active matrix - A type of video display that amplifies the signal at every intersection in the grid of electrodes, which enhances the pixel quality over that of a dual-scan passive matrix display.

advanced options menu - A Windows 2000/XP menu that appears when you press F8 when Windows starts. The menu can be used to troubleshoot problems when loading Windows 2000/XP.

algorithm - The formula that determines how a web page will rank in the search results pages of a search engine.

ALT text - The text that appears when you put your mouse on top of an image or a picture.

ANSI (American National Standards Institute) - A nonprofit organization dedicated to creating trade and communications standards.

anchor text - Also known as link text, the clickable text of a hyperlink.

antivirus (AV) software - Utility programs that prevent infection or scan a system to detect and remove viruses. McAfee Associates’ VirusScan and Norton AntiVirus are two popular AV packages.

ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) - A protocol that TCP/IP uses to translate IP addresses into physical network addresses (MAC addresses).

ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) - A popular standard for writing letters and other characters in binary code. Originally, ASCII characters were seven bits, so there were 127 possible values. ASCII has been expanded to an 8-bit version, allowing 128 additional values.

BBS (Bulletin Board System) - A web based public system for sharing discussions, files, and announcements.

BMP (Bitmap) - A format for storing images.

BPS (Bits per second)

backup - An extra copy of a file, used in the event that the original becomes damaged or destroyed.

bandwidth - In relation to analog communication, the range of frequencies that a communications channel or cable can carry. In general use, the term refers to the volume of data that can travel on a bus or over a cable stated in bits per second (bps), kilobits per second (Kbps), or megabits per second (Mbps). Also called data throughput or line speed.

Below the fold - Content of a web page that is not seen by the consumer unless the consumer scrolls down.

binary number system - The number system used by computers; it has only two numbers, 0 and 1, called binary digits, or bits.

Bit (Binary Digit) - The smallest unit of data stored in a computer. A bit can have the value of 0 or 1. A computer uses 8 bits to store one text character.

bits per second (bps) - A measure of data transmission speed. For example, a common modem speed is 56,000 bps, or 56 Kbps.

blind traffic - Low quality traffic generated by misleading banners or SPAM.

Bluetooth - A standard for wireless communication and data synchronization between devices, developed by a group of electronics manufacturers and overseen by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group. Bluetooth uses the same frequency range as 802.11b, but does not have as wide a range.

bookmark - In web terms: A link to a particular web site, stored (bookmarked) by a web user for future use and easy access.

broadband - A transmission technique that carries more than one type of transmission on the same medium, such as cable modem or DSL.

browse - Term to describe a user's movement across the web, moving from page to page via hyperlinks, using a web browser. (See Web Browser).

BPS (Bits Per Second) - Term to describe the transmission speed for data over the web.

browser (See web browser)

byte (Binary Term) - A computer storage unit containing 8 bits. Each byte can store one text character.

C - An advanced programming language used for programming advanced computer applications.

C++ (C Plus Plus) - The same as C with added object-oriented functions.

C# (C Sharp) - A Microsoft version of C++ with added Java-like functions.

CD-R (CD-recordable) - A CD drive that can record or write data to a CD. The drive may or may not be multisession, but the data cannot be erased once it is written.

CD-RW (CD-rewritable) - A CD drive that can record or write data to a CD. The data can be erased and overwritten. The drive may or may not be multisession.

CGI (Common Gateway Interface) - A set of rules that describes how a CGI program communicates with a web server.

CGI Bin - The folder (or directory) on a web server that stores CGI programs.

CGI Program - A small program that handles input and output from a web server. Often CGI programs are used for handling forms input or database queries.

CPA - Cost Per Action.

CPC - Cost Per Click.

CPM - Cost per 1,000 impressions.

CSS - Cascading Style Sheets.

