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Technology
Info, Tips, FAQs
You Can Use
Glossary
of Internet Terms
Applet
A small Java program that can be embedded in an HTML
page. Applets differ from Java applications in that they do not have
access to certain resources on a local computer, such as files, modems,
or printers. They are also prohibited from communicating with most other
computers within a network.
Bandwidth
Refers to the amount of data that can be sent through a connection.
In digital systems, bandwidth is expressed as data speed in bits per
second (bps). Thus, a modem that works at 57,600
bps has twice the bandwidth of a modem that works at 28,800 bps.
Bulletin
Board System (BBS)
A message system on the Internet. A user can both
leave messages on a bulletin board as well as reply to messages left
by others. A BBS is similar to newsgroups, except they
are located on websites and users can access them directly without having
to use their e-mail to send a message.
Cable
modem
A device that enables the hook up of a computer to a local cable television
line which can receive data at about 1.5 megabits per second (Mbps).
This data rate far exceeds that of the prevalent 28.8 and 56 kilobits
per second (Kbps) telephone modems, as well as the
up to 128 Kbps of Integrated Services Digital Network
(ISDN). It is similar to the data rate available to subscribers of Digital
Subscriber Line (DSL) telephone service.
Cache
Pronounced CASH, it is a directory on a computer's hard drive where
the web browser stores recently visited web pages.
When returning to a recently visited web page, the browser retrieves
it from the cache rather than from the original web server, decreasing
download time and reducing network traffic. The cache size can be adjusted,
depending on the particular browser.
Client
A computer with a special software program used to retrieve data from
a server (another computer). The server can be
on the same network as the client or can be a great distance away. A
web browser is a specific kind of client and a
server is a web server accessed when downloading websites.
Common
Gateway Interface (CGI)
The standard way in which a web server passes an
Internet user's request to an application program, receives data back,
and sends it on to the user. For example, when someone fills out a form
on a web page and submits it, the data is processed by an application
program and the user may receive a message confirming that the form
was received.
Cookie
When you visit a website for the first time, a cookie (special type
of file) is deposited and saved on the hard drive of your computer.
On subsequent visits to the same site, the cookie records information
about your activity on it. This is often used to guage where on a site
individual users tend to frequent in order to develop page content tailored
to each user's preferences.
Dedicated
Connection
A full-time connection to the Internet that does
not require dialing in. It is available through a cable
modem or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL).
Dial-up
Account
Enables access to the Internet using a dial-up
modem through a telephone line.
Digital
Subscriber Line (DSL)
An Internet connection that allows for transfer
of high-bandwidth information to a user’s computer.
DSL uses ordinary telephone lines. A DSL line can carry both data and
voice. The data part of the line is a dedicated connection to the Internet
and does not interfere with use of the telephone line it is connected
to.
Document
Viewer
Computer software that enables users to view documents on the Internet
as it would appear if printed. An example of this type of software is
Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Domain
Name System
An addressing system that enables websites on the Internet
to be reached by a simple name rather than by an IP address
or numbers. Examples of domain names include .org, .net, .com, .ca,
.gov, and .edu.
Download
The transfer of a file from one computer to another. To download a file
is to request it from another computer (or from a web page on another
computer).
E-Mail
Electronic mail (E-mail) is the computerized exchange of messages by
means of telecommunication. E-mail can be sent via the Internet
or within computer networks.
E-mail
Etiquette
A set of online manners or rules that you should follow when using Internet
chat rooms, bulletin boards, or e-mail.
It is often referred to as "Netiquette".
Electronic
Commerce (e-commerce)
The standards and methods by which organizations and consumers interact
and conduct business transactions over a secure Internet
connection.
Encryption
The conversion of data into a form that cannot be easily interpreted
by unauthorized people. Encryption/decryption may be used when carrying
out a sensitive transaction online, such as a credit-card
purchase, or the discussion of company policies and procedures between
organizations.
File
Transfer Protocol (FTP)
FTP is the simplest way to transfer files between computers. It is frequently
used to send (upload) web page files from one computer
to another and acts as their server by storing files
so others can view them. FTP is also used to retrieve (download)
programs and other files from a server to your computer.
Firewall
A computer with special software that functions as a security barrier
for an internal network. It separates computers
in a local area network (LAN) from computers outside the network (e.g.
Internet users). This prevents outside users from
accessing confidential information on computers within the network.
