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Computer
Services
Glossary
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.
Analog
Describes any information that has been translated into a
corresponding physical change, such as electric current - any information
may be converted to analog. Technologically inferior to digital because of
signal degradation (the signal or data strength is weaker at a distance
with analog data).
ANSI
An acronym for American National Standards Institute. The American body
responsible for setting telecommunications standards in the US.
Unfortunately these often differ from those set by the ISO, the
world standards authority.
Applet
A computer program written in Java for transfer over the web.
Archie
A search utility used on the Internet to locate files in FTP sites,
these files are generally public domain files that anyone can download.
ARPA
An acronym for Advanced Research Projects
Agency.
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. Has been replaced by NFSNet.
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.
ATM
An acronym for Asynchronous Transfer Mode. A method of transmitting bytes
across communications links.
AUP
An acronym for Acceptable Use Policy of the NSF which prevents the use of
the NSFnet backbone for purely commercial use.
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.
Bandwidth
Describes the capacity at which a given communications channel,
such as ordinary copper telephone line, can transfer information;
increasing bandwidth increases the speed at which data transfer takes
place. The greater the bandwidth, the greater amount of data can be
transferred.
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.
BBS (Bulletin Board System)
A service accessible via modem or other connection through which users may
exchange messages privately or post messages to a publicly accessible
forum; may or may not have Internet access.
BIOS
Basic Input Output System. This is the basic set of instructions
that tell the computer how to act. Most computers have these instructions
built into a chip that plugs into the motherboard.
Bit
Short for binary digit; either a 1 or a 0; the smallest unit into
which digital information may be broken.
BPS (Bits per Second)
A measure of the speed of data transmission; the number of bits of data
that can be transmitted each second. Modems are generally measured by
their BPS rate (14.4K - 14400 BPS, 28.8K - 28800 BPS)
Boot up
The process of turning on the computer, which includes a number of
functions that are performed automatically every time the power switch is
turned on.
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.
BTW or IMHO
Abbreviation for "By the way" or "in my humble opinion",
respectively. Abbreviations such as these are commonly used in email,
newsgroups, or listservs.
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.
Byte
A collection of eight BITS.
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).
CIX
An acronym for Commercial Information Exchange.
Client
A software program that provides access to network resources by working
with information stored on a server.
CMOS
Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor. A CMOS computer circuit consumes
very little power and is used in computers to keep track of the system
setup information, data, time, type of disk and hard drives, etc. that a
computer has installed. The CMOS information is powered by the computer's
on-board battery. So if the on-board battery fails, the information in
CMOS is lost.
Compressed File
Computer files that have been reduced in size by a compression program.
Such programs are available for all computer systems.
CPU
Central Processing Unit. This is the brains of the computer.
You'll hear computers described in terms of which CPU is installed in
them. A 486 computer, and Pentium, a 386DX, etc.
Crash
An unexpected shutdown either of a program or the whole system.;
sometimes traumatic, always frustrating ; often fixable by turning off the
computer and turning it back on; results in losing any unsaved work. Can
also be used in instances of a hard disk physically being damaged.
Cruise
Navigating the Internet by following hyperlinks from one Web site or page
to another.
CSCW
This is an acronym for Computer Supported Co-operative Work, more commonly
called groupware. See also Lotus Notes.
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.
DARPA
US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (now ARPA). One of
the bodies which `created' the concept of the Internet and funded the
development of Internet facilities for many years.
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.
Digital
Terms used to describe any information that has been translated
into a corresponding series of 1s and 0s; any information - text, sound,
image, color, may be digitized.
Discussion Board
A forum on a Web site for the discussion of a specific topic or set of
related topics.
Domain Names
A name given to a host computer on the Internet. E-mail names are good
examples of domain names (i.e., anyname@netcom.com).
Dot
Short for the "period" usually heard in a reference to a url -- "www.webtrail.com"
Download
The process of transferring information from one computer to another,
usually from a server to a client. You download a file from another
computer to yours.
EDI
An acronym for Electronic Data Interchange. Also referred to as electronic
commerce.
Electronic Commerce
The transacting of business electronically rather than via paper.
E-mail (Electronic Mail)
A means of sending typed messages from one computer to another, over a
network or the Internet.
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.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Question. This is often a file which new users can
refer to when using a new service or piece of Internet software. It
contains answers to frequently asked questions, hence the name.
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.
Floppy Disk
A removable storage medium that is used in conjunction with a floppy
drive, usually 5.25-inch or 3.5-inch in size.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
An area or document dedicated to answering common questions.
