Webmaster's Tools

A Webmaster's Glossary of Terms

Select any letter below to jump to that section of this glossary, and begin your journey into the wonderful world of Cyberspace.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

acronym: A word formed from the first (or first few) letters of several words. For example, HTML is an acronym for HyperText Markup Language.

ALT: The ALT text provides alternative or substitute text, for use when the image is not being displayed. The most common mistake (apart from not using it at all) is to provide a description of the image. The ALT text should be composed as an appropriate textual alternative to the image: sometimes that might turn out to be a description of the image.

Automatic Data Processing (ADP): Operations performed on data to provide useful information to users.

API (Application Program Interface): A set of routines, protocols, and tools for building software applications.

application: A self-contained program that performs a well-defined set of tasks under user control, as opposed to a system program. Web browsers, mail readers, and FTP clients are examples of applications commonly used on the Internet.

applet: A program written in the Java™ programming language that can be included in an HTML page, much in the same way an image is included. When you use a Java™ technology-enabled browser to view a page that contains an applet, the applet's code is transferred to your system and executed by your browser. See also Java™ applet.

ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interexchange): A computer code in which characters such as letters and symbols are converted into numbers that the computer can understand.

ASP (Active Server Pages): A programming environment that combines elements of HTML and scripting. Web pages built with ASP can change dynamically based on user input.

authoring tool: A computer program designed to be simple to use when building a Website. Supposedly no programming or HTLM knowledge is needed. But, most HTML authoring tools can be intimidating for the first-time user. Also, some authoring tools create invalid HTML code. This means you will have to manually correct your code after you test it. If you don't know basic HTML coding this can be a problem.

autoresponder: An e-mail utility that auto-
matically replies to an e-mail message with a pre-written response.

B

backbone: A high-speed line or series of connections that forms a major pathway within a network.

band: A range of frequencies between defined upper and lower limits.

bandwidth: 1) The information carrying capacity of a communication channel. 2) Bandwidth is the amount of data that is transferred over the Internet. Each time a Web surfer visits a page they are creating bandwidth usage due to the transfer of the data of that page. The page that they are viewing is stored somewhere on the Internet and in order for them to view it, it must be transferred over the Internet, so their browser can display it on their computer.

baud rate: Baud rate was the prevalent measure for data transmission speed until replaced by a more accurate term, bps (bits per second). One baud is one electronic state change per second. Since a single state change can involve more than a single bit of data, the bps unit of measurement has replaced it as a better expression of data transmission speed.

BBS (Bulletin Board System): An online community run on a host computer that users can dial or log into in order to post messages on public discussion boards, send and receive e-mail, chat with other users, and upload and download files. BBSs are text-based and often related to the specific hobbies or interests of their creators.

binary code: A numeric system that represents all numbers using only two digits: 1 and 0. Binary code is the way in which complex images and information are translated into a simple language that computers can understand and then manipulate for us.

bit: A unit of measurement that represents one character of data. A single bit can hold only one of two values: 0 or 1. More meaningful information is obtained by combining consecutive bits into larger units. For example, a byte is composed of 8 consecutive bits.

blog (Web blog): For companies or individuals with a Website, a host is a computer with a Web server that serves the pages for one or more Web sites. A host can also be the company that provides that service, which is known as blog hosting.

blog host: The company that provides the space on their servers and equipment to store your blog. There are both paid blog hosts and free blog hosts offering a diverse array of services.

Blogosphere: A collective term encompassing all blogs and their interconnections. It is the perception that blogs exist together as a connected community (or as a collection of connected communities) or as a social network.

bookmark: A Web page link stored in a browser for quick and easy retrieval (Netscape). See Favorite.

bps (bits per second): The standard measure of data transmission speeds.

bridge: A device linking two or more sections of a network.

broadband: 1) A range within a band of frequencies or wavelengths. 2) The amount of data that can be transmitted in a fixed amount of time. For digital devices, the bandwidth is usually expressed in bits per second (bps) or bytes per second. Broadband technology can transmit data, audio, and video all at once over long distances. See also narrowband.

broadcast: 1) To e-mail or fax a message to multiple recipients simultaneously; to transmit information simultaneously to everyone on a network. 2) To transmit television or radio signals.

browser: Short for Web browser, a software application used to locate and display Web pages. The two most popular browsers are Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer.

byte: In most computer systems, a byte is a unit of information that is eight bits long. A byte is the unit most computers use to represent a character such as a letter or number.

