Online Glossary
A
ADSL
An acronym for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line, ADSL is a method of
transmitting data over traditional copper telephone lines at speeds higher than
were previously possible. Data can be downloaded at speeds of up to 1.544
Megabits per second and uploaded at speeds of 128 Kilobits per second. (That's
why it's termed asymmetric.) This technology is well suited to the Web, where
much more data is sent from a server to your computer than you send to the
server.
Alias
A nickname that refers to a person or group of people on a network. For
example, the mailing-list named NETGLOS is an alias for all the e-mail
addresses on the NETGLOS subscribers' list at coopnet.org. Whenever an e-mail
message is sent to netglos@coopnet.org, it will automatically be forwarded to
all the people on the mailing-list. Similarly, the address
"webmaster@widgets.com" usually found on WWW sites, is an alias for
the person responsible for maintaining that site. All e-mail sent to this
address will be routed accordingly.
Anonymous FTP
SeeFTP
Archive
A collection of files stored on a computer network - often retrievable by FTP
ASCII
ASCII is an acronym for American Standard Code for Information Interchange, a
7-bit code that represents the most basic letters of the Roman alphabet,
numbers, and other characters used in computing. ASCII characters allow us to
communicate with computers, which use their own language called binary made up
of 0s and 1s. When we type ASCII characters from the keyboard (which looks like
words to us), the computer interprets them as binary so they can be read,
manipulated, stored and retrieved. ASCII files are called text files.
Authentication
A security measure for checking a network user's identity.
B
Backbone
A backbone is a high-speed line or series of connections that forms a major
pathway within a network. The Internet's high speed data highways that serve as
major access points to which other networks connect. For example, NSFNET was
the backbone of the Internet for many years.
Bandwidth
See Network. Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can travel a
communications path in a given time, usually measured in seconds. If you think
of the communications path as a pipe, then bandwidth represents the width of
the pipe that determines how much data can flow through it all at once. Bandwidth
is usually measured in bits-per-second (bps).
BBS
This is the acronym for Bulletin Board System, a system that lets people read
each other's messages and post new ones. The Usenet is, in effect, the world's
largest distributed BBS. Typically, the term BBS is used to describe private
systems run by individuals that often require membership.
Bookmark
A feature of most Web browsers. You can save frequently accessed links in a
bookmark file, rather than have to look up the URL each time.
Bps
This is an abbreviation for bits per second and a measurement of how fast data
is transmitted. Bps is usually used to describe modem speeds or the speed of a
digital connection.
See ISDN, T1 Line and T3 Line.
Browser
A browser is a software program that allows you to view and interact with
various kinds of Internet resources available on the World Wide Web. A browser
is commonly called a web browser.
Bullet
In HTML, a bullet is a large dot used to separate listed items on a WWW page
C
Cache
When you download a web page, the data is "cached," meaning it is
temporarily stored on your computer. The next time you want that page, instead
of requesting the file from the web server, your web browser just accesses it
from the cache, so the page loads quickly. But if the web page is updated
frequently, as are pages with news, sports scores or financial data, you won't
see the most current information. Use the Reload button on your browser to
download fresh data from the server.
CGI
An acronym for Common Gateway Interface, CGI is an interface program that
enables an Internet server to run external programs to perform a specific
function. Also referred to as gateways or CGI "scripts," these
programs generally consist of a set of instructions written in a programming
language like C or PERL that process requests from a browser, execute a program
and format the results in HTML so they can be displayed in the browser. Gateway
scripts are commonly used to add interactivity to a web page by allowing users
to do things like fill out and submit forms for processing (as in an order form
for an online catalog); query databases by submitting search requests; and
register or gain access to password-protected areas of a site. CGI scripts are
also used to implement a variety of tracking and measurement systems on a
website.
Checkbox
In HTML, a way to allow the user to interact with the material on a web page by
clicking on a box or other input element.
Clickable image map
A map or graphic where certain parts of it are associated with different
hyperlinks. For example, users can click on cities on a map of a country and
bring up linked pictures and other information about each place. For example,
Honolulu Community College has developed an interactive campus map that lets
you get information about each building, its hours of services, etc.
Client
A remote computer connected to a host or server computer. Also refers to the
software that makes this connection possible.
Cookie
A cookie is a file sent to a web browser by a web server that is used to record
one's activities on a website. For instance, when you buy items from a site and
place them in a so-called virtual shopping cart, that information is stored in
the cookie. When the browser requests additional files, the cookie information
is sent back to the server. Cookies can remember other kinds of personal
information, such as your password, so you don't have to re-enter it each time
you visit the site; and your preferences, so the next time you return to a
site, you can be presented with customized information. Some people regard
cookies as an invasion of privacy; others think they are a harmless way to make
websites more personal.
