Glossary of Computer and Internet Terms

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Glossary of Computer/Internet Terms

Term	Meaning
Active X	A technology for Microsoft Internet Explorer that enables programs to be downloaded and run in browsers.
Address	An Internet location, such as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), an IP ( Internet Protocol ) address, or an e-mail address.
Agent	A piece of software that runs over the Internet and performs a specified task e.g. finding the best prices on a specified product etc.
Anti-virus software	An application designed to protect PCs from malicious computer code.
ASP	Application Service Provider. A service that enables software to be run over the Internet without installing it on ones computer. Many ASP's enable the software to run inside the web browser when a web site is visited.
ASCII characters	Plain-text characters that you get by pressing keys on your keyboard.
ADSL	Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. This technology converts an ordinary household phone line into an extremely fast internet connection - roughly 10 times faster that a regular 56K modem.
Attachment	Almost any type of file can be sent within an email by `attaching' it to a message that you can send.
Audio file	A file you can download or play from the Internet that has music or sounds on it.
Avatar	A picture that represents you in picture-oriented chat rooms.
AVI	A type of video file used by Windows and usually played using Windows Media Player.
Backbones	Very high-capacity lines that carry enormous amounts of Internet traffic.
Backup	The process of copying your important computer files and documents from your hard disk to removable media (such as a floppy disc or CD-RW discs) or another computer, to protect against loss of the originals.
Bandwidth	A measure of the amount of data that can be sent across an Internet connection over a unit of time.
Beta	Version of software application or system still in development.
BIOS	Basic Input Output System. Software built into all PCs to control the basis operation of devices such as the screen, hard disk and keyboard.
Bluetooth	A technology that allows devices (computers, phones, printers etc.) to communicate with each other wirelessly.
Bridge	A device that connects local area networks with each other.
Broadband	A very fast Internet connection.
Browser	an application that lets you view pages on the Internet. Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator are the two most popular browsers.
B2B	Business to business via the Internet.
Buddy list	In instant messaging software, a list of friends you create so that you are alerted whenever one of your `buddies' comes online.
Cable modem	A device used to connect a computer to the Internet at very high speeds over cable TV lines. The device isn't a phone modem, though, and uses a network card inside the computer to connect to the cable line. See also modem.
Cache	A place on the computer or server that temporarily stores items such as Web pages and graphics so they can be more quickly retrieved.
Carnivore	An FBI hardware and software system that can be used to read people's e-mail and track everything they do on the Internet.
ccTLD	country code Top Level Domain, as in .ie for Ireland , .it for Italy etc. - see also gTLD and TLD.
CD	Compact Disc.
CD-ROM	Compact Disc - Read Only Memory.
CD-R	Compact Disc Recordable Format. Blank CDs onto which information can be recorded once.
CD-RW	Compact Disc Rewritable format. Blank CD's which can be recorded on over and over again.
Chat	A way that two or more people can communicate in real-time by typing messages on their keyboards.
Chat room	A location in cyberspace where people go to chat.
Client	A piece of software running on a local computer or device that communicates with a central server.
Client pull animation	A Web animation technique in which the Web browser requests a series of images that, when displayed one after another, appear to be animated.
Client/server architecture	A model of computing in which clients on local computers co- operate with distant servers to complete tasks. The Internet is largely based on client/server architecture.
Coaxial cable	The type of cable used for cable TV connections. It can also be used to provide high-speed access to the Internet, via cable modems.
CGI	Common Gateway Interface. A communications protocol that enables Web servers to communicate with applications, such as databases.
CompactFlash	Matchbook-size memory cards with no moving parts. These slot into various devices to store data.
Compression	To reduce the size of a file by encoding the data. This is useful for storing files which would otherwise take up lots of disk space, such as video files.
Cookies	Text files generated by websites you visit and stored on your hard disk. They contain preferences and other information about your use of the sites.
Crytosystems	Systems used to encrypt data and then decrypt data so that only the intended recipient can read it.
Decryption	A method of unscrambling encrypted data so that it can be understood.
Dialogue box	A small window that pops up to display or request information.
Dial-up connection	Using a telephone and a modem to call up an ISP in order to gain access to the Internet.