CTR - Click Through Ratio.

case sensitive - A term used to describe if it is of importance to use upper or lower case letters.

cache - In web terms: A web browser or web server feature which stores copies of web pages on a computer's hard disk.

central processing unit (CPU) - Also called a microprocessor or processor. The heart and brain of the computer, which receives data input, processes information, and executes instructions.

chat - An on-line text-based communication between Internet users.

cinepac - A codec for computer video.

client/server - In web terms: The communication and separation of workload between a web client and a web server.

click - In web terms: A mouse click on a hyperlink element (such as text or picture) on a web page which creates an event such as taking a visitor to another web page or another part of the same page.

clickthrough rate - The number of times visitors click on a hyperlink (or advertisement) on a page, as a percentage of the number of times the page has been displayed.

clustering - In search engine search results pages, clustering is limiting each represented website to one or two listings.

codec (Compressor / Decompressor) - Common term for the technology used for compressing and decompressing data.

comment - A line or part of a line in a program that is intended as a remark or comment and is ignored when the program runs. A semicolon or an REM is often used to mark a line as a comment.

communication protocol - A standard (language and a set of rules) to allow computers to interact in a standard way. Examples are IP, FTP, and HTTP.

compression - A method of reducing the size (compress) of web documents or graphics for faster delivery via the web.

computer virus - A computer program that can harm a computer by displaying messages, deleting files, or even destroying the computer's operating system.

cookie - Information from a web server, stored on your computer by your web browser. The purpose of a cookie is to provide information about your visit to the website for use by the server during a later visit.

ColdFusion - Web development software for most platforms (Linux, Unix, Solaris and Windows).

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) - A W3C recommended language for defining style (such as font, size, color, spacing, etc.) for web documents.

database - Data stored in a computer in such a way that a computer program can easily retrieve and manipulate the data.

database system - A computer program (like MS Access, Oracle, and MySQL) for manipulating data in a database.

DB2 - A database system from IBM. Mostly for Unix and Solaris platforms.

DBA (Data Base Administrator) - The person (or the software) who administers a database. Typical task are: backup, maintenance and implementation.

DHTML (Dynamic HTML) - A term commonly to describe HTML content that can change dynamically.

defragment - To “optimize” or rewrite a file to a disk in one contiguous chain of clusters, thus speeding up data retrieval.

desktop - The initial screen that is displayed when an OS has a GUI interface loaded.

device driver - A program stored on the hard drive that tells the computer how to commu-nicate with an input/output device such as a printer or modem.

dial-up connection - In web terms: A connection to Internet via telephone and modem.

dial-up networking - A Windows 9x and Windows NT/2000/XP utility that uses a modem and telephone line to connect to a network.

digital signature - Digital codes used to identify and authenticate the source of a file or document.

DNS (domain name service or domain name system) - A distributed pool of information (called the name space) that keeps track of assigned domain names and their corresponding IP addresses, and the system that allows a host to locate information in the pool.

DNS server - A computer that can find an IP address for another computer when only the domain name is known.

DOM (Document Object Model) - A programming model for web page objects.

domain name - The name that identifies a web site. (like: W3Schools.com)

doorway page - A web page designed to draw in Internet traffic from search engines, and then direct this traffic to another website.

DOS (Disk Operating System) - A general disk based computer operating system. Originally developed by Microsoft for IBM personal computers. Often used as a shorthand for MS-DOS.

dot pitch - The distance between the dots that the electronic beam hits on a monitor screen.

download - To transfer a file from a remote computer to a local computer. In web terms: to transfer a file from a web server to a web client.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) - A telephone line that carries digital data from end to end, and can be leased from the telephone company for individual use. DSL lines are rated at 5 Mbps, about 50 times faster than regular telephone lines. Speed may vary from 128 kilobit per second, up to 9 megabit per second.

DTD (Document Type Definition) - A set of rules (a language) for defining the legal building blocks of a web document like HTML or XML.

dynamic IP address - An assigned IP address that is used for the current session only. When the session is terminated, the IP address is returned to the list of available addresses.

E-mail (Electronic Mail) - Messages sent from one person to another via the Internet.

E-mail Address - The address used for sending e-mails to a person or an organization. Typical format is username@hostname.

E-mail Server - A web server dedicated to the task of serving e-mail.

