Internet Glossary
- account
A service provided, usually for a fee, by an ISP to customer for the purpose of accessing the Internet. Accounts often include e-mail, Web browsing, Web publishing, and shell account services.
- anonymous FTP
File transfer method using the File Transfer Protocol allowing you to connect to a site, search through available files, and download any file, document, or program without having to use a username and password. By using the special username "anonymous", you'll have access to publicly accessible files on the remote system. Most systems that permit anonymous login require the user's e-mail address as the password. See also FTP
- application
Software that does a particular function, such as word processing, Web browsing, or sending/receiving e-mail.
- ARPAnet
Advanced Research Projects Agency. The experimental network, established in the 1970s, where the theories and software on which the Internet is based were tested.
- ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Exchange. The standard method for encoding characters as 8-bit sequences of binary numbers, allowing a maximum of 256 characters. Text files are customarily called "ASCII files".
- authentication
The process of identifying users before they are allowed access to computer systems or networks, typically by usernames and passwords.
- authentication server
A machine that handles the process of identifying users before they are allowed access to computer systems or networks, typically by usernames and passwords.
- backbone
A high-speed connection within a network that links shorter (usually slower) branch circuits.
- bandwidth
The transmission capacity of the lines that carry the Internet's electronic traffic. Typically rated in bps, Kbps, or Mbps.
- baud rate
Bits per second, bps. A unit used to measure the number of data bits a device can transfer in one second.
- binary
The system by which combinations of 0s and 1s are used to represent any type of data stored on a computer.
- binary file
Refers to a file that contains information in a non-text form, like graphics, sounds, spreadsheets, etc.
- bit
A single unit of binary data represented by a 0 or a 1.
- bookmark
Most Web browsers give you an option of adding a URL to a "HotList" or by marking it with a "Bookmark". You can store the URL of any Web pages you plan to revisit. If you decide to go back to a Web site later, the address is readliy available.
- bps
Bits per second. The speed at which a particular modem can transmit data. Divide the bits per second by 10 to get an approximate idea of how many characters per second a modem is transmitting data.
- browser
- byte
- cache
The storage of recently visited Web pages and images which can be accessed from your computer instead of connecting to the server each time you return to the site. This speeds the access time, but does not reflect any changes to the site while in the cache. On rapidly changing sites you may need to click the reload button in order to read the most recent changes.
- CERT
Computer Emergency Response Team. A clearinghouse of information about network security.
- CGI
Common Gateway Interface. A Web server scripting standard; a mechanism used to connect scripts or programs to Web servers. In the past, most CGI programs were actually script files and were often written in scripting languages like PERL. Today, scripts can also be executable programs written in languages like C and Visual Basic.
- Chat Room
A place on the Internet where people go to "chat" with other people in the room. Actually there are thousands of these Chat Rooms. The rooms are usually organized by topic. When you're in a Chat Room you can view all of the conversations taking place at once on your screen.
- client
Any program you use to access a server. A computer application that requests support from another program, often called a server, which usually runs on a remote computer. For example, Netscape Navigator is a client that accesses Web pages from servers on the Internet.
- COM port
Communications Port. A plug-in socket in back of the computer for hooking up devices such as modems.
- communications software
Also referred to as telecommunications software, this software allows one computer to connect with other computers across telephone lines (via modems) and share information. Communications software transmits instructions to your modem that directs it to make connections, transfer files, and carry out other procedures.
- connect time
The period during which a user is signed on to an online service, bulletin board system, host computer, or Internet service provider.
- cookie
Small bits of data that a Web page asks a browser to store on a user's computer, either in RAM or on the hard drive. Cookies have become a valuable way to keep track of a visitor's movements on your site, as sell as a convenient method to customize content based on a visitor's past preferences. A Cookie, for instance, allows a Web site to "recognize" and "remember" individual visitors by storing files on their browsers with a record of the last visit. Cookies cannot be used to "see" any other data on the user's computer, nor can they determine the user's e-mail address or identity.
- counter
A number on many Web pages that will count the number of requests that have been made for that page.
