Glossary

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    Access Provider—A company that provides access to the Internet, either through dialing in to a host computer or a SLIP/PPP connection. Some, though, define an access provider as a service that provides strictly a SLIP/PPP connection, therefore excluding online services such as America Online. Also referred to as an Internet access provider (IAP) or Internet service provider (ISP).

    ActiveX—A protocol developed by Microsoft for delivering interactive features (called "controls") over the Web.

    Analog Information—see Digital Information.

    Applet—A small application program that is loaded with and executed within a Web page. Though several programming languages for developing applets have been developed, the most popular one to date is Java.

    Application—An executable software program. In DOS and Windows environments, applications are designated with the ".exe" or ".com" suffix. In Macintosh environments, application icons appear as diamond shapes.

    Archie—A method for locating specific files on FTP servers. The name is derived from "archives," a reference to FTP files. Largely obsolete.

    ASCII (pronounced "ask-ee")—A standard that assigns a unique number to an alphanumeric character, allowing it to be interpreted by virtually any computer. ASCII stands for the American Standard Code for Information Interchange.

    Avatar—A three-dimensional character that a user can create and manipulate to present himself within a virtual world. The term comes from the Sanskrit word for an earthly incarnation of a divine being (see Virtual reality)

    

    Bandwidth—The range of frequencies used for a transmission. The broader the bandwidth, the more information a transmission can contain.

    Baud—Equivalent to bits per second, a measure of the speed at which data can travel. Most commonly used in reference to modem speed.

    Bit—Short for "binary digit," a single piece of computer information, expressed as a 1 or a 0 (zero). Bits are the building blocks of all digital information.

    Bits Per Second—see Baud.

    Bookmark/Hotlist—A list of Web site addresses maintained by the user and stored in his or her browser for easy access. Precise terms vary from browser to browser, but "bookmark" and "hotlist" are the terms used by Netscape Navigator and Mosaic, respectively.

    Bozo Filter—see Firewall.

    Browser—An application that allows you to view sites and pages on the World Wide Web. Most browsers allow you to view a page's text and graphics, as well as follow hotlinks and submit forms.

    Byte—A collection of eight bits, used to represent a single character. Since a byte is a very small unit of data, larger measures are typically used, such as:

        * Kilobyte (KB or K)=1,000 bytes
        * Megabyte (MB)=1 million bytes, or 1,000 KB
        * Gigabyte (GB)=1 billion bytes, or 1,000 MB

  

    Cache (pronounced "cash") —A series of Web page copies that browsers maintain in order to accelerate loading of those pages during future visits.

    Channel—An area on an IRC chat server devoted to a conversation on a particular topic. A single IRC server may host hundreds of different channels.

    Chat—To send "instant" messages to one or more users on a network. Chat messages have little or no lag time, and appear on other users' screens immediately after you send them. Chats can be conducted through Web sites, IRC chat servers (see IRC), or through proprietary chat "rooms" such as those found on America Online.

    Client—A computer that connects to a network through a central computer called a server.

    Configuration—Adjustment of hardware or software settings to alter performance.

    Cookie—Text that a Web server places on your computer and refers to the next time you access that server. In most cases, cookies are meant to maintain and update information about your use of a Web site throughout the session, or from one session to the next.

    CU-SeeMe—A system (largely in the experimental stage) developed at Cornell University for videoconferencing through the Internet. Computers equipped with the CU-SeeMe software can receive real-time sound and video from other users; computers with microphones and cameras can transmit as well.

    Cursor—A symbol that you can move around the computer screen with a mouse or keyboard. Depending on the function being performed, a cursor can take the shape of an arrow, cross, I-beam, or finger. When the computer is performing a process requiring the user to wait, the cursor may change shape to an animated hourglass (Windows) or watch (Mac OS).

    Cyberspace—The intangible realm of transmitted computer data.



    Data—Digital information that a computer can interpret.

    Default—The standard setting for computer hardware and software. Unless other settings are specified by the user, the computer assumes the default settings to be correct and preferred.

    Dialog box—A message that the computer displays on the screen, accompanied by a request for a response from the user.

    Digital Information—Information expressed in terms of two absolute digits (usually 1's and 0's) that act as "on" and "off" switches. When assembled in a sequence, these digits create a format that a computer can understand. Digital information is the opposite of analog information, which is expressed in a wide range of variables.



    Emoticon—A pictogram that users type into their E-mail, newsgroup or chat message to convey an emotion. By typing :-) , for instance, a user indicates that he or she is happy (to view an emoticon properly, rotate it 90 degrees to the right). Other common emoticons include:

        * :-( frown
        * :-/ confusion
        * ;-) wink
        * :-O surprise/shock
        * :-* kiss
        * :-D laughter/joy
        * :-I boredom
        * :-P disgust

    Emoticons are also known as "smilies."

    

    F2F—(slang) Face-to-face communication with another person, as opposed to communicating over the Internet.

    File—An assembly of digital data stored in electronic media. Files may be executable programs, or documents containing alphanumeric information.