C

cable modem: A modem that uses cable television's coaxial cables to transmit data at faster speeds than modems using telephone lines.

CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-only Memory or Compact Disc Read-only Media): A computer storage medium similar to the audio CD that can hold more than 600 megabytes of read-only digital information.

chat: A form of real-time electronic communications where participants type what they want to say, and it is repeated on the screens of all other participants in the same chat. Internet Relay Chat or IRC is an Internet protocol for chat, and there are many other chat systems in services like Delphi. Other commonly used chat systems are iChat and ICQ.

CGI (Common Gateway Interface): A specification for transferring information between a World Wide Web server and a CGI program. A CGI program is any program designed to accept and return data that conforms to the CGI specification. Your program can be written in any programming language. But, Perl is the most common programming language used.

Click: Right-click means to press the right mouse button. Double click means to press the left mouse button twice in quick succession.

client: A computer application that runs on a PC and relies on a server to perform some operations. In client-server architecture, client software handles sending and receiving on your end, while server software handles sending and receiving on the Internet's end. For example, an FTP program is an application that enables you to upload and download files. It gets your files from your PC and transfers and receives these files from your host's server.

Clip art: Small images that you can use on a Web page. Some are free, some aren't.

Clipboard: A special area in your PC's memory that temporarily stores data which which can be copied to another location.

community: See online community.

compressed file: A computer file that has been reduced in size by a compression software program. The user must decompress the file(s) before they can be viewed or used.

connect time: The amount of time that a terminal or computer has been logged on to a computer or server for a particular session.

content: Different content includes: text, audio, video, and images.

cookie: A message given to a Web browser by a Web server. The browser stores the message in a text file. The message is then sent back to the server each time the browser requests a page from the server. The main purpose of cookies is to identify users and prepare customized Web pages for them.

copy: To copy a piece of data to a temporary location. In word processing, for example, copying refers to duplicating a section of a document and placing it in a buffer (clipboard).

CPU (Central Processing Unit): The part of the computer that contains the microprocessor, power supply, hard drive, and disk drives.

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): An HTML feature that enables Web page developers to specify the way a Web page appears when displayed in a browser, by applying a number of different style sheets to the page. Each style sheet can control a different design element or set of design elements.

cut: To remove an object from a document and place it in a buffer. In word processing, for example, cut means to move a section of text from a document to a temporary buffer (clipboard).

Cyberspace: Term to describe the Internet, coined by author William Gibson in his novel Neuromancer. Cyberspace is a virtual space, you're in Cyberspace when you are cruising the Web.

D

Design: Visual appearance is the first thing a visitor sees upon entering a Website. The use of colors, consistency, content, graphics, navigation and Web style all work together toward creating an effective Website.

de facto standard: A specification that hasn't been officially established by an accrediting agency, but that is accepted and used as a standard by a majority of practitioners.

default: A setting that the computer system uses automatically, unless it is changed by the user.

dial up: To open a connection between a user's computer and another computer via a modem.

digital: An electrical signal that varies in discrete steps in voltage, frequency, amplitude, locations, etc. Digital signals can be transmitted faster and more accurately than analog signals.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL): A service that offers a faster Internet connection than a standard dial-up connection. Special hardware attached to both the user and switch ends of line allows data transmission over the wires at far greater speed than the standard phone wiring. In addition, it is a constant connection so you have access to the Internet and e-mail 24/7. There is no need to dial in to your ISP each time you want to get on-line. But, DSL is not available in many areas because of various reasons.

discussion boards: Forums on the Internet or an intranet where users can post messages for others to read.

domain name: A meaningful, "easy-to-remember" name used to identify a Website on the Internet. The only way you can register and start using a domain name is to use the services of a domain name registrar.

domain name registrar: Domain names ending with .biz, .com, .info, .name, .net or .org can be registered through many different companies (known as "registrars") that compete with one another. A listing of these companies appears in the Registrar Directory

download: 1) A file that's transferred or copied to a user's computer from another connected individual computer, a computer network, a commercial online service, or the Internet. 2) To transfer or copy a file to a user's computer from another connected individual computer, a computer network, a commercial online service, or the Internet. Also see upload.

