When you 'log in' or 'sign on' you are entering your personal identifiers, your username and password, to access our system with your saved data. People who are 'logged in' to ZipZoomfly have access to certain members only areas where they can edit their information, view their personal ZipZoomfly shopping carts and other such things like creating a personal wish list or completing and purchasing an order.
A 'login' is also a term for your personal information, for example, the name you registered with your account.
To protect your information from other people who may use your computer after you, make sure to 'log out', or 'sign out', which will clear your personal information from your browser.
We recommend that you only use auto-complete or auto-fill in of your passwords when you know your computer is secure from other users.
In Stock / Out of Stock
When we mention that a product is 'in stock', that means we have the item in our inventory physically, ready to sell. Items that are 'out of stock' are not currently in our inventory, nor are they available for sale.
Shopping Cart
Your shopping cart is your personal collection of items you have picked out, and can be accessed all together via that shopping cart page. Like a real shopping cart, you can remove items if you change your mind, but unlike a physical cart, there is no limit to what you can fill it with.
On ZipZoomfly web pages you will see 'Product' and 'Item' used interchangeably to describe a particular piece of merchandise sold by and purchased from ZipZoomfly.
E-tailer
ZipZoomfly is an e-tailer, meaning we sell our goods and services online, over the internet, instead of through a physical, also known as a 'Brick and Mortar' store. E-tailers participate in e-commerce.
FAQ
FAQ stands for frequently asked questions. Our Help Center lists several FAQs and their answers.
IP Address
Your IP address, or internet protocol address, is a unique code that represents your computer; it is used to send and receive messages through your network.
IP addresses are often used to track a user's movement through online stores, much like observing how customers move through a physical, brick and mortar store. By watching how people move, web designers can find and fix 'trouble areas' or areas that confuse or turn away potential customers. For more details on your information, and how it is used, please read our service page on Privacy and Security.
ISP
ISP stands for 'internet service provider'. Your ISP is the company you use to provide your internet connection. Common ISPs include: NetZero, AT&T, Verizon and AOL to name a few.
URL
URL stands for 'uniform resource locator', which is essentially a unique internet address. For example, the URL to our home page (our main or introductory webpage) is http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Home.jsp.
User Group / Newsgroup
These are groups of people who are interested in computers and share information using the Internet. They are also an online location, where people can post, (publish or make public online) messages and questions about a topic that interests them.
Policy Terminology
Liability
Liability is essentially a state of being legally obligated and responsible for a particular object or situation. It is important to read all disclaimers and limitations of liability, to understand the appropriate course of action in potential disputes of confusion. To read about ZipZoomfly's limitation of liability, see the section 'Terms, Policies and Agreements', in our Service Center.
RMA
RMA stands for 'return merchandise authorization'. ZipZoomfly or your product's manufacturer must issue this unique code for your order to be eligible for return. All returns must have an RMA. To read more about what RMA's are, and how to apply for one, please see the Returns and Replacements.
Overclocking
Overclocking is an adjustment that is made to a computer's hardware or software that causes the CPU (central processing unit) to run at a faster clock rate than it is meant to. (The clock rate is the speed at which a computer performs its calculations.)
Overclocking can damage a system if the rate is set faster than what the rest of the computer's components can handle. A machine damaged due to overclocking is physically damaged and is considered misused, and is no longer eligible for return to ZipZoomfly.
OEM
An OEM or 'original equipment manufacturer', makes products (parts) that are used as components in the creation of another product. OEM is also used as an adjective to describe a product coming from one of these types of companies. For details on OEM and bulk products, read our packaging and product terminology below.
Business Day
A business day is any day of the week, excluding weekends and holidays. This includes Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, except when those days are a holiday, for example, Thanksgiving, which falls on a Thursday.
Cookie
'Cookies' are small pieces of information that are stored by your computer's browser. There are two types of cookies, 'stored', and 'per-session'. Stored cookies are saved onto your hard drive whereas session cookies are not. ZipZoomfly does not use cookies to store or retrieve your personal information. For more information, see our Privacy and Security Policy.