    File Transfer Protocol (FTP)—A protocol for transferring files to and from a host computer. FTP can be used in conjunction with the Web.

    Firewall—An access restriction that a system administrator puts into a server, usually for security purposes. System administrators can also create filters (sometimes called "bozo filters") that deny access privileges to certain users.

    Flame—(slang) To send insulting and inflammatory (hence the term) messages to another user. Because of the Net's lack of accountability, users sometimes say things in E-mail or newsgroup postings that they would never dare say to someone's face or even over the phone.

    Freeware—Software applications made available at no charge to the user. Typically, authors of freeware will retain trademark rights and copyrights to their applications, yet will grant permission for free distribution and not request compensation.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)—A list of common questions and answers, compiled to give new users grounding in a newsgroup or mailing list.

    

    Gateway—A system (usually in the form of a host computer) that translates different protocols, allowing users with varying protocols to communicate and exchange data with one another.

    Gopher—A set of protocols used to aid in searching for Internet resources. Named for the mascot of the University of Minnesota, where the system was developed. Before the advent of the Web, Gopher was the method of choice for "surfing" the Net; nowadays, it is considered obsolete. Gopher sites are usually accessible via Web browsers.

    

    Hacker—1) A user who gains unauthorized access to an application, computer or network by defeating its password protection. In the 1980's, groups of teenage hackers gained national attention when they "hacked" several major corporate networks, causing unintentional but serious damage. Some people make a distinction between hackers, who generally penetrate systems for their own amusement, and "crackers," who engage in deliberate sabotage. 2) A complimentary moniker given to highly skilled computer programmers and "power users."

    Helper Application—An application that another application accesses in order to perform a specific task. Many Web browsers, for instance, use helper applications to play sounds and video clips, decompress downloaded files, or interpret graphic image types. See also Plug-in.

    Hit—A measure of when or how often a Web resource is accessed. A Web site that gets 1,000 hits a week is, in theory, being accessed 1,000 times a week. This does not necessarily mean, however, that 1,000 individual users have visited the site in that time frame.

    Home Page—1) The primary or introductory page of a Web site; 2) the first page that your browser is set to access when opened.

    Host Computer—A computer that allows users to log on and access at least some of its files. See also Server.

    Hotlink, Hyperlink—In a Web page, a hypertext connection to another page or location within the same page. Most browsers allow you to follow hotlinks simply by clicking on them with your mouse. Hotlinks may appear either as specially highlighted text or as clickable buttons.

    Hypertext—Text within a Web page that is specially formatted to provide a connection to another page or location within the same page. Keywords in a document, for instance, can be made into hypertext links to more in-depth information.

    Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)—A system of codes for formatting documents so that they can be interpreted as Web pages by any computer with a Web browser. Though HTML was originally conceived as a universal protocol, some Web browsers employ unique HTML variations.

    Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)—The protocol that allows you to connect to Web resources.

    

    IAP, ISP—See Access Provider.

    IRC—Internet Relay Chat, the Internet's basic system of conducting real-time chats. See also Chat.

    Index, Web—A Web site containing a general collection of Web sites that can be searched using either hierarchical menus or keyword entry. Yahoo!, Excite and InfoSeek are among the popular indexes currently on the Web.

    Intranet—See Local Area Network.

    

    Java—A programming language created by Sun Microsystems that is used in the development of applets for Web pages.

    JavaScript—A programming protocol developed by Netscape that allows the inclusion of programming code within HTML. Developed primarily for the Netscape Navigator browser, through other browsers support JavaScript as well. Not to be confused with Java.

    Jump Site—A Web site containing a list of hotlinks to various other sites, usually categorized by topic. Many jump sites restrict themselves to a certain subject area, or select sites for inclusion based on specific merits.

    

    Killer App—(slang) A very powerful or useful application.

    

    Link—see Hotlink.

    Link Page—see Jump Site.

    Listserv—An electronic mailing list that you can subscribe to and participate in. All correspondence is conducted through regular E-mail. The name is derived from the software program that drives the mailing list system. See also Mailing List.

    Local Area Network (LAN)—A computer network confined to a relatively small area, usually a business location or a building. Individual LANs can be interconnected into larger networks, or be connected to the Internet. LANs that use Internet protocols (whether or not they're connected to the Internet) are known as intranets.

    Log on / Log off—To connect to or disconnect from a host computer or SLIP/PPP connection.

    Lurker, lurking—(slang) One who reads messages in, but doesn't actively participate in, newsgroups, chat rooms or mailing lists.

    

    Mailing List—A list of users who receive periodic bulletins on a given topic via E-mail. Many mailing lists allow users to contribute freely to a discussion just as they would in a newsgroup. See also Listserv.

    Menu—A list of options that an application presents to you. In most applications, menus are located at the top of the computer screen, and can be accessed with the mouse.

    Modem—A device that allows your computer to send and receive data via telephone lines. The word "modem" is derived from the device's full name, "modulator-demodulator."

    Mouse—A pointing device that, when moved on a horizontal plane (such as a table top), moves a corresponding cursor on the computer screen. See also Cursor.

