Glossary

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Glossary & WWW Related Terms

The Internet as we know it has been in existence for less than twenty years, and in that time it has given birth to a host of terms, abbreviations and slang words. Add this to the computer jargon which was already around when the Internet was being formed, and the terms that came along with the World Wide Web, and what you end up with is a formidable lexicon. It may seem that you're expected to be fluent in this language before even getting started, but that's not really true. A working knowlege of the basics is sufficient. The following is a short list of useful terms, acronyms and slang to get you started in becoming Net-literate.

Account:	An allocation of access and privileges given to a user of a computer system.
Address:	On the Internet a unique name or number combination which identifies a user or system. Ex: "fozz@xmission.com" is the address of a user known as fozz. "xmission.com" is the address of the system called Xmission.
Anchor:	See Link, below.
Archie:	A database of anonymous FTP sites and files. Useful for finding files of a specified type which are available via FTP.
ASCII:	American Standard Code for Information Interchange. The standard character set in which normal text is stored on computers.
Baud:	See BPS, below.
BBS:	See Bulletin Board System, below.
Bit:	A single unit of computer memory or storage. A single "1" or "0" arranged with other bits to form meaningful data.
Bookmark:	In a Web browser, a time-saving device that stores the URL of a Web site for quick access.
BPS:	Bits Per Second. used to denote the speed of data transfer. Used interchangable with "baud" in most cases.
Browse, browsing:	Looking through documents or other information on the World Wide Web.
Browser:	A client program (such as Mosaic or Netscape) used for accessing the World Wide Web.
BTW:	Net shorthand for By The Way. Ex: "BTW, the Alpine Project is not going well."
Bulletin Board System (BBS):	Network system which offers file sharing, messaging and other services to its users.
Byte:	8 bits, a common measure of computer memory or storage.
Call For Votes (CFV):	The announcement of a Usenet News poll or petition regarding a new newsgroup or changes in an existing area of News.
Case-sensitive, case-sensitivity:	A situation where upper and lower case characters are interpreted differently. If a command or address is not case-sensitive, it means that case does not matter.
CFV:	See Call for Votes, above.
Chat:	In general, refers to talking casually across the Net, but also may refer specifically to Chat, a program which allows users to text-talk in real time.
Client:	In a client-server model, the client is a computer or a program which obtains raw data from the server and prepares it for presentation.
.com:	In an Internet address, a domain supported by a commercial organization. Ex: "netfx.com" is a commercial system.
CPU:	Central Processing Unit. the processing hardware of a computer, sometimes called the the brain of a computer.
Data:	A generic computer term meaning digital information readable by a computer.
Default:	A pre-set choice or option. The way something will automaticlly work unless set differently.
DIR, dir:	A common computer command used to view the contents of a directory. Also, shorthand for the word "directory."
Directory:	A computer storage area where files or sub-directories may reside.
Domain, top-level:	The right-most part of an Internet address, indicating the type and/or location of a user or system. Ex: In the address "slizz@cc.usu.edu," .edu is the top level domain - an educational domain in this case and usu.edu is the full domain name.
Domain name:	The specific and general elements which make up an Internet address. In general, a domain name is a portion of an Internet address which follows the "@" symbol.
DOS:	See MS-DOS, below.
Download, downloading:	Taking data from a network location (such as a Web page) and saving it to a local computer system (such as your own personal computer). The opposite of uploading.
E-mail, email:	Net slang for electronic mail. Generally refers to messages delivered from one user, through a network system, to another user.
Editor:	A program which allows the user the create or alter the contents of a file. The most common kind of editor is the text editor, also known as a word processor. Examples include WordPerfect, MS-Word and vi.
.edu:	In an Internet address, indicates a domain supported by an educational organization, usually a college or university. Ex: "usu.edu" is an educational system.
.EXE:	A file extension given to files which are executable. That is, files which run programs.
Extension:	The part of a filename, usually the last part, which identifies the file type. Ex: In the file alpine.txt, ".txt" is the file extension. In this case, it's a text a text file. In HTML, markup elements which are added to the collection of standard elements (i.e. Netscape extensions).
FAQ, FAQL:	Net shorthand for Frequently Asked Questions (List). A list of answers to the most-asked questions on an area of the Net, posted so that new users or subscribers will avoid asking questions which have been asked and answered many times before.