- CRC
Cyclic redundancy check. An error-checking procedure for data transmission. The sending device performs a complex calculation, generating a number based upon the data being transmitted, and sends that number to the receiving device. The receiving device performs the same calculation after transmission. If the results match, the transmission succeeds. If the numbers don't match, it means the message was received in an altered state, and the data may be incorrect.
- Cyberspace
Term loosely used to describe the Internet; the term was coined by science-fiction novelist William Gibson in 1984.
- dial-up connection
A connection to the Internet via phone and modem. Connection types include PPP and SLIP.
- direct connection
A connection made directly to the Internet. Usually much faster and more expensive than a dial-up connection.
- directory
Also known as a folder. An organized unit for file storage on a computer system. A listing of files residing within such a unit.
- DNS
Domain Name Service. The unique name of a collection of computers connected to networks such as the Internet. A general-purpose, replicated, distributed data query service for looking up host IP addresses based on host names. The DNS is hierarchical, consisting of domains, subdomains, sites, and hosts.
- DNS server
A machine or service running on a server that allows remote machines or clients to lookup IP addresses and names. A machine which tells your computer at which number a particular name resides.
- domain name
The name assigned to a machine or machines for easy reference by humans. Examples include ibm.com and svn.net. Typically the last two parts of an internet address.
- download
To transfer a file sent from another computer to your computer.
- DSL or xDSL
Digital Subscriber Line. A relatively new method of higher speed connection than traditional methods. The x represents the many proposed varieties of DSL.
- dynamic Web page
Web pages that respond to users' requests and gather information from them. Oftentimes, they have built-in links to a database, from which they extract data based on input from the user. Dynamic Web pages contain very little actual text. Instead, they pull needed information from other applications.
- e-mail
Electronic mail. Online communications between computer users. The most frequently used communications tool on the Internet. E-mail allows you to communicate with one or thousands of users in less time and for less money than it takes to communicate with another person via traditional phone or mail services.
- EFF
(Electronic Frontier Foundation) A nonprofit organization concerned with Internet-related privacy and access issues.
- encryption
The process of scrambling a message so that a key, held only by authorized recipients, is needed to unscramble and read the message.
- Ethernet
Computers on the Internet that use the TCP/IP protocols are frequently connected to the Net over an Ethernet link. Ethernet supports communications at 10 or 100 mbps over several types of wiring. A type of network interface card that connects an individual computer to a network. See nic.
- Eudora
A popular freeware and commercial email management program.
- extranet
An extended intranet connecting not only internal personnel, but also select customers, suppliers, and strategic partners.
- FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions. A collection of common questions and answers about a particular topic.
- fiber optics
A method of transmitting light beams along optical fibers. A light beam, such as that produced in a laser, can be modulated to carry information.
- file compression
This makes computer data smaller so less is needed to represent the same information and, consequently, the information takes up less disk or file space and may be transmitted in less time.
- file server
A file-storage device on a local area network (LAN) that is accessible to all users on the network. It is sophisticated, also serving as a manager of sorts, maintaining order as users request files and make changes to them.
- finger
A program used to find information about someone online. It may also reveal their full name and their plan and project files.
- firewall
Special computer that are set up on a network to prevent intruders from stealing or destroying confidential files.
- follow-up
A reply to a Usenet posting.
- FQDN
Fully Qualified Domain Name. The full "official" name assigned to a computer. Organizations register domain names, such as "ibm.com". They then assign unique names to their computers, such as "grover.ibm.com".
- frames
The browser display is separated into different sections, each with its own scroll bar (if needed). Some sections can remain unchanged displaying advertising or an index, while the main section or frame acts as a normal browser display. Not all browsers support frames.
- freeware
Non-copyrighted software made available free for public use by the author.
- FTP
Acronym for File Transfer Protocol. It's the protocol or application you use to transfer files across the Internet from one computer to another. For example, you would use an FTP to upload your Web page from where you designed it, your computer at home, to your Web site location.
- gateway
A computer that links two networks, routing traffic and often converting protocols or messages from one network to the other. The term can also refer to a system capability that provides direct access to other remote networks or services.
- gateway address
The internet address or IP address of the gateway computer.
- .gif
Graphics Interchange Format file extension. A graphics file format that is commonly used on the Internet to provide graphics images in Web pages.
