Terms	Definitions
ADSL	“A-D-S-L” [Derived from Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line]. A type of high-speed digital telephone connection which supports very high data rates (6mbps in one direction and 640kbps in the other direction). ADSL is an open line onto the Internet.
Aggregate	A collection of information in which no individual information can be distinguished or identified. Aggregated information can be used to determine the characteristics of a group, such as “Sixty percent of our users are over 35.”
AltaVista	AltaVista is one of the most powerful search engines on the internet. It is also the backbone of many other search engines.
Anonymous Email	This is email that is sent without the originating address on it. It is usually sent through a third party server which has been set up by an access provider or hacker.
Anti-virus	Anti-virus software is used to scan files for possible rogue instructions that may have been attached to them. These instructions if run by an application might perform an unwanted action, or at worst delete files.
Applet	An applet is simply a miniature application. Applets can be included in webpages in such a way that when you visit the page they will download and run automatically. These types of applet are normally written in a programming language called Java.
Application	An application is computer software designed to perform a particular task. Examples of application software include word processors (used for creating and editing text) and graphics programs (used for drawing pictures or retouching photographs).
Archive	Is usually a searchable part of a website where non-current information is stored. Perhaps the best example would be news archives found on the electronic versions of national broadsheet newspapers as well as TV news providers like the BBC.
ASCII	“ass-key” [Derived from American Standard Code for Information Interchange] A code for representing letters as numbers that is used on most computers and printers. ASCII also includes control characters such as carriage return and tab.
Attachment	A file which is ‘attached’ and sent as part of a standard text email message.
Bandwidth	This refers to the maximum amount of data which can be carried at a given time by your Internet connection (modem – phone line – ISP). A low bandwidth connection means your Internet connection will be slower, pictures will take more time to download.
Banner	A banner is a large graphic image. It is often the main header on a webpage or an advert on a commercial website which animates. In the case of WebWise, the red graphic across the top of the webpages is the banner.
Bcc	“B-C-C” [Derived from Blind Carbon Copy] When sending a message by email you can select additional addresses to which the message should be sent. Bcc recipients of the message receive the message header so they don’t know who else has received it.
Beta version	A beta version of an application or program is one that hasn’t been tested enough to be on general public release. There are a lot of beta versions on the internet to download. You may feel one step ahead of the crowd, as you try new or improved software.
Binary File	A file that contains characters or information other than pure text (ASC11). These can be things like pictures, sound files or software packages.
Bit	The smallest element of computerized data. A full text page in English is about 16,000 bits. (See also “Byte”)
Bitmap	A bitmap is a type of graphic file used to save a digital image. The file contains a colour value for each pixel in a picture. It is a simpler format than a JPEG or GIF, both of which have bitmaps in them.
Bookmark / Favourite	A web site you use often, or one you’ve just found and want to return to, can be made a ‘bookmark’ or a ‘favourite’. Almost all browsers allow you to add the web page you are currently looking at to a list of pages which is kept for you between Internet
Boolean searches	“From the mathematician George Boole (1815-1864)” A Boolean search is one formed by joining simple terms in a logical way with “AND”, “OR” and “NOT”. The search can be built up using the connecting words several times and bracketing terms together.
bps	“B-P-S” [Derived from Abbreviation of Bits Per Second] A measurement of the rate that data is transferred. The data rate of your modem and computer affects the speed that you can transmit or receive information over the Internet.
Broadband	Broadband provides high speed Internet access by delivering multiple channels of data over a single communications medium. It is able to carry much larger amounts of information than narrowband.
Browser	A browser is a program you use to view webpages and ‘browse’ websites. Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer are the main competitors, and are considered the industry standards, but there are many others out there, some have great features and are cool
Bug	Is an error or series of errors in a piece of software, which may cause it to perform in an unintended or undesirable way. Sometimes the effect of the bug may be caused by an internal conflict or a conflict with another piece of software.
Bulletin Board	Bulletin Boards are areas where people can post messages and exchange information. The Bulletin Board System (BBS) predates the Internet and the boards are accessed by dialling up the relevant phone number for the board via a modem.
