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Bookmark
A method of saving a link to a particular website. The browser
will provide an option labeled 'bookmark,' 'favorites,' etc.
which will allow you to save the URL, or web address, of a
site which you want to return to in the future. This
information is stored on your hard drive and may be accessed
through either the browser or through the file stored on your
desktop while the computer is connected to the Internet.
Browser
Either text- or graphic-based software that allows the
transfer of files from the Internet to the desktop. A browser
allows web sites to be viewed on the screen by interpreting an
HTML code into a viewable page. Two of the most popular
browsers are Netscape and Internet Explorer, but other
browsers are available, such as Lynx, Mosaic, and NCSA.
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C
Client
A program, such as a web browser, which connects to a server
to obtain information or request a service. The client may
loosely be referred to as the specific computer and user
running the client software. The client program is designed to
work with one or more than one server program.
Cookies
Files stored on your hard drive, which are put in place by
certain websites to store personal and customized information
about the sites you visit using your browser. Information is
sent from the browser to the server about your activities on
the browser, and when a website is revisited it may be
tailored automatically to the user's preferences. Cookies are
not a feature of every website, although some websites require
that the browser accept cookies. Cookies may be accepted or
not accepted based on your browser's advanced settings. They
collect information for the server about the websites visited
by your browser, but cannot access any information on your
hard drive. Cookies are set to expire after a certain date,
and the information on the hard drive about a particular
website is lost, although that site may still be accessed.
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D
DNS (Domain Name Server)
A server that is a part of the Internet and converts domain
names, which use words and numbers, to IP Addresses, which
contain strictly numbers and are assigned to each website.
Domain names are used for convenience.
Domain Name
The 'address' of a website or server, which is composed
primarily of words, though sometimes numbers may be included.
Each domain name points to one specific website, although each
website may have more than one domain name. The domain name is
separated into two or more parts, with dots between the
sections of the name. The ending section of the domain name
refers to the category the website falls into, such as '.com'
for company, '.edu' for educational, '.org' for organizations,
or '.gov' for government.
Download
To transfer a file or software program from another computer
and save it on your own hard drive. Downloading usually occurs
through a modem, such as saving programs from an Internet
site. It is important to be careful when downloading files
from an unfamiliar source, since a virus may be included in
the download without your knowledge.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
A line for connecting to the Internet, which does not use an
analogue dial-up modem but rather has a dedicated Internet
connection. The DSL uses existing copper telephone wires, but
the wires are split into voice and data, so the phone line can
be used simultaneously with the Internet connection. More than
one computer in a household may be connected to the network
using the DSL line at the same time. DSL connections are many
times faster than dial-up connections, ranging from 256K bps
to 1100K bps.
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E
E-mail
Short for electronic mail. E-mail is one of the most cost and
time effective methods of communication. Messages, which
contain primarily text, may be sent from one user to another
through a network. The recipient's e-mail address includes the
user ID or nickname, the host name, which is the domain name
of the server providing the e-mail service, and the category
in which the domain name lies, such as '.com' or '.edu.'
Encryption
Coding or scrambling messages and other information so
unintended recipients cannot access it during the transfer of
information over a network. Third parties will not be able to
read the data because it must be decoded with decryption
software specific to the data being sent. Encryption is very
important in Internet commerce for security reasons.
Ethernet
A type of linking system used for networking computers using a
LAN. Ethernet is available for almost all computers, and may
be added by simply inserting an Ethernet network interface
card. Ethernet provides very fast transfer of information,
usually at 10,000 Kbps.
Extranet
A type of extended intranet which uses the Internet to
transmit information being shared between a company and its
customers, strategic partners, suppliers, and other relevant
businesses. The information is password protected and may only
be accessed with the password on internal company servers.
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F
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
A list or collection of questions on a particular topic with
answers provided. These lists may be found independently on
the Internet or may be included in a website. People who find
they are repeatedly answering the same questions usually
compile FAQ lists. These lists may serve as help menus or
guidelines for everything from gardening to pet care to using
the Internet.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
A method of transferring files between computers over a
network, usually from an Internet site on a server to another
computer. FTP can be used to download, upload, or transfer
files between two remote computers. FTP usually requires the
use of an account name and password, although Anonymous FTP
sites may use the username 'anonymous' with the person's
e-mail address as the password. The advent of the World Wide
Web and browsers has simplified the use of FTP.
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G
GIF
A popular type of image file format.
Gopher
A protocol for sorting information on the Internet in a
hierarchical system of menus. This system was developed at the
University of Minnesota in 1991 and follows the client /
server style of sharing information. Gopher was a precursor to
the World Wide Web and is still used for some servers.