Most cookies have an expiration date and either reside in your computer's
memory until you close your browser or saved to your hard drive. By the way,
cookies cannot read information stored in your computer.
You can use a text editor to view cookie files. For
Windows users of Netscape Navigator, the file is called cookies.txt and is
located in the the same folder as Netscape. Macintosh users can find it in the
Netscape folder in the System/Preferences folder. Internet Explorer creates
separate files for each cookie and stores them in folders named Cookies or
Temporary Internet Files.
Cross-post
To post a message to several newsgroups simultaneously - an action usually
frowned on in Internet culture
Cyberspace
A term coined by author William Gibson in his novel "Neuromancer". Cyberspace
is currently used to refer to the digital world constructed by computer
networks, in particular the Internet
D
Database front end
In the context of the Internet, this is an interface which integrates WWW
applications with sophisticated database programs.
Data traffic
The number of TCP/IP packets traversing a network.
Dial-up account
A basic type of Internet account that allows you to to dial-up a
provider'scomputer with a modem. These types of accounts usually have a UNIX or
other command-line interface.
Directory
A directory is a system that your computer uses to organize files on the basis
of specific information. Directories can be organized hierarchically so that
files appear in a number of different ways, such as the order in which they
were created, alphabetically by name or by type, and other ways.
Dedicated line
A telecommunications line that lets your computer have a direct, permanent
connection to the Internet
Domain name
The address that identifies an Internet site. Domain Names consist of at least
2 parts. The part on the left is the name of the company, institution, or other
organization. The part on the right identifies the highest subdomain. This can
be a country, such as ca for Canada, fr for France, or the type of
organization: com for commercial; edu for educational, etc. The IP address is
translated into the domain name by the DNS
DNS
Domain Name System --- A database system that translates an IP address into a
domain name. For example, a numeric address like 205.206.106.50 is converted
into wwli.com.
Download
To transfer files from one computer to another. The most common way of doing
this on the Internet is by FTP
E
E-mail (electronic mail)
A way of sending messages on computers attached to local or global networks.
Electronic mall
A virtual shopping mall where you can browse and buy products and services
online. Usually built with a shopping cart likeMiva Merchant.
Electronic storefront
A virtual space in an electronic mall. This consists of space on a server
(usually at a web site) where html documents are stored.
Embedded hyperlink
A hyperlink that is incorporated into a line of text.
Emoticon
A symbol to compensate for the absence of nonverbal clues when commicating on
the Internet For example signifies a "grin", :} or :-} a
"smile", when inserted in the text of an e-mail message and alerts
the reader not to take it seriously.
Encryption
A way of making data unreadable to everyone except the receiver. An increasingly
common way of sending credit card numbers over the Internet when conducting
commercial transactions.
F
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions - a list of the most common questions posted on a
newsgroup
Feedback form
Sections of html documents that accept user input. You can usually input
comments, order products, or search for information with these forms.
File Permissions
When you place files on a UNIX system, you can assign the files various levels
of permission, specifying who can access them, and what type of access they can
have. The permission levels regarding who can access files are: owner (the
person who created the files), group (such as a group of individuals specifically
identified, or global (anyone). The type of access can be set to permit the
users to read (look at the contents and copy it), write (edit or change the
contents, rename and/or move the files), or execute (run a file as a UNIX
program).
Finger
An Internet software tool that helps you find people on other sites.
Firewall
The computer file system of a site's inner network that is protected against
unauthorized access by Internet users
Flame
An angry remark or message on a newsgroup or mailing list, often aimed at a
user who has violated netiquette in some way.
Form support
Not all browsers, nor all servers can handle the use of forms where the reader
can give input, for instance his address, or a question. Browsers and servers
that allow this, do have form support.
Freenet
An organization committed to making Internet Access available to the general
public for free or for a small contribution.
Freeware
Free software available on the Internet that can be redistributed.
FTP
(File Transfer Protocol) -- A way of moving files across networks. With FTP you
can login to another Internet site and download or send files. Some sites have
public file archives that you can access by using FTP with the account name
"anonymous" and your e-mail address as password. This type of access
is called anonymous ftp
G
Gateway
A computer system for exchanging information across incompatible networks that
use different protocols. For example, many commercial services have e-mail
gateways for sending messages to Internet addresses.
H
Hit
In the context of the WWW, it refers to the act of accessing an html document
on a server.
Home page
The first page on a Web site that acts as the starting point for navigation.
Host
A computer that acts as a server.
Hotlist
A list of frequently accessed URLs
Hotspot
A place in a document that contains an embedded hyperlink.
HTML
Hypertext Markup Language - the coded format used to create WWW documents. html
commands control how a piece of text will appear. Files in html format are
viewed with a World Wide Web Client program.
Hyperlink
These are links in HTML documents that you can click on to go to other Web
resources.
