Internet Glossary

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Looking a definition some technical jargon you heard recently? Chances are you will find your answer here. 


Quick Links: A.B.C.D.E.F.G.H.I.J.K.L.M.N.O.P.Q.R.S.T.U.V.W.X. 

A

Access Provider
A company sells Internet connectivity. 

ActiveX
A Java-like Microsoft language permits Web-originated programs be run from Microsoft Explorer browser. 

Agent
Client or robot programs, often able act autonomously or intelligently. 

Alias
An alternative name an object, such a variable, file, or device. 

Alt
An image (img) attribute specifying text can be displayed by a browser an alternative image. 

Anonymous FTP
FTP transactions do not require a unique login name or password. Use name
"anonymous" log use your email address a password. 

Applet
A high-level program can be included an HTML page, much like an image can be included. The program's code then executed by browser. Note: Many older browsers cannot interpret Java applets disregard them. 

Application
Applications software (also called end-user programs) includes database programs, word processors, spreadsheets. Figuratively speaking, applications software sits on top systems software because unable run without operating system and system utilities. 

Archie
A program enables you search files anywhere Internet by filename. 

Argument
Words or numbers you enter part an HTML tag expand or modify how that tag operates. 

ARPANET
The precursor Internet, ARPANET was a large wide-area network created in 1969 by United States Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (ARPA). 

ASCII
Acronym AMERICAN STANDARD CODE FOR INFORMATION INTERCHANGE,  standard character set. 

Authentication
The process identifying an individual, usually based a username password. 

Authoring Software
Computer programs aid creating HTML documents by inserting code for tags. 

B
Back-up Generator
We employ extensive emergency backup systems including redundant power generators capable operating equipment during a complete power outage. 

Bandwidth
The amount data can be transmitted a fixed amount time. For digital devices, bandwidth usually expressed bits per second(bps) or bytes per second. 

Baud rate
The speed rate a data channel - expressed bits per second (bps) - which is usually used when referring speed modems. 

BBS
Bulletin Board System. An electronic message center. Most bulletin boards serve specific interest groups. 

Binary
Pertaining a number system has just two unique digits. Computers are based on binary numbering system, which consists just two unique numbers, 0 1.


Bit
Short binary digit, smallest unit information a machine. A single bit can hold only one two values: 0 or 1. 

Benchmark
A test used compare performance hardware and/or software. 

Body
HTML tag used enclose body (all text tags) HTML document. 

Bookmark
Nearly all Web browsers support a bookmarking feature lets you save the address (URL) a Web page so you can easily re-visit page at a later time.


Browser
Short Web browser, a software application used locate display Web pages.


Byte
Eight bits; fundamental unit personal computer data. 

C
Cache
Pronounced cash, a special high-speed storage mechanism. It can be either a reserved section main memory or an independent high-speed storage device. 

CERN
European Particle Physics Laboratory, developers World Wide Web 

CGI (Common Gateway Interface)
The scripting language used write gateway scripts CERN NCSA Web servers. CGI programs are most common way Web servers interact dynamically with users. Many HTML pages contain forms, example, use a CGI program process form's data once it's submitted. 

Chat
Real-time communication between two users via computer. Once a chat has been initiated, either user can enter text by typing keyboard entered text will appear other user's monitor. 

Cisco
One leading manufacturers network equipment. Cisco's primary business in internetworking products, such routers, bridges, switches. 

Client/Server Architecture
A network architecture which each computer or process network either a client or a server. Servers are powerful computers or processes dedicated managing disk drives (file servers), printers (print servers), or network traffic (network servers). Clients are PCs or workstations which users run applications. Clients rely servers resources, such files, devices, even processing power. 

Co-located Server
Some companies own a server, but want locate secure environment a Web hosting provider. That way they can take advantage fastest possible connections Internet while handing over day-to-day management site. 

Connectivity
A computer buzzword refers a program or device's ability link with other programs devices. 


Cookies
A message given a Web browser by a Web server. The browser stores the message a text file called cookie.txt. The message then sent back server each time browser requests a page from server. 

Coordinates
Pairs numbers used define edges clickable areas clickable image maps. 