E

e-mail: Short for electronic mail, the transmission of messages over communications networks.

end user: The person for whom a particular technology is designed; the individual who uses the technology for its designated purpose.

ergonomics: Design principles relating to the comfort, efficiency, and safety of users.

Ethernet: A local-area network (LAN) architecture developed by Xerox Corporation in cooperation with DEC and Intel. It is now one of the most widely implemented LAN standards.

F

favicon: Short for favorite icon A customized icon that is used by Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) versions 5.0 and later. When a user adds a favorite page (bookmark) a specific Web page, that Web page loads a customized icon into the user's browser, typically a tiny version of a Website's logo. Like mine . See How can I add a favicon?

favorite page: A Web page link stored in a browser for quick and easy retrieval in Internet Explorer. See bookmark.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions): An informational list, in question and answer format, of common inquiries from users about a topic or application and standard responses. FAQs appear on Web sites and discussion boards and within desktop applications.

fax: Short for Facsimile machine. 1) The print-out of information transmitted via text and /or graphic images over standard telephone lines. 2) To transmit information via text and/or graphic images over standard telephone lines.

fiber optics: A technology that uses glass (or plastic) threads (fibers) to transmit data. A fiber optic cable consists of a bundle of glass threads, each of which is capable of transmitting messages modulated onto light waves. Fiber optic cable has a much greater bandwidth capacity than conventional cable or copper wire.

file server: A computer on a network with the primary task of storing files that can be shared by network users.

firewall: A technology that gives users access to the Internet while retaining internal network security. A firewall can be implemented in both hardware and software, or a combination of both.

frequency: The space between waves in a signal; the amount of time between waves passing a stationary point.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol): The protocol used on the Internet for exchanging files. FTP is most commonly used to download a file from a server (host) using the Internet or to upload files to a host.

G

GB (gigabyte): 2 to the 30th power (1,073,741,824) bytes. One gigabyte is equal to 1,024 megabytes. Just over one billion bytes.

GIF (Graphics Interchange Format): The compression algorithm used in the GIF format is owned by Unisys. Companies that use the algorithm are supposed to license the use from Unisys. GIFs support 256 colors and are often used for Web images because they compress well.

GUI (Graphical User Interface): Pronounced GOO-ee. A program interface that takes advantage of the computer's graphics capabilities to make the program easier to use. Well-designed graphical user interfaces can free the user from learning complex command languages. For example, Windows.

H

homepage: Usually the first page you see when you access a Website, a homepage has hypertext links to other pages on the same server or to other Web servers. It has a unique address (URL) on the World Wide Web.

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): The programming language used to create documents for display on the World Wide Web.

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): The set of rules and standards that govern how information is transmitted on the World Wide Web.

hub: A network device that connects communication lines together.

hyperlink A hyperlink (also called a link), are usually underlined. In some Web browsers, when you move your mouse over a hyperlink, the mouse arrow will turn into a pointing finger, which means you can click that link.

I

indexes: A search engine "indexes" your page when it adds you to its database/index. Normally you get added to these indexes by specifically requesting to be added on the engine's submission page.

information architecture: A description or design specification for how information should be treated and organized. In Web design, the term describes the organization of online content into categories and the creation of an interface for displaying those categories.

infrastructure: The underlying mechanism or framework of a system. The infrastructure includes the means by which voice, video, and data can be transferred from one site to another and be processed.

Instant Messenger (IM): Software that lists users' selected "buddies" (friends, family, co-workers, and etc.) who are online and enables users to send short text messages back and forth to them. Some Instant Messenger software also includes voice chat, file transfer, and other applications.

integration: Combining hardware, software components together to work as an interoperable system. The process of integration may also include front-end planning and strategy.

interactive media: Allows for a two-way interaction or exchange of information.

Internet: An international network first begun by the US government as DARPA-NET. The Internet now provides communication and application services to an international base of businesses, educational institutions, governments, individuals and research organizations.

