(and some slang too!)
Backbone
Core part of the Internet which is capable of carrying large amounts of information.
Bandwidth
Expressed in baud (bits per second), this refers to the speed by which information can be sent or received by a modem.
Banner
Graphic advertising a web site. Users can generally click on the graphic to be taken to the site.
Baud
Refers to the data transfer speed of a modem in bits per second, such as a 28.8 baud modem.
Browser
A program used to view the World Wide Web. Netscape Navigator and Microsoft’s Internet Explorer are the top two browsers.
Click Depth
The number of clicks it takes to get to a page or html document from another page within a web site. Also known as "Clicks Deep". For example, information on a companies product might be 4 clicks deep from the home page. Most experts agree a lower click depth for an item increases the likelihood of it being reached/viewed.
Client
The part of a computer system that requests information for you, such as your web browser. (The systems that return information are called SERVERS). Think of this as like a waiter and a customer.
Commercial Host Service
The service by which space on a Web server is rented out to those desiring a presence on the Web.
Compression
Files are often lumped into one large file, and then made smaller using clever mathematical techniques. A program is needed to decompress the files once you have received them. You may often spot compressed files by the last three letters of the file name, such as .ZIP, or .Z. Free decompression programs are available on the Internet.
Computer Network
A group of two or more computers connected together via a periphery of cables, software and hardware for the purpose of sharing files, retrieving information and communicating with each other by e-mail.
Cybercafe
A cafe where you can use provided terminals to surf the Internet while having tea or coffee.
Domain Name
A unique Web site identity unique to an organization or individual. Once registered, this name cannot be used by any other organization.
Download
Downloading a file into your computer from a remote terminal. Many companies now allow information or programs to be downloaded over the Internet directly to a computer.
(Electronic mail) - the process of sending and receiving information between users within a network facilitated by an electronic mail program. An example of an e-mail address is "Webterms@fountainstreet.com".
Encryption
Coding text so you cannot read it unless you know the key to the code.
FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions) - Most USENET newsgroups and web sites have a frequently asked questions file, which has detailed answers to all the most common questions on that topic.
Firewall
A security system to prevent unauthorized access. Protects against hackers.
Flame
A flame is generally an e-mail message filled with abuse or harsh criticism.
Freeware
Trial software that is given away for free. Often a pre-release version that companies distribute with the express purpose of allowing users to find flaws. The company then fixes the flaws and sells the software.
FTP
(File Transfer Protocol) -A standard method in which files are moved around over networks, including the Internet. You will often hear of FTP sites, where files are stored.
GIF
A popular image format, for example you may see a file with a picture of a smiley face called SMILEY.GIF.
Hacker
Someone who illegally breaks into a private computer system. Hackers are responsible for millions of dollars in stolen property and damage a year.
Homepage
The 'front page' of a Web site. It is the page that loads first when you go to a web site. Fountain Street's Home Page.
HTML
(Hyper Text Markup Language) - a programming language which defines the appearance and behavior of Web documents.
HTTP
(Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) - The technical term for the way Web pages are called to your browser.
Hypertext
A document system in which a highlighted word allows user to "link" to another web page or site when clicked on. It is either in underlined text (usually a different color from normal text) or an image.
Internet
Initiated by the military some 25 years ago to be able to communicate after a nuclear war. The Internet was then used also by scientific and educational institutions and is now being used by the general public.
Internet Access
Ability to access the Internet.
Internet Access Provider
An entity engaged in the business of providing its subscribers the ability to access the Internet. ex: Netcom, Prodigy, Microsoft Network.
Internet Presence
The visibility of a business or organization on the Web.
Internet Presence Provider
A company engaged in the business of assisting its clients in the creation of an Internet presence by preparing a series of documents that comprise a Web site.
IRC
(Internet Relay Chat) - Dedicated servers running programs that allow people to communicate in a group forum.
ISP
(Internet Service Provider) - A company which provides Internet services for a connection fee. Prices and facilities vary to a large degree.
JPEG
A popular image format, the files usually end in ".JPG". JPEG files are often very small for the image compared with other formats.
Link
Allows user to instantaneously link to any kind of files (graphics, texts, etc.) or other Web pages or site.
MIME
(Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) - Gives user the ability to attach files such as pictures or sound clips to your mail.
Mirror
A copy of some information. You will sometimes see references to Web pages, or files, being MIRRORED at another place on the net.
Modem
A device that lets computers swap information over telephone lines. A modem is rated by the (baud) speed it can transfer data.
Protocol
A technical term for a means of getting information across a network.
Secure Server
Secure servers send and receive information in an encrypted form, allowing only those who have the correct "Key" to read the information. Secure Servers are most used in Internet commerce allowing buyers to transmit credit card numbers in a secure manner to the recipient.
Server
A computer that stores information as well as web pages to be accessed through the Internet.
Shareware
Same concept as freeware. Companies produce a limited working version of a program to let users "test-drive" it. Shareware got its name as companies wanted you to try the program and share it with a friend.
SMTP
(Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) - A technical term for the open protocol allowing different types of computers and operating systems to send and receive e-mail.
Spam
To SPAM is to place the same message all over the place, where it does not belong, to try and get attention or sell services.
Surfing The Net
Jumping from one Web site to the next.
Upload
Opposite of downloading - uploading a file is to load it from your computer to a remote one.
URL
(Unified Resource Locator) - defines the address or location of a Web page or site. ex: http://www.fountainstreet.com.
USENET
A system of worldwide discussion areas, (called NEWSGROUPS), rather like a mailing list. There are many thousands covering almost every subject you can think of.
Viruses
Programs that can cause serious problems with computers and related systems. Most viruses are created with the intent to do damage to those who encounter it.
Web Server
A computer connected to the Internet which allows users to access Web pages and sites upon their request.
Web Site
A collection of web documents (pages) formatted using HTML and made available to the public on the Internet.
WWW
(World Wide Web) - also known as the Web, is the network of all connected hypertext documents and related materials available on the Internet.
ZIP
A popular standard for file compression on IBM compatible PC's. Decompression programs are also freely available for many other computers.
If you know of a web term that is missing from our list please send us an E-Mail: Web Terms@fountainstreet.com