D
Daemon
Pronounced demon or damon, a process runs background performs a specified operation at predefined times or response certain events. The term daemon a UNIX term, though many other operating systems provide support daemons, though they're sometimes called other names. Windows, example, refers to daemons System Agents services. Typical daemon processes include print spoolers, email handlers, other programs perform administrative tasks the operating system. 

Database
A database a structured set records, such a mailing list. A Web browser can access a public database by Perl Scripts. There are many ways a user find information a database. When data structured a table a single file, a user need only browse page use browser's Find feature. However, search a relational database spread over many files, a sophisticated CGI script is required access data. 

Data Center
Our  Data Center Atlanta, GA features redundant T3s, 10/ 100 Mbs switched fast Ethernet, performance-proven Cisco routers Catalyst switches. 

Data Transfer
The outward bound traffic from a Web site, with exception email. Any HTML, graphic, audio or video file accessed by someone viewing your site included.


Dedicated Line
A permanently connected telephone line between two computer systems. Dedicated lines make up bulk Internet. 

Dedicated Server
A dedicated server a single computer a network reserved serving needs of network. For example, some networks require one computer be set aside to manage communications between all other computers. A dedicated server could also be a computer manages printer resources. 

Dial-up 
An "on ramp" Internet—the service which allows one "dial" into Internet through their communication lines. 

Digital Certificate
An attachment an electronic message used security purposes. The most common use a digital certificate verify a user sending a message who he or she claims be, provide receiver with means encode a reply.


Digital Picture
A photograph stored a format recognizable usable by computers. 

Directory
A major division a hard drive or server used divide organize files. 

Disk Storage Space
The amount server disk storage allocated your account. This space can be used to store HTML graphics files, programs or scripts, mail messages, compressed files, or other files make up your Web site. This does not include log files, as they are owned by processes server. Space can be purchased $5 per month each additional 20 MB. 

DLT
Short Digital Linear Tape, a type magnetic tape storage device originally developed by DEC now marketed by several companies. DLTs are half an inch wide cartridges come several sizes ranging from 20 over 40 GB. DLT drives are faster than most other types tape drives, achieving transfer rates 2.5 MBps. 

DNS
Short Domain Name System (or Service), an Internet service translates domain names into IP addresses. Because domain names are alphabetic, they're easier remember. The Internet however, really based IP addresses. Every time you use a domain name, therefore, a DNS service must translate name into the corresponding IP address. For example, domain name www.example.com might translate 198.105.232.4. 

Document
An article, book, or other work, typically containing text or other media, includes information content. 

Domain
The name a company, organization, or individual's Internet connection. Individual computers within this domain all end with domain a part their host name. 

Download
To transfer a file from another computer your computer. 

E
Ecommerce (electronic commerce) The purchasing items over Internet 

Email (electronic mail)
A communication system allows you send text, files and/or graphical messages over Internet. 

Email Autoresponders/Lists
An autoresponder will send a standard response email message (based a text file you specify) anyone who sends an email a specific email address (which you specify) at your domain. 

Email Hosting
We  offer fully POP3 compliant Email boxes can be used send receive Email from any connection Internet. wehas a wide selection options features including unlimited aliases, forwarding autoresponders as well attractive volume discounts. 

Encryption
The translation data into a secret code. Encryption most effective way to achieve data security. To read an encrypted file, you must have access a secret key or password enables you decrypt it. Unencrypted data called plain text; encrypted data referred cipher text. 

Ethernet
A local-area network (LAN) protocol developed by Xerox Corporation cooperation with DEC Intel 1976. Ethernet uses a bus or star topology supports data transfer rates 10 Mbps. It one most widely implemented LAN standards. A newer version Ethernet, called 100Base-T (or Fast Ethernet), supports data transfer rates 100 Mbps. And newest version, Gigabit Ethernet supports data rates 1 gigabit (1,000 megabits) per second. 

F
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions - role these answer majority questions commonly asked by newcomers. FAQs provide a means by which questions are frequently asked can be collated into on document. The majority FAQs are posted USENET related groups. 

File Formats
The patterns standards used store a program a disk. Examples are GIF, JPEG, AIFF. 

File Server
A file server a computer storage device dedicated storing files. Any user on the network can store files server. 

