APPLET
As in small application. Programs are also called applications,
so an applet is a small program. E.g. Java Applets
ASCII
(American Standard Code for Information Interchange) ASCII
(usually pronounced "as-key") is a binary code for
text. ASCII is the built-in character for personal computers.
AUDIO FILES
Audio files come in various formats. The most common ones
are WAVE, MP3, and Real Audio.
BANDWIDTH
Bandwidth is how much information or data can be sent in
a set amount of time, usually measured in kbps (kilobits per
second). If information is "water" then bandwidth is
the size of the pipe that it's flowing though. The bigger the
"pipe" you have, the more quickly information can get
to your computer from the Internet.
BBS
A Bulletin Board System is another name for a group discussion
or newsgroup area, which can also be called a forum, just to
really confuse everyone. It's a way of having an ongoing discussion
about a topic between a whole bunch of people over the Internet.
You can post messages and read other people's postings or just
"lurk" and listen in.
BROADBAND
Broad as in wide, and band as in bandwidth. Broadband usually
refers to any transmission rate that is at T1 speeds or better.
BROWSER
A Web browser is a software application that lets you view
and interact with Web pages. The browser takes information from
a Web server, interprets it and then displays it on your monitor.
CACHE
The Cache (pronounced "cash") is like a secret
pocket in your computer where it stores information temporarily.
Things that are "cached" can be retrieved more quickly
by the CPU, which makes loading Web pages faster.
CGI
CGI stands for Common Gateway Interface, and is a collection
of scripts (like JavaScript) that help your browser communicate
with Web servers. CGI is a protocol for gathering data from a
Form and sending it to a program or Script such as Perl. Often
used to indicate the entire method for processing a Form but
in fact it is only a transfer interface.
CHAT
Chat is a way to communicate with other people over the Internet
in "real-time." Chat rooms are places where people
come online to chat with one another by typing messages back
and forth.
CHAT CLIENT
A software program that allows you to actually chat online.
Most chat clients are available free from the sites that offer
chats, and you simply download and install them to start chatting.
COMPRESSION/DECOMPRESSION
The process of making a file or files smaller by coding data
to save storage space or transmission time. There are many different
ways to compress files, all resulting in smaller file sizes.
Compressed data must be decompressed before it can be used.
COOKIE
Some Web sites put a small text file on your computer so
the site can recognize you when you return. These files are called
"cookies." Think of cookies as being like membership
cards to certain sites.
CSS
Cascading Style Sheets. The ability to assign styles to elements
on a web page (HTML document). Examples include position, size,
color, etc. These are only rendered in version 4 and above versions,
with different results in Netscape and IE.
DHTML
Dynamic HTML. Incorporates the ability to change the CSS
values in a HTML document after it has been loaded. The results
are Animated and Interactive web pages.
DIALUP SERVICE PROVIDER
An ISP that provides telephone connection services so that
you can connect to the Internet with your modem.
DNS
The Domain Name System is the way Web browsers identify the
IP addresses of other computers on the Internet. The DNS translates
a domain name (such as "warnerbros.com") into the IP
address of the Warner Bros. Web server.
DOMAIN NAME
The Domain is the unique part of a Web site's name. For example,
in the URL http://www.warnerbros.com, "warnerbros.com"
is the domain name.
DOWNLOAD
"Downloading" a file is the process of accessing
a file over the Internet and saving it on your computer. Your
browser also downloads Web pages into its cache (temporary memory)
to display them.
DSL
A Digital Subscriber Line is a way of getting high-speed
Internet access using ordinary phone lines.
E-MAIL ADDRESS
An e-mail address is sort of like an online post office box.
All e-mail addresses have the same format: a user name, the "@"
symbol followed by a domain name. Like:bugsb@warnerbros.com
FAQ
A FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) is a list of guidelines,
instructions and/or helpful information about certain aspects
of Web sites. (They can be very useful when you're too embarrassed
to ask a co-worker or friend.)
FLASH
This is both a tool to create animation for the Web as well
as a tool to play animations that were created with Flash. Macromedia
provides the Flash player as a free Web browser plug-in, but
developers must buy the Flash production software in order to
create these animations.
FORUMS
Also called a BBS or a Newsgroup. This is an area where you
can read and post messages.
FRAMES
A Web site usually appears in a single window, but different
frames can split that window into several, independent areas.
For example, in Entertaindom, a top "frame" provides
navigation across the entire Entertaindom site.
FTP
File Transfer Protocol is a way to move files around on the
Internet. The biggest advantage to using an FTP tool to send
or get files is that FTP can more easily handle large files,
which can bog down some e-mail systems.
GIF
This is one of the standard image formats on the Internet.
It has been turned into a word, and sounds just like gift, without
the "t" on the end.
HOME PAGE
Home page actually has three definitions. A home page can
be the first page that shows up when you start your browser.
Or a home page can be the very first page that shows up when
you enter a Web site. Or a home page can be your own personalized
page on the Web.