Packaging & Product Terminology
Purchasing a non-retail product is a great way to save money, especially if you are so savvy that you don't require all of the manuals, cables, and/or other accessories. Read on to learn about the differences so there are no surprises when you receive your package!
Plug and Play
Plug and play describes a device that is readily compatible, and does not require the installation of special drivers for use with a standard computer.
Compatibility
Compatibility, or when a product is 'compatible' with something else, it means the software, hardware or other device is capable of being used without the use of special software, equipment or modification. One common example of an 'incompatible' product would be an item that is too big to install in your desktop or notebook chassis.
Our Notebook Configurator lets you build our notebook the way you want it and rest easy, because all the possible combinations have been tested for compatibility.
Retail
The 'retail' version of a product is what you would expect to see on a store's shelf. It is intended for an end-user, and is usually packaged in a glossy printed box along with a user's manual and sometimes 'extras' such as a software bundle.
Bare Drives
Most hard drives sold by ZipZoomfly are bare drives. Bare drives have a great price, but do not come with cables, drivers, or other software, unless stated otherwise. They are typically packaged only in an anti-static bag, not a box, and come with minimal or no user instructions.
Usually, you can download a user's manual from the manufacturer's website. We suggest that if you require a user's manual, you should check to see if one is available for download before you purchase a bare drive. See our Product Information and Availability for warranty information.
OEM and Bulk Versions of a Product
A product marked OEM or bulk usually has a much better price than a 'retail version' of a product because they often lack the expensive packaging, inserts and extras that accompany retail versions. The most common features of an OEM/bulk product are:
No fancy packaging: plain boxes or simply in anti-static wrap or plastic
Accessories such as cables and screws may not be included.
User's manual may be abridged or not included; however, installation information is usually available at the manufacturer's website.
OEM/bulk products usually include any necessary* drivers, but may not include the more extensive software bundle typically offered with retail products. (*If the product only requires the standard Windows drivers, no drivers would be included.)
Many manufacturers will not offer full technical support. Part of what you pay for when you purchase retail hardware is technical support, should you need it. That cost is not included in the price of OEM/bulk products.
Warranty period may differ. This is not normally the case, except with CPUs. Instead of the typical 3-year warranty for retail versions, an OEM/bulk CPU warranty only lasts between 30 days and 1 year.
Although rare, additional variations are possible. We recommend that you compare terms of an OEM/bulk product against its retail versions so you are fully aware of the differences.
Refurbished Products
A product is considered 'refurbished' if it has been released by the manufacturer as a reconditioned product or if the retail seal has been broken at some point. Manufacturer warranties vary per product. See the product's detail page for information regarding any available warranty.
Open-Box
Opened products, even if unused, can no longer be sold as 'new'. Because of this, we reduce the price on these products. Open-Box items may or may not include all accessories. Manufacturer warranty is provided on most open-box products; please see each product's warranty section for details.
We do not offer refunds for open-box products, however, defective products can be returned for repair or replacement. Please see Returns and Replacements for details regarding the policy for your particular product.
SKU
SKU is the common abbreviation for a 'stock keeping unit'; this number is also often represented as a bar code and acts as a unique identifier for each and every product registered .SKUs are also commonly called UPCs, which stands for 'universal product code'.
If you have a SKU, you can use that number to search for that item by entering it into the search bar at the top of our website.
If you are asked for a SKU to redeem a warranty or rebate from your manufacturer, you can usually find it printed on the packaging of your item. In most cases, you will need to physically remove the SKU and submit it to the manufacturer with the other appropriate materials. Please note, items missing their SKUs can no longer be returned to ZipZoomfly.
Mail-In Rebate
A rebate is a discount given after the sale of the item. Most rebates are mail-in rebates, often abbreviated MIR, which typically require you to fill out a form, attach the original sales receipt, the original UPC (universal product code or SKU) and the completed rebate form, and send them to the manufacturer, who upon receipt and verification, issues cash or credit back. Please read rebate details carefully; some manufacturers define the packing slip or order invoice as the receipt; check to make sure you provide the appropriate materials.
