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A
Applet
A small Java program.
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange: This is
the global standard for code numbers used by computers to
represent all upper and lower-case Latin letters, numbers,
and punctuation.
Autoresponder
A feature that sends an automated reply to incoming email.
For example, when customers send email to your sales@yourdomain.com
address, a standard message could be sent back to them.
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B
Backbone
A high-speed line (or a series of connections) that forms
a major pathway within a network.
Bandwidth
The amount of data you can send through a connection, usually
measured in bits per second. A full page of English text is
about 16,000 bits. A fast modem can move about 15,000 bits
in one second.
Banner
An advertisements in the form of graphics (usually rectangular
in shape) displayed on a Web page. When viewers click on a
banner, they are taken to the advertiser's Web site.
Bit
This is the smallest measure of computerized data, either
1 or 0. Eight bits equal one byte, or one character.
Bookmark
The feature of a Web Browser that lets you save the address
(URL) of a web page so you can go back to the page easily
at a later time.
Browser
A client program used to view various kinds of Internet resources.
You use a browser (e.g., Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet
Explorer) to view Web pages from your computer.
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C
Certificate Authority
An issuer of Security Certificates used in SSL connections.
CGI
Common Gateway Interface: A protocol that allows a Web page
to run a program on a Web server. Forms, counters, and guestbooks
are common examples of CGI programs.
Control Panel
All users have access to a Web-based Control Panel that allows
you to set mail forwarding options, setup FrontPage extensions,
view your statistics, change your password and more. It's
very convenient--take a look https://www.addr.com/panel
Cookie
A cookie is a piece of information sent to a browser by a
Web Server. The browser then returns that information to the
Web server. This is how some Web pages "remember"
your previous visits; for example, an E-Commerce site might
use a cookie to remember which items you've placed in your
online shopping cart. Cookies can also store user preference
information, log-in data, etc.
CyberCash
CyberCash is the name of the company that developed a Web-based
payment system. Their CyberCash software enables online payment
services for credit cards and Internet check transactions.
CyberCash works with all popular browsers.
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D
Data Transfer
In general, any outward-bound traffic from a Web site (with
the exception of email) is considered to
be data transfer. Each time a Web page, image,
MIDI file, etc. is loaded, data transfer is generated.
Database
This is any collection of data: part numbers,
product codes, customer information, etc. It
usually refers to data stored on a computer.
DNS
Domain Name System: A system of servers
located throughout the Internet that handle
Internet connections and the routing of email.
Domain Name
A unique name that identifies a Web site. A
domain name acts as a permanent Web address
and provides a professional, prestigious Web presence. Compare
these two URLs: 1. http://www.anywebhost.com/members/yourwebpage
2. http://www.yourname.com In the first URL, the domain name
"anywebhost.com" is owned by someone else. If you
moved your business Web site to another Web host, you'd need
a new URL--and you'd have to notify your customers of your
new address. The second URL contains an example of a custom
domain name that you own: "yourname.com." If you
ever move your site, your address will stay the same. See
Also: InterNIC.
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F
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions: A compilation of answers to the
most common questions on a particular subject.
Firewall
A combination of hardware and software, used to protect a
network from unwelcome traffic. A firewall can be used to
separate a LAN into two or more parts, or to control network
traffic.
FrontPage
FrontPage is a WYSIWYG Web page editor by Microsoft. In order
to use FrontPage to create and maintain your Web site, your
hosting service must install "extensions" (CGI programs
that provide the server side implementation of FrontPage)
for your account. ADDR.com offers FrontPage extensions.
FTP
File Transfer Protocol: A common method of sending and receiving
files on the Internet. You might use FTP to upload HTML files
to your Web host from your own computer. A user ID and password
are needed to use FTP, unless Anonymous FTP is allowed.
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G
GIF
Graphic Interchange Format: A type of image file. GIF files
are graphics or pictures, often used on Web pages. Because
GIF files contain a maximum of 256 colors, this file format
is ideal for simple graphics with minimal shading or color
variation. Other types of graphics are better suited for the
JPEG file format.
Gigabyte (GB)
One billion bytes. To be more accurate, one gigabyte actually
contains 1,073,741,824 bytes. Since the prefix "giga"
is associated with one billion, the term gigabyte is used
to define 1,073,741,824 bytes.