EPV - Earnings Per Visitor.

encrypting virus - A type of virus that transforms itself into a nonreplicating program in order to avoid detection. It transforms itself back into a replicating program in order to spread

encryption - The process of putting readable data into an encoded form that can only be decoded (or decrypted) through use of a key. The purpose of encryption is to prevent unauthorized reading of the data.

error correction - The ability of a modem to identify transmission errors and then automatically request another transmission

ethernet - A LAN architecture that uses a bus or star topology, uses CSMA/CD when two computers are trying to gain access to the network at the same time, and is the most popular network architecture in use today.

file virus - A virus that inserts virus code into an executable program and can spread wherever that program is accessed.

filename - The first part of the name assigned to a file. In DOS, the filename can be no more than eight characters long and is followed by the file extension. In Windows, a filename can be up to 255 characters.

filter words - Words such as is, am, were, was, the, for, do, ETC, that search engines deem irrelevant for indexing purposes.

firewall - Hardware or software that protects a computer or network from unauthorized access.

firmware - Software that is permanently stored in a chip. The BIOS on a motherboard is an example of firmware.

Flash - A vector-based multimedia format developed by Macromedia for use on the web.

Forum - In web terms: The same as Newsgroup.

fragmented file - A file that has been written to different portions of the disk so that it is not in contiguous clusters.

FrontPage - Web development software for the Windows platform. Developed by Microsoft.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) - The protocol used to transfer files over a TCP/IP network such that the file does not need to be converted to ASCII format before transferring it.

FTP Server - An web server you can logon to, and download files from (or upload files to). Anonymous FTP is a method for downloading files from an FTP server without using a logon account.

fully qualified domain name (FQDN) - A host name and a domain name such as jsmith.amazon.com. Sometimes loosely referred to as a domain name.

gateway - A computer program for transferring (and reformatting) data between incompatible applications or networks.

GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) - A compressed format for storing images developed by CompuServe. One of the most common image formats on the Internet.

GB - Same as Gigabyte. 10GB is ten gigabytes.

gigabyte - 1024 megabytes. Commonly rounded down to one billion bytes.

graphics - In web terms graphics describe pictures (opposite to text).

graphics accelerator - A type of video card that has an on-board processor that can substantially increase speed and boost graphical and video performance.

Green Standards - A computer or device that conforms to these standards can go into sleep or doze mode when not in use, thus saving energy and helping the environment. Devices that carry the Green Star or Energy Star comply with these standards.

Graphic Monitor - A display monitor that can display graphics.

Graphic Printer - A printer that can print graphics.

hexadecimal notation (hex) - A numbering system that uses 16 digits, the numerals 0-9, and the letters A-F. Hexadecimal notation is often used to display memory addresses.

hit - A single access request made to the server.

hits - The number of times a web object (page or picture) has been viewed or downloaded.

home page - The top-level (main) page of a web site. The default page displayed when you visit a web site.

host - Any computer or other device on a network that has been assigned an IP address.

HTML (HyperText Markup Language) - A markup language used for hypertext documents on the World Wide Web. This language uses tags to format the document, create hyperlinks, and mark locations for graphics.

HTML document - A document written in HTML.

HTML DOM (HTML Document Object Model) - A programming interface for HTML documents.

HTML Editor - A software program for editing HTML pages. With an HTML editor you can add elements like lists, tables, layout, font size, and colors to a HTML document like using a word processor. An HTML editor will display the page being edited exactly the same way it will be displayed on the web.

HTML Form - A form that passes user input back to the server.

HTML Page - The same as an HTML Document.

HTML Tags - Code to identify the different parts of a document so that a web browser will know how to display it.

HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) - The protocol used by the World Wide Web.

HTTP Client
A computer program that requests a service from a web server.

HTTP Server
A computer program providing services from a web server.

HTTPS (HTTP secure) - A version of the HTTP protocol that includes data encryption for security. Same as HTTP but provides secure Internet communication using SSL.

hyperlink - A pointer to another document. Most often a pointer to another web page. A hyperlink is a synonym for a hotlink or a link, and sometimes called a hypertext connection to another document or web page.

hypermedia - An extension to hypertext to include graphics and audio.

hypertext - Text that contains links to remote points in the document or to other files, documents, or graphics. Hypertext is created using HTML and is commonly distributed from Web sites.

IAB (Internet Architecture Board) - A council that makes decisions about Internet standards.

IBL - Inbound Link. A link from another site to your site.

IE (Internet Explorer) A browser by Microsoft. The most commonly used browser today.

I/O addresses - Numbers that are used by devices and the CPU to manage communication between them. Also called ports or port addresses.

ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) - Part of the IP layer that is used to transmit error messages and other control messages to hosts and routers.

IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) - A subgroup of IAB that focuses on solving technical problems on the Internet.

IIS (Internet Information Server) - A web server for Windows operating systems. Developed by Microsoft.

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) - A standard communication protocol for retrieving e-mails from an e-mail server. IMAP is much like POP but more advanced.

IMAP4 (Internet Message Access Protocol version 4) - Version 4 of the IMAP protocol, which is an e-mail protocol that has more functionality than its predecessor, POP. IMAP can archive messages in folders on the e-mail server and can allow the user to choose not to download attachments to messages.

Indeo - A codec for computer video developed by Intel.

infestation - Any unwanted program that is transmitted to a computer without the user’s knowledge and that is designed to do varying degrees of damage to data and software. There are a number of different types of infestations, including viruses, Trojan horses, worms, and logic bombs.

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) - A nonprofit organization that develops standards for the computer and electronics industries

Internet - A world wide network connecting millions of computers.

Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) - Windows XP software designed to protect a PC from unauthorized access from the Internet.

Internet service provider (ISP) - A commercial group that provides Internet access for a monthly fee. AOL, Earthlink, and CompuServe are large ISPs.

intranet - A private network that uses the TCP/IP protocols.

IP (Internet Protocol) - The rules of communication in the TCP/IP stack that control segmenting data into packets, routing those packets across networks, and then reassembling the packets once they reach their destination.

IP address - A 32-bit address consisting of four numbers separated by periods, used to uniquely identify a device on a network that uses TCP/IP protocols. The first numbers identify the network; the last numbers identify a host. An example of an IP address is 206.96.103.114.

IPX/SPX (Internetwork Packet Exchange/ Sequenced Packet Exchange) - A networking protocol suite first used by Novell NetWare, and which corresponds to the TCP/IP protocols.

IRC (Internet Relay Chat) - An Internet system that enables users to take part in on-line discussions.

IRC Client - A computer program that enables a user to connect to IRC.

IRC Server - An Internet server dedicated to the task of serving IRC connections.

ISAPI (Internet Server API) - Application Programming Interface.

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) - A telecommunication standard that uses digital transmission to support data communications over regular telephone lines.

ISP (Internet Service Provider) - Someone that provides access to the Internet and web hosting.

Java - A programming language developed by SUN. Mostly for programming web servers and web applets.

JavaScript - The most popular scripting language on the internet, developed by Netscape.

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) - A graphical compression scheme that allows the user to control the amount of data that is averaged and sacrificed as file size is reduced. It is a common Internet file format. Most JPEG files have a .jpg extension.

JScript - Microsoft's version of JavaScript.

JSP (Java Server Pages) - A Java based technology allowing the insertion of server executable scripts in web pages. Mostly used on Linux, Unix and Solaris platforms.

K - Same as kilobyte. 10K is ten kilobytes..

KB - Same as kilobyte. 10KB is ten kilobytes.

key - (1) In encryption, a secret number or code used to encode and decode data. (2) In Windows, a section name of the Windows registry.

keyboard - A common input device through which data and instructions may be typed into computer memory.

keyword - In web terms: A word used by a search engine to search for relevant web information. In database terms: A word (or index) used to identify a database record.

kilobyte - 1024 bytes. Often called 1K, and rounded down to 1000 bytes.

LAN (Local Area Network) - A network between computers in a local area (like inside a building), usually connected via local cables.

link - The same as a hyperlink.

Linux - Open source computer operating system based on Unix. Mostly used on servers and web servers.

logic bomb - Dormant code added to software that is triggered by a predetermined time or event.

macro virus - A virus that can hide in the macros of a document file. Typically, viruses do not reside in data or document files.

mail - In web terms: the same as e-mail.

MB - Same as Megabyte. 10MB is ten megabytes.

megabyte - 1024 kilobytes. Commonly rounded down to one million bytes.

megahertz (MHz) - One million Hz, or one million cycles per second.

meta data - Data that describes other data.

meta search - The method of searching for meta data in documents.

meta tags - Tags inserted into documents to describe the document.

memory-resident virus - A virus that can stay lurking in memory even after its host program is terminated.

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) - A standard protocol for communication between computers and musical instruments.

MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) - An Internet standard for defining document types. MIME type examples: text/plain, text/html, image/gif, image/jpg.

