protocol. Transmission control protocol is the set of standards that govern how data is packaged for transfer across a network. Internet protocol is how addresses are assigned to each computer of the network. TCP IP is the protocol that defines how computers communicate with each other through networks, including the Internet.

Temporary Internet File

As you browse the Internet, your browser will download and store temporary Internet files. A temporary Internet file is a file that is needed only while you browse the Internet. Temporary Internet files are stored in a directory that is set aside for temporary files. These files need to be deleted because they represent a significant source of clutter on your hard drive and can hurt your system's performance.

SecureClean deletes temporary internet files automatically.

Toolbar

A toolbar is a convenient way to access commands or additional functionality. A toolbar on your web browser, for example, may contain a search box, links to useful sites, or access to browser plugins.

Toolbars should also be treated with caution. Some toolbars also install spyware. Starware installs toolbars that also serve ads.

Trojan or Trojan Horse

A trojan or trojan horse is a program that gets in to your computer through a seemingly innocent installation or request for permission. Many spyware programs are also trojans—they are attached to a seemingly desirable download and then are installed without permission.

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