Glossary (A-Z)

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Select the first letter of the word from the list above to jump to appropriate section of the glossary.

- A -

Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

This refers to policies that restrict the way in which a network may be used. Usually, a network administrator makes and enforces decisions dealing with acceptable use.

Address Mask

The address mask is used to identify the parts of an IP address that correspond to the different sections (separated by dots). It’s also known as the "subnet mask" since the network portion of an address can be determined by the encoding inherent in an IP address.

ARP (Address Resolution Protocol)

The method used by network hosts to determine the valid destination for a packet of data given the IP address.

Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET)

A pioneering long-haul network funded by what’s now-called DARPA (formerly known as ARPA). It was the foundation on which the Internet was built.

Agent

The part of a system that performs information preparation and exchange on behalf of an application.

Alias

A type of nickname (usually short and easy to remember) that refers to a type of network resource. Aliases are used so you won’t have to remember the long and difficult names typical of network resources.

Anchor

In HTML, an item (word, phrase, or image) that is highlighted and clickable (hyperlinked, so as to trigger another page or action.)

Anonymous FTP

By using the word "anonymous" as your user ID and your E-mail address as the password when you login to an FTP site, you can bypass local security checks and gain limited access to public files on the remote computer. This type of access is available on most FTP sites, but not all.

Application

Sometimes known as a client or an "app," it’s a program that performs a specific function. FTP, Mail, Gopher, Mosaic, and Telnet clients are the most common examples of Internet applications.

ARC

One of the first data compression utilities. Used for archiving files. From System Enhancement Associates, Inc., Clifton, NJ. Has been upgraded to ARC+Plus.

Archie

You’ll usually hear this term referred to in the phrase "archie search." Archie is a way of automatically gathering, indexing and sometimes even retrieving files on the Internet. Most good archie clients are able to FTP files once you’ve found the information you’re looking for.

Architecture

Refers to the way a system is designed and how the components are connected with each other. There are computer architecture's, network architecture's and software architecture's.

Archive

A collection of files stored on an Internet machine. FTP sites are known as archives.

ARPANET

See Advanced Research Projects Agency Network.

ASCII

(American Standard Code for Information Interchange) Pronounced AS-kee. It's the most popular coding method used by small computers for converting letters, numbers, punctuation and control codes into digital form. Once defined, ASCII characters can be recognized and understood by other computers and by communications devices. ASCII represents characters, numbers, punctuation marks or signals in seven on-off bits. A capital "C", for example, is 1000011, while a "3" is 0110011.

This compatible encoding (it was developed by ANSI - the American National Standards Institute) allows all PCs to talk to each other, if they use a compatible modem or null modem cable, and transmit and receive at the same speed.

Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)

A transfer method that dynamically allocates bandwidth using a fixed-size "packet," or "cell." Also known as "fast packet."

ATM

See Asynchronous Transfer Mode.

Attribute

In graphics, the condition a font is in - i.e., boldface, italic, underlined, reverse video - is its attribute. In MS-DOS, files can be assigned attributes that define how accessible they are - i.e., "read-only" is a file's attribute. In a document retrieval system, an attribute of a file is one of the keys by which the document has been stored and indexed.

.AU

A voice grade sound format file commonly supported on SUN platforms.

AUP

See Acceptable Use Policy.

Authentication

Any process that ensures that users are who they say they are. When you type your name and password, you are authenticated and allowed access.

.AVI

Audio-Video Interleave. A Windows® Video file.

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- B -

Backbone

A series of very high bandwidth connections that form the base connectivity ring to which mid-level service providers, and large member networks connect. The Internet backbones share mail and other traffic on a peer level.

Bandwidth

This refers to the difference (measured in Hz), between the highest and lowest frequencies of a transmission. Most people loosely refer to bandwidth as the amount of data that can be transferred over a network connection.

Backup

Copy of current and/or recent data for short-term storage in case of catastrophic loss. Only data changed or added since the backup was made will be lost.

Backups should be made frequently. Their usefulness is over when a more recent backup is made.

Bar Code

A system of portraying data in a series of machine-readable lines of varying widths. The "UPC" on consumer items is a bar code. In document management, a bar code is used to encode indexing information.

In microfiche, bar codes allow the automatic control of the duplication process, plus contain indexing information. These bar codes usually appear in the last two or three title frames in the first row of a microfiche.

Batch

A group of records which have related information.

Batch Header

Information placed at the beginning of a sequence of records which uniquely identifies the sequence.

Baud

A unit of data transmission speed. Often - inaccurately - confused with bits per second.

BBS

See Bulletin Board System.

BCC

Block Check Character. In data transmission, a control character appended to blocks in character-oriented protocols and used for figuring if the block was received in error.

Berkeley Internet Name Domain (BIND)

An early version of a DNS server developed by the University of California at Berkeley. Most Internet hosts run a version of BIND.

BFT

Binary File Transmission. Standard for transmitting facsimile data between fax boards directly. Faster than conventional fax modems.

Binary

A numbering system with only 2 symbol choices for any bit (position,) either a "1" or a "0." In a typical sequence of 8 of these positions (a byte,) each subsequent position in that sequence represents a next (higher) value. The value of all positions that are "on," or have a "1" are added together to get the total value of that byte. Positions that are "off, or are "0" are not added together. The first position represents the value of one. If that first digit is "1" then we have a starting value of one. The second position represents the value of two. If that second digit is "1," then we add two to our existing sum of one to get three. The third position represents four. If that third digit is "1," then we add four to our existing sum, to get seven. After we have finished with all 8 bits, we will end up with a number from 0 (with all eight digits being "0" to 255 (with all eight digits being "1." Looking back at our definition of ASCII (character tables and files) This is how we save a representation of a "text" or "ASCII character."

Bit

A contraction of "binary digit," a bit refers to a single tiny switch inside the computer, which contains the value 1 or 0. There are millions of such switches - bits -inside the typical PC. They form the basis of all the memory and disk storage.

