Here at Boomer Tech Guy (BTG), using jargon does have certain risks. When someone uses jargon, they are challenged to see that it lands on this page with simple definitions and links to more detailed sources. The links are easy, but simple definitions for terms that have been in common industry usage for years is a challenge.
Sighing “You know what it means!” doesn’t remove the burden of adding it to the BTG Jargon Page.
This list is organized alphabetically. The detailed external definition is hyperlinked (Another word to define!) to the word. The simple definition is attempted in the paragraph after the word.
AP – Access Point – See Wireless Access Point below
Ethernet – A 1980’s technology standard (IEEE 802.3) that is still in use today for interconnecting devices in computer networks. It is old and current at the same time. (A great goal for our target audience)
Hyperlink – A highlighted word, picture or object that will take your browser to a different location. May link on the same page, elsewhere on the website or to a new location on the Web.
Network – {Specifically Computer Network} A collection of connected devices that can exchange data.
Smartphone – A phone that is also a handheld computer. If you are lucky, the phone part lets you make calls to other people. When you can’t, you can play a game or read a book on your Smartphone while you move to someplace where you have a signal so you can make that phone call. Seriously, a Smartphone is a powerful computer that lets you accomplish many of the tasks that required a desktop computer a decade ago.
Tablet – {Specifically Tablet Computer} A portable personal computer that is generally flat with a touchscreen and no attached keyboard. Most Tablets include WiFi connectivity allowing connection to wireless routers. Tablets may have the ability to connect to cellular phone networks, allowing them to be used for placing calls like a Smartphone.
RJ45 – Refers to the connector standard commonly used for connectioning of devices in a computer network. (RJ45 link is only for the very curious. Detailed spec information made my eyes glaze over.)
Router – A router allows two or more devices (computers, printers, and others) to talk together and/or share a connection to the internet. Devices connect using RJ11/Ethernet/Patch cables.
WAP – Wireless Access Point – See Wireless Access Point below (Other technology defintions for WAP are also in use.)
WiFi – This is the term that encompasses the technology (IEEE 802.11) that allows wireless connection to computer networks.
Wireless Access Point – The ‘through the air’ or radio portion of the electronics hardware that allows connecting to a router without wires. Also, see Wireless Router below.
Wireless Router – Router with Wireless Access Point below (also called WAP or AP) that allows devices to connect by cables or through WiFi. Wireless Routers allow the addition of smartphones, tablets, enabled household appliances, thermostats and more onto the network.