Firewall
A system designed prevent unauthorized access or from a private network. Firewalls can be implemented both hardware software, or a combination both. 

Form
HTML documents designed with fill-in text boxes, lists options, other elements that allow user form send information back Web server. (E.g. registration form, order form, etc.) 

Frame
An HTML tag introduced by Netscape allow partitioning browser window into independent document display areas. 

Frame Relay
A packet-switching protocol connecting devices a Wide Area Network (WAN). Frame Relay networks U.S. support data transfer rates at T-1 (1.544 Mbps) and T-3 (45 Mbps) speeds. In fact, you can think Frame Relay a way utilizing existing T-1 T-3 lines owned by a service provider. Most telephone companies now provide Frame Relay service customers who want connections at 56 Kbps to
T-1 speeds. 

Freeware
Copyrighted software given away free by author. Although available for free, author retains copyright, which means you cannot do anything with not expressly allowed by author. Usually, author allows people to use software, but not sell it. 

FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
The primary method accessing files via Internet. 

FTP/FrontPage/Telnet access
You will have unlimited access your account via FTP, FrontPage, or telnet 24 hours a day order maintain your site. It recommended majority of work your site be done locally your own system then uploaded our server. This affords you most flexibility safety regard backing up your data. 

Anonymous FTP (UNIX only)
Allows users access your Web site with standard FTP client software order to upload/download files without supplying a unique username password (anonymous). With advent current HTTP specifications browsers, however, this fairly moot, since same can be done through your browser. Some people just prefer have anonymous FTP available, whether or not they use regularly. 

G
GIF
A popular type image file format. Stands Graphic Image Format. 

Gigabytes
2 30th power (1,073,741,824) bytes. One gigabyte equal 1,024 megabytes. Gigabyte often abbreviated G or GB. 

Gopher
A menu-based information system Internet popularized because its ability to interconnect different Gopher sites same menu. 

Groupware
A class software helps groups colleagues (workgroups), attached a local-area network organize their activities. Typically, groupware supports following operations: scheduling meetings allocating resources, email, password protection documents, telephone utilities, electronic newsletters, file distribution. Groupware sometimes called workgroup productivity software. 

H
Head
The HTML tag used enclose beginning elements HTML document, including title. 

Home page
The first page you intend people see at your Web site. 

Host name
The name a computer Internet, used identify URL naming scheme. 

Hosting, Web Hosting
To provide infrastructure a computer service. For example, a company like us host Web servers. This means we provide hardware, software, communications lines required by server, but content server may be controlled by customer. 

HTML (HyperText Markup Language)
The coding scheme used format text use World Wide Web. 

HTTP (HyperText Transport Protocol)
The transmission standard used send HTML documents across World Wide Web


Hypertext
A special type database system, invented by Ted Nelson 1960s, which
objects (text, pictures, music, programs, so on) can be creatively linked each
other. 

I
Interactive Site/Page
Site or documents can be automatically updated or provide a measure of
interaction with reader. 

Internet
The general term used describe worldwide network computers services
encompassing some 20-40 million computer users dozens information systems
including email, Gopher, FTP, World Wide Web. 

Internet Explorer
Microsoft's Web browser. Like Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer enables you to
view Web pages. Both browsers support Java JavaScript. Internet Explorer also
supports ActiveX. 

InterNIC
A collaborative project between AT&T Network Solutions, Inc. (NSI) supported
by National Science Foundation. The project currently offers following four
services users Internet.

InterNIC Directory Database Services - online white pages directory and
directory publicly accessible databases managed by AT&T. 
Registration Services - domain name IP address assignment managed by
NSI. 
Support Services - outreach, education, information services the
Internet community managed by NSI. 
Net Scout Services - online publications summarize recent happenings of
interest Internet users (managed by NSI). 

Intranet
An internal (private) version Internet. 

IP Address
Every computer connected Internet has have an address. This expressed in two ways: an IP address dotted decimal form, e.g. 139.81.31.171; or by a more memorable machine name, e.g. vdswebhosting.com. Each computer has a unique IP address, allowing computers address data they send the correct computer Internet 

ISDN
An Integrated Serviced Digital Network allows you send digital information at speeds 128Kb over normal telephone network. Just like a telephone call, you dial number computer you are calling establish a digital connection. It takes only a few milliseconds cost same a normal telephone call. 

