Internet Glossary

Email

Allows users to send and receive messages to each other over the Internet.

Email address

A code representing a unique email user on the Internet. Examples might include -
joe-bloggs@sitename.com
g.allthorpe@yahoo.co.uk

Emoticons

Smileys [ these things :-) ] and other character art used to express feelings in email communication.

Encryption

A process that turns files into gobbledegook so that they cannot be read, other than by programs containing the appropriate password-protected encryption software.

Executable files

These are programs or self-extracting files with an .exe filename extension. Clicking on an executable file will start the program running.

Expansion cards

Small circuit boards which are plugged into the main motherboard. They are used for controlling the video output, processing sounds, or communicating with modems and network cards.

Extensions

Files are identified by a three or four letter or number code, called an extension. This comes after the full stop following the filename. Common types include .doc and .txt for word-processor documents. Files ending in .gif and .jpg generally contain images. Files ending in .exe and .com usually contain executable programs which load into memory and carry out a set of instructions.

Extranet

A type of Internet Web site that is a closed community protected by a password and/or firewalls. It is typically provided by businesses for suppliers and key customers.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions. Files on the Net which store the answers to common questions. If you are stuck, check the FAQs first, before you ask you own question. The following ftp site holds every FAQ on the Net.
Ftp to: rtfm.mit.edu
Go to the sub-directory - pub/usenet/news.answers

FAT

File Allocation Table. The part of a computer's disk system that decides how and where disk storage space is allocated.

FTP

File Transfer Protocol. An application program that uses TCP/IP protocol to allow you to move files from a distant computer to a local computer using a network like the Internet.

Filter

Hardware or software designed to restrict access to certain areas on the Internet.

Finger

Software that allows the user to enter the address of an Internet site to find information about that system's users or a particular user. Some finger addresses return other topic-specific information.

Firewall

A security system, usually for networked computers, which controls access in and out of the network.

Flame

To send a harsh, critical email message to another user, usually someone who has violated the rules of netiquette. May be used as a verb or a noun.

Folder/Directory

Two words for the same thing - a space on your hard disk to store related files or documents.

Frames

A device in HTML which allows multiple windows to be viewed simultaneously in one browser screen. Often used by Web designers to assist navigation.

Free-Net

Any one of more than two dozen freely accessible Internet sites, primarily offering community and educational information.

Freeware

Software programs that are free to use, but the author retains control of the original code.

Gigabyte

A measurement of storage space. Equal to a thousand megabytes.

Gopher

A menu-based system for browsing Internet information.

GUI

Graphical user interface. Software designed to allow the user to execute commands by pointing and clicking on icons or text. It's pronounced 'Gooey'.

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.

Hacker

A computer user who illegally visits networked computers to look around or cause harm.

Hard disk

A high capacity storage device that a computer uses for programs and data, measured in megabytes or gigabytes. Information held on a hard disk is safe when the power is withdrawn.

Hits

The number of requests for files made to a Web server. A much misunderstood term. It is not the number of unique visitors. A typical Web page is made up of one HTML file, plus a number of graphics. One request for this page results in several hits.

Home page

The first page a user sees when visiting a World Wide Web site.

Host

An Internet company providing storage space for web sites on their server computer(s).

HTML

Hypertext Markup Language. The programming language of the World Wide Web, HTML software turns a document into a hyperlinked World Wide Web page.

HTTP

HyperText Transfer Protocol: The protocol used to provide hypertext links between pages. It is the standard way of transferring HTML documents between Web servers and browsers.

HTTPS

HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure - is used to secure Web sites by using encrypted traffic to and from the user by means of Secure Socket Layer (SSL).

Hypertext/hyperlink

A highlighted word or graphic in a document that, when clicked upon, takes the user to a related piece of information on the Internet. When the cursor passes over a link, it usually changes from an arrow to a pointing hand.