Internet Explorer (IE): Browser software that enables users to view Web pages.

interoperability: The ability of hardware or software components to work together effectively.

Intranet: A LAN or WAN that's owned by a company and is only accessible to people working internally. It is protected from outside intrusion by a combination of firewalls and other security measures.

Image optimization: Image optimization reduces the file size of an image or graphic, while maintaining the integrity/look of the image.

IP Address or IP Number: A unique number consisting of 4 parts separated by dots. For example, the IP address for the server hosting this site is 64.71.185.200 An IP Number also has a Domain Name that make it easy for humans to remember, e.g. 1stsitefree.com. All devices connected to the Internet have an IP address. Find your IP address

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network): A telecommunications standard enabling communications channels to carry voice, video, and data simultaneously.

ISP (Internet Service Provider): A hosting company that provides end user access to such Internet services as e-mail, the World Wide Web, FTP, newsgroups, etc.

Information Technology (IT): The broad subject concerned with all aspects of managing and processing information, especially within a large organization or company. Because computers are central to information management, computer departments within companies and universities are often called IT departments. Some companies refer to this department as IS (Information Services) or MIS (Management Information Services).

J

Java™: An object-oriented programming language developed by Sun Microsystems. Java isn't dependent on specific hardware and can be launched from within an HTML document or stand- alone.

Java™ applet: A small Java™ program launched through a browser. See applet

JavaScript: JavaScript is a programming language that is used in Web pages, to add features that make it more interactive. When JavaScript is included in an HTML file it relies upon the browser to interpret the JavaScript. When JavaScript is combined with Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and later versions of HTML 4.0, it is often called DHTML. JavaScript and Java are two different programming languages. JavaScript is supported by Netscape and Microsoft, though Internet Explorer supports only a subset, which Microsoft calls Jscript.

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): A format for image compression that enables the user to weigh image quality against file size. JPEG images are not limited to a certain amount of color, like GIF images are. Therefore, the JPEG format is best for compressing photographic images. See About JPEG for additional information.

K

KB (kilobyte): Is a measure of computer memory or storage. A kilobyte (KB) is approximately a 1,000 bytes. But, precisely a kilobyte is equal to 1,024 bytes.

Kbps (Kilobits per second): Measurement of data transmission speed in a communication system. The number of kilobits transmitted or received each second.

Keyword Density: Keyword density. The ratio of a keyword or keyphrase to the total words on a page. A critical aspect of search engine optimization, to rank highly your keyword density must not be too high or too low. A keyword density between 4% and 8% is considered good, to get recognized by the search engines try not to exceed this. Remember, this rule applies to every page on your site. Make sure however, that your keyword density is not more than 8%.

L

LAN (Local Area Network): A group of personal computers and/or other devices, such as printers or servers, that are located in a relatively limited area, such as an office, and can communicate and share information with each other.

link: HTML markup signifying to a browser that data within a document will automatically connect with either nested data or an outside source.

Listserv: A form of one-to-many communication using e-mail; a software program for automating mailing lists and discussion groups on a computer network.

Log in/Log on: To establish a connection over a network or modem with a remote computer to retrieve or exchange information.

Log off: To terminate a connection to a computer or network.

lurking: Reading the postings in a discussion forum or on a listserv but not contributing to the discussion.

M

maintain: To keep up to date or current; to keep at a given level of working condition.

markup: Text and codes added to a document to convey information about it. Usually used to formulate a document's layout or create links to other documents or information servers. HTML is a common form of markup.

MB (megabyte): 1,048,576 bytes, often generically applied to 1,000,000 bytes as well.

Mbps (Megabits per second): A measurement of data transmission speed in a communication system; the number of megabits transmitted or received each second.

meta data: Information about content that enables it to be stored in and retrieved from a database.

Meta Tag: An HTML tag identifying the contents of a Website. Information commonly found in Meta Tags includes search engines description and key words for the Web page.

Microwave: Electromagnetic waves that travel in a straight line and are used to and from satellites and for short distances up to 30 miles.

modem: A device that enables computers to interact with each other via telephone lines by converting digital signals to analog for transmitting and back to digital for receiving.

MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group): 1) A high-quality audio and video file format that uses compression to keep file sizes relatively small. 2) Moving Picture Experts Group is a working group of ISO/IEC in charge of the development of standards for coded representation of digital audio and video.

MP3: A format for music file compression that enables users to download music over the Internet.

multimedia: Encompasses interactive text, images, sound, and color. Multimedia can be anything from a simple PowerPoint slide slow to WebVideo.

N

narrowband: 1) In data transmission, a limited range of frequencies. 2) More specifically, a network in which data transmission speeds range from 50 Bps to 64 Kbps. See also broadband.

navigation: Finding your way from page to page on the World Wide Web.

navigation bar (Nav-bar): A collection of text (or graphics) and hyperlinks to pages that are part of the same Website.

nesting: Placing documents within other documents. Allows a user to access material in a nonlinear fashion, the primary requirement for developing hypertext.

Netiquette: Online manners. The rules of conduct for Internet users. See Netiquette for additional information.

Netscape Navigator: Browser software that enables users to view Web pages.

network: Two or more computers that are connected so users can share files and devices (for example, printers, servers, and storage devices).

newbie: A beginner. All of today's experts began as a newbie once.

O

online: The state in which a computer is connected to another computer or server via a network. A computer communicating with another computer.

online community: A meeting place for people on the Internet. Designed to facilitate interaction and collaboration among people who share common interests and needs. Online communities can be open to all or by membership only and may or may not offer moderator tools.

online learning: Learning delivered by Web-based or Internet-based technologies. See Web-based training and Internet-based training.

online training: Web- or Internet-based training.

open source software: 1) Generally, software for which the original program instructions, the source code, is made available so that users can access, modify, and redistribute it. The Linux operating system is an example of open source software. 2) Software that meets each of nine requirements listed by the non-profit Open Source Initiative in its Open Source Definition.

Optimizing an image: Optimizing an image is essentially reducing the file size of a graphic or picture, so it loads on a Webpage as quickly as possible.

P

packet: A bundle of data transmitted over a network. Packets have no set size; they can range from one character to hundreds of characters.

PDA (Personal Digital Assistant): Handheld computer device used to organize personal information such as contacts, schedules, etc. Data can usually be transferred to a desktop computer by cable or wireless transmission.

PDF (Portable Document Format): File format developed by Adobe Systems to enable users of any hardware or software platform to view documents exactly as they were created--with fonts, images, links, and layouts as they were originally designed. PDF files usually end with a .PDF extension.

Perl (Practical Extraction and Report Language): A programming language designed for processing text. Because of its strong text processing abilities, Perl has become one of the most popular languages for writing CGI scripts.

personalization: Tailoring Web content to an individual user. Can also be accomplished by a user entering preferences or by a computer guessing about the user's preferences.

pixel: Pixel stands for picture element. The display on a monitor is made up of a collection of dots called pixels. For monochrome screens, a pixel contains one dot. For color displays, a pixel contains three dots (red, green, and blue). By varying the intensity of the dots, you can display up to 256 shades of gray or millions of colors.

plug-and-play: The ability of a personal computer's operating system to recognize and install-- with little to no intervention by the user--new peripheral devices that are added to the computer. Also spelled plug-n-play or plug 'n' play.

plug-in: An accessory program that adds capabilities to the main program. Used on Web pages to display multimedia content.

PNG (Portable Network Graphics): PNG was created to both improve upon and replace the GIF format with an image file format that does not require a patent license to use. PNG is pronounced "ping". For additional information on the PNG format see PNG format.

Podcast. Podcast is a multimedia, such as audio or video, distributed via RSS, over the Internet using syndication feeds for playback on mobile devices and personal computers. The host or author of a podcast is often called a podcaster.

point-to-multipoint: Transmission between multiple locations using a bridge.

point-to-point: Transmission between two locations.