Digital camera	A camera that stores images in computer memory rather than on light-sensitive film.
Digital certificate	A key used to encrypt and decrypt information; it can be used to guarantee that you're the sender of a message or to verify the authenticity of a person sending you a message.
Digital signature	An encrypted electronic `signature' that identifies you as the sender of a message and that can't be forged.
DSL	Digital subscriber line. A way of giving a computer high-speed access to the Internet using existing phone lines. A DSL modem is required.
DNS	See Domain Name System
Domain Name	The name used to identify a site on the Internet, such as esb.ie. into their IP addresses.
Download	Process of transferring data from one computer to another. Your browser downloads HTML code and graphics to display a page.
DoC	Department of Commerce ( US )
Dreamweaver	A popular web-design package.
DRP	Dispute Resolution Policy
DVD	A type of disc able to store huge amounts of digital date, including full-length movies, with excellent quality sound and pictures.
DVD-R	Standard for blank DVDs onto which information can be recorded - but only once. You need a DVD-R drive to record onto DVD-R discs.
DHCP	Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. A protocol used to renew an IP address or provide a new IP address to a computer when it connects to a server. When you connect to the Internet using an Internet service provider, you usually are give a different IP address every time you connect.
DHTML	Dynamic HTML A group of HTML-related technologies that allows for greater interactivity and animation on Web pages.
Dynamic IP address	An IP address delivered via DHCP; with a dynamic IP address, the IP address of a computer will be different each time it goes onto the Internet.
E-biz	See E-business
ECDL	European Computer Drivers Licence.
E-mail	Electronic Mail. The system of sending electronic messages between computers.
E-mail filter	A way of automatically sorting incoming e-mails so that some are automatically routed to certain folders or deleted, based on the sender and the content of the message. E-mail filters can be sued to cut down on spam sent to you.
E-mail reader	A piece of software used to send and receive e-mail.
Encryption	A method of scrambling data so that it can be read only by its intended recipient.
Ethernet	The most common local area networking standard.
Ewallet	An electronic wallet that contains your credit card information or electronic money so that you can use it to easily shop at many online shopping sites.
FAQs	Frequently asked questions.
File attachment	A file attached to an e-mail message or a newsgroup posting. Any type of file can be attached to e-mail or newsgroup postings.
File compression	Shrinking the size of a file down so that it can be transferred more quickly over the Internet.
File extension	The letters on the end of a filename that are used to identify the type of file it is e.g. Files with .doc extensions are Microsoft Word files.
Firewall	A hardware or hardware/software combination that protects computers on a network from being attacked by hackers or snoopers.
FireWire	A fast data link between your PC and devices such as digital camcorders.
Flash	A special type of memory that maintains its contents even when the host machine is switched off.
Flash movie	An animated movie played over the Web, created using Macromedia's Flash software.
FTP	File Transfer Protocol. A way of transferring files from or to the Internet.
Gateway	A device that connects local area networks with each other and can translate data from one network to another.
GIF	Graphics Interchange Format. A common graphics format used on Web pages. Files in this format end in .gif.
GPRS	General Packet Radio Service. A mobile phone standard that provides an always-on` connection with speeds up to 150Kbps (existing GSM phones manage 9.6Kbps).
Hacking	The slang term used to describe illegal access of computer systems by unauthorised users.
Handheld Computer	A small computer which usually has a screen and stylus and some come with a keyboard in a folding case.
Homepage	The first page you see when you arrive at a website, typically containing a welcome message and hyperlinks to other pages.
Hops	The number of times a packet of information needs to be sent to different routers before reaching its destination.
Hosts	See servers.
HSCSD	High-Speed Circuit Switched Data. An enhanced mobile phone data service that works up to three times faster than standard GSM.
HTML	Hypertext Markup Language. A computer language used to create Web pages. HTML consists of a number of tags that describe how a page should be displayed.
HTTP or http	HyperText Transfer Protocol. The language used to create pages for a website. HTML code is written as text that is converted to a web page by a web browser.
Hub	A device that connects several computers to one another on a network.
Hub/Router	A combination of a hub and router that connects computers, routes data among them, and provides access to the Internet or other networks. Home networks commonly use a hub/router.