Bitnet

A computer network devoted to academic use that provides E-mail and file transfer services using a store-and-forward protocol. It is based on the IBM Network Job Entry protocols. A more recent version of Bitnet (known as Bitnet-II) encapsulates the Bitnet protocol within IP packets.

Block

The amount of data recorded contiguously on magnetic tape or disk in a single operation. Blocks are separated by physical gaps, or identified by their track/sector addresses.

Blocking Factor

The number of records written on an external storage device defined by block size - applicable only to magnetic tape.

.BMP

Bitmap. Windows^® format image files.

Bookmark

A feature of most Web browsers. You can save frequently accessed links in a bookmark file, rather than have to look up the URL each time.

Boolean

A question that refers to a Yes or No answer.

Bounce

If you send E-mail and it fails to arrive at its intended recipient for any reason (incorrect user name, network failure, etc.), the message "bounces" and returns to you. The subject line in a bounced message usually says something like: "Undeliverable Mail" or "Message Undeliverable."

Bpi

Bits Per Inch Measurement of the number of bits stored per linear inch on magnetic tape. Measures density.

bps

Bits Per Second Measurement of the number of bits transferred in a data communications system. Measures speed.

Browser

Another name for a client program that allows users to access documents on the WWW. Browsers can be both text-based or graphic.

BTW

Acronym meaning "By The Way." Seen mostly in IRC sessions.

Buffer

Device or allocated memory space used for temporary storage. Printers commonly use buffers, for example, to hold incoming text because the text arrives at a much faster rate than the printer can output.

Bulletin Board System (BBS)

A computer which typically provides E-mail services, file archives, and announcements of interest to the bulletin board system’s operator (known as a sysop). BBS’s started out as hobbies for computer enthusiasts, and were mostly accessible by modem. Recently, however, more and more BBS’s are being connected to the Internet.

Byte

Common unit of computer storage. A byte is eight bits of information, one of which may be a parity bit. Generally, eight bits equals one character.

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- C -

Cache

Pronounced "cash." Small portion of high-speed computer memory used for temporary storage of frequently used date. Reduces the time it would take to access that data, since it no longer has to be retrieved from the disk.

CAR

(Computer Assisted Retrieval) Computer systems that locate or identify data stored on microform or paper. CAR systems rely on indexing and cross-indexing, pre-assigned to the documents, to find all documents related to the CAR search "attributes," A (simplified) attribute string may be something like "Purchase orders for Widget Style 007 in October." The CAR software would search "purchase orders," "Widget Style" records and "October" activity files for matches. It would then notify the user of the whereabouts of the relevant documents.

Carriage Return/Line Feed

Marks the end of one record and the beginning of a new record on a new line.

CCIRN

See Coordinating Committee for Intercontinental Research Networks.

CCITT

See Comite Consultatif International de Telegraphique et Telephonique.

Cello

A brand of Web browser.

Centronics

Standard 36-pin parallel interface for connecting printers and other devices to a computer.

CERT

See Computer Emergency Response Team.

Certificate Authority (CA)

CGI

Common Gateway Interface. The mechanism whereby scripts are executed and commands and variables passed between the browser and server, and processed by the server via a UNIX Shell script, "C" Program, PERL Script, Apple Script, or Batch file.

Challenge-Handshake Authentication Protocol (CHAP)

An authentication method that can be used when connecting to an Internet Service Provider. CHAP allows you to login to your provider automatically, without the need for a terminal screen. It is more secure than the Password Authentication Protocol (another widely used authentication method) since it does not send passwords in text format.

CHAP

See Challenge-Handshake Authentication Protocol.

Character

A letter, number or symbol generated or processed by a computer.

Chat

Another term for IRC. Also, an acronym meaning "Conversational Hypertext Access Technology."

Check bits

In data transmission, the bits inserted for error-checking purposes. After a segment has been transmitted, a code corresponding to the segment is inserted, called the check bit. The receiving device accepts the data segment and "checks" the check bit to see if they agree.

Checkbox

In HTML, a way to allow the user to interact with the material on a web page by clicking on a box or other input element.

Checksum

An error-checking scheme in data communications. When a packet of data is sent, the total of the ASCII character numbers represented by the data is sent along also. At the receiving end, the ASCII characters are totaled, and that sum is compared to the checksum. If they don't agree, there's been an error in transmission.

CIX

An acronym meaning "Commercial Internet Exchange."

Clickable image map

A map or graphic where certain parts of it are associated with different hyperlinks. For example, users can click on cities on a map of a country and bring up linked pictures and other information about each place. For example, Honolulu Community College has developed an interactive campus map that lets you get information about each building, its hours of services, etc.

Client

In Internet terms, it’s an application that performs a specific function, such as Telnet or FTP. It’s the "front-end" to an Internet process. In more general terms, a client is computer system or process that requests a service of another computer system or process. The much talked about "client-server architecture" refers to a workstation requesting the contents of a file from a server.

Client/Server

An architecture process where a client connects to a server computer with a request, the server processes the request, and disconnects from or stops interacting with the client.

Comite Consultatif International de Telegraphique et Telephonique (CCITT)

French for "International Telephone and Telegraph Advisory Council." It’s an organization that plays a major role in the United National International Telecommunications Union (ITU). The CCITT is responsible for making technical recommendations about communications systems worldwide. Every four years, CCITT updates the standards, most recently in 1992.

Compression

A software or hardware process that "shrinks" images so they occupy less storage space, and can be transmitted faster and easier. Generally accomplished by removing the bits that define blank spaces and other redundant data, and replacing them with a smaller algorithm that represents the removed bits.

Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT)

The CERT was formed by DARPA in November 1988 in response to the Internet worm incident. CERT exists to facilitate Internet-wide response to computer security events involving Internet hosts and to conduct research targeted at improving the security of existing systems. They maintain an archive of security-related issues on their FTP server at "cert.org." Their E-mail address is "Error! Reference source not found." and their 24-hour telephone Hotline for reporting Internet security issues is (412) 268-7090.

