Jargon buster

Cyberlocker

A service for storing large quantities of files on the internet. Frequently used for sharing music, film and TV illegally.

File-sharing

Allowing others, whom you may not know to access information on your computer via the internet, including music, film and personal files.

Filtering

A way of restricting access to certain content, websites or functions online.

IP address

Short for internet protocol, a number-similar to a telephone number-that can be used to identify the account holder of a computer at a particular point in time when it is connected to the internet.

ISP

An internet service provider. A company that supplies a connection, enabling access to the internet.

Peer-to-peer (P2P)

A popular method of exchanging music, film or TV files directly from one or more computers to another without it passing through a central point.

Ripping

Making a digital copy of music or a film or video from a CD/DVD to a file, typically so it can be transferred to and played on a computer or portable media player like an iPod.

Router

A device used to connect computers to the internet.

Spyware

A malicious program installed on a computer without the users knowledge, typically used to report information about the user and his or her activities online.

SSID

Short for service set identifier, a name or phrase that identifies an individual wireless router.

Streaming

Transmitting music, film or TV over the internet in real time so it can be played on a computer or media player but is not stored on the device.

Uploading

Making available files stored on your computer or device to other computers via the internet, or storage services such as cyberblockers.

WPA

Short for WiFi protected access, a security setting for wireless computers and devices.