- gopher
A menu-based system that allows a user to access information from a remote computer. Menu items point to a file or directory item, which may be located on the same computer or on a different one. Invented at the University of Minnesota and named after its mascot, this is the direct precursor, in both concept and function, to the World Wide Web.
- GUI
Graphical User Interface. A graphics-based interface that lets you access programs by pointing to icons, buttons, and windows rather than by typing a string of commands at a command prompt.
- helper application
A program allowing you to view multimedia files that your Web browser cannot handle internally, such as images, audio and video files. The file must be downloaded before it will be displayed/played. Plug-ins allow you to actually view the file over the Internet without downloading first.
- home page
A users' personal or introductory Web page that provides information or hyperlinks to other Web pages.
- host
A computer system that is the provider or source of network services or resources.
- host name
The name assigned to a machine for easy reference by humans. Examples include www and mail. Often, the host name does not include the domain name to which the machine belongs.
- .hqx
BinHex file extension. A common Internet formatting standard for encoding files attached to electronic mail messages.
- HTML
Hypertext Mark-up Language. HTML is not really a programming language, but a way to format text by placing marks around the text. For example HTML allows you to make a word bold or underline it. Early word processing programs used to work this way. HTML is the foundation for most Web pages.
- HTTP
HyperText Transfer Protocol. The client-server protocol upon which the World Wide Web is based.
- hyperlink
A link that connects you to other documents, other places within the same document, pictures or HTML pages.
- hypermedia
A blending of hypertext and multimedia.
- hypertext
Text on a Web page that links the user to another Web page. The hypertext, or links will usually be a different color than the other text on the page and is usually underlined.
- Internet
The worldwide network of networks based on the TCP/IP protocol. A self-governing network devoted mostly to communication and research with millions of users worldwide. The Internet is not an online service and has no real central "hub." Rather, it is a collection of tens of thousands of networks, online services, and single-user components. Also, when not capitalized, any interconnected set of networks.
- InterNIC
Internet Network Information Center. (http://rs.internic.net) for the United States, which is made up of separate commercial organizations, and provides government-contracted services. This agency is the one that assigns and records unique domain names.
- intranet
Internal systems, based on Internet technology, designed to connect the members of a specific group or single company. An intranet is nothing more than a private Internet. In other words, it is a private network, usually a LAN or WAN, that enables the use of Internet based applications in a secure and private environment. As on the public Internet, intranets can host Web servers, ftp servers, and any other IP-based services.
- IP
Internet protocol. Primary protocol among the protocols upon which the Internet is based. IP allows a packet to travel through multiple networks on the way to its ultimate destination.
- IP address
A unique number assigned to every computer directly connected to the Internet (for example 192.100.240.100).
- IRC
Internet Relay Chat. A mechanism that allows for a number of Internet users to connect to the same network node and chat in real time. To access this feature, you need an IRC server and an IRC client.
- ISDN
Integrated Services Digital Network. Special connections that use ordinary phone lines to transmit digital instead of analog signals. ISDN is a telecommunications network that allows for digital voice, video, and data transmissions. ISDN lines contain two channels. When the two channels are used together, transmitted data can travel at up to 128Kbps.
- ISP
Internet Service Provider. An organization that lets users dial into its computers to connect to its Internet link for a fee. ISPs generally provide an Internet connection, an electronic mail address, and World Wide Web browsing software.
- K56flex technology
A modem transmission scheme developed by Rockwell and Lucent Technologies that is capable of achieving modem connect speeds of up to 56 Kbps.
- Java
A programming language that developers use to create applets, small programs that are embedded in Web pages and that run when a user accesses the page or clicks on a certain area. If you have visited sites that play sounds, have animated figures trotting across the screen, or display scrolling text, you have probably already seen Java.
- .jpg
Joint Photographic Experts Group file extension. A graphics file format that is commonly used on the Internet to provide graphics images in Web pages.
- keyword
A word you might use to search for a Web site. For example, searching the Web for the keyword "sailing" might help you find information about the various types of sailing.
- LAN
Local Area Network. A group of computers located in a relatively limited area (like an office building) and connected by a communications link that allows them to interact with each other. Many LANs are connected to the Internet.