Hyperlink	A shortcut to another Web page. You click on a hyperlink to jump elsewhere e.g. to another website or a later page.
Hypertext	Text that, when clicked, sends you to another piece of text or location.
IAB	Internet Activities Board
IDE	Integrated Device Electronics. A standard interface for connecting devices such as hard disks to a PC.
Image map	A static image that has been turned into a clickable image with different clickable parts.
Instant message	A chat-like message sent to another individual in a private, one-to-one conversation.
Instant messaging	Software that enables people to know when their friends are online and lets them send person-to-person messages.
Internet	The network of interconnected computers that communicates using the TCP/IP protocol.
Internet-enhanced TV	The use of Internet technologies to add interactivity and Web links to television broadcasts.
Internet telephone	The use of the Internet to make telephone calls.
Intranet	A private network inside a corporation that uses Internet technology
IP	Internet Protocol or, less frequently, Intellectual Property.
IP address	An Internet address that is a series of four numbers separate by dots. Every time you go onto the Internet, you use an IP address, without it you can't do things such as surf the Web.
IRC	Internet Relay Chat. A standard that enables people to chat with each other over the Internet. Special IRC software is required to chat via IRC.
ISDN	Integrated Services Digital Network. A method of establishing a high-speed connection to the Internet using telephone lines. Special lines and modems are needed for ISDN.
ISP	Internet Service Provider. A company that provides you with access to the Internet, usually for a fee.
ITU	International Telecommunications Union .
Java	A programming language used to create programs that can be run inside Web browsers or a variety of computers. The strength of Java-written programs is that they can be written once and can they run as is in a variety of computers.
JavaScript	A technology that enables Web designers to use a variety of interactive features on Web pages.
JPEG	Joint Photographic Experts Group. A common graphics format used for Web pages. Files in this format end in .jpg.
Jennings , Dr. Dennis	Irish Internet pioneer.
Key	A piece of data used to encrypt or decrypt information.
LAN	Local Area Network. A network that connects computers to each other so they can easily communicate.
LDAP	(Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) A protocol that enables the creating of Internet white pages, which let people look up one other peoples e-mail addresses.
Listserv	A type of software that manages sending and receiving e-mail broadcasts and discussions. The term often is used generically to describe an e-mail broadcast.
MacTCP	Software for Macintosh computers that interprets TCP/IP commands.
Mail header	The part of an e-mail message that contains the subject line, the sender, the receiver, and similar information.
Mail server	A large computer used by service providers to relay email messages over the Internet, and where messages are stored until their recipients connect to the Internet to collect their e-mail.
Mbone	Multicast backbone. A high-capacity Internet backbone used for transmitting broadcasts using the Multicast IP protocol.
Message board	An internet-based equivalent of an actual message board, where people can post and reply to messages that are posted by other people.
Metasearch software	Software that can search through many search engines simultaneously and report back the results.
Microbrowser	A browser that a cell phone or similar device uses to browse the World Wide Web.
Microsoft Outlook	A popular e-mail program.
MIT	Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Modem	A device used to connect to the Internet over a telephone line.
Moderated Newsgroup	A newsgroup in which all postings first have to go through a moderator before being posted.
MOUS	Microsoft Office Users Specialist.
MPEG	Standard for Motion Pictures Experts Group. A method of compressing digital video. MPEG-1 compression gives VHS-quality video. MPEG-2 compression gives high-quality video with CD-quality sound. MPEG-2 compression is used for DVD movies.
MP3	A standard for compressing digital audio. The sound quality of an MP3 file is close to that of CD audio, but requires only a fraction of the storage space.
Multicast IP	A protocol that enables video and audio broadcasts to take place, while using a minimum of bandwidth.
Name server	A server that translates Internet addresses into their IP addresses.
Napster	A popular program used for sharing music, files in the MP3 format with others.
NAT	Network Address Translation. A technique in a local area network that provides an internal IP address to computers inside the network, while masking the IP address to the outside world. It also enables several computers on the local area network to share an external IP address.
NSF	National Science Foundation (US).
NetCam	A video camera that attaches to a computer and often is used for Internet video-conferencing or videochat.