Coordinating Committee for Intercontinental Research Networks (CCIRN)

A committee that provides a forum for North American and European network research organizations to cooperate and plan.

Corporation for Research and Educational Networking (CREN)

An organization formed in October 1989, when Bitnet and CSNET were combined. CSNET is no longer around, but CREN still operates Bitnet.

Cracker

Substantially different from "hackers," crackers are users who try to gain illegal access to computers. They are usually malicious in their intentions.

CRC

Cyclical Redundancy Checking An error-checking technique in data communications. A CRC character is generated at the transmission end. Its value depends on the hexadecimal value of the number of ones in the data block. The receiving end makes a similar calculation and compares its results with the sending machine's result. If there is a difference, the recipient requests re-transmission.

Cross-post

To post a message to several newsgroups simultaneously - an action usually frowned on in Internet culture

CSU/DSU

Channel Service Unit/Data Service Unit. The interface between the Server/Internet Node Machine, and Router.

CUI

Character-based User Interface. Computer control system that makes the user type in commands (characters) to operate the computer.

Opposite of GUI, which uses pictures, or "icons," to help the user operate the computer. PCs running MS-DOS use CUI; Macs and Windows/DOS use GUI.

Cursor

The symbol on a screen that shows where the next activity will take place. Graphics programs often change the shape of the cursor, depending on what action the computer is programmed to take next.

Cyberspace

The "world of computers and the society that gathers around them," as referred to by William Gibson in his fantasy novel "Neuromancer." It now loosely refers to the online world and even more loosely to the Internet.

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- D -

DASD

Direct Access Storage Device. Any on-line data storage device. A disk, drive or CD-ROM player that can be addressed is a DASD.

DAT

Digital Audio Tape. A technology that records noise-free digital data on magnetic tape. Generally used for audio, a DAT cassette can hold more than a gigabyte when adapted for data storage.

Data

According to AT&T Bell Labs: Data is "A representation of facts, concepts or instructions in a formalized manner, suitable for communication, interpretation or processing."

Data Compression

Reducing the amount of electronic "space" data takes up. Methods include replacing blank spaces with a character count, or replacing redundant data with shorter stand-in "codes." No matter how data is compressed, it must be decompressed before it can be used.

Data Encryption Key (DEK)

Much like an actual key used for locking and re-opening doors, DEKs are used for the encryption and decoding of message text, sometimes in the form of a digital signature.

Data Encryption Standard (DES)

A standardized encryption method widely used on the Internet.

Data Set

A collection of related data. Usually refers to the part of the data to be viewed, but can also include indexing information, commands, printing parameters, etc.

Data Traffic

The number of TCP/IP packets traversing a network.

Data Validation

Steps taken to ensure that the data structure conforms to requisite specifications.

Database

Data that has been organized and structured in a disciplined (records and fields) fashion, so that access to information of interest is as quick as possible. Database management programs form the foundation for most document storage indexing systems.

Database Front End

In the context of the Internet, this is an interface which integrates WWW applications with sophisticated database programs.

DDN

See Defense Data Network.

Datagram

A block of data that is "smart" enough (actually, which carries enough information) to travel from one Internet site to another without having to rely on earlier exchanges between the source and destination computers (not to be confused with a Candygram).

Deblock

To find individual sections of data (one record) from a larger block of data (the disk, the mag tape).

DECnet

The proprietary network protocol designed by Digital Equipment Corporation.

Decompress

To reverse the procedure conducted by compression software, and thereby return compressed data to its original size and condition.

Decryption

A companion (to an encryption) decoding algorithm or scheme.

Dedicated Line

A communications line that is used solely for computer connections. If you buy an additional phone line for your modem, that’s a dedicated line. There are other types of dedicated lines (such as T3s and T1s) that are used for larger network entities.

Defense Data Network (DDN)

A global communications network that serves the US Department of Defense. It is made up of a network called MILNET, other portions of the Internet, and classified networks, which are not part of the Internet. The DDN is used to connect military installations and is managed by the Defense Information Systems Agency. It was originally developed by DARPA.

Descriptor

The key word, code or phrase that an automated document retrieval system uses to identify and locate the document. Descriptors sometimes "summarize" the most relevant data in the document, so that reading the descriptors -rather than retrieving the entire document - is sometimes sufficient for the purposes of the search.

DIA/DCA

Document Interchange Architecture IBM-endorsed architecture's, part of SNA, for transmission and storage of text, data, voice or video documents over networks. Becoming industry standards by default.

Dial-up Account

A basic type of Internet account that allows you to dial-up a provider’s computer with a modem. These types of accounts usually have a UNIX or other command-line interface.

Digital

The use of binary code to record information. "Information" can be text in a binary code like ASCII, or scanned images in a bit mapped form, or sound in a sampled digital form, or video. Recording information digitally has many advantages over its analog counterpart, mainly ease in manipulation and accuracy in transmission.

Digitize

To convert an image or signal into binary code. Visual images are digitized by scanning them and assigning a binary code to the resulting vector or raster graphics data. Sounds are digitized by recording frequent "samples" of the analog wave and translating that data into binary code.

Disk Mirroring

A procedure where all material stored on a server is always and automatically written to 2 disks, providing automatic backup.

Disk sector

Magnetic disks are typically divided into tracks, each of which contains a number of sectors. A sector typically contains a predetermined amount of data, such as 256 bytes.

Disk Striping

A procedure where data stored on a server is written alternately to 2 disks, allowing faster access time, because 2 bits (1 from each disk) can be read or written at the same time.

Distributed Computing Environment (DCE)

An architecture based on standard programming interfaces, conventions, and server functionality used for distributing applications transparently across networks. The DCE is controlled and promoted by the Open Software Foundation (OSF), a consortium of vendors including DEC, IBM and Hewlett Packard.