MIME Types - Document types defined by MIME.

modem - From MOdulate/DEModulate. A device that modulates digital data from a computer to an analog format that can be sent over telephone lines, then demodulates it back into digital form.

modem speed - The speed at which a modem can transmit data along a phone line, measured in bits per second (bps). Also called line speed.

modulation - Converting binary or digital data into an analog signal that can be sent over standard telephone lines.

monitor - The most commonly used output device for displaying text and graphics on a computer.

Mosaic - The first commonly available web browser. Mosaic was released in 1993 and started the popularity of the web.

motherboard - The main board in the computer, also called the system board. The CPU, ROM chips, SIMMs, DIMMs, RIMMs, and interface cards are plugged into the motherboard.

mouse - A pointing and input device that allows the user to move a cursor around a screen and select programs with the click of a button.

MOV - A codec for computer video developed by Apple. Common file extension for QuickTime multimedia files.

MP3 - A method to compress audio files that uses MPEG level 3. It can reduce sound files as low as a 1:24 ratio without losing much sound quality. An audio compression format specially designed for easy download over the Internet.

MP3 File - An file containing audio compressed with MP3. Most often a music track.

MPEG (Moving Pictures Experts Group) - A processing-intensive standard for data compression for motion pictures that tracks movement from one frame to the next and only stores the data that has changed.

MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) - A general disk based computer operating system (See OS). Originally developed by Microsoft for IBM computers, then developed by Microsoft as a basis for the first versions of Windows.

Multimedia - In web terms: A presentation combining text with pictures, video, or sound.

multipartite virus - A combination of a boot sector virus and a file virus. It can hide in either type of program.

multitasking - Doing more than one thing at a time. A true multitasking system requires two or more CPUs, each processing a different thread at the same time. Compare to cooperative multitasking and preemptive multitasking.

MySQL - Free open source database software often used on the web.

NetBEUI (Net Bios Extended User Interface) - An enhanced version of NetBIOS.

NetBIOS (Network Basic Input Output System) - An application programming interface (API) with functions for local-area networks (LAN). Used by DOS and Windows.

navigate - In web terms: The same as browse.

Netscape - The browser from the company Netscape. The most popular browser for many years. Today IE has the lead.

newsgroup - An on-line discussion group (a section on a news server) dedicated to a particular subject of interest.

news reader - A computer program that enables you to read (and post messages) from an Internet newsgroup.

news server - An Internet server dedicated to the task of serving Internet newsgroups.

node - In web terms: A computer connected to the Internet, most often used to describe a web server.

non-memory-resident virus - A virus that is terminated when the host program is closed.

notebook - A portable computer that is designed for travel and mobility. Notebooks use the same technology as desktop PCs, with modifications for conserving voltage, taking up less space, and operating while on the move. Also called a laptop computer.

ODP - The Open Directory Project

octet - Term for each of the four 8-bit numbers that make up an IP address. For example, the IP address 200.56.104.104 has four octets.

Opera - The browser from the company Opera.

OS (Operating System) - The software that manages the basic operating of a computer.

outbound link - A link from a page of your site to another site.

operating system (OS) - Software that controls a computer. An OS controls how system resources are used and provides a user interface, a way of managing hardware and software, and ways to work with files.

packet - Segment of network data that also includes header, destination address, and trailer information that is sent as a unit. Also called data packet or datagram.

page hits - The number of times a web page has been visited by a user.

page impressions - The same as Page Hits.

page views - The same as Page Hits.

PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) - A small, handheld computer that has its own operating system and applications.

Perl (Practical Extraction and Reporting Language) - A scripting language for web servers. Most often used on Unix servers.

PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor) - A technology allowing the insertion of server executable scripts in web pages. Mostly for Unix, Linux and Solaris platforms.

ping - A method used to check the communication between two computers. A "ping" is sent to a remote computer to see if it responds.

pixel - A small spot on a fine horizontal scan line. Pixels are illuminated to create an image on the monitor.

Plug and Play (PnP) - A standard designed to make the installation of new hardware devices easier by automatically configuring devices to eliminate system resource conflicts (such as IRQ or I/O address conflicts). PnP is supported by Windows 9x, Windows 2000, and Windows XP.