Graphic
Any picture or image file within a Web page. Graphics are
usually in GIF or JPEG format.
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H
Hit
A single request from a Web browser for a single item from
a Web server. When a browser displays a Web page that contains
2 graphics, 3 hits occur at the server: 1 hit for the HTML
page itself, plus a hit for each of the two graphics. See
Also: Impressions
Homepage
The first page of a Web site. Some people choose to have only
a homepage, with no supporting pages.
Host
1.A computer system accessed by a user from a remote location.
In the case of two computer systems connected via modem, the
"host" is the system containing the data and the
"remote" is the computer at which the user is working.
2.A computer that is connected to a TCP/IP network, including
the Internet. Each host has a unique IP address.
3.As a verb, "host" means providing the infrastructure
for a computer service. A company that hosts a Web server
may provide the hardware and software needed to run that server,
but does not supply all the content on that server. ADDR.com
provides hosting services by running and maintaining the server,
while allowing customers to maintain their own Web site content.
HTML
HyperText Markup Language: The coding language used to create
Web pages.
HTTP
HyperText Transfer Protocol: The protocol for moving hypertext
files across the World Wide Web. When you enter a URL in your
browser to visit a Web page, an HTTP command is sent to the
Web server. This command tells the server to fetch and transmit
the requested Web page.
Hypertext
Any text within a document that is linked to another location.
The other location could be within the same document, or a
different document. Clicking hypertext with your mouse will
activate the link. This glossary is made up of hypertext,
containing many links.
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I
Image Map
A graphic used for multiple navigation on a Web page. Image
maps contain HTML code that turn specific areas of graphics
into links.
Impressions
The actual number of people who've seen a specific Web page.
Impressions are much more accurate than hits when discerning
how much traffic your Web page actually receives. Impressions
are sometimes called "page views."
Internet
The vast collection of interconnected networks that use TCP/IP
protocols.
InterNIC
An organization operated by Network Solutions that controls
the registration of new domain names. When you purchase a
domain name, the InterNIC will bill you $35/year for ownership.
Intranet
A private network inside a company or organization that uses
the same kinds of software that you would find on the public
Internet, but only for internal use.
IP Number (IP Address)
The unique 4-part number assigned to each and every computer
linked to the Internet (e.g., 206.141.202.111). When you connect
to the Internet, your ISP assigns you an IP number for the
duration of your connection. DNS converts domain names into
IP addresses.
IRC
Internet Relay Chat: A method of real time communication,
powered by a network of servers.
ISDN
Integrated Services Digital Network: Technology that allows
data to be moved over phone lines at speeds of up to 64,000
BPS per channel.
ISP
Internet Service Provider: A company that provides access
to the Internet.
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J
Java
Java is a programming language invented by Sun Microsystems.
Java programs (or "applets") can be downloaded from
the Internet to your computer. They can also be used to enhance
Web pages. Common Java applets used on Web pages include animation,
calculators, and counters.
JavaScript
A scripting language developed by Netscape that interacts
with HTML source code, allowing for interactive Web sites.
JavaScript is used for things such as "rollover buttons"
(graphics that change color when you run your mouse over them),
rotating banners, MIDI jukeboxes, pop-up windows, etc.
JPEG (or JPG)
Joint Photographic Experts Group: a type of image file, similar
to GIF. Whereas the GIF file format is limited to 256 colors
or less, JPEG files use millions of colors and can often be
compressed to a smaller kilobyte size, making Web pages load
faster.
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K
Kilobyte (KB)
A thousand bytes. To be more accurate, one kilobyte actually
contains 1024 bytes. Since the prefix "kilo" is
associated with 1000, the term kilobyte is used to define
1024 bytes.
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L
LAN
Local Area Network: A computer network limited to the immediate
area, usually the same building or floor of a building.
Log File
A file that contains a list of actions that have occurred
on your web server. The statistics of your site are created
by referencing the activity log file. This file is located
in your "log" directory and is entitled "access_log"
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M
Mail Forwarding
When you sign up for an ADDR.com hosting plan, you'll receive
a domain email account (you@yourname.com -- actually you'll
get an infinite amount of these). You might also have an email
address provided by your local ISP. With mail forwarding,
all email addressed to you@yourname.com will be sent to your
other email address. Additional mail forwarding options include
the ability to forward different yourname.com email to specific
addresses on the Internet. For example, email addressed to
webmaster@yourname.com could forward to your "real"
email address (provided by your ISP), while sales@yourname.com
could forward to a different email address or your mail box
on our system.