Flaming
The use of all capital letters in an e-mail message
for the purpose of conveying anger. An e-mail typed in all capital letters
is interpreted as shouting. It may also refer to a “heated” exchange
of angry words between two or more people in a chat room, forum, or
other form of communication on the Internet.
Graphic
Interchange Format (GIF)
A common format for image files. This format is suitable for images
containing large areas of the same color. GIF files are smaller than
the same file would be if stored in JPEG format. GIF
format, however, does not store photographic images as well as JPEG.
Home
Page
The first web page that appears in the browser
when you visit a web site. All other web pages in the web site are linked
to the home page.
HyperText
Transfer Protocol (HTTP)
The protocol for moving web page files (hypertext files) across the
Internet. This requires an HTTP client
program on one end and an HTTP server program on
the other end.
HyperText
Markup Language (HTML)
The programming language that is used to make web pages. Web pages are
created by writing HTML code in a text editor such as Windows Notepad
or by using a web editor program, such as Microsoft FrontPage.
Hyperlink
The most common form of link is the highlighted or underlined word or
picture that can be selected by the user with a mouse, resulting in
the opening of a file or web page.
Internet
Also referred to as "the Net" and “the Web,” the Internet is a worldwide
system of computer networks. Users can transfer
information back and forth between their computers if connected to the
Internet through a telecommunication line. The Internet allows users
to communicate directly with users at other computers through audio
and/or video software, such as NetMeeting.
Internet
Search
Browsing the Internet for information with the
use of a search engine like Yahoo or Google. There
is a search bar that is used for typing in keywords and phrases that
the user is interested in finding information on.
Internet
Service Provider (ISP)
A company or organization that has the equipment and telecommunication
line access to provide connectivity to the Internet
for customers. This is usually done for a set yearly or monthly fee.
Intranet
A private network inside a company or organization
that uses the same kinds of software that you would find on the public
Internet, but is only for internal use. An intranet
is not accessible by computers on the outside of the organization’s
network.
IP
Address
A numeric addressing system that is used by individuals and Internet
applications to reach a specific computer. IP addresses consist of four
sets of numbers separated by periods; for example, 206.116.94.7 identifies
a specific computer. This address is unique throughout the Internet.
An IP address is necessary if you want to connect to another computer
or to the Internet.
Integrated
Services Digital Network (ISDN)
An Internet connection that allows digital transmission
over an ordinary telephone. By installing an ISDN adapter (instead of
a modem) you can receive highly graphic web pages
very quickly (up to 128 Kbps). ISDN requires adapters at both ends of
the transmission so your Internet Service Provider
also needs an ISDN adapter. ISDN is generally available from your phone
company.
Java
Java is a network-oriented programming language
that is used for writing programs that can be safely downloaded to your
computer through the Internet. Using small Java
programs (called "Applets"), Web pages can include
functions such as animations, and calculators.
JavaScript
JavaScript is a programming language that is mostly used in web pages,
usually to add features that make the web page more interactive for
the user, such as scrolling text and a function that gives you the current
date. When JavaScript is included in an HTML file
it is read and interpreted by the browser.
JPEG
(Joint Photographic Experts Group)
JPEG is the format used for image files with a wide range of colors.
JPEG format is more appropriate than the GIF format
for photographic images for this reason.
Lurking
The practice of reading an Internet discussion
without actually taking part in it. Most new visitors to web site discussions,
chat rooms, or bulletin boards spend more time reading
or "listening" than "writing" or "speaking".
Mailing
List
A group of e-mail addresses that are used for easy
and fast distribution of information to multiple e-mail addresses simultaneously.
This is a convenient method for people on different computer systems
to discuss particular topics or share information on specific issues.
Mirror
The most common use of this term on the Internet
refers to “mirror sites” which are web sites, or FTP
sites that contain exact copies of material stored at another location.
They are used to provide more widespread access to the resource for
Internet users.
Modem
A device that lets your computer communicate with other computers by
dialing a connection to the Internet. A modem
modulates outgoing digital signals from a computer to analog signals
for transmittal over a conventional telephone line. It demodulates the
incoming analog signals into a digital signal for the computer.
Network
When 2 or more computers are connected together so that they can share
resources it is referred to as a computer network. Connect 2 or more
networks together and you have an Internet.