ISP (Internet Service Provider)
A company provides access Internet. For a monthly fee, service provider gives you a software package, username, password access phone number. Equipped with a modem, you can then log Internet browse the World Wide Web USENET, send receive email. In addition serving individuals, ISPs also serve large companies, providing a direct connection from the company's networks Internet. ISPs themselves are connected one another through Network Access Points (NAPs). 

ISV
Short Independent Software Vendor, a company produces software. 

J
Java
A programming language designed program execution client side, i.e. a browser. It best creating applets applications Internet, intranets and any other complex distributed network. 

JavaScript
A proprietary scripting language by Netscape adds author-specified user events to static pages. 

JPEG, JPG
Joint Photographic Experts Group, ISO/CCITT standard compressing still images (grayscale or color). 

KB
Short kilobyte. When used describe data storage, KB usually represents 1,024 bytes. When used describe data transfer rates, KB represents 1,000 bytes. 

K
Keyword
In text editing database management systems, a keyword an index entry that identifies a specific record or document or a searchable term extracted from a data set during indexing. 

L
LAN
Short Local Area Network or a computer network spans a relatively small area. Most LANs are confined a single building or group buildings. However, one LAN can be connected other LANs over any distance via telephone lines radio waves. A system LANs connected this way called a wide-area network (WAN). 

Link
The text or graphic used an HTML document jump from one document to another. Typically underlined. 

Log File
A file lists actions that occurred. For example, Web servers maintain log files listing every request made server. With log file analysis tools like WebTrends, it's possible get a good idea where visitors are coming from, how often they return, how they navigate through a site. Using cookies enables Webmasters to log even more detailed information about how individual users are accessing a site. 

M
MB
Short megabyte (1,000,000 or 1,048,576 bytes, depending context). 

Menu
An on-screen display that lists available choices. 

Microsoft FrontPage Extensions
FrontPage extensions are available both Unix NT order you use the FrontPage client software create your Web site. Support FrontPage client software provided by Microsoft. 

MIME
Short Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions, a specification formatting non-ASCII messages so that they can be sent over Internet. Many email clients now support MIME, which enables them send receive graphics, audio, video files via Internet mail system. In addition, MIME supports messages in character sets other than ASCII. 

Modem
Stands MOdulator/DEModulator - a device that translates digital information from your computer into analogue signals that can be passed down an ordinary telephone line. This allows one computer 'talk' another computer using the telephone line a medium. 

Monospaced Font
A typeface which width each character same. 

Mosaic
One first graphical browsers. Developed by NCSA, this browser fueled the growth Web. It available versions Windows, Mac, UNIX. 

Mozilla
The original name Netscape's browser, now called Navigator. Some people claim that term a contraction Mosaic Godzilla (e.g., Mosaic killer), since Mosaic was number one Web browser at time Netscape began developing its product. The term Mozilla still used by many Web developers appears server log files that identify browsers being used. 

Multimedia
Documents that combine text, graphics, sound, movies, or other media. 

MySQL
A true multi-user, multi-threaded SQL (Structured Query Language) database server. SQL most popular database language world. MySQL a client/server implementation that consists a server daemon mysqld many different client programs/libraries. 

N
Netscape
A popular commercial graphical browser. It available versions Windows, Mac, and UNIX, used by approximately 60% people that use WWW. 

NOC
Short Networks Operations Center. The weNOC provides 24x7 monitoring of our Network including: Real-time Network status, Performance reporting, Real-time alarming, event correlation forecasting. 

Node
In networks, a processing location. A node can be a computer or some other device, such a printer. Every node has a unique network address, sometimes called a Data Link Control (DLC) address or Media Access Control (MAC) address. 

NT (Windows NT)
The most advanced version Windows operating system. Windows NT a 32-bit operating system that supports preemptive multitasking. There are actually two versions Windows NT: Windows NT Server, designed act a server networks Windows NT Workstation stand-alone or client workstations. 

O
OEM
Stands original equipment manufacturer. OEMs buy computers bulk and customize them a particular application. They then sell customized computer under their own name. 