POP (Post Office Protocol): The set of rules and standards that govern the retrieval of e-mail messages from a mail server.

portal: A Website that acts as a doorway to the Internet or a portion of the Internet, targeted towards one particular subject.

post: To place a message in a public message forum. Also, to place an HTML page on the World Wide Web.

power users: Advanced, sophisticated users of technology (usually a computer application or an operating system) who know more than just the basics needed to operate it.

program: Computer software, also called an application. An organized list of instructions that, when executed, causes the computer to behave in a predetermined manner. Without programs, computers are useless.

programming language: A vocabulary and set of grammatical rules for instructing a computer to perform specific tasks.

promote: Any form of advertising which brings visitors (traffic) to a Website. This can include being listed in search engines, exchanging links and other types of marketing.

protocol: A formal set of standards, rules, or formats for exchanging data that assures uniformity between computers and applications.

pull: On the WWW (World Wide Web), the technology whereby people use software such as a Web browser to locate and "pull down" information for themselves. See also push technology.

push: On the WWW (World Wide Web), the technology whereby information is sent directly to a user's computer without the user requesting it. See also pull technology.

Q

query: To search by a user on a search engine.

P

packet: A bundle of data transmitted over a network. Packets have no set size; they can range from one character to hundreds of characters.

PDA (Personal Digital Assistant): Handheld computer device used to organize personal information such as contacts, schedules, etc. Data can usually be transferred to a desktop computer by cable or wireless transmission.

PDF (Portable Document Format): File format developed by Adobe Systems to enable users of any hardware or software platform to view documents exactly as they were created--with fonts, images, links, and layouts as they were originally designed. PDF files usually end with a .PDF extension.

Perl (Practical Extraction and Report Language): A programming language designed for processing text. Because of its strong text processing abilities, Perl has become one of the most popular languages for writing CGI scripts.

personalize: Tailoring Web content to an individual user. Can also be accomplished by a user entering preferences or by a computer guessing about the user's preferences.

plug-and-play: The ability of a personal computer's operating system to recognize and install-- with little to no intervention by the user--new peripheral devices that are added to the computer. Also spelled plug-n-play or plug 'n' play.

PNG (Portable Network Graphics): The patent-free graphics compression format developed by Macromedia expected to replace GIF. PNG offers advanced graphics features such as 48-bit color.

POP (Post Office Protocol): The set of rules and standards that govern the retrieval of e-mail messages from a mail server.

portal: A Website that acts as a doorway to the Internet or a portion of the Internet, targeted towards one particular subject.

post: To place a message in a public message forum. Also, to place an HTML page on the World Wide Web.

program: Computer software, also called an application. An organized list of instructions that, when executed, causes the computer to behave in a predetermined manner. Without programs, computers are useless.

programming language: A vocabulary and set of grammatical rules for instructing a computer to perform specific tasks.

promote: Any form of advertising which brings visitors (traffic) to a Website. This can include being listed in search engines, exchanging links and other types of marketing.

protocol: A formal set of standards, rules, or formats for exchanging data that assures uniformity between computers and applications.

pull: On the WWW (World Wide Web), the technology whereby people use software such as a Web browser to locate and "pull down" information for themselves. See also push technology.

push: On the WWW (World Wide Web), the technology whereby information is sent directly to a user's computer without the user requesting it. See also pull technology.

R

RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage built into a computer system that functions as a "workspace" for data and program instructions.

research: Research is used to describe a collection of information about a particular subject, and is usually associated with science and the scientific method.

resolution: The clarity of the image on the video display screen.

ROI (Return On Investment): Generally, a ratio of the benefit or profit received from a given investment to the cost of the investment itself.

RSS (Rich Site Summary): RSS is a family of web feed formats used to publish frequently updated digital content, such as blogs, news feeds or podcasts. Users of RSS content use programs called feed 'readers' or 'aggregators': the user 'subscribes' to a feed by supplying a link to that feed to their reader; the reader can then check the user's subscribed feeds to see if any of those feeds have new content, and if so, retrieve that content and present it to the user.

S

scanner: A device that converts a printed page or image into an digital representation that can be viewed and manipulated on a computer.

schema: 1) A relatively simple textual description or representation of the internal structure of a database, including table names, element names, and relationships between elements. 2) One of several new entities that define the structure and content parameters for XML documents.

screen reader: Computer software that speaks text on the screen. Often used by individuals who are visually impaired.

script: A program or set of instructions not carried out by the computer processor but by another program. Code is interpreted at run time rather than being stored in executable format.

scroll: To move text and images on a computer screen in a constant direction--down, up, right, or left.