HTML
HyperText Markup Language is the language that Web pages
are built in, much the same way English is the language this
sentence is written in. HTML describes the written and visual
elements of a Web page and your browser "reads" the
HTML to figure out how to display the site.
HTTP
HyperText Transport Protocol is the way information is sent
on the World Wide Web.
HYPERTEXT
Hypertext is the links embedded within Web pages.
IE
Microsoft Internet Explorer - the most popular browser, since
it is integrated in the Windows 95/98 operating system. You should
upgrade your browser regularly to the latest version, to continue
to render Web pages as accurately as possible. You will encounter
problems if you continue to use IE3. As of Dec 1999, the current
version is 5.01 (with 5.5 beta next). Visit the Microsoft Website
to download the latest version of IE (FREE).
IMAP
Internet Message Access Protocol is the method some e-mail
software uses to get e-mail. IMAP is like POP, but has some additional
features, and like POP, IMAP also uses SMTP to send e-mail.
INTERFACE
Interfaces are the buttons, menus and commands that let you
communicate with your computer.
INTERNET
The Internet is a global network of computers that communicate
using Internet Protocol (IP). Includes the Web, email, chat,
FTP, telnet etc.
INTERNET EXPLORER
Not to be confused with your desktop Windows Explorer (file
management program). Microsoft's Internet Explorer - usually
just called "IE" - is a Web browser (software you use
to view Websites).
IP
Internet Protocol is the way information is routed through
the Internet.
IP NUMBER
An IP number is a unique identifier that computers use to
recognize each other over the Internet. An IP number is actually
4 groups of numbers separated by dots, like: 157.258.235.600.
IRC
Internet Relay Chat is an incredibly popular kind of chat
on the Internet. There are a lot of IRC servers around, and anyone
can create a public or a private chat area themselves.
ISDN
An Integrated Services Digital Network is a way to move data
faster over your regular phone line, but it does cost extra.
ISP
An Internet Service Provider is a company that sells Internet
access. VICNET is an ISP. Read about VICNET's Internet Access
or other ISP's.
JAVA
Java is a programming language used to make some of the applications
that run inside your browser. Sun created this as a small, fast,
efficient, and portable programming language, which are just
a few reasons why it's used so much to write programs for the
Web.
JAVASCRIPT
Despite its name, JavaScript really doesn't have anything
to do with Java. JavaScript is also a programming language, but
it's a much simpler one. In fact, a lot of non-programmers can
write and use JavaScript applets to add cool features to their
sites, like buttons that change colors or shapes when the mouse
moves over them.
JPEG
This is one of the main image formats for photos, and high
quality images on the Web.
LAN
A Local Area Network is a group of computers that are connected
to one another, usually by "Ethernet" cable. A kind
of mini Internet between locally connected computers, often in
a business.
LINKS
Links are the way to navigate on the Web. Links can be text
only, in which case they are underlined, or they can be an image.
LIST SERVES
A list serve is a list of e-mail names who are "served"
up a regular e-mail newsletter. You usually sign up for this
service.
MACROMEDIA
Macromedia makes the Flash and Shockwave plug-ins, which
are used just about everywhere on the Web. People use them so
much that now they even come installed with the newest browser
versions.
MAIL LIST
A mailing list is an automated e-mail system that lets people
send e-mail to one address, so that it will be sent to all subscribers.
A mail list can be used to send out an electronic newsletter,
or to let folks discuss a specific topic.
MICROSOFT INTERNET CONNECTION WIZARD
This is Microsoft's automated program to help you setup Internet
service.
MIME
MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) is a method
for transmitting non-text files using e-mail, which was originally
designed for ASCII text.
MODEM
A modem is a device that lets your computer talk to other
computers on the Internet by sending out data in a signal that
other computers can accept and read. Name means MOdulator, DEModulator.
NETIQUETTE
Netiquette is the rules of politeness and acceptable behavior
on the Internet.
NETSCAPE
Netscape is the company that makes the Netscape Navigator
Web browser. To continue to render Web pages accurately, you
should upgrade your browser regularly. You may encounter problems
if you use an old version. Visit The Netscape Website to download
the latest browser (FREE)
NETWORK
If you hook up two computers, you have a network. Networks
can be small or really, really big.
NEWSGROUP
A newsgroup is also sometimes, and more accurately, called
a discussion group, or a forum, a BBS, or Usenet. It's just a
group of folks who share a similar interest, and who post messages
for each other to read and respond to.
ONLINE
Online simply means "connected to a network," whether
private or public.
PASSWORD
Usually, when you set up an Internet account, your ISP will
give you a password. It's important to change this right away
to something only you can remember, but that would be hard for
someone to guess. (You'll use your password to both go online
and get your e-mail).
PERL
Practical Extraction and Report Language. The most common
scripting language for processing Form data.
PLUG-IN
A small software program that adds more features to another
software program. For example, Shockwave is a plug-in for Netscape's
Navigator.
POP
Usually, POP means how your e-mail software gets mail (sort
of like a PO Box number). But POP can also mean Point of Presence,
as in when your Internet company says they're putting a POP in
your neighborhood, meaning they're setting up a place near you
where you can connect.
