'Animals'

Worm - a long, soft bodied animal with no legs

OR

A form of malware (malicious software) designed to spread via a computer network. A worm does not need a host program to work like a virus does. They are typically spread when inadvertently opening email attachments or messages that contain executable files.

Rather than corrupting or modifying files, a worm consumes bandwidth, slowing down operations and spontaneously generating additional email messages containing copies of the worm. Most worms can penetrate firewalls and other network security measures although antivirus software applications attempt to combat them.

RAM - an uncastrated adult male sheep

OR

Random Access Memory (RAM), a form of computer data storage which holds whatever you are currently working on. It comprises integrated circuits on the motherboard which allow data to be accessed at random. The content of the RAM is lost when the computer is turned off.

The amount of RAM installed on a computer can affect the speed at which it operates and in general, the more installed, the better the performance. RAM should not be confused with the amount of space on a computer's hard drive.

Bug - an insect-like invertebrate

OR

An error/flaw in a computer program that means it will not run properly. The majority of bugs are made by people in a program's source code or design. Common bugs are often fixed in later updates of the same software.

There are several types of bugs causing different levels of inconvenience to the user. Some go undetected for a long time as they only have a subtle effect on a program's functionality, whereas others are more serious and cause programs to crash or freeze. Some bugs can even enable hackers to bypass security controls in order to obtain data for fraudulent use.

It is rumoured that the term came about after a moth flew into the Harvard University Mark II Aiken Relay Calculator, causing it to crash. The moth was taped to the error logbook!

(F)Phish-(ing) - a cold-blooded, aquatic vertebrate

OR

A form of internet fraud whereby fake (but legitimate looking) emails are used to acquire confidential information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details, in order to steal a user's identity.

The sender poses as a trustworthy entity such as a bank, ISP or online payment processor and typically directs the user to a fake website to enter their details. The website's look, feel and URL will be almost identical to the legitimate one.

The term itself is thought to be a combination of phreaking (the hacking of telecommunications systems) and fishing, referring to bait used to 'catch' confidential information.


View our other light hearted jargon themes or view a full A-Z IT jargon busting list.