DNS

See Domain Name Service.

Domain

A "logical" region of the Internet. People sometimes refer to them loosely as "sites." Generally, a domain corresponds to an IP address or an area on a host.

Domain Name System (DNS)

The DNS is a static, hierarchical name service used with TCP/IP hosts, and is housed on a number of servers on the Internet. Basically, it maintains a database for figuring out and finding (or resolving) host names and IP addresses on the Internet. This allows users to specify remote computers by host names rather than numerical IP addresses (if you’ve used UNIX, you may have heard the DNS referred to as the BSD UNIX BIND service). For example, go to a DOS prompt in Windows 95, the % prompt in UNIX, or use a ping client for Windows 3.1 or Mac, and type "PING UTW.COM". This will check the DNS server you have configured, look up the numerical IP address for UTW.COM, and then ping UTW’s IP address. The advantage of the DNS is that you don’t have to remember numerical IP addresses for all the Internet sites you want to access.

Dot Address (or Dotted Decimal Notation)

The common notation for IP addresses of the form 1.2.3.4; where each number represents one byte in the four-byte IP address.

Download

To transfer files from one computer to another. The most common way of doing this on the Internet is by FTP

DPI

Dots Per Inch A measurement of output device resolution and quality. Measures the number of dots a printer can print per inch both horizontally and vertically. A 600 dpi printer can print 360,000 (600 by 600) dots on one square inch of paper.

DS1 or DS-1

A type of digital data line providing 1.54 Mbps bandwidth, (also called T1 or T-1.)

DS3 or DS-3

A type of digital data line providing 44.7 Mbps bandwidth, (also called T3 or T-3.)

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- E -

EBCDIC

Extended Binary Code Decimal Interchange Code. Uses 8 bits to store a character called a byte. The bits define the characteristics of a byte. This code is IBM designed and is similar to ASCII in the end result. An analogy is the letter "S" written in Japanese and English - they are different but both define an "S" as the end result.

Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)

A foundation that addresses social and legal issues arising from the impact of computers on society.

EDAC

Error Detection And Correction An error detection scheme. It works this way: A prearranged extra block of data is added to each block written. After writing, the extra data is read back. If the extra data is correct, EDAC assumes the entire writing procedure went smoothly and goes on to repeat the procedure with the next block. If an error is detected, the write process is repeated.

Electronic Mail (E-mail)

A method by which computer users can exchange messages with each other over a network. E-mail is probably the most widely used communications tool on the Internet. There are many quirky conventions to E-mail, but most entail a "To:", "From:", and "Subject:" line. One of E-mails advantages is its ability to be forwarded and replied to easily. If an E-mail is badly received by a group or user, the sender is likely to get "flamed."

Electronic Mall

A virtual shopping mall where you can browse and buy products and services online

Electronic Storefront

A virtual space in an electronic mall. This consists of space on a server (usually at a web site) where html documents are stored.

E-mail

See Electronic Mail.

E-mail Address

Your E-mail address is made up of several parts. By convention, addresses use lowercase letters with no spaces. The first part of the address, the user name, identifies a unique user on a server. The "@" (pronounced "at") separates the user name from the host name. The host name uniquely identifies the server computer and is the last part of the Internet E-mail address (for example, my E-mail address is Error! Reference source not found.. Large servers, such as those used at universities or large companies sometimes contain multiple parts, called sub domains. Sub domains and the host name are separated by a "." (pronounced "dot"). The three-letter suffix in the host name identifies the kind of organization operating the server (some locations use a two-letter geographical suffix). The most common suffixes are: .com (commercial) .edu (educational) .gov (government) .mil (military) .net (networking) .org (non-commercial). Addresses outside of the U.S. sometimes use a two-letter suffix that identifies the country in which the server is located. Some examples are: .jp (Japan) .nl (The Netherlands) .uk (United Kingdom) .ca (Canada) .tw (Taiwan).

Embedded Hyperlink

A hyperlink that is incorporated into a line of text.

Emoticon

A symbol to compensate for the absence of nonverbal clues when communicating on the Internet For example signifies a "grin", :} or :-} a "smile", when inserted in the text of an e-mail message and alerts the reader not to take it seriously.

Encryption

The basis of network security. Encryption encodes network packets to prevent anyone except the intended recipient from accessing the data.

.EPS

Encapsulated PostScript. A form of PostScript file intended to be embedded ("placed") within other documents.

Ethernet

A standard and probably the most popular connection type for Local Area Networks (LANs). It was first developed by Xerox, and later refined by Digital, Intel and Xerox (see also "DIX"). In an Ethernet configuration, computers are connected by coaxial or twisted-pair cable where they contend for network access using a Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) paradigm. Ethernet can transfer information at up to 10 Megabit-per-second (Mb/s).

Eudora

A popular E-Mail manager.

Exabyte

.EXE

An executable (program) file that runs under DOS.

External Image

An image that is called up by a hypertext link (on a HTML page.)

External Viewer

A helper application that performs from within a Web browser extending the display or playback capabilities of the browser to another specific file format type.

E-Zine

short for Electronic Magazine.

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- F -

FAQ

Acronym for "Frequently Asked Questions." FAQ’s are widely available on the Internet and usually take the form of large, instructional text files. They are written on a wide variety of topics, and are usually the most up-to-date source for specialized information.

FAT

File Allocation Table Data written to a magnetic disk is not necessarily placed in contiguous tracks. It's usually divided into many clusters of data in many locations on the disk surface. The FAT is the special area on a disk which keeps track of where clusters of data have been written for retrieval later.

Feedback Form

Sections of html documents that accept user input. You can usually input comments, order products, or search for information with these forms.

Federal Networking Council (FNC)

A collection of federal agencies that have heavy interests in federal networks using TCP/IP and the Internet. Representatives from DOD, DOE, DARPA, NSF, NASA and HHS are the major members of the FNC.