    Multi-User Domain (MUD) —A customized computing environment (often taking on the aspects of a fantasy world) in which users can create alternate identities and interact with one another.

    Multimedia—The simultaneous use of more than one communications medium (text, audio, video, etc.) in an electronic environment.

    

    Network—A group of computers that are connected to each other through cables, telephone lines or satellite links. Networked computers can swap information and allow their users to communicate with one another over the network.

    Newbie—(slang) A user who is new to or unfamiliar with a particular computing environment.

    Newsgroup—An online conference center in which users can read, post and reply to messages, cultivating discussions over time. Despite their name, newsgroups rarely contain news bulletins. Most newsgroups are part of the USENET newsgroup system (see USENET).

    Newsreader—An application that allows the user to read and respond to messages in USENET newsgroups. A newsreader may stand alone or be incorporated into another application.

    Nickname—A pseudonym used by participants in an IRC or other type of chat. A nickname can be any word as long as it is unique to the chat.

    Nickserv—A standing list of nicknames used in IRC chat. Users register their nicknames in a nickserv to prevent confusion while online.

    

    Online / Offline—The state of being connected or disconnected, respectively, with a computer resource other than one's own computer (i.e., the Internet, a host computer, etc.).

    

    Page, Web—A Web document formatted in HTML. A Web page can contain text, hyperlinks, forms, graphics, sound files and applets.

    Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)—A hand-held computer that offers many of the features of a conventional PC or laptop unit.

    Plug-in—A software application that works in seamless conjunction with a larger application as if it were an integral part of the larger application.

    Program—see Application.

    Protocol—A general computing rule that applies to a given system, allowing any computer that recognizes it to connect and interact.

    Push—Technology that allows an information provider to send customized data directly to end users over the Internet.

    

    RL or R/L—Real Life (i.e., life outside of cyberspace).

    Random Access Memory (RAM)—One or more microprocessors that a computer can access to store data temporarily. Unlike magnetic hard disks or "floppy" diskettes, which can store data indefinitely, RAM is purged of its contents when the computer is restarted, shut down or otherwise loses power.

    Real Time—A measure of time in actual time units, without delays or time compression.

    

    Search Engine—A program that helps a Web index to look up a keyword.

    Server—A computer that allows other computers (or clients) to connect to it and interact. Most servers contain files that can be accessed by clients, or offer clients access to additional resources such as the Internet.

    Service Provider—see Access Provider.

    Shareware—Software freely distributed on an "honor system" in which the user may try out the application at no cost or obligation, and may even pass it along to others, yet is asked to pay a modest fee if he or she chooses to keep the software. Among the forms of compensation shareware authors often request are a cash payment (usually less than $20) or a donation to a favored charity.

    Site, Web—A Web address that contains one or more Web pages (see Page, Web).

    Snail mail—(slang) Traditional postal (paper) mail, a reference to its slow speed compared to E-mail.

    Spam—(slang) To send unsolicited E-mail or newsgroup postings to multiple—and usually inappropriate and uninterested—locations. Named for a Monty Python comedy skit in which the characters incessantly repeat the words, "Spam, spam, spam, spam..."

    Spider—An application that automatically searches the Web for sites and pages, and catalogs them. Also referred to as "crawlers," spiders vary in the types of information they collect and the way they organize data. See also Index, Web.

    Surf—(slang) To browse the Net and the Web, as opposed to accessing specific resources.

   
    TELNET—A protocol that lets you directly access certain computer systems on the Internet. Unlike other Net resources that provide access to a computer's files, TELNET lets you use the system's own command-line interface.

    Twit Filter—A filter used by some E-mail programs to block out spam, nuisance or harassing E-mail.

    
    Uniform Resource Locator (URL)—A command string that lets you connect to a specific Internet resource. Used primarily to access Web pages, URLs can also let you access FTP, TELNET and Gopher resources.

    USENET—The network that distributes most of the major newsgroups. First implemented at the University of North Carolina in 1981.

    User—One who uses computer hardware, software, and networks.

    

    Virtual reality—A state in which the user is immersed in, and can interact within, a computer-generated alternate environment. This can (but does not have to) involve the use of multimedia to fully engage the user's senses (see Multimedia).

    Virtual Reality Markup Language (VRML)—An uncompiled language that allows users to navigate three-dimensional "virtual worlds" through a Web browser. The Netscape and Microsoft Internet Explorer browsers use plug-ins to render VRML, while other browsers are designed especially for VRML.

    Virus—A piece of computer code designed to do malicious damage to an "infected" computer's software. First appearing in the mid-1980s, viruses are embedded in legitimate applications, then execute either at a specific time or whenever the application is run. Viruses can also be spread among computers when software is exchanged.

    

    Webmaster—One who creates and maintains a Web site.

    Wide-Area Information Server (WAIS)—A protocol for accessing information in Internet databases. Largely obsolete.

    Window—A graphical frame for displaying a document and/or application on a computer screen. Most operating systems that feature windows allow for more than one window to be open at a time.