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H
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)
A scripting language for formatting text to appear as a
document on the World Wide Web. HTML uses a list of tags, or
character sequences, to stylize the text, images, and layout
of a document on the web. HTML can be used to define
background, font, color, links, graphics, and setup of a web
page. Some of these settings can be altered by the client's
preferences set on the browser.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) (Hypertext Markup
Language)
The main protocol used by the World Wide Web to transfer files
between computers. This protocol requires both an HTTP client
and an HTTP server. It is the protocol used for HTML.
Hypertext
Any document of text on the World Wide Web that contains links
to other documents. Hypertext is arranged in a non-linear
fashion so one can explore a topic by association. Documents
contain text, sounds, images, and actions, which flow as links
between related sources and topics.
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I
Internet
A system of computers linked worldwide composed of tens of
thousands of smaller networks, online services, and
single-user components. The Internet is not a commercial
organization and is self-governing, having no central station.
It is a global network for communications and research, using
the TCP/IP protocol to provide for the transfer of
information.
Intranet
An internal and private network within a company,
organization, or school. An intranet is limited to a
closed-user group. Intranets can host Web and FTP servers and
other IP services. Computers on an intranet may be able to
access the Internet; however, someone with general Internet
access cannot access programs and information located on a
private intranet.
IP Address (Internet Protocol Address)
A number assigned by an organization called InterNIC that
identifies a specific computer on the Internet. This number is
the 'address' for that computer, or server, and corresponds
with a particular name address, or domain name. The number has
four sections, which are separated by periods, and each
section contains numbers from 0 to 255.
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)
Combines voice and digital network services into one line,
allowing users to connect to the Internet using a phone line
which transmits digital, rather than analog signals. ISDN
transmits data faster than a modem, with a possible
transmission rate of 128K bps, although the actual speed for
most users is around 56K bps to 64K bps due to the current
speed of standard phone circuits.
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
A local or national agent that provides access to the
Internet, an e-mail address, and browser software for a fee,
usually a flat monthly fee or by the number of hours the
Internet is accessed each month. An ISP provides either
dial-up or other connection to the Internet and provides
either a local number or a toll-free 1-800 number for dial-up
service. Other agents that provide connection to the Internet
include commercial online services, such as AOL, which may be
more expensive than a basic ISP and include features such as
chat rooms and searchable databases.me) of an investor or a mutual
fund. Mutual fund objectives must be clearly stated in their
prospectus.
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J
Java
A programming language developed in the early '90's by Sun
Microsystems which allows programs to be immediately
downloaded from the Internet and run on a client computer
without the risk of a virus. Java runs best with high-speed
connections. It is used to make small, special programs called
applets, which make web pages interactive. Java is already
used for such features as animation, scrolling text, games,
and sounds, and can be expected to expand in versatility in
the future.
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K
Kbps (Kilobytes per second)
The number, in thousands, of bits of data being transmitted
each second. One bit is a single piece of information, with
about 8 bits making up one character. A page of text is
generally about 30, 000 bits, or 30Kb. This measurement is
important in describing the speed of Internet connections,
particularly when referring to a modem, and may be simply
referred to as 'K.' The bandwidth determines how much
information is transmitted at a time and is measured in Kbps.
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L
LAN (Local Area Network)
A network of at least two computers connected by a cable and
usually connected to the Internet. LAN connections are limited
to a specific area, and may connect computers on the same
floor, in the same building, or in buildings within an area of
a few miles. One method of connecting computers in a LAN is to
use Ethernet.
Link
On a website document, a link may be either text or a graphic.
By clicking on the highlighted text or graphic, the browser
jumps to another section of the document or another document
on the Internet.
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M
Modem
Stands for modulator/demodulator. The modem allows computers
to communicate over phone lines, sending and receiving
information. The speed of the modem's transmissions is
measured in bits per second, or, since the number of bits is
so large, Kilobytes per second (Kbps). An ISDN line surpasses
traditional phone lines in modem speed, and a T1 is even
faster.
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N
Netiquette
Proper but informal code of conduct when using the Internet,
especially when speaking in chat rooms, posting messages to a
newsgroup, or sending e-mail in general. It is considered bad
netiquette to 'shout' or type in all capital letters, to send
spam, and to post irrelevant messages to newsgroups, which are
mass e-mailings one can sign up to receive on a particular
topic.
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O
Online
May either mean being connected to another computer, to a
network, or to the Internet. Online may also be used as slang
to refer to having access to e-mail and the Internet.
