Andrew File System (AFS)
A system (not yet widely used) that allows you to work with files
on a remote host as if you were working on your own host. For
instance, FTP would not be required to get a file, you could simply
copy it to your home directory.
Alias
A name that is substituted for a more complicated name. For example,
a simple alias may be used instead of a more complicated mailing
address or for a mailing list.
Archie
An index system that helps you find files in over 1,000 FTP sites.
ARPANet
Where the Internet began; the Advanced Research Projects Agency
(of the U.S. Department of Defense) computer network that was the
forerunner of the Internet.
ASCII
The American Standard Code for Information Interchange, a standard
way for computers to use bits and bytes to represent characters. An
ASCII file contains simple text without any special formatting codes.
Avatar
A graphical representation of a person in a chat room. The word comes
from Hindu mythology in which spirits come down and inhabit bodies.
Backbone
A network through which other, smaller networks are connected.
Baud Rate
A measurement of how quickly a modem transfers data. Although,
strictly speaking, this is not the same as bits per second, the
two terms are often used interchangeably.
Bits Per Second (BPS)
A measure of the speed of data transmission; the number of bits
of data that can be transmitted each second.
Browser
A client software program used to search networks, retrieve copies
of files and display them in an easy-to-read, often graphical, format.
Browsers such as SPRY Mosaic, Netscape Navigator, and Microsoft
Internet Explorer are used to access information on the World Wide Web.
Bulletin Board System (BBS)
A computer system to which other computers can connect so their users
can read and leave messages, or retrieve and leave files.
Chat
A program that connects computers on a network for instantaneous,
multi-way communication. People who use chat can type messages for
delivery to a server, which displays the messages instantly so that
users who are logged on to the chat service can respond immediately.
On the Internet, chat is sometimes referred to as Internet Relay
Chat (IRC).
Client
A software program that provides access to network resources by
working with information stored on a server.
Compressed File
Computer files that have been reduced in size by a compression
program. Such programs are available for all computer systems.
Cruise
Navigating the Internet by following hyperlinks from one Web site
or page to another.
Cyberspace
A term coined by author William Gibson. It describes the imaginary
space in which computer users travel when "surfing" the Internet.
Daemon
In UNIX, a program running all the time in the "background" (that
is, unseen by users), providing special services when required. An
example of a daemon is biff, which lets you know when mail arrives.
Dedicated Line
A telephone line that is leased from the telephone company and used
for one purpose only. In the early days of the Internet, it was a
line dedicated to a server.
Dial-in Direct Connection
An Internet connection that is accessed by dialing in to a computer
through a telephone line. Once connected, your computer acts as if
it were an Internet host. This type of service is often called SLIP,
CSLIP or PPP.
Dial-up Service
A common Internet term for a dial-on terminal connection.
Domain Names
A name given to a host computer on the Internet. E-mail names are
good examples of domain names (i.e., anyname@sprynet.com).
Download
The process of transferring information from one computer to another.
You download a file from another computer to yours.
Discussion Board
A forum on a Web site for the discussion of a specific topic or set
of related topics.
Electronic Mail (e-mail)
A means of sending typed messages from one computer to another,
over a network.
Emoticon
Emoticons, or smileys :-) , are used to convey emotion. The
expressions and inflections of voice we use to convey emotion,
irony, sarcasm, etc. when talking are lost when communicating
over the Internet. To make up for that, a system of symbols has
developed which uses common keyboard marks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
An area or document dedicated to answering common questions.
File Transport Protocol (FTP)
A service for moving an electronic file of any type from one
computer to another over the Internet.
Flame Mail
An excessively angry or rancorous message, generally containing
personal insults, sent through e-mail.
Flamer
Someone who writes flame mail. Flamee should be obvious.
Forum
The dedicated area where people come together to discuss issues,
hobbies, or news. Also called newsgroups.
Freeware
Software provided free by its originator. See shareware.
Gopher
An Internet service for locating and delivering electronic files.
The Gopher interface includes a directory tree and a set of menus
which can be used for exploring the Internet and downloading files.