PNG (Portable Network Graphics)
A format for encoding a picture pixel by pixel and sending it over the web. A W3C recommendation for replacing GIF.

polymorphic virus - A type of virus that changes its distinguishing characteristics as it replicates itself. Mutating in this way makes it more difficult for AV software to recognize the presence of the virus.

POP (Post Office Protocol) - The protocol that an e-mail server and client use when the client requests the downloading of e-mail messages. The most recent version is POP3. POP is slowly being replaced by IMAP.

Port - A number that identifies a computer IO (input/output) channel. In web terms: A number that identifies the I/O channel used by an Internet application (A web server normally uses port 80).

PPC - Pay Per Click.

PPP (Point to Point Protocol) - A communication protocol used for direct connection between two computers.

printer - A peripheral output device that produces printed output to paper. Different types include dot matrix, ink-jet, and laser printers.

private IP address - An IP address that is used on a private TCP/IP network that is isolated from the Internet.

product activation - The process that Microsoft uses to prevent software piracy. For example, once Windows XP is activated for a particular computer, it cannot be installed on another computer.

program - A set of step-by-step instructions to a computer. Some are burned directly into chips, while others are stored as program files. Programs are written in languages such as BASIC and C++.

program file - A file that contains instructions designed to be executed by the CPU.

protocol - A set of rules and standards that two entities use for communication

proxy server - A server that acts as an intermediary between another computer and the Internet. The proxy server substitutes its own IP address for the IP address of the computer on the network making a request, so that all traffic over the Internet appears to be coming from only the IP address of the proxy server.

public IP address - An IP address available to the Internet

query - The execution of a search on a search engine.

QuickTime - A multimedia file format created by Apple.

RAM (random access memory) - Memory modules on the motherboard containing microchips used to temporarily hold data and programs while the CPU processes both. Information in RAM is lost when the PC is turned off.

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) - A standard for connecting multiple disks to the same server for higher security, speed and performance. Often used on web servers.

RAM drive - An area of memory that is treated as though it were a hard drive, but works much faster than a hard drive. The Windows 9x startup disk uses a RAM drive. Compare to virtual memory.

RDF (Resource Description Framework) - A framework for constructing languages for describing web resources.

Real Audio - A common multimedia audio format created by Real Networks.

Real Video - A common multimedia video format created by Real Networks.

redirect - In web terms: The action when a web page automatically forwards (redirects) the user to another web page.

refresh rate - As applied to monitors, the number of times in one second an electronic beam can fill the screen with lines from top to bottom. Also called vertical scan rate.

remote assistance - A Windows XP feature that allows a support technician at a remote location to have full access to the Windows XP desktop.

resolution - The number of pixels on a monitor screen that are addressable by software (example: 1024 X 768 pixels).

RGB (Red Green Blue) - The combination of the three primary colors that can represent a full color spectrum.

router - A hardware (or software) system that directs (routes) data transfer to different computers in a network.

script - A collection of statements written in a Scripting Language.

scripting - Writing a script

scripting language - In web terms: A simple programming language that can be executed by a web browser or a web server.

SE - (Search engine) Computer program used to search and catalog (index) the millions of pages of available information on the web. Common search engines are Google and AltaVista.

SEM - Search engine marketing.

SEO - Search engine optimization.

SEP - Search engine placement.

SERP - Search Engine (Search) Results Page.

server - See Web Server

session - An established communication link between two software programs. On the Internet, a session is created by TCP.

SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language) - An international standard for markup languages. The basis for HTML and XML.

Shockwave - A format (technology) developed by Macromedia for embedding multimedia content in web pages.

SMIL (Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language) - A W3C recommended language for creating multimedia presentations.

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) - The protocol used by e-mail clients and servers to send e-mail messages over the Internet.

SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) - A standard protocol for letting applications communicate with each other using XML.

software - Computer programs, or instructions to perform a specific task. Software may be BIOS, OSs, or applications software such as a word-processing or spreadsheet program.

Solaris - Computer operating system from SUN.

spam - In web terms: The action of sending multiple unwelcome messages to a newsgroup or mailing list.

spider - See Web Spider.

spoofing - Addressing a web page or an e-mail with a false referrer. Like sending an e-mail from a false address.

spyware - Computer software hidden in a computer with the purpose of collecting information about the use of the computer.

