Internet Glossary

A

access privileges

The privilege to access and make changes to folders.

ActiveX Controls

A set of technologies that enables interactive content for the World Wide Web. With ActiveX, Web sites can be enhanced with multimedia effects, interactive objects, and sophisticated application.

address

The unique code by which the Internet identifies you (also referred to as URL). Most URLs contain three parts: the protocol, the host name, and the folder or filename.

Address Bar

The Microsoft Internet Explorer toolbar component, in which you type Web site addresses or URLs.

American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII)

The world-wide standard for the code numbers used by computers to represent all letters, numbers, and punctuation. There are 128 standard ASCII codes, each of which can be represented by a 7-digit binary numbers.

Anarchie

An FTP client that searches servers on the Internet for files stores on anonymous FTP sites.

anonymous FTP

A way to use the FTP program to log on to another computer so that you can copy files when you don't have an account on the other computer. When you log on, type anonymous as the user name and your address as the password. This gives you access to publicly-available files.

applet

A small Java program that can be embedded in an HTML page. Applets differ from full-fledged Java applications in that they are not allowed to access certain resources on your local computer, such as files and serial devices, and are restricted to accessing a limited set of other computers networked resources.

Archie

A software tool for finding files located anywhere on the Internet. After Archie locates the file, you can use FTP to get it. Archie is both a program and a system of server computers that contain index of files.

authentication

Verifying the identity of a person or computer process.

Autosearch

An Internet Explorer capability that allows you to type go and a keyword in the Address Bar, and Yahoo! (http://www.yahoo.com) will search its databases for matching topics and display them for you.
 

B

bandwidth

The transmission capacity of the lines that carry the Internet's electronic traffic. Bandwidth is usually measured in bits-per-second.

baud (older term being replaced by bps - bits per second):

A measure of modem speed equal to one signal per second; 300 baud equals 300 bits per second. But at higher speeds one signal can contain more than one bit, so that a 9600 baud modem ins not 9600bps modem.

BinHex

The standard Macintosh method for converting non-text files or binary files into an ASCII file so that it can pass through e-mail.

Binary

Any file that contains non-textual content, such as images.

bit

The smallest amount of information that can be transmitted. A combination of bits can indicate an alphabetic character or a numeric digit. It can also perform signaling, switching, or other functions.

bits per second (BPS)

The measure of a modems speed. A 28.8 modem can move 28,800 bits per second.

browser

Software that gives you a graphical interactive interface for searching, finding, viewing and managing information over a network. Internet Explorer is an example of a browser.

bulletin board system (BBS)

An electronic bulletin board on which people can carry on discussions, upload and download files, and make announcements without all being connected to the computer at the same time. Many BBSs are on a membership basis.

byte

A set of bits that represent a single character. Usually there are 8 bits in a byte. Sometimes there are more, depending on how the measurement is being made.
 

C

cache

The disk cache is the space on your hard disk where pages are stored as you view them. When you click a link, if you have viewed the page previously, the page is opened from the Cache folder.If you have not viewed the page previously or if the page has been updated on the Web, it is downloaded from the Internet (or local hard disk) to your Cache folder.

certificate

A document issued by a certifying agency that attests that the owner of the key to a Web page has provided authentic identification.

Common Gateway Interface (CGI)

A set of rules that describe how a Web server communicates with another piece of software (the "CGI program"). Any piece of software can be a CGI program if it handles input and output according to the CGI standard.

channel

A channel is a Web site designed to deliver content from the Internet to you computer. You don't have to subscribe to view the content, but with channels the content provider can suggest a schedule for your subscription, or you can customize your own.

chat

Chat is a term used to describe real-time conferencing. IRC, WebChat, Prodigy, and AOL chat rooms are all examples of chat.

client/server

Computer technology that separates computers and their users into two categories: clients and servers. When you want information from a computer on the Internet, you are a client. The computer that delivers the information is the server. A server stores information and makes it available to any authorized client who requests the information.

.com

When these letters appear at the end of an address, they indicate that the host computer is run by a company rather than a university or government agency. It also means that the host computer is most likely located in the United States.