To receive your mail-in-rebate, you need to download the rebate form posted on the product's information page. As requirements for mail-in and instant rebates vary from product to product, please read the form carefully for application details. To search current rebates, see our Rebate Center.
Instant Rebate
Although instant rebates (often-abbreviated IR) are not offered as frequently on ZipZoomfly, instant rebates are much simpler to process. Instant rebates are discounts or 'refunds' that are automatically applied to qualifying items when you check out, and no further action is required on your part.
Shipping and Processing Terminology
Billing address
Your billing address is the address your credit card and personal information lists as your primary location.
Shipping address
This is the address that will receive your shipped package. Please add your common shipping address with your credit card company for your security and to expedite processing. See Shipping and Delivery for limitations.
Carrier
A carrier is a company that provides shipping and receiving services, for example, FedEx.
'Carrier' also commonly describes an internet or cellular provider. At ZipZoomfly.com, we will refer to internet service providers as an ISP.
Processing Time
'Processing time' is the length of time we expect your order to be verified, located, and combined and packaged for shipment. It usually requires 1-2 business days. Special products that require additional processing time will be noted on their web page. Difficulties verifying your billing or shipping information may extend processing time. For more on how to prevent this, please see 'Order Delays & Prevention'.
Processed
Your item/order is complete and will ship shortly.
Shipped
Your order items have left our warehouse, and are in the shipping carrier's possession. Depending on the shipping method you chose, your package will now arrive in 1-7 business days.
Travel Time
Travel time is the amount of time your package will be in transit; it is measured in business days, excluding weekends and holidays.
Ground 5-7 Day Delivery
Express: (typically 2 business days, AK/HI 2-3 business days)
Overnight Delivery (typically 1 business day)
Order Status Terminology
You can check the status of your order by logging into your account.
Processing
Processing your order involves verifying your account information and authorizing your credit card. Most orders in this status can still be cancelled. Exceptions occur when processing is in fact complete, but order status has not yet been updated on the website.
Please be aware that most orders require one business day processing time and are shipped out the following business day. Not all orders can be processed within one business day, but we try our best. Ground shipments often require an additional day processing time.
Packed / Packing
At this stage, your items are collected from our warehouse and occasionally, an offsite location to pack them for shipment. The packing stage is an indication that your order will be shipping soon, or may have already been shipped. Expect a tracking number at the end of the day via email.
Orders cannot be cancelled at this stage, unless the item is on backorder.
Shipped
Your order has been shipped. A tracking number will be provided shortly, if it has not been already. Log into your account and use the tracking number to locate your package's current position and estimated time of arrival.
Backordered
A backordered item is currently out of stock. When a product goes out of stock a backorder button will show up in place of the add to cart button. To ensure prompt delivery, products marked 'out of stock' are not available for purchase.
If an item in your saved shopping cart is unavailable upon your return, it will show as back ordered in the saved cart. Upon clicking on 'checkout with this cart', these back ordered items will be automatically removed from your purchase.
If an item in your order is unexpectedly backordered, you will receive notification within 1-2 business days of the date you placed the order. If we expect the item to remain out of stock for more than two weeks, we will automatically cancel the item from your order and inform you of this via email. If you would like to cancel the backordered item, read 'cancelled' below.
Cancelled
A cancelled order/item will no longer be filled. Any pending charges will automatically be removed from your available credit card balance after a couple days.
You can cancel your order online by logging into our account via the My Account button and clicking on 'Order Status/Tracking'.
Under special circumstances, ZipZoomfly may need to cancel your order. Certain orders require verification for further processing. ZipZoomfly reserves the right to request additional information for necessary order processing. You will receive an email within 1-2 days of processing to request any necessary verification. If we cannot verify your information within two weeks of your order date, you will be emailed notification of your order cancellation.
ZipZoomfly reserves the right to limit or cancel orders for any reason, including protecting our customers and ourselves against fraud. Orders may be cancelled if there is doubt as to the accuracy, truth or validity of information supplied by shoppers.
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