GB (Gigabyte)
1,000 Megabytes. A measure storage space. Hard Drives now are
measured in GB capacity.
GIF (Graphic Interchange Format)
One of two popular systems used to compress the size of image
files so they require less bandwidth to transfer on the Web.
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.
GUI
This is an acronym for Graphical User Interface. Examples are Windows
and Apple's Macintosh operating system. The concept originated in the
early 1970s at Xerox's PARC laboratory.
Hard Disk
The rigid storage medium located within a hard drive; the
relatively large storage area where a computer's operating system,
applications, and data usually reside.
Helper App
A "helper application" or add-on program particularly for a web browser
that increases the functionality and the type of files that the browser
can display. Also see Plug-in.
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.
HTML (HyperText Markup Language)
This is an acronym for HyperText Mark-up Language which is used to
format information so that it can be structured and made accessible to the
World Wide Web (WWW). The language itself is a simplified derivative of
SGML, a widely used standard developed in the mid 1980's. The technique
employed is to encase the information in special markers (called tags)
which tell the WWW applications how the text is to be interpreted.
HTML+
A proposed new standard which will supersede html. It is a superset of
html which is designed to extend the capabilities of the language to
incorporate better support for multimedia objects in documents.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
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.
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.
Hypermedia
Like hypertext except that the concept is extended to multimedia objects
such as graphics, video and audio.
Hypertext
Electronic text coded to provide instant access, via links, to other
hypertext (or hypergraphics) elsewhere within a document or in a separate
document.
IAB
An acronym for Internet Architecture Board
IANA
An acronym for Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
IDE
Integrated Drive Electronics. An interface used mainly by hard drives and
CD-ROM drives to connect to the computer.
IETF
An acronym for Internet Engineering Task Force
Internet
A collection of networks linked together using a common protocol. The
global computer network achieved through the interconnection of smaller
computer networks around the world.
IP (Internet Protocol)
The standard protocol used by systems communicating across the Internet.
IP Address
A digital code that precisely locates a computer connected to the
Internet.
IRC (Internet Relay Chat)
A software tool that makes it possible to hold real-time keyboard
conversations online.
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)
Large bandwidth telephone line. Allows you to transfer information
quickly.
ISO
An acronym for International Organization for Standardization
ISOC
An acronym for The Internet Society
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
A company that provides a connection to the Internet. Service providers
sell access to the network. Services offered differ between ISPs.
ITU
An acronym for International Telecommunication Union
JAVA
A relatively new programming language developed by Sun Microsystems mainly
to enhance the "online experience" of the World Wide Web.
Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) Graphic
Format
A commonly used compression technique for graphics images on the Internet.
K (Kilobyte)
1024 bytes
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.
LAN (Local Area Network)
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
Lotus
Lotus Development Corporation the software company responsible for the
Notes line of products.
Lurking
Reading chat, forum, newsgroup or listserv messages without responding to
them.
MAC
Short for "Macintosh"; the other type of personal computer,
manufactured by Apple Computer, not a
PC
MAN
An acronym for Metropolitan Area Network.
Megabyte (MB)
1 million bytes. 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.
MBONE
An acronym for Multicast BackbONE, an Internet service which gives public
access desktop video communications. The quality is poor with only 3-5
frames per second instead of the 30 frames per second of commercial
television. Its advantage is that it avoids all telecommunications costs
normally associated with teleconferencing. An interesting innovation is
the use of MBONE for audio communications and an electronic "whiteboard"
where the computer screen becomes a shared workspace where two physically
remote parties can draw on and edit shared documents in real-time.
Microsoft
The computer industry giant responsible for DOS, Windows, Windows 95 and
assorted business and personal software. Now challenging Netscape is the
web browser market with Internet Explorer.
MIME
An acronym for Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions
Modem (Modulator-Demodulator)
A device that converts digital signals from your computer into analog
signals for transmission through a phone line, and vice versa (called
demodulation).
Mouse
A small, handheld device attached to a computer; when moved
across any flat surface (such as a desk), it results in the movement of
something on the computer screen called a cursor; includes one or more
buttons that allow the user to select graphics or text onscreen.
MOSAIC
A software application which runs on UNIX, PC and Macintosh computers. It
is an interface to the WWW.
MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group)
A video file compression system used on the web.
MUD (Multi User Domain)
A game or simulation in which multiple participants can engage
simultaneously through their connections to the same Internet server.
NCSA
An acronym for the U.S. National Center for Supercomputing Applications,
creator of the first Mosaic (browser) application for the WWW.NCSA
- home of Mosaic.