SQL (Structured Query Language) - An ANSI standard computer language for accessing and manipulating databases.

SQL Server - A database system from Microsoft. Mostly used on high traffic web sites running on the Windows platform.

SSI (Server Side Include) - A type of HTML comment inserted into a web page to instruct the web server to generate dynamic content. The most common use is to include standard header or footer for the page.

SSL (Secure Socket Layer) - Software to secure and protect web site communication using encrypted transmission of data.

static IP address - An IP address permanently assigned to a workstation

stealth virus - A virus that actively conceals itself by temporarily removing itself from an infected file that is about to be examined, and then hiding a copy of itself elsewhere on the drive.

stemming - Word variations. For example, if you enter the query "run", a search engine that supports stemming might return results that include "running" or "runs".

streaming - A method of sending audio and video files over the Internet in such a way that the user can view the file while it is being transferred.

streaming audio - Downloading audio data from the Internet in a continuous stream of data without first downloading an entire audio file.

streaming format - The format used for files being streamed over the Internet.

stop word - A word which is ignored in a query because the word is so commonly used that it makes no contribution to relevancy. Examples are common words such as net and web, and general words like get, I, me, the and you.

subdirectory - A directory or folder contained in another directory or folder. Also called a child directory or folder.

surge suppressor or surge protector - A device or power strip designed to protect electronic equipment from power surges and spikes.

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) - A W3C recommended language for defining graphics in XML.

tag - In web terms: Notifications or commands written into a web document.

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) - Part of the TCP/IP protocol suite. TCP guarantees delivery of data for application protocols and establishes a session before it begins transmitting data.

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol) - The suite of protocols that supports communication on the Internet. TCP is responsible for error checking, and IP is responsible for routing.

TCP/IP Packet - A "packet" of data sent over a TCP/IP network. (data sent over the Internet is broken down into small "packets" from 40 to 32000 bytes long).

top-level domain - The highest level of domain names, indicated by a suffix that tells something about the host. For example, .com is for commercial use and .edu is for educational institutions.

Trojan horse - A type of infestation that hides or disguises itself as a useful program, yet is designed to cause damage at a later time.

UDDI (Universal Description Discovery and Integration) - A platform-independent framework for describing services, discovering businesses, and integrating business services using the Internet.

Unix - Computer operating system, developed by Bell Laboratories. Mostly used for servers and web servers.

unzip - To uncompress a zipped file.

upload - To transfer a file from a local computer to a remote computer. In web terms: to transfer a file from a web client to a web server.

URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) - Term used to identify resources on the internet. URL is one type of an URI.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator or Universal Resource Locator) - An address for a resource on the Internet. A URL can contain the protocol used by the resource, the name of the computer and its network, and the path and name of a file on the computer. A web address. The standard way to address web documents (pages) on the Internet (like: http://www.w3schools.com/).

Unique Visitor - An instance of a unique site connecting to your server.

USENET - A world wide news system accessible over the Internet.

user Agent - The same as a Web Browser.

VB (See Visual Basic)

VBScript - A scripting language from Microsoft. VBScript is the default scripting language in ASP. Can also be used to program Internet Explorer.

virus - A program that often has an incubation period, is infectious, and is intended to cause damage. A virus program might destroy data and programs or damage a disk drive’s boot sector.

virus signature - A set of distinguishing characteristics of a virus used by antivirus software to identify the virus.

visit - In web terms: A visit to a web site. Commonly used to describe the activity for one visitor of a web site.

visitor - In web terms: A visitor of a web site. Commonly used to describe a person visiting (viewing) a web site.

Visual Basic - A programming language from Microsoft.

VPN (Virtual Private Network) - A private network between two remote sites, over a secure encrypted virtual Internet connection (a tunnel).

VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) - A programming language to allow 3D effects to be added to HTML documents.

W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) - The organization responsible for managing standards for the WWW.

WAN (Wide Area Network) - Computers connected together in a wide network, larger than a LAN, usually connected via phone lines.

WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) - A leading standard for information services on wireless terminals like digital mobile phones.

Web address - The same as an URL or URI.

Web applet - A program that can be downloaded over the web and run on the user's computer. Most often written in Java.

Web client - A software program used to access web pages. Sometimes the same as a Web browser, but often used as a broader term.

Web browser - A software program used to display web pages.