Field

A section of a record in which unit data is contained. In a database, the individual items of related information -for example, policyholder's name, address, social security number, etc. Together the fields make up a record. The smallest logically distinguished unit of data in a record, as in "There are 12 fields in that record." "Logically distinguished" means there are similar units of data in other records that have something in common. For example, "last name" is a field, an entire mailing address is a record. All the address records is a database.

Field separator

The prearranged code, typically a comma, that separates fields in a record. Also called a delimiter: "The records in that database are comma-delimited."

File

A collection of related data items or records on a disk. Access to it is gained via unique name assignment.

File server

Local Area Networks (LANs) were invented to allow users on the LAN to share and thereby conserve the cost of peripherals (printers, modems, scanners) and to likewise share software. The file server is the machine on the LAN where the shared software is stored.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

The most widely used way of downloading and uploading (getting and putting) files across an Internet connection. The File Transfer Protocol is a standardized way to connect computers so that files can be shared between them easily. There is a set of commands in FTP for making and changing directories, transferring, copying, moving, and deleting files. Formerly, all FTP connections were text based, but graphical applications are now available that make FTP commands as easy as dragging and dropping. Numerous FTP clients exist for a number of platforms.

Finger

A UNIX command that shows information about a user or group of users on the Internet. When executed, the Finger command usually returns the user’s real name, whether or not they have unread mail, and the time and date of their last login. Finger also displays two files (if they exist) located in the home directory of the user you fingered. These two files (the .PLAN and the .PROJECT files.) are simply ASCII text files that can be entered by the user to display any information upon being fingered.

Firewall

The computer file system of a site’s inner network that is protected against unauthorized access by Internet users

Fixed disk

Another name for hard disk. So-called because it is installed in a computer and not meant to be removed.

Flame

A negative response to an E-mail message or newsgroup posting. If you post an article or send an E-mail to an audience that deems your message inappropriate, expect to get "flamed." The most common recipients of flames are users who post commercial messages in public forums, those who post adult material in non-adult areas of the Internet, and users who post or send make racial or gender-biased comments. The worst sort of flame is known as a "mail-bomb," which occurs when the user being flamed open his or her E-mail and receives a flood of letters with unusually long file attachments that make his or her computer "crash."

.FLC/.FLI

Called "Flick" files. A format for storing Autodesk compatible animation’s.

Follow-up

A reply to an E-mail or newsgroup posting that continues the conversation or idea, known as a "thread."

Formatting

Preparation of a storage medium - defining tracks, check for bad sectors, etc.

Freenet

A network system made up of community-based bulletin board systems with E-mail, information services, interactive communications, and conferencing. They are usually funded and operated by individuals or organizations much like public television. Freenet providers are part of the National Public Telecomputing Network (NPTN), a Cleveland-based organization that works to make computer networking services as freely available as public libraries.

Freeware

Free software available on the Internet that can be redistributed.

FTP

See File Transfer Protocol.

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- G -

Gateway

A kind of "go-between" device or program that passes information between networks that normally couldn’t communicate. What used to be called a gateway is now called a router. Not to be confused with a protocol converter.

.GIF

Graphics Interchange Format. Compuserve’s image format. Very popular. The most widely used Internet graphic format, and is supported by browsers without the need for helper applications.

Gigabyte

Meaning billion or thousand million. In computers, it is actually 1,023,741,824. One thousand gigas is a tera. No one knows what a thousand teras is..yet, but, would you believe a gajillion or maybe a bronco byte?

Gooey

Slightly derogatory slang for GUI - Graphical User Interface.

Gopher

An information search and retrieval tool used widely for research. Gopher information is stored hierarchically on computers across the Internet. It uses a simple protocol that allows a client to access information from a multitude of numerous Gopher servers at one time, creating what’s known as "gopher space." The most common search tools in gopher are Veronica and Jughead. Gopher clients exist for most platforms.

GUI

Graphical User Interface. Computer control system that allows the user to command the computer by "pointing-and-clicking," usually with a mouse, at pictures, or "icons," rather than by typing in commands. See CUI.

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- H -

Hacker

A computer user who works to understand the "ins and outs" of computers, networks, and the Internet in general. Hackers are generally benign, and are not to be confused with crackers.

Helper Application

An external executable program file that cooperates with a web browser, and provides an extended capability that the browser was not originally designed to have.

High density

Floppy disks which have been manufactured for high capacity. High-density 5 l/4" floppy disks hold l.2 megabytes; 3 1/2" floppy disks hold l.44 megabytes.

Hit

In the context of the WWW, it refers to the act of accessing an html document on a server.

Home Page

The first page on a Web site that acts as the starting point for navigation.

Host

A computer that is attached to a network or the Internet. Hosts allow users on client machines to connect and share files or transfer information. Individual users communicate with hosts by using client application programs.

Host Address

The address of a host computer on the Internet.

Hostname

The name given a host computer connected to the Internet.

Hot Java

A VRML/animation environment designed for the Sun platform.

Hot list

A list of frequently accessed URLs

Hot spot

A place in a document that contains an embedded hyperlink.

.HTM

The DOS file extension for an HTML file.

.HTML

The UNIX or Long-File-Name extension for an HTML file.

HTML

Hypertext Markup Language. The language used to write documents on the World-Wide-Web.

HTML+

A more rigorous version of HTML, allowing for a wider range of media effects.

HTTP

HyperText Transfer Protocol. The protocol that tells the server what to send the client. (text, images, other documents...). The underlying system whereby documents with Hyperlinks are transferred over the Internet, and whereby Hyperlinks in those documents trigger the subsequent transfer of other documents and other activities.

Hub

A multi node connection device employed in data network that sequentially polls the connected nodes so as to prevent packet collisions.

