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Internet Glossary
definitions of IT terms
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Cache
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A section of computer memory set aside for storing frequently-used data from a disk drive, speeding up the transfer of information.
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Cascading style sheets
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An extension to HTML which allows style features (colour, font size, spacing, and page-layering) to be specified for certain elements of a hypertext document. CSSs are especially useful for making a global change to multiple web pages - because the style is specified just once, often in a separate file.
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CD-ROM
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Compact Disk - Read Only Memory: A record like storage medium that uses digital and optical laser technology to store about 600Mb of text, pictures, and sound on a single disk. With newer versions (CD-ROMXA, CDTV, CD-i) animations and moving pictures can be retrieved from the discs.
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CD-R
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Compact Disk - Recordable: blank compact disks on which data can be recorded - but once only.
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CD-RW
- Compact Disc Re-Writable format: these are blank compact
disks that can be recorded over and over again, like a floppy disk.
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CGI
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Common Gateway Interface - an interactive system installed on Web servers to automatically process information entered into Web page forms.
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Checkbox
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A small square box which, when clicked on, displays a cross or
tick to show that an option has been selected.
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Chip sockets
- Most of the microchips used in a computer are soldered directly to the circuit boards but some, including the main processor and some memory components, are mounted into sockets. This is so that they can be easily replaced or upgraded.
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Clipboard
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A section of a computer's memory where you can temporarily copy chunks of text, data, graphics, or pictures. Once in the clipboard, the item can be pasted into another part of a document, or transferred to any other application. The clipboard normally holds one object at a time.
The Internet: The Rough Guide is a very popular mini-manual which explains the basics of the Internet in a plain language. The author explains any jargon as he goes along; there's a short history of the Net, a glossary, and 'Net language', such as emoticons or the acronyms used as shorthand in posting and chat. The guide is revised and re-issued every year, so make sure you get the latest edition.
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Command prompt
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The C:\> sign in DOS at which codes are typed. These commands control the computer. For many people, this system has been replaced by the Graphic User Interface [GUI] of Windows.
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Commercial online services
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A company that, for a fee, allows computer users to dial in via modem to access its information and services, which can include Internet access. Examples are America Online, CompuServe, Delphi, and Prodigy.
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Compression
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A technique to reduce the size of a file in order to make it more manageable and quicker to download. Compressed files have to be extracted using a utility such as PKZip or WinZip. Such files usually have a .zip extension.
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Control panel
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This is where many of Window's settings can be viewed. Here
you will find icons for most functions including printers, modems
and sound.
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Cookies
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Small text files created by an Internet web site and stored on the user's computer. A cookie contains information that can help speed access on subsequent visits, such as passwords and details of the user's display facilities.
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CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)
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A way of assigning visual style to the content of Web pages. The style sheet deals with colour, fonts, and the position of text - leaving HTML code to describe the structure of the content.
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DBA
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DataBase Administrator - is software which administers databases. It can carry out the maintenance of a database, including the applications and content structure.
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Database
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A computer holding large amounts of information that can be searched by an Internet user. A storehouse of information on the Net.
Electronic Writing offers an introduction to new writing techniques using computers and the Internet. It covers word-processing, desktop publishing, and how to create better-looking documents. Simple guidance notes provide an explanation of digital text, electronic mail, and an introduction to hypertext, including the basics of writing for the World Wide Web. Clear explanations in non-technical language.
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Default setting
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The computer or software settings made by the manufacturer. These will remain in place unless you decide to change them.
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Defragmentation
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Over time, the files on a computer's hard disk drive become disorganised. Running a defragmentation program restores order and speeds up the reading and writing of data.
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DHTML
- Dynamic HTML - an integration of JavaScript, Cascading Style Sheets, and the Document Object Model. With DHTML, the content of a web page can move across the screen or respond to user inputs.
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Dialogue box
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A box which appears on screen, inviting input from the user. Usually to set options, or choose a name for saving files.
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Dialup Internet connection
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Lets a user dial into an Internet service provider using a modem and telephone line to access the Internet. The user is presented with a text-based set of menus which are used to navigate the Internet. (See SLIP or PPP connections)
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Directory
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A list of files or other directories on a computer at an Internet site. (Same thing as a folder.)
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Domain
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The part of the Internet address that specifies your computer's location in the world. The address is written as a series of names separated by full stops.
The most common top level domains:
.edu education (US)
.net network resource
.com commercial (US)
.gov public bodies
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DOS
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Disk Operating System. This is a standard operating system, created by Microsoft before the dawn of Windows. DOS manages how files are stored on your computer. It is controlled through commands typed at the command prompt. Even Windows 95 and Windows 98 are still fundamentally dependent on DOS.
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Download/upload
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To download is to transfer a file from another computer to the user's computer. To upload is to send a file to another computer.
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DVD
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Digital Video Disk: This new medium can store large amounts of data on one disk that looks like a CD, including full length films with high-quality sound and pictures.
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E-commerce
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Performing business transactions on the Internet - which may include the use of credit cards, 'shopping trolleys', forms, and secure servers.
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