Newsgroup
A newsgroup is a discussion about a particular subject consisting of
messages sent to a central Internet site and redistributed
to a network of news discussion groups. Users can
post to existing newsgroups or respond to previous posts. Newcomers
to newsgroups are requested to learn basic e-mail etiquette
and to get familiar with the newsgroup before posting to it. You can
subscribe to the postings on a particular newsgroup and receive them
automatically as they become available. Some newsgroups are moderated
by a designated person who decides which postings to allow however most
newsgroups are not moderated. Newsgroups usually have a name that helps
identify the subject of the group. For example, nf.general identifies
the newsgroup as Newfoundland general discussion.
Online
The state of being connected to a computer or a telecommunications system.
The term is frequently used to describe someone who is currently connected
to the Internet.
Plug-in
A (usually small) piece of software that adds features to a larger piece
of software. Common examples are plug-ins for the Netscape® browser
and web server. Adobe Photoshop® also uses plug-ins.
Portal
A term, generally synonymous with gateway, for a World
Wide Web site that is a major starting site for users when they
get connected to the web or that users tend to visit as an anchor site,
linking to many other sites. Typical services offered by portal sites
include a directory of Web sites, the ability to search for information,
news, weather information, e-mail, stock quotes,
phone and map information, and sometimes a community forum. Excite is
among the first portals to offer users the ability to personalize that
web site according to individual interests. Other examples of portals
are Yahoo, Lycos, Netscape, and CNET.
Proxy
Server
A proxy server acts as an intermediary between a computer and the Internet
so that a network of computers set up behind the
proxy server can ensure security, administrative control, and caching
service. The network is separated from any direct
outside connections. To the user, the proxy server is invisible; all
Internet requests and returned responses appear to be coming directly
from the addressed Internet server even though they
pass through the proxy server first.
Search
Engine
A software program that enables you to search the World
Wide Web for information. Search engines index and catalogue the
information they find, while some even place the information into categories.
Some examples are Yahoo, Lycos, AltaVista, and Google.
Server
A computer equipped with server software that provides a specific kind
of service to clients. The term can refer to a particular
piece of software, such as a WWW server, or it can
act as a file server – hosting data of all clients.
SMTP
(Simple mail transfer protocol)
A TCP/IP protocol or language used in sending and receiving
e-mail.
Spam
(or Spamming)
An inappropriate way to use a mailing list. E-mail
is used as if it was a broadcast medium and the same message is sent
to a large number of people who didn’t ask for it. Otherwise known as
“junkmail.”
T-1
A leased-line connection capable of carrying data at 1,544,000 bits-per-second.
At maximum theoretical capacity, a T-1 line could move a megabyte in
less than 10 seconds. T-1 is the fastest speed commonly used to connect
networks to the Internet.
T-3
A leased-line connection capable of carrying data at 44,736,000 bits-per-second.
TCP/IP
(transmission control protocol/Internet protocol)
A networking protocol or language, which includes the use of numeric
IP addresses and domain names for communication
between computers and the Internet.
Telnet
The command and program used to login from one Internet
site to another. The telnet command/program gets you to the login: prompt
of another host. You may use Telnet to send and receive plain text e-mails,
browse newsgroups, and access directories.
Terminal
A device that allows you to send commands to a computer somewhere else.
Usually you will use terminal software on a personal computer. The software
pretends to be (emulates) a physical terminal and allows you to type
commands, and send and receive files to a computer somewhere else.
Thread
This refers to an original posting to a newsgroup and all the follow-up
responses to that posting.
UNIX
A computer operating system (the basic software running on a computer,
underneath things like word processors and spreadsheets). UNIX is designed
to be used by many people at the same time (it is multi-user) and has
TCP/IP built-in. It is the most common operating system
for servers on the Internet.
Upload
The transmission of a file from one computer system to another, usually
larger computer system. From a network user's point-of-view,
to upload a file is to send it to another computer that is set up to
receive it. People who share images with others on Bulletin
Board Services (BBS), upload the files to the BBS.
URL
(Uniform resource locator)
The address of a web site or web page to which you connect to on the
Internet.
Vortal
A web site that provides a gateway or portal to
information related to a particular topic or industry, such as health
care, insurance, automobiles, or the voluntary sector, like enVision.ca.
It helps to bring people together that share an interest in buying,
selling, or exchanging information about that particular industry.
Web
Browser
Computer software that is used to view information on the Internet.
Netscape Navigator and Internet explorer are examples of web browsers.
World
Wide Web
The network of information found on the Internet
in the form of web “sites.” Each site contains multiple pages of information
and may include text, sound, pictures, images, and even video.
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