Adware

Short for 'advertising-supported software', adware is software that displays advertisements. 'Free' software sometimes conceals the fact that it carries advertising - it may even install a separate adware program on your computer without telling you. For this reason, it's a good idea to be wary of free software, unless you are confident that the software provider is genuine.

Anti-virus software

Software which detects viruses and other threats to your computer. The program alerts you when it finds a problem, and either removes the problem from your computer or recommends further action.

Browser

A software program used to find and display web pages on the internet. Examples of browser programs include Internet Explorer, Firefox and (for Macs) Safari.

Cookies

Small pieces of information which are placed onto your computer’s hard disk by a website you have visited.

Dialog box

A small window which appears on screen, usually prompting you to respond.

Encryption

Scrambling data so that personal information, for example, can't be seen by anyone else as ittravels between your computer and a secure website.

Firewall

A program which protects your computer from unauthorised access by third parties over theinternet.

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

The company who supplies you with your internet connection, for example BT Openworld,Tiscali, Blueyonder.

Malware

Shortened from 'malicious software', malware is a generic term used to describe software intended to cause damage or disruption to a computer, or to do something not in the interest of the person using it. Examples of malware include viruses and Trojans.

Operating system

The underlying program, such as Microsoft Windows XP, that enables your computer to run software applications, such as email and browser programs.

Patch

An update to a program or operating system, which is needed to correct a problem (often a security issue) overlooked at the time the program was released. Sometimes called a 'fix'.

Phishing

‘Phishing’ is an email scam which tries to get you to provide your personal sign-in details, so that fraudsters can gain access to your accounts. Remember, Bank of Scotland International would never ask you to confirm your secure information in an email.

Spam

Unwanted emails, usually offering dubious products and services. Various types of anti-spam software are available, but the first line of defence may be your own ISP - many offer spamfilteringservices.

Security certificate

Security certificates are issued to secure websites to allow them to prove they are genuine. To view a security certificate, double-click on the yellow padlock icon at the bottom right of your browser window. This allows you to check that you are on a genuine online banking site, and not a 'spoof' website.

Spyware

Spyware is software, usually installed without your consent, which communicates personal or confidential information about you to a third party. The information may contain reports on your web-surfing habits, collected for market research purposes, or more sensitive information, such as credit card numbers.

SSL

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a way of encrypting (scrambling) information, such as bank account details, as it is passed from a web browser to a web server. A web address beginning with https: shows that SSL is being used, so the website is secure. A security certificate allows you to check the credentials of the secure site.

Trojan

A malicious program that may pretend to be innocent (or be invisible altogether), but does something you don't expect, like sending confidential information to somebody else's computer.

Virus

A malicious program which is intended to damage your computer.