ColorSync™

A method of managing color consistency between devices such as a computer monitor or printer.

communication link

A system of hardware and software connecting two users.

compression

A method of encoding signals that allows transmission (or storage) of more information than the media would otherwise be able to support.

cookies

A piece of information sent by a Web server to your computer. The next time you connect to that Web site, the server reads the cookie from your computer, identifying you and often basing the page it displays on the information (for example, account number or previous transactions) contained in the cookie.

context menu

Also called shortcut menu, it is the menu that appears when you hold down the mouse button. The context menu provides you with additional commands. The commands available will reflect the position of the mouse at the time.
 

D

decompression

A method of decoding signals that allows transmission (or storage) of more information than the media would otherwise be able to support.

dedicated line

A private line leased from a telecommunications carrier. For example, you might want two telephone lines, one for the fax or Internet, and one strictly for your phone.

domain name

The unique name that identifies an Internet site. A given computer may have more than one domain name but a given domain name points to only one computer.

download

To transfer programs or data from a computer to a connected device, usually from a server to a personal computer.

Download Manager

The Microsoft Internet Explorer component that manages the download of files from the Internet.
 

E

.edu

When these letters appear in the last part of an Internet address, they indicate that the host computer is run by an educational institution. It also means that the host computer is most likely located in the United States.

e-mail (Electronic mail)

Messages, usually text, sent from one person to another via computer. E-mail can also be sent automatically to a large number of addresses by use of a "mailing list."

Explorer Bar

An Internet Explorer feature that makes it much easier to find what you're looking for on the Internet and then return to it whenever you want. The Explorer Bar consists of four tabs: Search tab, Favorites tab, History tab and Page Holder tab. You click in the left pane and the results are displayed in the right pane. For example, the Search pane (opens when you click the Search tab) lets you keep your list of search results in view while you check out the Web pages that the list referred you to. You don't have to keep clicking the Back button to return to the search list. Use the View menu to turn Explorer Bar on and off.
 

F

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

FAQs are documents that list and answer the most common questions on a particular subject.

favorites list

A customized collection of frequently used sites. When the Explorer Bar is turned on, you can view your favorites list by clicking the Favorites tab.

file helpers

A utility or application that processes the files that Internet Explorer can't process itself. For example, you can set up a relationship between the file type .xlc and the application Microsoft Excel so that when you click a file that has the .xlc extension, Microsoft Excel automatically starts and displays the file. You must have the application installed on your computer before you can create a relationship between it and a file type.

file name extension

A three-letter (in most cases) code at the end of a filename that indicates what type of file it is.

file server

A computer on which files are stored so that anyone on the Internet can retrieve them.

finger

Protocol that allows you to find information about the users on your host network. Some networks do not allow fingering from an external system, and some do not allow fingering at all.

firewall

A security system that restricts traffic between a secure network and the outside world. The secure host computer is the only computer in the organization that is actually connected to the Internet. Everyone in the organization must go through the host computer to connect to the Internet, and vice versa.

frame

A division of a Web page window that has its own URL and can be linked to interact with other frames within the same browser window. For example, this Help system uses frames. The list of topics to the left is in one frame and the topics with procedures and information are in another.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

A protocol used to provide file transfers across a wide variety of systems.
 

G

gateway

A computer that connects one network with another when they each use different protocols. The UUNET computer connects the UUCP network with the Internet, providing a way for mail messages to move between the two networks.

Graphic Interchange Format (GIF)

GIF is a standard format for image files on the Web. The GIF file format is popular because it uses a compression method to make files smaller.

Gopher

A system that lets you find information by using menus. To use Gopher, you usually use Telnet to access a Gopher server and begin browsing the menus.

GUI

Graphical User Interface.
 

H

history list

The collection of sites that you have previously visited. You can view your history list by clicking Open History from the Go menu. You can use Preferences settings to change the number of sites that are saved.

home page

The page that opens when you start Internet Explorer. The URL for the default home page is http://www.home.microsoft.com, but you can use the Preferences dialog box to change your home page.

host

A computer on the Internet that you may be able to log on to. You can use FTP to get files from a host computer, and use other programs (such as Telnet) to make use of the host computer.

Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)

Hypertext Markup Language is used for writing documents for the World Wide Web. HTML allows text to include codes that define fonts, layout, embedded graphics, and hyperlinks.