Hypermedia
The multimedia links on the Web that lead to sound, graphics, video, or text
resources
Hypertext
A term coined by Ted Nelson to refer to a nonlinear system of information
browsing and retrieval that contains associative links to other related
documents. Hypertext is the basic organizing principle of the WWW
I
Information packet
A bundle of data sent over a network. The protocol used determines the size and
makeup of the packet.
Inline image
A built-in graphic that is displayed by the browser as part of an HTMLdocument
and is retrieved along with it.
Internet
A global collection of computer networks that exchange information by theTCP/IP
suite of networking protocols
Internet account
An account with an ISP that allows you to access the Internet
IP address
The Internet Protocol address - the numeric address that is translated into a
domain name by the DNS
IRC
An acronym for Internet Relay Chat, IRC is a program that allows you to carry
on "live" conversations with people all over the world by typing
messages back and forth across the Internet. You can talk in groups or in
private with only one person. IRC consists of "channels," that are
usually devoted to specific topics. Anyone can create a "channel" and
any message typed in a given channel is seen by all others in the channel.
ISDN
Integrated Services Digital Network -- Digital telecommunications lines with 2
channels that can yield a combined capacity of 128 kbps.
Internet service provider
A company that provides various kinds of Internet accounts to organizations and
individuals.
L
Leased line
Refers to a dedicated phone line that is rented for exclusive 24-hour,
7-days-a-week use from your location to another location. The highest speed
data connections require a leased line.
Load
On the WWW, HTMLdocuments and graphics are loaded into the browser whenever an
URL is accessed.
Log file
A file that keeps track of network connections.
Login
The account name used to access a computer system or, used as a verb, the act
of typing your username and password on a terminal.
Logon
The process of connecting to a network or remote system.
Logoff
To disconnect from a network or remote system.
Logout
To type logout, or a similar word (e.g. "exit", "quit".
etc.) in order to disconnect from a network.
M
Mail-bomb
The flooding of an e-mail address with (usually angry) messages.
Mailbot
An e-mail server that automatically responds to requests for information.
Mail-filter
A program that allows a user to sort e-mail messages according to information
contained in the header.
Mailing-list
A discussion forum where participants subscribe to a list and receive messages
by e-mail.
MIME
Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions - an extension to the traditional
Internet mail protocol that allows binary, or non-text, files, (i.e. graphics,
executables, audio files etc.) to be sent as attachments to regular e-mail messages.
Modem
A device for translating the digital data of computers into analog signals. Two
or more computers connected together over phone lines are therefore able to
exchange files, and generally communicate with each other.
Moderated mailing-list
A mailing-list where messages are first sent to the list owner before they are
distributed to all the subscribers.
N
Navigate
To move around on the WWW by following hypertext paths from document to
document on different computers.
Netiquette
The rules of etiquette that guide online interaction on the Internet. Brandon
University has a netiquette guide for the beginner available from their WWW
site.
Netizen
A citizen of the Internet.
Newsfeed
ISPs get their newsgroups from different newsfeeds, or news sources, by
transferring them over the Internet, or other networks.
Network
A network is two or more computers connected to each other so they can share
resources. The Internet is a "network of networks," whereby anyone --
from an individual at a home with a PC to a large corporate multidepartment
system -- can freely and easily exchange information.
Newsgroup
A discussion forum on the Internet similar to that found on local BBSs. There
are currently around 15,000 different groups covering a wide range of topics.
Newsreader
Application software for reading and posting articles to newsgroups.
O
Online
When a user is connected to a network, they are described as being online.
P
Password
A secret combinations of letters and other symbols needed to login to a
computer system.
Pointer
A link to related resources inserted into a Web page.
PKZIP/PKUNZIP
PKZIP is a software compression utility for the PC. It allows you to compress
or "zip" a file or a number of files into one archive file in the Zip
file format. PKUNZIP decompresses, or "unzips" the files, and comes
as part of the PKZIP package. For Windows users, there is WinZip. Both PKZIP
and WinZip are available on many public FTP sites.
Platform
The type of computer or operating system on which a software application runs. For
example, some common platforms are PC, Macintosh, Unix, and NeXT.
POP (Post Office Protocol)
Post Office Protocol. This is the protocol used by mail clients to retrieve
messages from a mail server.
POP (Point of Presence)
The nearest connection point at which a user may connect to a remote site -
usually that of the ISP or telephone company. This is relevant when ordering a
dedicated line, since you have to pay for mileage.
Post
Subscribers to newsgroups and mailing lists take part in discussions by
sending, or posting their articles or comments online.
Postmaster
An alias on a mail server for administering routing of e-mail.
Preference setting
A set of parameters on software tools, especially WWW browsers, that allows the
user to attach a signature file to e-mail or newsgroup messages, change the
colour and appearance of text, etc.
Protocol
A specification that describes how computers will talk to each other on a
network.