Mailing List
A group discussion conducted through email messages, specific
to a topic or common interest. When a message is sent to a
mailing list, each list subscriber receives a copy.
Megabyte (MB)
A million bytes; a thousand kilobytes. To be more accurate,
one megabyte actually contains 1,048,576 bytes. Since the
prefix "mega" is associated with one million, the
term megabyte is used to define 1,048,576 bytes.
Message Board
A type of bulletin board where users read and respond to other
people's posts.
META tag
Hidden HTML code that contains information about a Web page,
such as who created the page, what the page is about, and
which keywords best describe the page's content. Some search
engines use this information to list Web pages.
MIDI
Musical Instrument Digital Interface: A computerized music
file, often used on Web pages.
MIME
Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions: The standard for attaching
non-text files (such as graphics, spreadsheets, word processor
documents, sound files, etc.) to email messages.
mSQL
Mini SQL: A lightweight database engine designed to provide
fast access to stored data. See Also: SQL
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N
Netiquette
The informal rules of Internet etiquette.
Netizen
Derived from the term citizen, referring to a citizen of the
Internet. The term implies civic responsibility and participation.
Network
Any time you connect 2 or more computers together for the
purpose of sharing resources, you have a computer network.
Newbie
Someone who is new to the Internet.
Newsgroups
An Internet message board system, where people meet to discuss
a variety of topics. There are thousands of newsgroups on
the Internet covering a wide variety of interests.
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O
Operating System (OS)
This is the software that manages a computer system. Windows
95 is an OS.
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P
Page Views
See impressions.
Password
A series of characters that enables someone to access a file,
computer or program. Your Control Panel is password protected
to prevent unauthorized users from changing your information.
The password should be a combination of characters that would
be difficult to guess.
Perl
Practical Extraction and Report Language. This programming
language was designed mainly for processing text. It is one
of the most popular languages used for writing CGI Scripts.
Pixel
A unit of measurement for graphics or monitor resolution.
A pixel is one dot on a computer screen. Most computer monitors
are set to a resolution of 800 x 600, meaning 800 pixels wide
by 600 pixels high.
Plug-ins
Software programs that enhance other programs or applications
on your computer. There are plug-ins for Internet browsers,
graphics programs, and other applications.
POP
Post Office Protocol - or - Point Of Presence: Post Office
Protocol is a method of retrieving email from a server.
Point Of Presence is a telephone number that provides dial-up
Internet access. ISPs usually provide several POPs so users
can gain Internet access with local phone calls.
Post Message
To send a message to a newsgroup or other type of message
board.
Protocol
A standard for the exchange of information. There are several
different types of protocols (e.g., FTP, TCP/IP) used by various
computers and software.
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Q
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R
RealPlayer
A streaming media delivery system for the Internet. Providers
of news, entertainment, sports, and business content can create
audio and video multimedia content, and deliver it online
to audiences worldwide. To create your own RealPlayer files
and offer them on your Web site, your hosting service must
install special "extensions" for your account. ADDR.com
offers RealPlayer extensions.
Resolution (Screen or Monitor)
The way things appear on your computer monitor. Resolution
is measured in pixels. The lower the resolution, the larger
things appear on your screen. Most computer monitors are set
at 800 x 600 resolution, meaning 800 pixels wide by 600 pixels
high. Some people's monitors are set at 1024 x 768 or higher.
Others are set at 640 x 480. When designing a Web site, keep
in mind that your Web pages will look different to viewers
depending on their monitor resolutions. You can change your
own monitor resolution through your computer's Control Panel
(for Mac, Windows 95 and Windows 98).
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S
Script
A list of commands that can run without user interaction.
Search Engine
A directory of Internet content. If you're looking for specific
information on the WWW, a search engine can list Web sites
at which you'll likely find that information. Popular search
engines include Excite, Snap, Yahoo, and Infoseek.
Security Certificate
Information used to establish a secure connection by SSL protocol.
In order for an SSL connection to be created, both sides must
have a valid Security Certificate, issued by the Certificate
Authority.