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)

The protocol used by Web servers to communicate with Web clients.

hyperlink

Connection between one piece of information and another. Hyperlinks to other pages might be graphical images with colored borders or colored text (usually underlined).

hypermedia

A method of presenting information in discrete units, or nodes, that are connected by hyperlinks. The information may be presented by using a variety of media such as text, graphics, audio, video, animation, image, or executable documentation.

hypertext

Describes a type of interactive online navigation. Hyperlinks embedded in words or phrases enable you to select (by clicking) text to immediately display related information and multimedia material.
 

I

information superhighway

Refers to the plan to deregulate communication services allowing for the integration of all aspects of the Internet, CATV, telephone, business, entertainment, information providers, education, and so on.

Internet

The Internet is a constantly evolving group of international computer networks connected by telephone lines. When you connect to the Internet you gain access to a wealth of information from the Web and newsgroups.

Internet protocol (IP)

The transport layer protocol used as a basis of the Internet. IP enables information to be routed from one network to another in packets, which are reassembled when they reach their destination.

Internet protocol (IP) number

A four-part number separated by periods (such as 123.456.789.0) that uniquely identifies a computer on the Internet. If a computer does not have an IP number, it is not really on the Internet. Most computers also have one or more domain names that are easier for people to remember.

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)

A set of standards for high-speed transmission of simultaneous voice, data and video information over fewer channels than would otherwise be needed, through the use of phone lines. ISDN can provide speeds of 64,000 bits-per-second over a regular phone line at almost the same cost as a normal phone call.

Internet service provider (ISP)

An Internet service provider maintains a server that is directly connected to the Internet. You must connect through an ISP unless you are directly connected to the Internet. Connecting to an ISP entails calling the provider and setting up a PPP account.
 

J

Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG)

JPEG is a popular method used to compress photographic images. Many Web browsers accept JPEG images as a standard file format for viewing.

Java

Computer language developed by Sun Microsystems that allows the creation of applets that run in response to mouse clicks and produce sounds, video, or other effects within the Web browser.

JavaScript, JScript

Unlike Java, which is based on separate software components, JavaScript or JScript is a scripting language whose programs are embedded right in the HTML.

Jughead

A program that helps you find specified information in Gopher directories. Similar to Veronica, but more focused.
 

K

keyword

Word or words used in a search query. For example, if you wanted to find a Web page on India, you might type India as the keyword.
 

L

Local Area Network (LAN)

A group of connected computers, usually located in close proximity (such as the same building or floor of the building) so that data can be passed between them.

Link

See hyperlink.

login or logon

The method by which you identify yourself to a host computer. This often means typing a user name and password.
 

M

MacBinary

A standard for storing resources in a Macintosh's data fork. Also the name of an application that decodes and encodes MacBinary files.

Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME)

An Internet standard for transferring various file formats.

Mirror

An FTP server that provides copies of the same files as another server. Some FTP servers are so popular that other servers have been set up to mirror them and spread the FTP load to more than one site.

modem

A device that you connect to your computer and to a phone line to allow the computer to talk to other computers through the phone system. Modems convert the computer's digital signals into analog waves that can be transmitted over standard voice telephone lines. Modem speeds are measured in bits per second (bps) - also sometimes expressed as kilobits (thousands of bits) per second. For example, 28.8Kbps and 28,800bps are the same thing: 28,800 bits per second.

Moving Pictures Expert Group (MPEG)

MPEG is a standard way to compress full-motion video.
 

N

network

Any time you connect two or more computers together so that they can share resources you have a computer network. Connect two or more networks together and you have an internet.

Network News Transfer protocol (NNTP)

A protocol defined for distribution, inquiry, retrieval and posting of newsgroup articles.
 

O

offline

Actions performed when you aren't connected to another computer.

offline browsing

An Internet Explorer feature that lets you browse the Web without being connected to the Internet. Offline browsing is turned off by default. You can turn it on by clicking it from the File menu. When you enable offline browsing, you can view the sites stored in your cache, without connecting to the Internet. In addition, with subscribed favorites, you can specify how much information is downloaded.

Open Transport

Apple Open Transport is the modern networking and communications subsystem for the Macintosh operating system (OS). Power Macintosh users will see an improvement in networking performance. When installed, Open Transport replaces the current Macintosh OS implementations of AppleTalk and TCP/IP (including protocols and the Network, MacTCP, and Admin TCP control panels).

online

Actions performed when you are connected to another computer.
 

