Cache

- your browser uses a 'cache' to store web pages you have seen already. When you go back to those pages they'll load more quickly because they come from the cache and don't need to be downloaded over the internet again.

Cc

- typing an e-mail address or string of e-mail addresses in the 'Cc' box will send your mail to those additional addresses as well as the main recipient.

CD-Rom

- discs that look like a music CD but can hold software, data, text, pictures, sound and video files.

CDRW

- CD Rewritable. These are CD-Roms you can save files on over and over again. (On CDR's you can only save once.)

CGI

- common gateway interface. A script protocol that allows websites to have order forms, searchable databases and chat forums etc.

Chat

- real time chat where you type in a window on a web site's chat room or using a special chat program and other users can instantly reply.

Compressed

- compressed files are electronically "squeezed" so they take up less memory. This makes them quicker to send over the internet.

Compression

- the process of reducing the size of computer files by electronically "squeezing" them so that they can be passed around the internet more quickly. Zip files are a common example of one type of compression.

Cookie

- a small file which websites place on your hard drive so they can recognise you the next time you come to their website.

Cosmo Player

- a plug-in which enables you to view and move around 3D worlds within your browser using your keyboard and mouse.

CPU

Central Processing Unit - the 'brain' of the computer. When people talk about the speed of a computer they are talking about the speed of the CPU.

Crash

- when your computer temporarily stops working. It may pause or 'freeze' up, or tell you to restart or quit.

Crossposting

- sending the same e-mail message to lots of different mailing lists or newsgroups. It can you make unpopular if your message is not relevant to all the groups you crosspost to.

Cursor

- the flashing vertical line on the screen that shows you where you are and where the next character you type will appear.

Cut and paste

- selecting text, images or files and deleting them from one place while putting them in another.

Cybercafe

- shops or coffee shops where you pay by the minute to connect to the internet.