- leased line
A leased phone line that provides a full-time, dedicated, direct connection to the Internet.
- link
A link will transport you from one Web site to another with a click of your mouse. Links can be text or graphic and are recognizable once you know what to look for. Text links usually will be underlined and often a different color than the rest of the text on your screen. A graphic link usually has a visual indicator as to what it will do.
- location
An Internet address. While you are in your browser you will see a section at the top of the page that may be titled "location". If you look now you will see the location of this Web page. If you type in the address of a Web page and hit enter, your browser will take you to that page. The address you type in the location bar must be an exact match. Also known as an Internet address or URL.
- login, logon
The process of identifying yourself to your computer or an online service. The initial identification procedure to gain access to a system as a legitimate user. The usual requirements are a valid username and password.
- logout, logoff
The concluding steps for formally ending a session with a system. Physically disconnecting or powering down a terminal does not necessarily result in a logout.
- lynx
A text-based client program for the World Wide Web.
- mail server
A machine which handles incoming mail, outgoing mail, or both.
- mailing list
Electronic discussion groups that link a relatively small group of people together by common interests and that are distributed throughout the Internet via its global e-mail system. If you belong to a mailing list, you receive every message that is posted to that list.
- mailing list
An e-mail based discussion group. Sending one e-mail message to the mailing list's server sends mail to all other members of the group. Users join a mailing list by subscribing. Subscribers to a mailing list receive messages from all other members. Users have to unsubscribe from a mailing list to stop receiving messages from the group's members.
- MIME
Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions. Extensions to the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) that allow the transmittal of non-text information (graphics, etc.) via e-mail. A standard Internet format for encoding files that are attached to e-mail messages.
- mirror
A duplicate of an FTP or Web site.
- modem
MOdulator/DEModulator. A device that allows a computer to communicate and exchange information with other modem-equipped computers via telephone lines.
- Mosaic
The World Wide Web client program developed by the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA). It was essentially the first graphical WWW browser.
- multimedia
Documents or platforms that combine different kinds of data such as, plain text, video, graphics, or audio.
- NCSA
National Center for Supercomputing Applications. An organization headquartered at the University of Illinois. Researchers there created the Mosaic and HTTPD server programs.
- Net
- netiquette
Guidelines to good manners on the Internet -- for example, don't spam other users, don't type with your caps lock key on, etc.
- Netscape
A popular freeware Web browser.
- newsgroup
A particular section within the USENET system typically, though not always, dedicated to a particular subject of interest. Also known as a discussion group.
- NIC
Network Information Center. An electronic site where users can hunt down information about specific capabilities of a network. NICs are customarily maintained by regional networks and by institutions. The US national NIC is called the InterNIC.
- nic
Network interface card. The hardware that connects an individual computer to a network. See Ethernet.
- NNTP
Network News Transfer Protocol. The protocol used to transfer Usenet pieces on the Internet.
- news server
A machine used to transfer Usenet news pieces on the Internet to clients and other servers.
- NOC
Network Operations Center. A site or group that is responsible for the daily care and maintenance of a network.
- node
One computer, or other peripheral, within a network.
- online
Having access to the Internet. You are online right now. Often people will say they are online meaning they have access to the Internet and have an e-mail address, but may not necessarily be connected to the Internet at that moment.
- online service
A dial-up service that provides news, information, and discussion forums for users with modem-equipped PCs and the access software provided by the service. Examples include: America Online, Prodigy, and CompuServe. Online services are frequently more restrictive and more expensive than ISP's.
- password
The secret part of an authentication sequence that allows a user to prove to a host or server that he really is who he says he is. Usually an alphanumeric sequence of 6-8 characters. Never give your password to anyone you are unsure of. Try not to forget it either.
- ping
A diagnostic utility that determines whether a remote computer is active and where it can be contacted.
- plug-in
Software that increases the capabilities of a Web browser and specialize in displaying a graphic or playing sound and movies.
- POP
Or POP3. Post Office Protocol. Makes available client-server e-mail messaging.
- POP server
A machine which delivers incoming mail to a mail client such as Eudora.