Network	A way of connecting several computers and printers so that they can share data.
Network card	An add-in card put into a computer so that it can get onto a network.
Newsgroup	A discussion group on the Internet where people exchange news, views, and other kinds of information-similar to an office noticeboard.
Newsgroup reader	A piece of software used to read newsgroups.
News server	A large computer used to relay newsgroup messages over the newsgroup network, USENET.
Node	A device that forms part of a network such as a computer or a printer.
Online auction	Just like a real-life auction, except that it's done online.
Operating system	A crucial piece of software which is so important that it loads automatically when you switch on the computer. Windows 98 or 2000 governs the way the components in a PC work together.
Opt out	A policy that lets you say you don't want to receive junk mail or similar information.
Packet	A piece of date that has been broken down into pieces for transmitting over the Internet or another network.
Patch	A software file or files that fixes problems with an existing software application by making minor changes to the program.
Packet switched network	A network in which there is no unbroken connection between sender and receiver, instead data is broken into packets, sent, and then reassembled when received. The Internet is a packet switched network.
PC	Personal Computer.
Perl	A popular scripting language, commonly found on UNIX machines and websites.
PNG	Portable Network Graphics. A common graphics format used on Web pages. Files in this format end in .png.
PQA	Palm Query Application. A small piece of software on a wireless Palm device that enables it to get information from the Internet using Web clipping.
Palmtop computer	A small computer, such as the Palm, that fits in the palm of your hand and is often used for keeping track of schedules, to-do lists, and a calendar, it also can be used for wireless communications.
Passport	A technique that enables people to determine what information to give to Web sites and what information to keep private.
Password	A set of private letters and numbers or words you type in to give you access to a service or site.
Peer-to-peer network	A network that enables computers or other devices to connect directly with one another without having to use a server or other hardware to connect them.
PDA	Personal Digital Assistant. A small handheld computer, such as a Palm device or Windows CE device.
Personal firewall	A hardware or hardware/software combination that protects an individual computer from being attacked by hackers or snoopers.
PGP	Pretty Good Privacy. A program used to encrypt and decrypt information. It's especially useful for sending out private e-mail tat only the sender and recipient can understand.
Piconet	A network formed by the connection of two or more Bluetooth devices with one another.
Plug-in	A piece of software that installs in a browser or works in concert with a browser, such as for displaying different types of video.
POP	Post Office Protocol. A communications protocol used by e-mail servers to deliver e-mail.
Portal	A website that offers a variety of services, such as news, weather reports, stock information, email and so on. The information on offer may be personalised for your interests if you have registered with the portal. Most search sites are also portals.
PPP	Point-to-Point Protocol. A protocol for computers to connect to the Internet using dial-up modems.
Private key	Someone's key in an encryption scheme that only one person can use. It's used in concert with that individual's public key to encrypt and decrypt information.
Proxy server	A server located between a client, such as a Web browser, and the server the client is trying to contact, and which tries to fulfil the request before sending it to the server e.g. a proxy server could be used to speed up the delivery of Web pages.
Public key	Someone's key in an encryption scheme that anyone can use. It's used in concert with that individual's private key to encrypt and decrypt information
Publish	You publish a website by sending its pages to a server.
Quick Time	A video file format invented by Apple, and used on both PCs and Macs.
RAM	Random Access Memory. This is the computer's temporary storage area measured in megabytes. Anything written to memory will be lost when the power is switch off.
RealPlayer	A popular piece of software that plays video and audio files.
Registrars	Private companies that accept payment from companies and individuals wishing to buy Internet domains.
RFC	Request for Comment. A series of Internet standards documents.
Router	A piece of hardware that sends packets to their proper destination on the Internet.
Routing table	A database in a router that details the various paths packets can take en route to their destination.
Scanner	A device that creates digital versions of images by scanning them with a beam of light.
Search engine	A site on the internet that indexes the names and addresses of other sites. It enables you to search for sites containing certain keyword.
Secure Digital	A postage-stamp size memory card used by some MP3 players and handheld computers.
Secure site	A site that encrypts your credit card information as it's sent across the Internet using dial-up modems.
