SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. SSL is a cryptographic protocol which helps to provide a secure communications channel on the internet in things such as web browsing, emails, faxing and internet messaging.

SSL establishes a connection between two computers using a handshake procedure. During this handshake, the client and server exchange specifications of the cipher they will use for the rest of the transmission.

SSL was originally developed by Netscape. It works by using a private key to encrypt data before sending it over an SSL connections. Many websites use the SSL protocol when transferring sensitive data such as credit card numbers. You can check when your browser is using the SSL protocol because the web address will typically start with https: instead of http:/

Spyware is computer software that collects personal data about the users and their surfing habits without their consent. Often, spyware is bundled with other packages and without reading the entire Ts & Cs of an installation, the user may be unaware that spyware is being installed onto their machine.

There are many different types of spyware and tracking systems; some record keystrokes, some record web browsing history, some scan documents from PC hard drives and send it on. Some spyware is aimed at criminal activities such as obtaining passwords and private data; other pieces of spyware are aimed at targetted advertising on the users machine.

A scanner is an electronic device which analyzes an image or an object and converts it into a digital format. Popular things to scan are images, printed text and small objects.

Most scanners are 2D and are attached to a computer to allow for quick and easy transfer. Scanners are often connected via USB cables or FireWire (which is allows for faster transfer than USB or SCSI).

Most scanners need drivers in order to work. This is so that a computer knows how to talk to the scanner and interpret what it says. Most scanners speak a common language called TWAIN. Other popular languages that a scanner may talk in is ISIS or SANE (Scanner Access Now Easy), which was originally used in Linux/Unix.

A running machine is also known as a treadmill. A running machine is a piece of sports equipment which can be used to walk or run on without actually moving any distance. Running machines are essentially a big belt driven by an electric motor.

Advantages of a running machine
- You know how fast you are running
- You can adjust the gradient and speed of the running machine
- Energy expended can be calculated by the running machine
- Running machines be used at home
- Running machines are better than running on pavements as they offer some shock absorption

A projector is an electronic device which takes an image from a smaller device and enlarges it by projecting it onto a wall or screen. Most modern projectors can correct curviness, blurriness and inconsistencies to ensure that the enlarged picture is fairly clear.

The cost of a projector depends on the resolution it can output, the type of technology it uses, it’s light output, contrast and noise levels. Most modern projects will ensure that the picture is well lit, however it is usual for lights to be dimmed when looking a a projector’s picture to ensure the best possible picture.

A printer cartridge is also known as an ink cartridge. A printer cartridge is a replaceable part of a printer. It contains ink and sometimes also the print-head. Each printer cartridge will be split into one or more ink resevoirs. Some printer cartridges will also have alactronic contacts and a chip on them so that they can communicate direct with the printer.

Printer cartridges have always been fairly expensive and so, many companies have now sprung up offering printer cartridges that fit certain printers and print with the same sort of quality but at much lower prices than the official print cartridges. It is important to ensure that the correct printer cartridges are bought as different printers need different ink cartridges.

A photocopier is a machine which makes paper copies of documents and other visual documents quickly, easily and cheaply.

Most modern photocopiers use a technology known as xerography. Photocopiers have a cylindrical drum inside them and this is given an electrostatic charge. The photocopier drum is coated with a photoconductive material such as selenium and this becomes conductive when exposed to light. A bright light is then shined onto the original document and the white parts of the document reflect the light back onto the photoconductive drum. The bits of the drum that are exposed to the light become positively charged and the bits of the drum not exposed to the light become negatively charged. This means that an electrical image of the document is left on the drum.