Network
Two or more computers connected to one another for the transfer
and sharing of information.
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."
Netscape
A computer company in California famous for their Netscape Navigator
Internet web browsing software.
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.
Notes
A group of applications from the Lotus Development Corporation which
allows organizations to share documents and exchange email messages.
NSF
An acronym for National Science Foundation
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.
OS (Operating System)
The primary program running on a computer; started automatically
when the computer is turned on; all other programs run within the
operating system. Examples: DOS, Windows 95, UNIX, OS/2 Warp, and System 7
(Mac). Windows itself is not an operating system.
PC (Personal Computer)
Usually refers to what 's commonly known as an IBM-compatible
computer, made by any one of dozens of manufacturers or backyard
entrepreneurs.
PDF
Portable Document Format. A document format read by Adobe
System's Acrobat viewer. This format is excellent for displaying
instruction manuals and other large documents in a "web-ready" state.
PEM
An acronym for Privacy Enhanced Mail
Plug-in
A helper application that works within a browser. It adds more
functionality to a browser commonly associated with the Netscape Navigator
browser software.
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.
PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol)
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.
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.
PTT
An acronym for Postal, Telegraph and Telephone
Query
A search question that has been asked in a manner the computer's database
system can understand and use.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
The working space within a computer that may be used at one time;
increasing the amount of RAM increases the speed at which a computer works
because more of a program may be loaded into the working space at one
time, so less time is spent accessing parts of the program from the hard
drive. Information stored in RAM is lost when the computer's power is
turned off.
Replication
A capability of Lotus Notes to automatically distributes document
databases across physical telecommunications networks. Notes supports a
wide range of network protocols including X25 and Internet TCP/IP.
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.
ROM (Read Only Memory)
This memory is the core instructions for the computer, it
generally cannot be altered (read only) and is burned into the chips
making up the specific motherboard.
Router
A system used to transmit data between two computer systems or networks
using the same protocol.
SCSI
Small Computer Systems Interface. An set of standards used by an input
device to interface with the computer. SCSI systems can "daisy-chain" up
to 7 seven devices to a single connection. In other words, one device can
connect to other device, and to another until it connects to the computer.
Because several devices can connect to one single input connection, each
device must be properly terminated for the entire chain of devices to
work.
Search Engine
A tool used 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. Similar to a card catalog, but not as efficient. Common
search engines are Webcrawler, Yahoo, Alta Vista, Infoseek, and Lycos.
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.
SIG
An acronym for Special Interest Group
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 (Serial Line Internet Protocol)
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.
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.
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
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).
SQL, Structured Query Language
an official ANSI language for retrieving information from a database.
Most database software providers add extensions. The "official"
pronunciation is "sequel,"
Stream
Audio or video transfer of signals in digital form. It is then downloaded
on your computer and played back using various tools.
STT (Secure Transaction Technology)
Technology developed by software companies and credit companies to protect
financial dealings over the Internet and prevent fraud.
Surfing
Same as "cruise." The random, aimless exploration of web pages achieved
through following links that look interesting within a document.
T1 Line
A line connecting a computer to a high-speed, high-bandwidth, digital
electronic communication carrier.
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet
Protocol)
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.
TWAIN
(submitted by a reader) "Technology without an interesting name"
Actually its the interface used by a input device such as a scanner to
import images (generally graphics) into the computer.
UNIX
A computer operating system, popular with high-end computer users,
academics and the research community. Most hosts connected to the Internet
run UNIX.
Upload
The process of transferring information from one computer to another,
generally from a client to a server. For example, you upload a file from
your computer to another.
URL (Universal Resource Locator)
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. It
contains Newsgroups or discussion areas on almost any topic available.
Messages are posted publicly for all to see.
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.
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.
VR (Virtual Reality)
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.
VRML (Virtual Reality Mark-up Language)
Protocol language which allows 3-D representation of graphics. Chat rooms
are increasingly using VRML to represent chatters graphically with
avatars.
W3
An acronym for the World Wide Web.
WAIS (Wide Area Information Search)
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.
WAN
An acronym for Wide Area Network. A larger computer network that is
geographically dispersed, such as one that stretches across a university
campus.
Web
see World Wide Web (WWW).
Web Page
A single screen (document) 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.
WWW (World Wide Web)
An acronym for the World Wide Web. The WWW is a hypermedia retrieval
system for information. 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.
Yahoo
A popular search engine used to index the web.
'Zine
Electronic magazines, published on the Internet.
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