Home Page
The opening page of a World Wide Web document, sometimes called the
welcome page.
Host
A computer connected directly to the Internet. A service provider's
computer is a host.
Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)
A standard computer code used to make files readable by browsers on
the World Wide Web.
Hypergraphic
In a World Wide Web document, a graphic image coded to form a link
to another file. As with hypertext, if you click on a hypergraphic,
you will jump to the linked file.
Hyperlink
A code which contains an "address," which when clicked, will take
you to that address.
Hypertext
Electronic text coded to provide instant access, via links, to other
hypertext (or hypergraphics) elsewhere within a document or in a
separate document.
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)
The protocol that forms the basis of World Wide Web technology.
HTTP is the set of rules governing the software that transports
hyperlinked files along the Internet.
Internet
A collection of networks linked together using a common protocol.
Internet Protocol (IP)
The standard protocol used by systems communicating across the
Internet.
IP Address
A digital code that precisely locates a computer connected to the
Internet.
Internet Relay Chat (IRC)
A software tool that makes it possible to hold real-time keyboard
conversations online.
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
A company that provides a connection to the Internet. Service
providers sell access to the network. Services offered differ
between ISPs.
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)
Large bandwidth telephone line. Allows you to transfer information quickly.
Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) Graphic Format
A commonly used compression technique for graphics images on the Internet.
Kill
An action that can be taken in Usenet to exclude certain words,
phrases, subjects, or even specific individual posters, from the list
of messages displayed on your screen.
Local Area Network (LAN)
The regional server or servers your computer is connected to. These
in turn are connected to other servers creating a network in your
office, home, etc.
Listserv
Mailing list that acts as a newsgroup. Messages sent to a listserv
address are sent to everyone who has subscribed to the list. Responses
are sent back to the listserv address.
Local File
A file stored on the hard disk of your computer, as opposed to a file
stored on an Internet server or some other remote computer
Lurking
Reading chat, forum, newsgroup or listserv messages without responding to them.
Megabyte (MB)
A measure of the quantity of data. A megabyte is a lot when you are
talking about files containing simple text messages, but it's not much
when you are talking about files containing color photographs.
Modem
A device that converts digital signals from your computer into analog
signals for transmission through a phone line, and vice versa (called
demodulation).
Multi-User Domain (MUD)
A game or simulation in which multiple participants can engage
simultaneously through their connections to the same Internet server.
Netiquette
Internet etiquette, the correct form of behavior to be used while
working on the Internet and Usenet. It can be summed up as, "Don't
waste computer resources and don't be rude."
Newbie
An individual new to the Internet. Used with both affection and
malice--depending on whether you're being welcomed or being flamed.
Newsgroup
Open forums or electronic bulletin boards on the Internet, where
readers can share information, ideas, tips, and opinions with each other.
Online
Connected. You are online if you are working on your computer while
it is connected to another computer. Your printer is online if it is
connected to your computer and ready to accept data.
Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)
A protocol that allows a computer to use the TCP/IP (Internet)
protocols (and become a full-fledged Internet member) with a standard
telephone line and a high-speed modem. PPP is a new standard for this
which replaces SLIP.
Port
Generally, port refers to the hardware through which computer data is
transmitted; the plugs on the back of your computer are ports. On the
Internet, port often refers to a particular application. For instance,
you might telnet to a particular port on a particular host. The port
is actually an application.
Posting
A message sent to a newsgroup or the act of sending such a message.
Postmaster
The person at a host who is responsible for managing the mail system.
If you need information about a user at a particular host, you can
usually send e-mail to the postmaster at postmaster@hostname.
Protocol
A set of rules computer programmers apply when writing code for a
specific software. Computers and networks interact according to
standard protocols, which determine the behavior that each side of
a network connection expects from the other side.
Query
A search question that has been asked in a manner the computer's
database system can understand and use.
Remote Computer
A computer located somewhere else along a network as, for example,
the computer containing the online catalog of your local public
library. Remote is a relative term, relative, that is, to the computer
immediately at hand (the local computer). A remote computer can actually
be located within the same room, or it can be halfway around the world.