P
Packet
A piece a message transmitted over a packet-switching network. One key features a packet that contains destination address addition the data. In IP networks, packets are often called datagrams. 

Parked Domains
A parked domain points exactly same HTML files primary domain does since they share same IP number. The parked domain cannot point directly a subdirectory primary domain. It possible make users refer subdirectories have mail be received at parked domain, but some the ``virtualness" lost more technical than can be discussed here. 

PERL
Popular Extraction report Language, most widely used language for programming CGI applications. 

Pixel
Short Picture Element, a pixel a single point a graphic image. Graphics monitors display pictures by dividing display screen into thousands (or millions) of pixels, arranged rows columns. 

POP3 Account
The actual facility retrieve email directly from our server using a standard email client, such Eudora, Pegasus, Netscape Mail or Internet Explorer Mail. 

Port
An interface a computer which you can connect a device. Personal computers have various types ports. Internally, there are several ports connecting disk drives, display screens, keyboards. Externally, personal computers have ports for connecting modems, printers, mice, other peripheral devices. 

Proportional font
A typeface which width a character varies, i.e. an "i" narrower than an "m". 

Q
Query
A request information from a database. There are three general methods for posing queries: (1) Choosing parameters from a menu: In this method, database system presents a list parameters from which you can choose. (2) Query by example (QBE): In this method, system presents a blank record lets you specify fields values that define query. (3) Query language: Many database systems require you make requests information form a
stylized query that must be written a special query language. 

R
RAM
An acronym random access memory, a type computer memory that can be accessed randomly; that is, any byte memory can be accessed without touching preceding bytes. RAM most common type memory found computers and other devices, such printers. 

Real Time
Occurring immediately. The term used describe a number different computer features. For example, real-time operating systems are systems that respond input immediately. 

ROM
Pronounced rahm, acronym read-only memory, computer memory which data has been prerecorded. Once data has been written onto a ROM chip, cannot be removed can only be read. 

Root Directory
The top directory a file system. The root directory provided by operating system has a special name; example, DOS systems root directory is called \. The root directory sometimes referred simply root. 

Router
A device that connects two Local Area Networks. Routers are similar bridges, but provide additional functionality, such ability filter messages forward them different places based various criteria. The Internet uses routers extensively forward packets from one host another. 

S
Search Engine
A program that searches documents specified keywords returns a list the documents where keywords were found. Although search engine really a general class programs, term often used specifically describe systems like Alta Vista Excite that enable users search documents World Wide Web USENET newsgroups. 

Server
A computer or device a network that manages network resources. For example, a file server a computer storage device dedicated storing files. Any user on the network can store files server. A print server a computer that manages one or more printers, a network server a computer that manages network traffic. A database server a computer system that processes database queries. 

Server-Side Scripting Programming Languages A variety scripting programming languages available you order give greater function your Web site. Some primary examples are: Unix, perl, shell script, Server-Side Includes (SSI), PHP, Miva (formerly HTMLScript), NT, Cold Fusion, and Active Server Pages (ASP). 

Shareware
Software that distributed at no cost user (the author maintains the copyright). 

SMTP
Short Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, a protocol sending email messages between servers. Most email systems that send mail over Internet use SMTP to send messages from one server another; messages can then be retrieved with an email client using either POP or IMAP. 

Sockets
In UNIX some other operating systems, a software object that connects an application a network protocol. In UNIX, example, a program can send receive TCP/IP messages by opening a socket reading writing data and from socket. This simplifies program development because programmer need only worry about manipulating socket can rely operating system to
actually transport messages across network correctly. 

SSL Support
Secure Socket Layer, or SSL, support allows transfer data a secure environment. 

T
T-1
A dedicated phone connection supporting data rates 1.544Mbits per second. A T-1 line actually consists 24 individual channels, each which supports 64Kbits per second. Each 64Kbit/second channel can be configured carry voice or data traffic.


T-3
A dedicated phone connection supporting data rates about 43 Mbps. A T-3 line actually consists 672 individual channels, each which supports 64 Kbps. 

Tag
The basic unit HTML coding, consisting a word inside less-than (<) and greater-than (>) brackets. 