Hypermedia

A combination of hypertext, graphics, audio, video, animation, and other media. The World-Wide-Web is a Hypermedia environment because it allows multiple media types to all be available in the same document.; Media such as Audio, and Video that were originally thought of as beyond the realm of personal computers.

Hyperlink

These are links in HTML documents that you can click on to go to other Web resources.

Hypertext

A type of text that allows embedded "links" to other documents. Clicking on or selecting a hypertext link displays another document or section of a document. Most World Wide Web documents contain hypertext.

Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)

The standard way to mark text documents for publishing on the World Wide Web. HTML is marked-up using "tags" surrounded by brackets. To see what tagged HTML text looks like, select the View Source feature from the menus in the program you are using to view this document now, and you’ll see a display of the HTML text used to create this page.

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.ICB

Targa format video or graphic file.

Image Map

An executable Web-Served graphics image and complementary routine that allows the "surfer" to "Click" on a section of that image in his Web browser, automatically and transparently return information to the server indicating the specific click location on that image, and have the server perform a prescribed action based on that location.

IMHO

Acronym for "In My Humble Opinion." Generally seen in IRC, E-mail, or Usenet postings.

Index

At its simplest, it's a descriptive set of data associated with a document for locating the document's storage location. In a more complex and demanding role, indexing can be used to consolidate documents that may not be, at first glance, related, or that may be stored in different locations, or on different media. Indexing stored documents is the great intellectual challenge in document retrieval. Anyone can copy a piece of paper to microfilm. The hard part is devising an indexing scheme that describes every possible parameter of each document for later searches, comparisons and processing.

Information Packet

A bundle of data sent over a network. The protocol used determines the size and makeup of the packet.

Inline Image

A built-in graphic that is displayed by the browser as part of an HTML document and is retrieved along with it.

IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics or Intelligent Drive Electronics)

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)

A relatively new technology which combines voice and digital network services in a single medium. ISDN makes it possible for communications carriers to offer their customers digital data services as well as voice connections through a single line. CCITT defines the standards relating to ISDN.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

An organization of 89 member countries (founded in 1946) responsible for setting world standards in many electronics areas. Members of the ISO are the national standards organizations of the member countries.

Internet

A large, uncontrolled, unadministered, anarchic cyber-state that will soon take over the world! Basically, it’s just everyone’s computers hooked together. It’s not a corporation, organization, or entity in itself. When you connect to the Internet, you actually become part of it. Always capitalized, the word Internet can also be referred to colloquially as the "Net."

Internet Account

An account with an ISP that allows you to access the Internet

Internet Protocol (IP)

An industry standard, connectionless, best-effort packet switching protocol used as the network layer in the TCP/IP Protocol Suite.

Internet Protocol Address (IP Address)

The 32-bit address defined by the Internet Protocol. Every resource on the Internet has a unique numerical IP address, represented in dotted decimal notation. IP addresses are the closest thing the Internet has to phone numbers. When you "call" that number (using any number of connection methods such as FTP, HTTP, Gopher, etc.) you get connected to the computer that "owns" that IP address.

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

An ISP is a company that maintains a network that is linked to the Internet via a dedicated communication line, usually a high-speed link known as a T1. An ISP offers use of its dedicated communication lines to companies or individuals (like me) who can’t afford $1,300 a month for a direct connection. Using a modem, you can dial up to a service provider whose computers will connect you to the Internet, typically for a fee.

Internet Society (ISOC)

A non-profit, professional organization that supports the technical evolution of the Internet and stimulates the interest of members of the scientific and academic communities, industry, and the public regarding technology and the applications of the Internet. The ISOC also promotes the development of new applications for the Internet by publishing a quarterly newsletter, the Internet Society News, and by and holding an annual conference, called INET.

InterNIC

Meaning "Internet information Center," InterNIC is the combined name for the providers of registration, information, and database services to the Internet. InterNIC is who you contact if you want to register a domain name on the Internet.

IOS (Internetwork Operating System)

IP

See Internet Protocol.

IP Address

See Internet Protocol Address.

IRC

The world-wide "party line" of the ‘90s. IRC allows multiple users to converse in real time on different "channels." Channels (which have a "#" sign preceding their name) vary in traffic and content. Channel operators (or Ops) moderate the conversation, and have the ability to "kick" people from channels, or even ban them if their actions warrant it. IRC clients are available for nearly all platforms.

ISDN

See Integrated Services Digital Network.

ISO

See International Organization for Standardization.

ISOC

See Internet Society.

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.JFIF or .JPG or .JPEG

Joint Photographic Experts Group. A "loose" compression scheme for images.

Justification

The alignment of margins in a field or record on both the right and left sides or on one side.

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Key Field

A field which functions as a unique identifier for a record.

Kbyte

Kilobyte. One thousand bytes. To a computer, it's actually 1,024. So 16Kbytes, or 16K, is actually 16,384 bytes; 64K is 65,536 bytes, etc.

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Labels

The description of the manner in which a sequence of data is organized and access privileges. Simply put - instructions.

Layers of the OSI Model

Layer 1 (Physical)

Layer 2 (Data Link)

Layer 3 (Network)

Layer 4 (Transport)

Layer 5 (Session)

Layer 6 (Presentation)

Layer 7 (Application)

LAN

Acronym for "Local Area Network." LANs are now commonplace in most businesses, allowing users to send E-mail and share resources such as files, printers, modems, etc. Currently, most larger companies are connection their LANs to the Internet, allowing users to connect to resources within or outside the LAN.

Leased Line

A dedicated, full-time connection used to link a user or network to an Internet Service Provider or another network.

Leased 56

A 56 Kbps dedicated data line.

Listserv

An automated mailing list distribution system. Listservs exist for a multitude of professional, educational, and special interest groups. Usually, you have to send an E-mail to a Listserver with the subject "SUBSCRIBE listname" or something to that effect. You are then "subscribed" to that "mailing list" and (depending on the service) will receive regular mail from a single source or from all members who send E-mail to the Listserver. Listserv was originally designed for the Bitnet/EARN network.