Router
A system used to transmit data between two computer systems or networks
using the same protocol.
Search Engine
A tool which matches key words you enter with titles and descriptions
on the Internet. It then displays the matches allowing you to easily
locate a subject.
Secure Transaction Technology (STT)
Technology developed by software companies and credit companies to
protect financial dealings over the Internet and prevent fraud.
Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP)
A protocol that allows a computer to use the Internet protocols
(and become a full-fledged Internet member) with a standard
telephone line and a high-speed modem. SLIP is being superseded
by PPP, but is still in common use.
Server
A computer or its software that "serves" other computers by
administering network files and network operations. Three types
of Internet servers are Web servers, e-mail servers, and Gopher
servers.
Shareware
Software that is freely distributed, but the author expects payment
from people who decide to keep and use it.
Signature
A short piece of text transmitted with an e-mail or newsgroup
message. Some systems can attach text from a file to the end of a
message automatically. Signature files contain detailed information
on how to contact someone.
SLIP
see Serial Line Internet Protocol
Smiley
A symbol in e-mail and newsgroup messages used to convey emotion,
or simply amusement. Create smileys by typing various keyboard
characters. For example, :-) means happiness. See also, Emoticon.
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)
One method a computer uses to send e-mail from one computer to
another. Other methods include Multi-purpose Internet Mail Extensions
(MIME) and Privacy Enhanced Mail (PEM).
Stream
Audio or video transfer of signals in digital form. It is then downloaded
on your computer and played back using various tools.
Surf
Same as "cruise."
T1 Line
A line connecting a computer to a high-speed, high-bandwidth,
digital electronic communication carrier.
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
A set of protocols (communications rules) that control how data is
transferred between computers on the Internet.
Telnet
An Internet protocol used for logging on to a remote computer, as
well as the software that implements it. Telnet makes all Internet
hosts appear to the user as if they use the same techniques for
presenting information on screen and the same commands for performing
tasks (such as typing and editing commands).
Threaded
Organized according to thread, or line of discussion, in a newsgroup
or on a discussion board. A thread is a more or less continuous chain
of postings on a single topic.
UNIX
A computer operating system. Most hosts connected to the Internet run UNIX.
Upload
The process of transferring information from one computer to
another. For example, you upload a file from your computer to another.
Universal Resource Locator (URL)
The specific path to a World Wide Web file, including filename and extension.
Usenet
The "user's network." A large network connected to the Internet.
Veronica
The Very Easy Rodent-Oriented Net-wide Index to Computerized Archives
is a service that's built into Gopher. Veronica allows you to search all
Gopher sites for files, directories and other resources.
Virtual Reality (VR)
A simulated three-dimensional environment, displayed in real time with
interactive capabilities. VR applications have been developed for the World
Wide Web, although the technology is still at an early stage.
Virus
A program that uses various techniques for duplicating itself and
traveling between computers. Viruses vary from harmless nuisances
to serious problems that can cause millions of dollars' worth of damage.
Virtual Reality Mark-up Language (VRML)
Protocol language which allows 3-D representation of graphics. Chat
rooms are increasingly using VRML to represent chatters graphically
with avatars.
Wide Area Information Server (WAIS)
Software that is used to index large text files in servers. On
the client side, it finds and retrieves documents in databases,
based on user defined words.
Web
see World Wide Web
Web Page
A single screen on a Web site.
Web Site
The location of published hypertext content. Physically, a Web site
can occupy an entire Web server or a part of a server; or it can be
spread out among different servers as long as its sections are all
linked, directly or indirectly, to the same home page.
World Wide Web (WWW)
The newest medium of the Internet. Based on hypertext, the Web
provides a quick and easy method of delivering and receiving
information files which are read by a browser. The Webs ability to
transfer files containing not just text but also graphics, sound,
and video makes it the most versatile of all the Internet services.
WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get)
Pronounced "wizziwig," it is a generic term meaning what you see on
your screen is what is going to print out on your printer.
X Windows Protocol
A network terminal standard developed at MIT that enables a user
to run and display multiple network applications at the same time.