Byte	Bytes, kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB) are used to measure amounts of computer data. One byte is roughly the same as one character (letter) of text. One KB (or one K) is approximately 1,000 bytes, one MB is approximately 1,000 KB.
Cable internet access	If you already have cable TV then chances are that in the near future you will be able to use the same fibre optic cable for accessing the internet. Cable access is also potentially the fastest possible access technology available at the moment.
Cache	Your browser uses a ‘cache’ to store webpages and parts of webpages you’ve seen already. When you go back to those pages they’ll be presented more quickly because they don’t need to be downloaded over the internet again.
Cc	“C-C” [Derived from Carbon Copy] When sending a message by email you can select additional addresses to which the message should be sent. Simply type an email address or string of email addresses in the ‘cc’ box (separate addresses with a comma.
CD-ROM	“C-D-rom” [Derived from Compact Disk Read Only Memory] A CD-ROM disc looks just like a music CD but can hold software applications, data, text, pictures, sound and video. A CD-ROM drive plays the disc and is generally a standard feature of modern PC’s
CDRW	A relatively new piece of hardware which you can use to create your own CDs. Using a special blank CD called a CD-R you can copy or write any data you wish onto it, either from your computer’s hard disk or from another CD, floppy disk or zip disk.
Censor	Internet censorship in the Western world usually takes the form of retrospective court action and ‘banning’ of certain sites due to illegality of content, rather than a Big Brother-style vetting system stopping sites being posted.
CGI	“C-G-I” [Derived from Common Gateway Interface] CGI allows a webpage to access programs running on external computers and ‘report back’ on the results. Uses for CGI include order forms, searchable databases and chat forums.
Chat	A feature offered by many online services or Web sites that allows participants to “chat” by typing messages which are displayed almost instantly on the screens of other participants who are using the chat room.
Chat room	The name given to a place or page in a Web site or online service where people can “chat” with each other by typing messages which are displayed almost instantly on the screens of others who are in the “chat room.” Chat rooms are also called “online forum
Client	When your computer interacts with a network in some way (such as logging on to the internet) it becomes the ‘client’ of the ‘server’ computer that looks after the files on that network.
Client-based filter	A software program that a user installs on his or her own computer to monitor Internet use, block access to specific types of material, prevent kids from accessing the Internet at certain times, or prevent kids from revealing personal information online.
Compressed	Computer files can be compressed so they take up less memory. This makes them quicker to send over the internet. There are many different file compression formats including GIF and JPEG for image files.
Compression	Compression is the process of reducing the size of computer files so that they can be passed around the Internet more quickly. Zip files are a common example of one type of compression.
Connection	The connection is the mechanism which enables you to be online. It happens via a modem, ISDN or leased line. A modem acts as a converter between digital and analogue devices and runs at speeds of 14.4 kbps, 28.8 kbps and 56 kbps.
Convergence	Convergence describes the coming together of telephone, video and Internet technology. Examples of these are cable companies who are offering telephone, television, internet and email services. Television is becoming more interactive due to the technology
Cookie	A cookie is a general mechanism which some sites use to record information about your trip to the site, the type of browser you are using and the way you move around within the site. Cookies are not necessarily an intrusion on your privacy.
CPU / Processor	“C-P-U” [Derived from Central Processing Unit] The CPU is the ‘brain’ of the computer which does all the work.
Crash	When your computer stops working. It may pause or ‘freeze’ up, or tell you to restart or quit. You may then find you have lost data or programs written since it was last ‘backed up’. A computer crash should not necessarily be seen as a major problem.
Cursor	A symbol on a computer monitor that shows you where you are and where the next character you type will appear. The cursor moves automatically as you type and then can be moved around the screen by a mouse or the control keys.
Cut and paste	Cut and paste refers to selecting some data (text, graphics, etc.) and using the Edit menu to Cut or Copy from a document and then Paste, either to a new location in the same document, or into another document.
