Is there a conspiracy to confuse? No, it's just the highly technical types who develop computer technology often use complicated-sounding terminology. Unfortunately, while computer use has filtered down to average everyday folks, the terminology remains in the realm of the highly scientific and technologically advanced.

As if the basic scientific, high-tech jargon is not enough, the common practice of shortening these words to abbreviations or acronyms intimidates many computer users. When you add the slang and pet words inspired by the fast-paced computer industry, you wind up with a language that average people often refer to as techno-babble. 

The Compu-KISS Techionary    
With so many new words and terms appearing in the computer world, Sandy's Techionary is a handy tool to help you "stay in the know." This in-depth glossary found in the Classroom section of Compu-KISS is excerpted from my book, "How to Have a Meaningful Relationship with Your Computer." Constantly updated, I always try to make the definitions of computer terms clear and concise. The techionary is indexed alphabetically; click on the beginning letter to link to one of the A-Z divisions and then scroll down to find the word. 

Sandy's Favorite Internet Glossaries 
Just as the number of computer and Internet terms can be overpowering, the number of glossary sites can also be overwhelming. Most of the online glossaries are free, are basically text-only, and are, understandably, arranged alphabetically. Visit a few of the following online glossary sites, then pick your favorite and use it regularly as a valuable reference source. 

For you wonderful Cyber-rookies, a helpful glossary is found at  The Newbie.Org Glossary . Basic terms are covered which is just about the right amount for a computer user's first bite. 

More extensive than the Newbie Glossary, Computer User.com contains over 7,000 high-tech terms in their High Tech Dictionary. A useful feature is the linked alphabet on the front page that carries users straight to each A - Z category. 

As an elementary student, I would always ask how to spell something. My parents would predictably say, "Look it up in the dictionary." I never could understand how to look it up if I did not know how to spell it. The same challenge is presented by the search features today at these glossary Web sites. The Search will do all the research work for you after the word is typed correctly. Poor spellers can use the alphabetical listing to get close and go from there. 

The Computer User.com's classification of terms is interesting: Random Terms, New Terms, Y2K, Emoticons (Do you know what they are? If not, check a glossary.), Chat Stuff, HTML Tags, and File Types. In the Random Terms section, Tech Dictionary challenges users to pick a random term to add to their computer vocabulary. 

Moving up to a larger glossary, TechWeb is proud of its TechEncyclopedia, which offers more than 14,000 definitions of computer terms and concepts. This site also encourages users to increase their tech vocabulary with a random definition. The content source for TechEncyclopedia is  The Computer Desktop Encyclopedia . Computer users can purchase a more extensive glossary/encyclopedia with definitions, illustrations, photos, charts and diagrams that can be updated quarterly. Software packages are available. 

The ultimate high-tech glossary may well be one called  Webopedia. This Web site promotes itself as "the only online dictionary and search engine you need for computer and Internet technology." And it may well be correct. While the information given is sometimes a little more technical, it is rock solid. It often uses examples that can be beneficial in making the terminology more understandable. 

Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing (FOLDOC) is a dictionary of acronyms, architectures, history, jargon, mathematics, networking, programming, languages, telecommunications information, theory, and tools. This site covers just about anything to do with computing and the Internet. 

There is no escape from computer and telecom lingo in this day and age. Computer users seem to appreciate "How To" advice as well as customized help in learning the language of today's computer world. Pick the resource or glossary that you like the best and use it . Know the difference between a gigabyte and megabyte. Don't confuse a computer's cache with a wallet's cash (both pronounced the same way).

Knowledge grows each time a term is added to your vocabulary. Being familiar with computer terms can only increase your enjoyment of the computer and the Internet world. The computer, the very same element accused of running a conspiracy of confusion, easily supplies concise, easy to use information. Hopefully with the help of this "How To," cracking the tech code will be a piece of CAKE (that's Computer-users Always Know Everything)