R
Radio button
Used in forms to indicate a list of items. Only one button can be selected at
one time.
Real-time chat
This is one use of the Internet that allows live conversation between by typing
on a computer terminal. The most common tools are Talk and IRC (International
Relay Chat).
Remote login
It is possible to login to a remote computer by using an application program
based on TELNET - a terminal emulation protocol made for this purpose. The user
can therefore enter commands on a keyboard attached to their local computer and
access files etc. on a remote computer that may be located anywhere in the
world.
Router
Hardware (or software) that can connects a local network to the Internet. Routers
spend all their time looking at the destination addresses of the packets
passing through them and deciding which route to send them on.
S
Script
In the context of the WWW, a (gateway) script is a program that runs on a Web
server and processes requests based on input from the browser.
Search engine
Programs on the Internet that allow users to search through massive databases
of information.
Server
A host computer on a network that answers requests for information from it. The
term server is also used to refer to the software that makes the process of
serving information possible.
Server-side include
A file, or value of an environmental variable, that is included in an HTML
document, so that information such as last date modified, file size, author
etc. can be automatically included.
Shareware
Software available for downloading on the Internet that you can try before you
buy. Users who want to continue to use the program are expected to pay a
registration fee (rarely more than U.S. $100). In return they get
documentation, technical support, and any updated versions.
Shell account
A UNIX-based account that allows an indirect, command-line connection to the
Internet.
Signature file
A file automatically attached to outgoing e-mail messages and postings to
newsgroups.
SLIP/PPP
To connect to the Internet via Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP) or Point to
Point Protocol (PPP), you need to have TCP/IP software on your computer. When
connected by SLIP/PPP , your computer actually becomes another node on the
Internet. You can then run popular client software directly. This has an
advantage over a shell account where you will have to double download in order
to transfer a file by FTP because the data first goes to network and then to a
local machine. A paper explaining this process is available from Harry Kriz,
called Windows and TCP/IP for Internet Access
SMTP
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol - standard protocol on the Internet for
delivering e-mail.
Sound player
A browser helper application for playing sound files.
Spamming
To cross-post to newsgroups with no regard for whether or not the subject
matter is relevant to that being discussed on the group. Often, these sorts of
postings are blatant advertisements with titles such as Make money fast!. The
topic is treated in greater detail in this online resource from Brandon
University
Subnet mask
A number used to identify a subnetwork so that an IP address can be shared on a
LAN (Local Area Network).
Surf
To search for information in the cyberspace reality of the WWW by navigating in
a nonlinear way.
T
Tag
Tags are the codes used to format HTML documents for the WWW. There are both
single and compound tags. For example, the single code for a line break is
<br>, whereas for bold text, there are compound tags that require both an
initial and a closing code: <b> </b>
TCP/IP
The Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and the Internet Protocol(IP) are
protocols that let different types of computers communicate with each other. The
Internet is based on this suite of protocols.
Text-based browser
A browser that cannot handle hypermedia files.
U
Under construction
A term used to describe a WWW site that is still being developed. A small
graphic like is often affixed to the pages or parts still being created or
modified.
URL
Universal Resource Locator --- An address you use to tell your browser where to
find a particular Internet resource. For example, the URL for the WorldWide
Language Institute is http://wwli.com.
UNIX
UNIX is the trademarked name of the multiuser, multitasking, time-sharing
operating system developed at AT&T's Bell Labs in 1969. Many websites are
maintained on UNIX systems. While technically the name UNIX refers to only a
few trademark-licensed versions, it is often used to refer to the many versions
currently available on the market. The differences to the user are slight.
Username
The name assigned to users of a computer network. By convention, default
usernames usually consist of a person's initial(s) plus their family name. For
example, if your name is Ricardo Garcia, your username would be rgarcia. Typing
your username on the computer screen is part of the login procedure and
identifies you to the computer system.
V
Viewer
Most browsers use helper applications, sometimes called "viewers," to
display full-size graphics and play sound and video clips. These are separate
applications that the browser initiates after it has downloaded the image or
clip. These applications generally need to be acquired separately. The most
complete collection of these applications is at ftp:// ftp.ncsa.uiuc.edu in the
/Web/Mosaic/Mac/Helpers, /Web/Mosaic/Unix/viewers and
/Web/Mosaic/Windows/viewers directories.
Virtual
An adjective that refers to objects, activities, etc that exist or are carried
on in cyberspace. For example, on the WWW you can find virtual or electronic
malls and storefronts.
W
What's new
The space on a home page where the latest changes and updates are announced.
Webmaster
The person responsible for administering a Web site.
WinZip
A WinZip is a compression program for Windows that allows you to
"zip" and "unzip" Zip files, as well as other standard
types of archive files.
WWW
World Wide Web --- A hypermedia-based system for accessing Internet sites by
clicking on hyperlinks