TCP/IP
Acronym Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, suite of
communications protocols used connect hosts Internet. TCP/IP uses several protocols, two main ones being TCP IP. TCP/IP built into UNIX operating system used by Internet, making de facto standard for transmitting data over networks. Even network operating systems that have their own protocols, such Netware, also support TCP/IP. 

Telephony
The science translating sound into electrical signals, transmitting them, then converting them back sound; that is, science telephones. The term used frequently refer computer hardware software that performs functions traditionally performed by telephone equipment. 

Telnet
A method logging onto remote computer systems using a terminal program or other applications using Telnet protocol. You can use Telnet application run commands programs a remote computer. 

U
UNIX
A host operating system developed by AT&T that allows multiple clients access the resources one host simultaneously. Many news, mail, WWW name servers Internet use this operating system. 

URL
Defined by Tim Berners-Lee's 1993 IETF Draft "Uniform Resource Locators" --- describing a document or service internet a string which identifies the protocol, server machine, additional information (e.g., file path) 

USENET
A worldwide bulletin board system that can be accessed through Internet or through many online services. The USENET contains more than 14,000 forums, called newsgroups that cover every imaginable interest group. It used daily by millions of people around world. 

UUCP
Short Unix-to-Unix Copy, a Unix utility protocol that enables one computer to send files another computer over a direct serial connection or via modems the telephone system. For most file transfer applications, UUCP has been superseded by other protocols, such FTP, SMTP NNTP 

V
Virtual Server
Virtual Web servers are a very popular way providing low-cost Web hosting services. Instead requiring a separate computer each server, dozens virtual servers can co-reside same computer. In most cases, performance not affected each Web site behaves if being served by a dedicated server. 

VPN
Short virtual private network, a network that constructed by using public wires to connect nodes. For example, there are a number systems that enable you create networks using Internet medium transporting data. These systems use encryption other security mechanisms ensure that only authorized users can access network and that data cannot be intercepted. 

VRML
Pronounced ver-mal, and short Virtual Reality Modeling Language, VRML a specification displaying 3-dimensional objects World Wide Web. You can think 3-D equivalent HTML. Files written VRML have a .wrl extension (short world). To view these files, you need a VRML browser or a VRML plug-in to
a Web browser. 

W
WAN
A computer network that spans a relatively large geographical area. Typically, a WAN consists two or more local-area networks (LANs). Computers connected a wide-area network are often connected through public networks, such the telephone system. They can also be connected through leased lines or satellites. The largest WAN existence Internet. 

Web-to-Database Support
A variety methods available order create dynamic sites that interact with databases. PHP-mSQL or PHP-mySQL and HTMLScript dBase-compatible are available Unix, while Cold Fusion-ODBC compatible (Access, FoxPro, dBase) are available NT. 

Webmaster
An individual who manages a Web site. Depending size of site, the Webmaster might be responsible any of following: Making sure that Web server hardware and software running properly, Designing Web site, Creating and updating Web pages, Replying user feedback, Creating CGI scripts, Monitoring
traffic through site. 

Web Server
A computer that delivers (serves up) Web pages. Every Web server has an IP address and possibly a domain name. For example, if you enter URL http://webhosting.vds.com/index.html your browser, this sends a request to the server whose domain name vdswebhosting.com. The server then fetches page named index.html and sends your browser. 

Whois
An Internet utility that returns information about a domain name or IP address. For example, if you enter a domain name such vdswebhosting.com, whois will return name and address of domain's owner. 

Wildcard
A special symbol that stands one or more characters. Many operating systems and applications support wildcards identifying files and directories. This enables you select multiple files with a single specification. For example, DOS and Windows, asterisk (*) a wild card that stands any combination of letters. 

WWW
The World Wide Web simplest terms an internationally networked organized collection of information. What does this mean? Basically this means using right software you can read, see and even hear specific information that someone else has
made public via your computer. 

X
XML
Short eXtensible Markup Language, a new specification being developed by the W3C. XML a pared-down version of SGML, designed especially Web documents. It enables designers create their own customized tags provide functionality not available with HTML. For example, XML supports links that point multiple documents, opposed HTML links, which can reference just one destination each.