The article covers the very basic definitions, concepts, and practical concerns: computer lingo, software applications, new software, references, and where to buy a computer. Most computers are IBM (including IBM-compatibles) or Macintosh ("Mac"). Macs are more user-friendly, but IBM- compatibles usually cost less and have more business applications. In the workplace, IBM's outnumber Macs by ten to one. A byte is the basic measurement of computer memory storage and is composed of eight bits, which are the smallest units of information that a computer can recognize. Each character on the keyboard uses 1 byte of storage space. There are software programs that can make the administration of security easier and more efficient. By understanding more about computers, security professionals can better understand the nature of protection they must provide and can enhance their abilities.