ActiveX

ActiveX is a framework for defining reusable software components in a programming language independent way. Software applications can then be composed from one or more of these components in order to provide their functionality.

Worm

Pertaining to a storage device, such as an optical disk, that allows the user to record data only once and to read back the data an unlimited number of times. Abbreviation for write-one, read-many.

Virus

A computer program that is designed to replicate itself by copying itself into the other programs stored in a computer. It may be benign or have a negative effect, such as causing a program to operate incorrectly or corrupting a computer's memory.

Urban Legend

Myths about anything and everything that barely have a shred of truth in them, yet seem to take on a persistent life of their own. Before the Internet, such urban folklore as "alligators in New York City sewers" was carried in magazines and newspapers

Trojan Horse

A program that appears to be legitimate but is designed to have destructive effects, as to data residing in the computer onto which the program was loaded.

Time bomb

In computer software, a time bomb refers to a computer program that has been written so that it will stop functioning after a predetermined date or time is reached. The term "time bomb" does not refer to a program that stops functioning a specific number of days after it is installed; instead, the term trialware applies.

Teleconferencing

A conference held among people in different locations by means of telecommunications equipment, such as closed-circuit television.