Server	A shared, central computer that is linked to other remote computers and can be accessed by them. The Internet consists of tens of thousands of servers, perhaps millions, on which web pages are stored.
Server push animation	A Web animation technique in which a server sends a series of images to a browser that, when displayed one after another, appear to be animated.
SET	Secure Electronic Transactions. The electronic encryption and payment standard that may in the future become the standard for doing electronic commerce on the Internet.
Shopping cart	A list of items someone wants to buy when at an online store.
Smurf attack	A method hackers use to attack ISP's or Web sites.
Socket	Software that understands and interprets TCP/IP commands.
Spam	Junk e-mail sent to people who haven't requested it. Most spam is commercial offers and can also be fraudulent.
Spam filter	Software that can filter out spam before it's received.
Spamoflauge	A spammer hiding their true e-mail address so they can't be traced.
Spider	Software that gathers information from the Web and puts it into a large database that can be searched by search engines.
SSL	Secure Sockets Layer. A technology that scrambles information as it's sent across the Internet so hackers can't read it.
Static IP address	A fixed IP address that never changes. Unlike a dynamic IP address it is permanent.
Streaming media	A technique that allows you to view and listen to audio/video files from the Internet while downloading.
TCP	Transmission Control Protocol.
TCP/IP	Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. The protocol used to transfer data and information from one internet-connected computer to another.
Telcos	Telecommunication companies.
Telnet	A way of controlling a host computer from your own computer over the Internet.
Text messaging	Most mobile phones can send and receive text messages of up to 160 characters to other mobile phones.
TSB	Telecommunications Supervisory Board.
Unmetered access	Access to the Internet for a flat monthly fee, with no additional phone call charges.
URL	Uniform resource locator. The unique address of a web page, enabling it to be found from any computer connected to the internet.
USB	Universal Serial Bus. A standard which allows quick and easy connection of external peripherals such as scanners and printers to your PC.
USB2	Universal Serial Bus 2. An update to the standard that offers much faster data transfer rates than USB.
Upload	To transfer a file from your computer to another computer or to a server.
Usenet	An Internet service for newsgroups.
Videoconference	A conference among several people in which they communicate by audio/video using cameras over the Internet.
Virtual reality	The simulation of reality on a computer screen or over the Internet.
VRML	Virtual Reality Modelling Language. The language used to create Virtual reality Web sites.
Virus	A malicious program designed to cause at best annoyance and at worst damage to computer data. Viruses usually spread from computer to computer by `infecting' files that are passed between them, or by automatically sending an email to everyone in your address book. They are often hidden in files or email attachments and may lie dormant waiting for a trigger date or event before they launch.
WAP	Wireless Access Protocol. A specification for transmitting data, particularly to mobile phones and handheld computers. It allows you to access information services and some specially formatted websites easily from the screen of a mobile device.
Web browser	Software used to view Web sites. Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator are two browsers.
Web bug	A technique that enables Web sites or people to track people's activities when they visit the Web or use e-mail.
WebCam	A video camera that sends live images to a Web site.
Web clipping	A technique that enables Palm devices to get information from the Internet.
Web page	A single page on a website that can contain text, images, sound, video, and other elements.
Webspace	An area of disk space on the Internet server. This may be on your own machine or rented from an ISP. This space can then be used to store web pages for display on the Internet.
Web tracking	A technique used by Web sites that tracks what people do when they visit a Web site.
WebTV	A product that lets you get access to the Web on your television set.
Winsock	Software for Windows that interprets TCP/IP commands.
Windows CE	A version of the Windows operating system developed specially for use on handheld PCs. More modern versions are called things like "Windows for Pocket PCs" or "Handheld PC 2000".
WML	Wireless Markup Language. A markup language related to HTML that is used to create Web sites that cell phones and similar devices can visit.
WML Script	A scripting language that enables interaction between cell phones and the Internet.
WWW	World Wide Web. The term used to refer to all the websites on the Internet that are linked together to form a global `web' of information.
XML	Extensible Markup Language. An extension of HTML that separates the content of a Web page from its display. It can be used to allow designers to easily create Web pages to be displayed on many devices, such as computers, cell phones, and PDAs.