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Access control
Controlling who has access to what information.

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ActiveX controls
They can enhance your browsing experience by allowing animation or help with tasks such as installing security updates at Microsoft Update. If you do not trust the website and publisher, click ‘Don’t run’ when prompted.

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Administrator
A user with sufficient access rights to allow them to manage the access rights of other users and carry out other high-level computer management tasks.

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Advance fee fraud
Any fraud that tricks victims into paying money up front on the false hope of receiving something significant later.
 
Adware
A form of spyware that displays unwanted advertisements on a computer.

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AIM
AOL’s instant messaging system.

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Android
An operating system used by a number of smartphone and tablet manufacturers. The world’s most prolific operating system for smartphones.

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Anti spyware software
Software specifically designed for the detection and prevention of spyware. Often bundled in an internet security package.

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Antivirus software
Software specifically designed for the detection and prevention of known viruses. Often bundled in an internet security package.

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ATM
Automated Teller Machine: a cash machine, often referred to as a ‘hole the wall’.

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Attachment
Files, such as programs or documents, that are attached to an email.

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Authentication
The process for verifying that someone or something is who or what it claims to be. In private and public computer networks (including the internet), authentication is generally done with passwords.

 

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