Cybercafe	These are public access spaces offering Internet and Web connection at a cost – usually a certain amount per half hour or hour. They usually offer refreshments and trained support staff together with the latest browsers, computers and fast network lines.
Cyberspace	“Coined by the writer William Gibson” Cyberspace refers to the virtual space created by computers or networks of computers, be this the internet, computer games, the Web, or Virtual Reality.
Directories	Indexes of Web sites, organized by subject.
Discussion group	Online area, like an electronic bulletin board, where users can read and add or “post” comments about a specific topic. Users can find discussion groups, also referred to as “discussion boards,” for almost any topic.
Domain name	Domain names are the alphabetic names used to refer to computers on the Internet. A Web site address, including a suffix such as .com, .org, .gov, or .edu. The suffix indicates what type of organization is hosting the site.
Download	To transfer (copy) files from one computer to another. “Download” can also mean viewing a Web site, or material on a Web server, with a Web browser.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)	A means of accessing the Internet at very high speed using standard phone lines.
E-mail (Electronic Mail)	Messages sent through an electronic (computer) network to specific groups or individuals. Though e-mail is generally text, users can attach files that include graphics, sound, and video. It requires a modem to connect the telephone line to the computer.
Encryption	A means of making data unreadable to everyone except the receiver. Encryption is often used to make the transmission of credit card numbers secure for those who are shopping using the Internet.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)	Pages which list and answer the questions most often asked about a Web site, newsgroup, etc. The FAQ page often provides useful information for a new user of a Web site, mailing list, discussion group, or product.
Filtering software	Software that screens information on the Internet and classifies its content. Some filtering software allows the user to block access to certain kinds of content.
Firewall	Hardware or software that secures computer files by blocking unauthorized access.
Flaming	Posting or sending a deliberately confrontational message via newsgroup, e-mail, etc., usually in response to a previous message.
FTP – (File Transfer Protocol)	A way of transferring files over the Internet from one computer to another.
Gateway	A computer system for exchanging information across incompatible networks by translating between two dissimilar protocols. May also describe any mechanism that gives access to another, such as an ISP which acts as a gateway to the Internet.
Hardware	The mechanical devices that comprise a computer system, such as the central processing unit, monitor, keyboard, and mouse, as well as other equipment like printers and speakers.
Home page	The first page on a Web site, which introduces the site and provides the means of navigation.
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)	The coded format language used for creating hypertext documents on the World Wide Web and controlling how Web pages appear.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)	The standard language that computers connected to the World Wide Web use to communicate with each other.
Hyperlink	An image or portion of text on a Web page that is linked to another Web page, either on the same site or in another Web site. Clicking on the link will take the user to another Web page, or to another place on the same page.
IM or Instant Message	IM (Instant Message) � Technology similar to that of chat rooms, which notifies a user when a friend is online, allowing them to “converse” by exchanging text messages.
Internet	A global connection of computer networks, also referred to as the “Net,” which share a common addressing scheme.
Intranet	A private network inside a company or organisation, which uses software like that used on the Internet, but is for internal use only, and is not accessible to the public. Companies use them to manage projects, store and distribute information.
IP (Internet Protocol)	The computer language that allows computer programs to communicate over the Internet.
IRC (Internet Relay Chat)	A protocol and a program type that allows participants to “chat” online in a live forum that usually centers around a common interest. IRC is the earliest form of online chat.
ISDN – (Integrated Services Digital Network)	Digital telephony scheme that allows a user to connect to the Internet over standard phone lines at speeds higher than a 56K modem allows.
ISP (Internet Service Provider)	A company that sells direct access to the Internet, most often through dialing a local phone number. Unlike some online services, ISPs provide little or no proprietary content or online services.
Java	A computer programming language invented by Sun Microsystems. Using Java, Web developers create small programs called “applets” that allow Web pages to include animations, calculators, scrolling text, sound effects and games.
Keyword	A word that is entered into the search form or search “window” of an Internet search engine to search the Web for pages or sites about or including the keyword and information related to it.