Section 508: The section of the 1998 Rehabilitation Act that states that all electronic and information technology procured, used, or developed by the federal government after June 25, 2001, must be accessible to people with disabilities. Affected technology includes hardware such as copiers, fax machines, telephones, and other electronic devices as well as application software and Web sites. See www.section508.gov.

serial bus: A communications method where data is sent along a path, one bit at a time (as in a series).

serial port: A connection point for peripheral devices to be attached to a computer, through which data transmission occurs one bit at a time.

server: A computer which is designed to generate information for connected users (client). In the context of the World Wide Web, this refers to a Website that delivers Web pages to users.

shareware: Most shareware is delivered free of charge, but the author usually requests that you pay a fee if you like the program and use it regularly. By paying the requested fee, you become registered with the producer so that you can receive service assistance and updates. You can copy shareware and pass it along to friends and colleagues, but they too are expected to pay a fee if they use the product.

Sitemap: A sitemap is a collection of hyperlinks that outlines a Website's structure. It can be created manually or through an automated process.

software: A set of instructions that tell a computer what to do; a program.

source code: Program instructions written by a software developer and later translated (usually by a compiler) into machine language that a computer can understand.

Spam: 1) Junk e-mail that is sent, unsolicited and in bulk, to advertise products or services or publicize a message. 2) To send unsolicited bulk e-mail to advertise products or services or publicize a message.

SQL (Structured Query Language): A standardized query language for requesting information from a database and updating entries.

storyboad: A sketch used to plan a Website showing the basic navigation structure and arrangement of Web pages. Much like a storyboard used to plan of a comic strip or film.

Streaming Media (Streaming Audio or Video): Audio or video files played as they are being downloaded over the Internet instead of users having to wait for the entire file to download first. Requires a media player program.

style sheets: On the Web, style sheets specify how a document should appear. Standardizing such elements as fonts, colors, spacing to Web documents. Style sheets can help ensure consistency across Web pages. HTML coding can override the sheets. Also see CSS.

system requirements: Goals that a computer system should meet. Most software development models require requirements to be explicitly and completely articulated prior to the system design. The implemented system is then evaluated in terms of whether it meets the requirements. Some requirements may only surface during the use of the system.

T

T-1: High-speed digital data channel that is a high-volume carrier of voice and/or data. Often used for compressed video teleconferencing. T-1 has 24 voice channels.

T-3: A digital channel that communicates at a significantly faster rate than T-1.

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): TCP monitors and ensures correct transfer of data.

TCP/IP: A combined set of protocols that performs the transfer of data between two computers. TCP/IP is also used as a name for protocol suite that incorporates these functions and others. It makes possible the interconnection of a variety of hardware platforms.

Telecommunication: The science of information transport using wire, radio, optical, or electromagnetic channels to transmit receive signals for data or voice communications using electrical means.

Telecommuting: Working at home but connecting to one's office by way of a computer network.

Teleconferencing: Two-way electronic communication between two or more groups in separate locations via audio, video, and/or computer systems.

Telnet: A utility that enables a user to log onto a computer or server and access its information remotely, for example, from home or a work location in the field.

template: A predefined set of tools or forms that establishes the structure and settings necessary to quickly create content.

thread: 1) A path of execution in a program. Each application has at least one thread executing it, although it is possible to have more than one thread in the same instance of a program. 2) A series of messages on a particular topic posted in a discussion forum.

touch screen: An input device used to simplify user input and response. The user touches the screen to control the output, working with menus or multiple-choice decision points. Allows some simulation of hands-on training; for example, pointing to parts on a machine.

transparent: 1) An action run by a program that is done without user intervention. 2) In web graphics, an image whose background takes on the background of the window it is placed in.

Trojan horse: Like the Trojan horse of mythology, Trojan horse viruses pretend to be one thing when in fact they are something else. Typically, Trojan horses take the form of a game that deletes files.

tutorial: Step-by-step instructions presented through computer or Web-based technology, designed to teach a user how to complete a particular action.

U

upload: To send a file from one computer or server to another. Also see Download.

