Tools
Platforms
Boot
Boot is the platform designator for boot sector, the dedicated area of a storage device such as a CD, floppy disk, or hard drive that contains critical information for starting the main operating system (OS). These instructions are used by the boot program to start the main OS whenever the user switches on the computer.
The boot sector of a hard disk is referred to as a Master Boot Record (MBR).
DOS
The acronym formed from the words Disk Operating System refers to an early operating system (OS) created by Microsoft for IBM and IBM-compatible computers; the OS was also used for Windows 3.1, 95, 98, and ME.
More current Windows versions, such as NT, 2000, XP, and Vista, also include a version of DOS known as "DOS emulation", which allows users to run old DOS applications.
HTML
The acronym for Hyper Text Markup Language refers to the simple markup language used to create Web pages. HTML can be used to define elements such as the page layout, fonts, graphical elements, and linkages to other pages.
E-mail and documents can also utilize HTML formatting.
Markup language is not a programming language and used by itself, will create static Web pages. Because many users prefer more interactive Web pages, designers frequently insert programming code/scripts to add more interactivity.
IRC
The acronym for Internet Relay Chat refers to a popular program that allows conferencing over the Internet. The group discussions take place in forums known as "channels" and are hosted on IRC servers around the world.
IRC channels can be utilized to maintain command & control over botnets.
Java
A popular programming language developed by Sun Microsystems in 1995 specifically for the Internet; Java allows Web designers include interactive programs known as "applets" to their site.
Java programs can also be used for non Web-based purposes and in this case, is known as a Java "application".
JavaScript
A popular scripting language (only loosely related to the Java programming language) that is commonly used on Web pages to add interactivity to its elements.
Linux
A non-proprietary operating system (OS) popularly used for computer networks and corporate servers, and to a lesser extent, for work and home users. Linux can run on a wide variety of hardware platforms including those from PowerPC, ARM and IBM.
Consumer usage of Linux is on the raise with the popularity of Netbook class laptops.
OSX
OSX is the platform designator for Apple's Mac OS X (operating system, version 10). Mac OS X is based on Unix-like architecture.
Palm
Palm is the platform designator for the operating system (OS) designed specifically for the personal digital assistant (PDA) devices created by Palm Inc.
SymbOS
SymbOS is the platform designator for the popular Symbian operating system (OS) used to run data-enabled phones (also known as smartphones). Created by Symbian Ltd., this OS supports Java, Bluetooth connectivity, GPRS data transmission, and computer synchronization.