Link	A word, phrase, or image highlighted in a hypertext document to act as a navigation aid to related information. Links may be indicated with an underline, a color contrast, or a border.
Modem	A hardware device that allows computers to communicate with each other by transmitting signals over telephone lines, enabling what is called “dial-up access.” Modems come in different speeds. The higher the speed, the faster the data are transmitted.
Monitoring software	Software products that allow a parent or caregiver to monitor or track the Web sites or e-mail messages that a child visits or reads, without necessarily blocking access.
Multimedia	Information presented in more than one format, such as text, audio, video, graphics, and images.
Navigation	A system of hypertext paths set up on a Web page to enable visitors to find their way around the site.
Netiquette	The informal rules of Internet courtesy, enforced exclusively by other Internet users.
Newsgroups	Discussion groups on the Internet (not on the Web, which is only one area of the Internet). Newsgroups are classified by subject matter and do not necessarily deal with journalism or “news.”
Opt-in	A policy for giving permission under which the user explicitly permits the Web site operator to either collect the information, use it in a specified manner and/or share it with others.
Personally identifiable information	Information that can identify an individual user, such as name, home address, or e-mail address.
PICS – (Platform for Internet Content Selection)	Technology that allows Web browsers to read content ratings of Web sites. Content ratings are administered by the Internet Content Rating Association (ICRA), an independent, non-profit organisation.
Plug-in	A small piece of software that enriches a larger piece of software by adding features or functions. Plug-ins enable browsers to play audio and video.
Posting	Sending a message to a discussion group or other public message area on the Internet. The message itself is called a “post.”
Privacy Policy	The policy under which the company or organization operating a Web site handles the personal information collected about visitors to the site. Many Web site operators publish their privacy policy on their Web site.
Search engine	A tool that enables users to locate information on the World Wide Web. Search engines use keywords entered by users to find Web sites which contain the information sought.
Software	A computer program, which provides the instructions which enable the computer hardware to work. System software, such as Windows or MacOS, operate the machine itself, and applications software, such as spreadsheet or word processing programs, provide spec
Spam	Unsolicited “junk” e-mail sent to large numbers of people to promote products or services. Sexually explicit unsolicited e-mail is called “porn spam.” Also refers to inappropriate promotional or commercial postings to discussion groups or bulletin boards.
Spider	A software program that “crawls” the Web, searching and indexing Web pages to create a database that can be easily searched by a search engine.
Surf	To search for information on the Web in a random, non-linear way.
TCP/IP	(Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) � The protocols, or conventions, that computers use to communicate over the Internet.
Time limiting software	Software that allows users to set time limits for access to the Internet, computer games, or other software programs.
Trustmark	An online seal awarded by TRUSTe to Web sites that agree to post privacy statements which describe their policies toward user privacy, and to adhere to procedures that enforce their compliance with the published privacy policy.
Upload	Copying or sending files or data from one computer to another. A Web developer, for example, could upload a document to a Web server. (See also “Download”)
URL	(Uniform Resource Locator) � The World Wide Web address of a site on the Internet. The URL for the Internal Revenue Service, for example, is http://www.irs.gov. (See also “Domain name”)
Web	The World Wide Web. An Internet system to distribute graphical, hyper-linked information, based on the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). The World Wide Web is also known as WWW or W3. The Web is not synonymous with the Internet.
Web site	A collection of “pages” or files linked together and available on the World Wide Web. Web sites are provided by companies, organizations and individuals.
Web-based chat	Chat rooms that are found in Web sites, which allow people to chat with each other using their browsers. Another kind of chat room, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), requires additional software. (See also “Chat room,” and “IRC”)
Web-based e-mail	A technology that allows users to send and receive e-mail using only a browser, rather than using an e-mail program such as Eudora.
Web-based instant-messaging	Instant-messaging technology that works in Web sites, as opposed to that provided by commercial online services. (See also “Instant messaging”)
Webmaster	The person responsible for administering a Web site.
WWW	The World Wide Web. (See also “Web”)