P

page

A document, or collection of information, available by way of the World Wide Web. A page may contain text, graphics files, video, and/or sound files.

ping

A network management tool that checks to see whether you can communicate with another computer on the Internet or a network. It sends a short message to which the other computer automatically responds. If the other computer does not respond to the ping, you usually cannot establish communications.

plug-in

An application that allows you to view items, such as movie clips, that your Web browser can't display by itself.

Point of Presence (POP)

A physical site in a geography where a network Access Provider, such as UUNet, has equipment that users connect to. The local phone company's central office in a particular area is also sometimes referred to in that area as their POP. (For example, AT&T's POP for the Seattle area is in downtown Seattle.)

Point to Point Protocol (PPP)

Point to Point Protocol. One of the protocols that allows computers to connect to the Internet by using a telephone line and a modem.

protocol

The rules for information transferred over the Internet so that your computer will know what to do when it receives the information. For example, all Web pages use the HTTP protocol. When your computer downloads a file from the Internet that uses the HTTP protocol, it knows to use a Web browser to display the file. Other protocols include SMTP, FTP, and NNTP.

protocol helpers

A utility or application that processes protocols, such as mailto (the protocol for electronic mail, or e-mail), that Internet Explorer can't process itself. For example, you could set up a relationship between the protocol mailto and Outlook Express so that when you view a Web page with a mail link in it, such as mailto:someone@microsoft.com, clicking this link starts Outlook Express.

proxy

An application that is allowed to pass information through a firewall.
 

Q

R

refresh

To reload the current page or frame.
 

S

scripting

Unlike Java^TM, which is based on separate software components, scripting languages such as JavaScript or JScript are embedded right in the HTML.

search engine

A program used by a search service. When you send a request such as a keyword to a search engine, your request is checked against the index that the engine has already compiled.

search page

The page that is downloaded when you click Search the Internet from the Go menu, or click the Search button on the Button Bar. You use your search page to search for specific items on the Web. You can use your Preferences settings to change your search service provider. A search provider is an organization such as Yahoo! that provides search services for the Web.

security

Control mechanisms that prevent unauthorized use of resources.

server

A computer that provides a service to other computers on a network, for example, to gain access to files or Web pages. An Archie server, for example, lets people on the Internet use Archie. See also client.

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)

A protocol used to transfer e-mail between computers.

site

Address location of a server on the Internet. A Web site consists of any number of Web pages.

Serial Line Interface Protocol (SLIP)

A protocol for connecting a computer to the Internet.

socket

When your computer is on the Internet via a SLIP connection, a socket is a conversation your computer is having with a computer elsewhere on the Internet. You might have one socket for an FTP session, another socket for a Telnet session, and another socket taking care of getting your mail.

style sheets

Style sheets give Web authors the ability to attach styles to HTML elements. Style sheets can control margins, line spacing, the placement of text and graphics, colors, font faces, and font sizes. You use the STYLE element to include style information as part of an HTML document add apply the style to some or all of the text or you can create a separate document and attach it to one or more pages on your Web site.

subscription

A method of marking a favorite page so that Internet Explorer will automatically monitor the site for new content, and download the updated page. You can specify the information that is downloaded when you browse offline.
 

T

Transfer Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

The system that networks use to communicate with each other on 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.
 

U

Uniform Resource Locator (URL)

The standard way to give the address of any resource on the Internet that is part of the World Wide Web (WWW). A URL looks like this: http://example.microsoft.com. The most common way to use a URL is to type it into a Web browser program, such as Internet Explorer.
 

V

Veronica (Very Easy Rodent Oriented Net-wide Index to Computerized Archives)

A program that uses word searches to locate articles in Gopherspace. Veronica is a constantly updated database of names of almost every menu item on thousands of gopher servers.

viewer

A program used by Gopher, WAIS or WWW client programs to show files with contents other than text. You would use a viewer to display graphics files, play sound files, or display video files. It is not the same as a browser.

Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML)

A tag language in which Web pages are formatted that can support 3-D graphics and interactive spatial navigation.
 

W - Z

.wav

The file name extension used on some types of audio files.

Webmaster

System operator for a Web-site server.

World Wide Web (WWW)

The system of moving through the Internet by using hyperlinks. Documents are formatted by using the hypertext markup language (HTML). These documents are on Web servers that use the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) to deliver the Web pages.
 

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