IF you understand such simple computer terms as "hacker" or "virus" then, believe it or not, you are in the minority of those of us in the North.

Most of us wouldn't know a "cyberslacker" if we tripped over one and would probably tell somebody complaining of "internesia" to see a doctor.

Apparently, more than 60 per cent of Northerners have problems in understanding such techno-talk, according to a survey by retailer PC World.

The Internet is the fastest growing media in the world, so it is hardly surprising that the Oxford English Dictionary names technology as the biggest source of new words.

One in four new words added to the dictionary in the past year are related to technology and the Internet in particular is developing a language of its own which makes the old ROMs and RAMs of PCs look as simple as ABC.

Graeme Diamond, senior assistant editor of the Oxford English Dictionary, said: "Words deriving from technology are entering the English language almost as quickly as the technology itself is developing. But we're not just developing words to describe new products or services - terms referring to people or phenomena are emerging.

"Terms like screenager, a person au fait with computers, and internesia, the state of forgetting where something was found on the Web, are also being used more frequently in everyday speech."

PC World has even set up a "jargon buster" on its website to help people through the growing jungle of terms - and replace, certainly in this office, phrases such as "how do I get this thingamybob to whatsit".

There, you can find out about the "spam" that doesn't go in sandwiches, and the "toggle" that's not a fastening for duffel coats.

Elaine Rowley, brand manager for PC World, said: "We know through talking to people in our Northern stores that they are very confused by the language associated with technology. The jargon buster sets to cut through the techno-babble and translates jargon into plain English."

PC World's site is at www.pcworldofcomputing. co.u