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P
Protocol
A set of rules, or a language syntax, which is used for two
computers to communicate. Also called a communications or
network protocol, this standard assures that programs on a
network can work with all computers that use the same
protocol. TCP/IP is used for computers communicating on the
Internet.
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Q
Query
To search an Internet database using a keyword or phrase. A
query sends a request from the client to the server for
information. Most Internet users query databases known as
search engines to find specific information on a topic and
links to relevant websites.
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R
Router
Computer hardware or software that connects two or more
networks and sorts and interprets information. Routers look at
the destination address attached to packets of information and
send these packets through the proper route, to the proper
computer.
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S
Search Engine
An Internet database or catalogue used on the World Wide Web
to find information and websites on a particular topic. Search
engines, such as Yahoo, AltaVista, and Excite provide a blank
field into which you may type a keyword or phrase to search
for. Results are presented in hypertext form to make it easier
to jump directly to a website.
Server
A computer, or the software running on a computer, which makes
its files available to client computers via the Internet or
some other form of network. The server may service requests
for file transfers, e-mail, or other data files. If the server
machine or any software running on it (multiple software
packages may run on one machine simultaneously) are
experiencing technical problems, the server is said to be
'down.' One server may hold several websites.
Spam
Refers to the inappropriate e-mail messages sent to mailing
lists and newsgroups. Most of the messages are commercial or
advertising messages and all are unsolicited and generally
unwanted. It is considered bad netiquette to send spam. The
name is derived from a Monty Python skit focused on the Hormel
processed meat product.
SSL (Secure Socket Layer)
A protocol for ensuring that information sent over the
Internet or across a network is kept secure. SSL encrypts the
data being sent, makes sure the server is authentic, and
verifies that the information sent to the server was not
tampered with.
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T
T1
The fastest speed connection commonly used. This digital
network link can move 1.5 million bits per second and is
typically used by companies and educational facilities with
lots of Internet use on the networks. The capabilities of a T1
line allow large text files, sounds, graphics, and other
downloadable files instantly.
TCP/ IP (Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol)
The protocol used to transfer information on the Internet. A
computer must be running TCP/IP to function on the Internet.
The Internet Protocol directs packets of information to their
proper destination based on address. The Transmission Control
Protocol ensures that the packets of information are received
in their correct form at the destination address. If
information is sent incorrectly, it will be sent again. TCP/IP
provides for safe end effective transmission of information
over the Internet.
Telnet
A software program and protocol that allows the user to access
and work with another, remote computer. Using Telnet, users
can download files, conference with other users, and perform
all the functions available on that remote computer. An
Internet connection is necessary to run Telnet.
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U
Upload (Uniform Resource Locator)
To send or load a file from one computer to another, remote
computer. Uploading is the opposite of downloading, although
these words are frequently misused. Sending e-mail is a prime
example of uploading a file.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
A standard form for the Internet address of a directory, file,
service, or website. Each URL points to only one location. The
URL contains the protocol used and the domain name as well as
other information about the directory and file name for the
information. The URL can be entered into the web browser to
find the information on the Internet.
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V
Virus
A virus is a computer code that has the potential to destroy a
computer's files or programs. Viruses are attached to programs
that are frequently shared through computer networks or by
exchanging disks. A virus may be transferred to your computer
through a file downloaded from the Internet, from an
'infected' disk, or from an e-mail attachment. It is best to
be careful about the sources you download files from, and do
not open attachments you are unsure about. You may wish to ask
the sender if they intended to send an attachment, since
sometimes a virus attachment is uploaded without the sender's
knowledge.
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W
WAN (Wide Area Network)
A network connecting computers by phone line or satellite over
a great distance. Networks for an area larger than a building
or a campus are considered Wide Area Networks.
Website
A collection of pages on the World Wide Web that are linked
together as network services and headed up by a home page
which explains the site. Most pages in a website are HTML
documents, and the pages revolve around a particular topic.
The website is stored as a whole on a server and can be
accessed by entering either the IP Address, URL, or domain
name into the browser, or may be found by using a search
engine.
World Wide Web
A tool widely used on the Internet to access resources using
HTTP. The World Wide Web includes document written in and
linked by hypertext. Sources on the World Wide Web provide
text, graphics, sound, and other multimedia features. The
World Wide Web can be accessed through a browser.
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X-Y-Z
Zip File
A compressed file, and a form in which many files are
downloaded. These files, on the Internet, have the extension
'.zip' at the end of the URL.
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