URI (Uniform Resource Identifier): Name and address of information (text, graphics, audio, video,etc.) on the Internet. A URI usually identifies the application used to access the resource, the machine the resource is located on, and the file name of the resource. A Web page address or URL is the most commonly used type of URI.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator): The address of a page on the World Wide Web. For example, the URL for this Web page is:
http://www.1stsitefree.com/glossary.htm.

usability: The quality of designing a Website or application that addresses how easily users can accomplish specific tasks.

V

validation (test): The process of checking your documents against the formal standard published by the Worldwide Web Consortium (W3C). Various free validation services can analyze Web pages and style sheets for errors in your code, check for accessibility issues, verify your hyperlinks and identify spelling errors.

Virtual community: See online community.

virus: A program or piece of computer code that's loaded onto your PC and runs without your knowledge. Viruses can replicate themselves. Even a simple virus is dangerous because it will quickly use all available memory and bring the system to a halt. An even more dangerous type of virus is one capable of transmitting itself across the Internet. All viruses are man-made.

Virus detection program: A software program to detect, diagnose, and destroy computer viruses.

W

W3C (World Wide Web Consortium): An organization developing interoperable technologies (specifications, guidelines, software, and tools) to lead the Web to its full potential. See the W3C Website.

WAI (Web Accessibility Initiative): Guidelines on how to make Web content accessible to people with disabilities. These guidelines are intended for all Web content developers (page authors and site designers) and for developers of authoring tools. See also, Section 508.

WAP (Wireless Application Protocol): Specification that allows Internet content to be read by wireless devices.

Web Blog: Refers to a Webpage which is published by either an individual or a group of individuals. Also called Blogs, are commonly personal journals/diaries and are used to comment on all sorts of topics depending on the interests of the blogger (author). A Blog is usually updated frequently (monthly, weekly or even daily), it all depends on the blogger. Most Blogs enable the visitors to post comments and/or suggestions allowing interactivity between the blogger and the visitors.

Web hosting: Is the essentially the placement of your Website onto the Internet through a server. Once your site is on a server, anyone with Internet access can look at your Website - from anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day.

Webmaster (or Webmistress for females): A person responsible for designing, developing, marketing, or maintaining Website(s).

Web page: A document on the World Wide Web. Every Web page is identified by a unique URL (Uniform Resource Locator) and viewed with a browser.

Website plan: Identify your intended audience; define the purpose of your site; create a draft for each Web page; specify your start date and update frequency; and select a host.

Web server: A computer that provides World Wide Web services on the Internet. It includes hardware, operating system, Web server software, TCP/IP protocols and the Website content (Web pages). Also called a host.

Website: A set of files stored on the World Wide Web and viewed with a browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. A Website has more than one Web page.

WML (Wireless Markup Language): XML-based language that allows a reduced version of Web pages' text to be displayed on cellular phones and personal digital assistants.

workstation: 1) A device, often a microcomputer, that serves as an interface between a user and a file server or host computer. 2) More generally, a computer or a computer terminal.

Worm: A computer virus that replicates itself many times over for the purpose of consuming system resources, eventually shutting down a computer or server. This type of virus is most often directed at mail servers such as Microsoft Exchange and is usually unleashed when an unsuspecting user opens an e-mail attachment.

WWW (World Wide Web): A graphical hypertext based Internet tool that provides access to Web pages created by individuals, businesses, and other organizations.

WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get): Pronounced "wizzy wig," a WYSIWYG program allows designers to see text and graphics on screen exactly as they will appear when printed out or published online, rather than in programming code.

X

XML (Extensible Markup Language): The next-generation Web page coding language that allows site designers to program their own markup commands, which can then be used as if they were standard HTML commands.

Y

YModem: A protocol for transferring data via modem that incorporates error correction by introducting a batch mode; multiple files can be transferred at once using a single command.

Z

ZIP file: 1) Files that have been compressed with the ZIP format are called ZIP files and usually end with a .ZIP extension. 2) A compressed file with the .EXE extension that is self-extracting (can be unzipped simply by opening it).

Zip drive: An external data storage device that reads Zip disks.

Zip disk: A portable disk (not floppy) that stores 100MB or 250MB of information. It was made by Iomega and is now considered a standard for large portable storage. There are many other storage formats but the ZIP disk is the most common. Zip disk has nothing to do with a "zipped file".

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