PORT
Any place where information goes in or out of your computers
is called a "port." On your computer you have a COM
(for communications) port, a sound port, and so on.
PORTAL
An overused marketing buzzword for a Web site that's the
"first" place you see or visit, as in a site that acts
as your gateway to the Net. Netscape is a "portal,"
so is AOL, so is MSN, so is every search engine out there, and
any other site that wants to jump on the portal-wagon.
POST OR POSTING
A message left in a newsgroup or on a message board is said
to have been "posted." You'd use this as in, "I
need to post an answer to that message I read about a new job."
PPP
Point to Point Protocol is the method a computer uses with
a telephone line and a modem to make TCP/IP connections and get
connected to the Internet.
PROTOCOL
A protocol is a set of standards for two computers to talk
to each other--sort of like diplomatic protocol.
PROXY SERVER
The proxy is a buffer between a user and the Internet - breaking
the direct connection between sender and receiver. It funnels
all user requests to the Internet and fans responses back out
to the appropriate users. Proxy servers are available for common
Internet services; for example, an HTTP proxy is used for Web
access, and an SMTP proxy is used for e-mail. Proxies may also
cache Web pages, so that the next request can be obtained locally,
saving time and money. Proxies are only one tool that can be
used to build a firewall, for hacker protection and filtering.
SEARCH ENGINE
Use Search Engines and directories to find what you are looking
for on the Internet. They index the content of millions of Web
pages. Some search engines use automatic software called "spiders"
that "crawl" Web sites and create listings of what
they find. Some are actually directories, where real live people
surf the Web to find the best of everything and then categorize
it for you to use. And some are actually a combination of both
techniques. Examples include Alta Vista and Yahoo. See VICNET
Search page for more information.
SECURITY CERTIFICATE
Web sites hand out these things to make sure that you get
a secure connection when you go shopping. These are good things.
SERVER
This is a computer which "serves up" software to
others, such as a Web server or e-mail server.
SHOCKWAVE
This is a software program from Macromedia that acts as a
plug-in for Web browsers, and which is usually used to create
cool games.
SLIP
Before PPP came along, SLIP, or Serial Line Internet Protocol,
was used for computers to connect to an Internet site.
SMTP
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol is the method your e-mail software
uses to send e-mail. Call your Internet Service Provider to get
your SMTP and POP settings.
SPAM
A luncheon meat made famous by Monty Python and now freely
distributed over the Internet using TCP/IP on the WWW to your
email box as soon as the distributor finds your Domain IP mail
box host address. Spam is junk e-mail and it's the bane of the
Internet - just like junk mail is the bane of your mailbox.
SSL
A Secure Sockets Layer is what keeps data secure and private
on any site where you're shopping or sending information about
yourself.
T1 T3
T1 and T3 are super fast connections to the Internet usually
used by businesses and not individuals.
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol is the
basic method that lets ALL computers communicate with each other
on the Internet, defining the rules. TCP/IP is the method by
which all computers talk over the Internet but it works equally
as well on a LAN.
TELNET
This is a software program that lets your computer connect
to another, so that you can then enter commands directly to another
computer.
TROJAN HORSE
A Trojan horse is what seems to be legitimate software, but
that does something destructive when run. See virus.
URL
URL (either sounded out as in: "U-R-L" or pronounced
"yur-al") stands for Uniform Resource Locator, but
it's sometimes called a "Universal Resource Locator."
Either way, it's an address that locates something on the Internet.
USENET
Usenet is the area of the Internet that holds newsgroups.
USER NAME
A user name is an online identity. It can be your real name,
or if you want a little more privacy, make something up, sort
of like what CB-handles were in the era of truckers and short-wave
radio.
VIDEO
Video files are usually Quicktime, RealPlayer or MPEG.
VIRUS
A virus is a malicious piece of software programmed to spread
itself over the Internet.
Viruses can range from fairly harmless to ones that can cause
data loss. You should always have a current virus protection
program on your computer. How to avoid a virus. See also "worm"
and "Trojan horse". Be careful not to spread one of
the many virus hoaxes! This misinformation damages the reputation
of both the Internet and companies involved. Check the Latest
Hoax News.
WEB
The Word Wide Web is really just part of the Internet. And
if the Internet is the super-highway of information, then the
Web acts like the billboards and information signs along the
way, using text and graphics, and links to help you get around.
WORM
A worm is like a virus: it is a destructive program that
replicates itself throughout disk and memory, using up the computers
resources until it crashes.
WWW
The formal name of the Web is the World Wide Web. Often incorrectly
used as a synonym for the whole Internet. As well as the Web,
the Internet incorporates email, chat, telnet, ftp protocols
etc.
WYSIWYG
What You See Is What You Get. A computer program that displays
a reasonably good example of the finished result as it is being
constructed.
XML
XML stand for eXtensible Mark-up Language. XML is a Web page
language like HTML, but instead of just describing how information
will look, it actually describes what information is, such as
a post code, or date of birth.
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