Load

On the WWW, HTML documents and graphics are loaded into the browser whenever an URL is accessed.

Log File

A file that keeps track of network connections.

login

The account name used to access a computer system or, used as a verb, the act of typing your user name and password on a terminal.

logon

The process of connecting to a network or remote system.

logoff

To disconnect from a network or remote system.

logout

To type logout, or a similar word (e.g. "exit", "quit". etc.) in order to disconnect from a network.

Lurking

Non-active participation on the part of a subscriber to an mailing list, a Usenet newsgroup, and IRC channel, a CUSEEME connection, or any other Internet communication device. If you’re "lurking," you’re generally just listening to the discussion. It’s usually best to lurk if you’re a beginner or if you are new to a communication group. This allows you to "get up to speed" on the history or acceptable behavior of the group.

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mail-Bomb

The flooding of an e-mail address with (usually angry) messages.

mailbot

An e-mail server that automatically responds to requests for information.

Mail-Filter

A program that allows a user to sort e-mail messages according to information contained in the header.

Mailing List

A list of E-mail addresses used to forward messages to groups of people. When you subscribe to a mailing list, you receive all mail sent to that list (see also Listserv).

Mail Reflector

A program that distributes files or information in response to requests sent via E-mail. Many list servers have mail reflectors. You can request documents of a reflector by sending message with the subject "SEND document name" or a similar command. Mail reflectors are also being used to provide FTP-like services for users with limited Internet access.

Meg

Slang for megabyte.

Megabyte

Approximately one million bytes. Precisely, 1,024 kilobytes, or 1,048,576 bytes.

MIME Encoding

See Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions Encoding.

Minor Sort Key

A data field which provides a secondary method by which records may be identified, sorted or retrieved.

MIPS

Millions of Instructions Per Second. A measure of computer speed.

Mirror Site

Due to the popularity of some FTP and Web sites, mirror sites came into existence. They are areas on a computer that "mirror" or contain an exact replica of the directory structure of another computer. If you have trouble getting connected to an FTP site, for example, because of the high amount of traffic, you can usually connect to a mirror site that contains the same information on a different computer. Mirror sites are usually updated once a day.

Modem

A device for translating the digital data of computers into analog signals. Two or more computers connected together over phone lines are therefore able to exchange files, and generally communicate with each other.

Moderated Mailing-List

A mailing-list where messages are first sent to the list owner before they are distributed to all the subscribers.

Moderator

The person who manages moderated mailing lists, newsgroups, or online discussion forums for services such as AOL, CompuServe, or the Microsoft Network.

Mosaic

A graphical browser for the World Wide Web that supports hypermedia. The NCSA (National SuperComputer Association) invented the Mosaic browser, which quickly became the industry standard. Recently, however, Netscape Communications has stormed the market with its freeware release of their Netscape Browser, which has radically redefined the Web. The term "Mosaic" is sometimes used incorrectly as a synonym for the World Wide Web.

MS-DOS

The basic command system - called disk operating system, or DOS - for IBM and IBM clone personal computers.

MUD

Acronym for Multi-User Dungeon or Domain. MUDs are role-playing games that take place on a computer. Users can Telnet to a MUD host, and create a character. MUDs can be action-, adventure-, or fantasy-based games, and allow you to save your character for future play. Some MUDs have thousands of registered characters, and most foster a community or culture of their own. These are highly-addictive areas of the Internet, and users can spend many hours enthralled in this type of activity.

Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions Encoding (MIME Encoding)

MIME is a standardized method for organizing divergent file formats. The method organizes file formats according to the file’s MIME type. When Internet (usually E-mail) software retrieves a file from a server, the server provides the MIME type of the file, and the file is decoded correctly when transferred to your machine.

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Navigate

To move around on the WWW by following hypertext paths from document to document on different computers.

NDMP (Network Data Management Protocol)

Netiquette

The combination of the words "Net" and "etiquette," this refers to the proper behavior on a network, and more generally the Internet. The key element in Netiquette is remembering that actual people are on the other end of a computer connection, and offensive comments or actions are just as offensive even if you can’t see your recipient.

Netizen

A citizen of the Internet.

Network File System (NFS)

A protocol developed by Sun Microsystems. NFS allows a computer to access and use files over a network as if they were local. This protocol has been incorporated into the products of more two-hundred companies, and is now a de facto Internet standard.

Network News Transfer Protocol (NNTP)

An industry standard protocol for the distribution, inquiry, retrieval, and posting of news articles.

Newsfeed

ISPs get their newsgroups from different newsfeeds, or news sources, by transferring them over the Internet, or other networks.

Newsgroup

A discussion forum on the Internet similar to that found on local BBS’s. There are currently around 25,000 different groups covering a wide range of topics.

Newsreader

Application software for reading and posting articles to newsgroups.

NFS

See Network File System.

NNTP

See Network News Transfer Protocol.

Node

A point of connection into a network. In multipoint networks, it means it's a unit that's polled. In LANs, it's a device on the ring. In packet switched networks, it's one of the many packet switches which form the network.

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OC-3 A type of digital data line providing 155.52 Mbps bandwidth.

OC-12 A type of digital data line providing 622.08 Mbps bandwidth.

OC-24 A type of digital data line providing 1.244 Gbps bandwidth.

OC-48 A type of digital data line providing 2.488 Gbps bandwidth.

OC-192 A type of digital data line providing 9.952 Gbps bandwidth.

Online

When a user is connected to a network, they are described as being online.

OSI (Open Systems Interconnection)

A suite of protocols, designed by ISO committees to be the international standard computer network architecture.

OSI

See Open System Interconnection.

Output

Input data processed, organized and formatted to a specification.

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Packet

The common term for the standard unit of data sent across a network.