Server
A computer or device that manages network resources. The term
can refer to a piece of software, or to the machine on which
the software is running. A single server machine could be
running several different server software packages, thus providing
many different services to users on the network.
Shopping Cart
Software used to create an online "storefront,"
or E-Commerce Web site.It acts as a virtual shopping cart,
keeping track of the items visitors have ordered and allowing
them to add or remove items. When a visitor decides to "check
out" (purchase the items online) the software sends all
order information to the merchant.
SMTP
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol: A protocol used to transfer
email between servers.
Snailmail
The term used to define the method of a letter being physically
delivered to a person using the Post Office or some other
letter carrier.
Spam (or Spamming)
Junk email or junk newsgroup posts. Spam is usually some sort
of advertising, inappropriately sent to a mailing list or
newsgroup. Spam not only wastes the recipient's time, but
also misuses network bandwidth. We do not support spam--take
a look at our policy.
Spider
An Internet robot (used by a search engine) that explores
the Web at large. Spiders collect Web page addresses based
on content found at those pages.
SQL
Structured Query Language: A specialized programming language
for sending queries to databases. Many database applications
can be addressed using SQL. Each specific application will
have its own version of SQL implementing features unique to
that application, but all SQL-capable databases support a
common subset of SQL.
SSL
Secure Sockets Layer: A protocol designed by Netscape to enable
encrypted communications across the Internet. It provides
privacy, authentication, and message integrity. SSL is often
used in communications between browsers and servers. A URL
that begins with "https" is a clue that an SSL connection
will be used on the Web site. During an SSL connection, each
side sends a Security Certificate to the other. Both sides
then encrypt what they send, ensuring that only the intended
recipient can decode it.
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T
T-1
A connection capable of carrying data at 1,544,000 bits per
second. T-1 is most commonly used to connect networks to the
Internet.
T-3
A connection capable of carrying data at 44,736,000 bits per
second. Equivalent to 29 T-1 connections.
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol: This is the
suite of protocols that defines the Internet. Originally designed
for the UNIX operating system, TCP/IP software is now available
for every major computer operating system. Your computer must
have TCP/IP software to be connected to the Internet.
TrueSpeech
Software that compresses speech down to as little as 1/40th
its original size. Regular speech files are normally large,
causing Web pages to load slowly; TrueSpeech compression allows
faster, easier transfer.
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U
UNIX
A computer operating system. UNIX is designed to be used by
many people at the same time and has TCP/IP built-in. It is
the most common operating system for servers on the Internet.
Upload
Sending a file from your system to a server or to someone
else's computer.
URL
Uniform Resource Locator: The standard way to display an address
on the World Wide Web (WWW). A URL is accessed through a Web
browser and looks like this: http://www.addr.com
User Name
This is the account reference name sent to you in the Account
Activation Letter. When you need to log on to your site, you
will use this item.
UUENCODE
UNIX to UNIX Encoding: A method for converting files from
Binary to ASCII so that they can be sent across the Internet
via email. See Also: MIME
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V
Virus
A virus is a malicious program whose sole intent is to cause
problems on a computer. There are Anti-Virus programs, such
as McAfee and Norton Utilities, created to combat viruses.
Virus Hoax
Occasionally, rumors are started about viruses that do not
exist. These are merely hoaxes.
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W
Web or WWW
World Wide Web: This commonly refers to the massive, global
collection of hypertext (HTTP) servers that allow concurrent
viewing of Internet data. The term "dub,dub,dub"
is a shortened, spoken version of "WWW."
Webmaster
The person who creates and maintains a web site.
Wizard
A utility in a program that outlines a series of sequential
tasks to set up a portion of the program. For example, an
email program may use a wizard to gather the necessary information
to set up an email account.
WYSIWYG
What You See Is What You Get (pronounced "wizzy-wig"):
A program that displays a document on your screen exactly
as it would appear when printed or published online. The term
usually applies to HTML editors, such as Microsoft FrontPage
and Macromedia Dreamweaver. These WYSIWYG editors can show
you how your Web page will appear online, as you're editing
the document.
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X
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Y
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Z
Zip
Zone Information Protocol: This is a method of compressing
computer data or files into a small size, so they can be transferred
quickly over the Internet. There are programs built specifically
to zip files, such as WinZip.
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username
password
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