- PPP
Point-to-Point Protocol. A method computers can communicate with each other over the Internet. PPP connections let you communicate directly with other computers on the network using TCP/IP connections.
- protocol
A set of rules that lets computers agree how to communicate over the Internet. Languages that computers use to talk to each other. A set of standards that assures that different network products can work together.
- queue
A list of email messages that will be distributed next time you connect to the Internet.
- QuickTime
A type of video and sound playback format for computers. Developed by Apple Computer, the use of QuickTime has become so widespread that it has become a video standard.
- Real Audio
A software application that lets you hear live sound (as it occurs) over the Web.
- RFC
Request for Comments. The documents that contain the standards and other information for the TCP/IP protocols and the Internet in general. They can be found at several sites on the Web.
- router
A computer that routes traffic and often converts protocols or messages from one network to the other.
- routing
The process of locating the most efficient or effective pathway through a network to a destination computer. Routing is commonly handled by the network or communication software.
- RSA
Rivest, Shamir, Adleman Public Key Encryption. A patented public key (also called dual-key or asymmetric) data encryption scheme that can provide both encryption and authentication.
- script
A record of keystrokes and commands that can be played back in order to automate routing tasks, such as logging on to an online service. A simple method of automation or programming.
- search engine
A Web site that serves as an index to other sites on the Web. Some of the more popular search engines are AltaVista, Infoseek, and Lycos. Search engines are relatively easy to use. Normally, they also give you the opportunity to type in key words to begin a search for Web pages containing those words. Similar to subject directories.
- server
A computer (or service) that provides information or a service to other computers on a network.
- shareware
Software that is sold by individuals or companies for a nominal fee. Typically the software is downloaded and tried out before buying or registering it.
- shell
A user interface for those whose Internet providers offer character-based, command-line access to a Unix system.
- shell account
An text-based Internet access account. Instead of linking your computer directly to the Internet, you use your modem to dial in to an Internet-connect host computer operated by an Internet service provider (ISP).
- signature
A 3- or 4-line message, used to identify the sender of an e-mail message or Usenet article, that appears at the end of either communication. Signatures longer than 5 lines are generally frowned upon, and should be avoided.
- .sit
Stuffit file extension. A compressed file format. Many files available on the Internet are compressed or stuffed in order to reduce storage space and transfer times. To uncompress the file, you need a utility like Stuffit Expander.
- site
A place on the Internet. Short for Web site. Every Web page has a location where it resides which can be called it's site. And, every site has an address usually beginning with "http://."
- SMTP
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. Method used by one Internet computer to connect to another computer to transmit an e-mail message. The standard protocol on the Internet for transferring electronic mail messages.
- SMTP server
A machine which accepts outgoing mail from a mail client such as Eudora.
- spam
The Internet version of junk mail. Spamming is sending the same message to a large number of mailing lists or newsgroups usually to advertise something.
- SSI
Server-Side Includes. An extension to HTML that allows a Web page to include some dynamic information in addition to the usual static info.
- SSL
Secure Socket Layer. An open protocol for securing data communications across computer networks. The broad support for this protocol will promote interoperability between products from many organizations and will speed the growth of electronic commerce on the Internet and private TCP/IP networks.
- subject directory
A Web site that serves as an index to other sites on the Web. The most popular subject directory is Yahoo. Normally, they contain references to common subject areas that you can click to connect to other links, that connect to other links, and so on. Subject directories have the advantage over search engines that they usually contain more relevant information and less outdated or irrelevant links. Similar to search engines.
- surfing
The process of "looking around" on the Internet. You're probably doing it now.
- T-1, T-3
High-speed digital lines that provide data communication speeds of 1.544 megabits (T-1) and 45 megabits (T-3) per second.
- TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. A set of protocols used on the Internet. A language governing communication between all computers on the Internet. TCP/IP is a set of instructions that dictates how packets of information are sent across multiple networks. Also included is a built-in error-checking capability.
- telnet
A protocol that lets you log onto a remote computer. Also, the name of the program implementing the protocol.
- terminal adapter
An electronic device that interfaces a PC with an Internet host computer via an ISDN phone line. Often called an "ISDN modem." However, because they are digital, terminal adapters are not modems at all.