Packet Internet Gopher (PING)

The simplest way to test or time the response of an Internet connection. PING sends a request to an Internet host and waits for a reply (called a...yep.. you guessed it: PONG). When you PING an address, you get a response telling you the number of seconds it took to make the connection. PING clients exist for a number of platforms, or you can use a UNIX or Windows 95 prompt to issue a PING command directly.

PAP

See Password Authentication Protocol.

Parallel

The transmission of bits over multiple wires at one time. Accomplished by devoting a wire for each bit of a byte. Parallel data transmission is very fast, but usually happens only over short distances (typically under 500 feet) because of the need for huge amounts of cable. Most often used in computer-to-printer, and scanner-to-computer applications. See Serial.

Parity

Used in error correction. A separate bit - the parity bit - is added and manipulated so that the number of 1's is odd (for odd parity) or even (for even parity). If the number of bits sent doesn't conform to the parity, the software detects an error.

Password

A secret combinations of letters and other symbols needed to login to a computer system.

Password Authentication Protocol (PAP)

One of the many authentication methods that can be used when connecting to an ISP. PAP allows you to login automatically, without having to use a terminal window to type in your username and password. One warning about PAP: passwords are sent over the connection in text format, which means there is no protection if someone is "listening-in" on your connection.

Petabyte

PING

Point Of Presence (POP)

An installation of telecommunications equipment, usually digital leased lines and multi-protocol routers.

Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)

A protocol that provides a method for transmitting packets over serial point-to-point links. PPP is one of the most popular methods for dialup connections to the Internet, since it allows you to use other standard protocols (such as IPX, TCP/IP, and Netbeui) over a standard telephone connection, but it can also be used for LAN connections.

Pointer

A link to related resources inserted into a Web page.

Platform

The type of computer or operating system on which a software application runs. For example, some common platforms are PC, Macintosh, Unix, and NeXT.

POP

See either Point Of Presence or Post Office Protocol.

Post

Subscribers to newsgroups and mailing lists take part in discussions by sending, or posting their articles or comments online.

Post Office Protocol (POP)

A protocol designed to allow single users to read mail from a server. There are three versions: POP, POP2, and POP3. When E-mail is sent to you, it is stored on the server until accessed by you. Once you are authenticated, the POP is used to transmit the stored mail from the server to your local mailbox on your client machine.

Postmaster

An alias on a mail server for administering routing of e-mail.

Posting

The sending of an article to a Usenet newsgroup or the placing of a message on a BBS.

PPP

See Point-to-Point Protocol.

Preference Setting

A set of parameters on software tools, especially WWW browsers, that allows the user to attach a signature file to e-mail or newsgroup messages, change the color and appearance of text, etc.

Protocol

Simply, the "language" spoken between computers to help them exchange information. More technically, it’s a formal description of message formats and the rules that two computers must follow to exchange those messages. Protocols can describe low-level details of machine-to-machine interfaces (like the order in which bits and bytes are sent across a wire) or high-level exchanges between allocation programs (the way in which two programs transfer a file across the Internet).

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QBF

The test message "The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dogs." It contains every letter of the alphabet.

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Radio Button

Used in forms to indicate a list of items. Only one button can be selected at one time.

RAM

Random Access Memory The primary memory in a computer. Memory that can be overwritten with new information. The "random access" part of its name comes from the fact that all information in RAM can be located - no matter where it is -in an equal amount of time. This means that access to and from RAM memory is extraordinarily fast. By contrast, other storage media-like magnetic tape-require searching for the information, and therefore take longer.

Read the Flippin’ Manual (RTFM)

An acronym used to respond to a simple or common question.

Real-Time Chat

This is one use of the Internet that allows live conversation between by typing on a computer terminal. The most common tools are Talk and IRC (International Relay Chat).

Record

A group of related data fields that is treated as a unit of information.

Remote Login

It is possible to login to a remote computer by using an application program based on TELNET - a terminal emulation protocol made for this purpose. The user can therefore enter commands on a keyboard attached to their local computer and access files etc. on a remote computer that may be located anywhere in the world.

Request For Comments (RFC)

A document series, begun in 1969, which describes the Internet suite of protocols and related experiments. Not all (actually, very few) RCF’s describe Internet standards, but all Internet standards are written up as RCF’s.

Retrieval key

A word, number or phrase associated with a document to aid in its retrieval from storage. Sometimes called descriptors. There are often many retrieval keys used together to fully locate a document; together they are called an index.

RFC

See Request for Comments.

ROM

Read Only Memory Data stored in a medium that allows it to be accessed but not erased or altered.

Router

A device that forwards traffic between networks. Forwarding decisions are made based on network layer information and routing tables, often constructed by routing protocols.

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Script

In the context of the WWW, a (gateway) script is a program that runs on a Web server and processes requests based on input from the browser.

SCSI

Small Computer System Interface. Pronounced "SCUZZY." An industry standard for connecting peripheral devices and their controllers to a microprocessor. The SCSI defines both hardware and software standards for communication between a host computer and a peripheral. Computers and peripheral devices designed to meet SCSI specifications should work together.

A single SCSI adapter card plugged into an internal IBM PS/2 micro channel PC slot can control as many as seven different hard disks, optical disks, tape drives and scanners-without siphoning power away from the computer's main processor. Was formerly known as SASI, for Shugart Associates Systems Interface. It was changed when the US government accepted the standard.

Search Engine

Programs on the Internet that allow users to search through massive databases of information.

SSL (Secure Socket layer)

Serial

Data communications mode in which bits are sent in sequence. See Parallel.

Serial Line lnternet Protocol (SLIP)

Similar to PPP, SLIP is another standard protocol used to run TCP/IP over serial lines, such as telephone circuits or RS-232 cables. Unlike PPP, however, SLIP does not work on a LAN connections. SLIP is probably the most popular way for dialup users to access the Internet.

Server

Simply, a computer that provi