- terminal emulation
A technique in which one computer imitates a terminal while communicating with another computer, by using special software.
- terminal server
A machine which contains or controls modems and provides an interface to servers on a LAN.
- thread
A message and its responses in a newsgroup. Together, threads form a conversation of sorts as people add responses, or they may start a new message, which, in turn, will have its own "thread" of responses.
- timeout
What occurs when one computer fails to respond to another within a predetermined interval during a connection.
- TLD
Top level domain. The Internet is divided into smaller sets known as domains, including .com (business), .gov (government), .edu (educational) and others. The last part of an internet address.
- Trojan horse
Like the Trojan horse of mythology, Trojan horse viruses pretend to be one thing when in fact they are something else. Typically, Trojan horses take the form of entertainment and often do something malicious.
- UDP
User Datagram Protocol. Another protocol on which the Internet is based.
- Unix
A computer operating system, originally developed at AT&T Bell Laboratories, that is compatible with a wide range of computer systems. Solaris, AIX, HP/UX, BSD, Linux, and SystemV are among its numerous descendants. One of the few reliable multi-user operating systems.
- download
To transfer a file from another computer to your computer.
- upload
To transfer a file from your computer to another computer.
- URL
Universal Resource Locator. A Web site's address. Examples are: http://www.netscape.com (Netscape's Web site), and http://www.cnn.com (CNN's Web site).
- Usenet
A collection of news groups. Usenets are ongoing discussion groups among people on the Internet who share a mutual interest. Usenet travels on the Internet, but also over modems and satellites.
- username
This is the unique identifier that you use to identify yourself on a computer. You probably used your username (and password) when you logged onto the Internet today. Also known as a login name or user id.
- UUencoding
A common Internet formatting standard for encoding files attached to electronic mail messages.
- v.90
The official 56 Kbps modem standard to be signed buy the telephone standards governing bodies. It will be an integration of x2 and K56flex. In theory, both standards should be upgradable to v.90.
- virus
A program, usually small, that does something undesirable and often perpetuates itself. A virus can wipe out information on your computer and create major havoc. Viruses usually originate from malicious people. You can unintentionally download virus from a Web site or get it from a disk that someone gives you. There are virus-checking programs, and there are new viruses popping up every day. The best defense against a virus is to be very careful not to download programs or data from a site you're not familiar with and never use disks from unsafe sources.
- vt100
The DEC terminal's operating parameters and command set generally used to define the option of "standard computer terminal". Countless other terminals, as well as PC telecommunications programs, can emulate the vt100.
- W3C
World Wide Web Consortium. A standard setting and governing organization. (http://www.w3.org)
- WAIS
Wide Area Information Server. An Internet search-and-retrieve tool. WAIS, pronounced "ways", lets users look through the full text of the document. It was designed by WAIS Corp. as a way of accessing very large databases.
- WAN
Wide Area Network. A group of computers located in a large area (like a city) and connected by a communications link that allows them to interact with each other. Many LANs are connected to the Internet.
- Web browser
A software application that lets you browse the World Wide Web. The most popular Web Browsers right now are Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer.
- Web page
A document delivered by a Web server to be viewed by a Web browser. Web pages often include information, both text and graphical.
- Web server
A machine, or the software that runs on it, that serves up Web pages upon request.
- Web
Short for the World Wide Web.
- webmaster
May be the owner of a Web site or, in the case of larger sites, the individual responsible for maintaining and updating the content of a Web document.
- Wireless
Method of connecting computers or devices. Wireless connections have the advantage of not paying for "wired" use fees like telephone line charges.
- World Wide Web
One of several features of the Internet. It can contain colorful graphics, video, sound bites, real audio, and much, much more. The World Wide Web is fast becoming the predominant tool for accessing and storing information on the Internet.
- WWW
An acronym for the World Wide Web.
- x2
A modem transmission scheme developed by U.S. Robotics that is capable of achieving modem connect speeds of up to 56 Kbps.
- .zip
PKzip file extension. A compressed file format (.zip). Many files available on the Internet are compressed or zipped in order to reduce storage space and transfer times. To uncompress the file, you need a utility like PKZip (DOS) or WinZip (Windows).