File:	A grouping of data which works together to form a document, program or other computer resource.
File protection:	The characteristics of a network file which define full, partial or no access by other users.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP):	A program used to move files between storage areas on a network.
Finger:	A utility (and the command therefor) which displays information about a user, system or both. This information may include last login-time, personal information and system location.
Flame:	Net slang for an inflammatory or insulting message. A flame war is an extended exchange of insults between users.
Folder:	A directory, or storage area, containing files or other folders.
FTP:	See File Transfer Protocol, above.
FTP site:	A location on the Internet or other network where files are stored and available for transfer.
FYI:	Net shorthand for For Your Information.
GIF, .gif:	Graphic Interchange Format. A file (or the file extension) which, when viewed with the appropriate reader, displays graphics.
Gopher:	A menu-driven interface for Internet services.
.gov:	In an Internet address, a domain which is supported by a government organization. Ex: "nasa.gov" is a government system.
Handle:	Net slang for a nickname used on a network system. Can be simply a user's first name or something more cryptic, such as BeoPunkCyberWulf (snicker).
Homepage, home page:	A World Wide Web resource or collection of resources, viewable at a single WWW location.
Host, host name:	In an Internet address, the right-most element referring to a computer system. Ex: In the address "alex@presscott.org" the host name is "presscott."
HTML:	See HyperText Markup Language, below.
HTTP:	See HyperText Transport Protocol, below.
HyperText:	The concept of documents in depth, or documents which reference others in a point-and-click environment.
HyperText Markup Language (HTML):	The editing code used to create linked (HyperText) documents on the World Wide Web, such as home pages.
HyperText Transport Protocol:	The protocol used to move from site to site on the World Wide Web.
IMO, IMHO, IMVHO:	Net shorthand for In My (Very Humble) Opinion. On the Internet, used to qualify a statement as personal opinion. Ex: "The Alpine Project, IMO, is stupid and boring."
IANA*:	Net shorthand for I-Am-Not-A (something). A semi-sarcastic qualifier for non-professional opinions. Ex: "Well, IANA psychiatrist, but I think you're crazy if you don't finish that project."
Internet (the):	A network made up of thousands of wide-area networks which reaches around the world, linking governments, businesses, schools and other organizations. By far the largest computer network in the world.
Internet Protocol:	The structure of communications language with which data is transfered across the Internet. Often grouped with Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) to form TCP/IP.
Internet Relay Chat (IRC):	A CB radio-like system which utilizes channels to exchange short messages between users.
Internet addresss:	See Address, above.
IP:	See Internet Protocol, above.
IRC:	See Internet Relay Chat, above.
JPEG, .jpg:	("jay-peg") Joint Photographic Experts Group. A committee which developed a standard for compression of graphic files. Also the file extension for files using such compression.
KB:	See Kilobyte, below.
Kbyte:	See kilobyte, below.
Kermit:	A file transfer protocol used widely in moving files and data between computers of different types.
Kilobyte (Kbyte, KB, K):	1,024 bytes; a common measure of computer memory or storage.
Link:	In a World Wide Web document, a connection to another document or recource, usually activated with a mouse click.
Log (on or off):	The act of (or command for) begining or ending a session on a computer system.
LOL:	Net shorthand for Laughing Out Loud, meaning that something is funny or unbelievable. Ex: "He said the Alpine project was essential to the company's success. LOL!"
Macro:	A time-saving method of grouping many commands under a single keystroke or short combination of keystrokes.
Mail:	On an network system, mail is used interchangably with e-mail.
Mailing list:	An e-mail system which distributes topical messages to interested users.
Mainframe:	A computer which can serve many tasks and store immense amounts of data. However, mainframe usage is giving way to micro- and minicomputers.
MB:	See megabyte, below.
Meg:	See megabyte, below.
Megabyte (meg, MB, M):	1,048,576 bytes; a common measure of computer memory or storage.
Microcomputer:	In general, a personal computer; a computer used by a single user.
.mil:	In an Internet address, a domain supported by a military organization.
Minicomputer:	A multi-user computer system; usually larger and more complex than a microcomputer.
Modem:	Modulator-demodulator. A hardware device which enables a computer to communicate with other systems using audio signals, often over telephone lines.
Mosaic:	A popular World Wide Web browser created by NCSA.
MSG, msg:	Net shorthand for message. Ex: "Thanks for the msg about the Alpine project. I'll work on it tomorrow."
MS-DOS:	Microsoft Disk Operating System. A text-based, command line operating system for use with IBM-compatible computers.
MUD, MUSE, MUSH:	Multi-User Dimension (and variants); virtual environments in which users can socialize, communcate and role-play.
NCSA:
Net, (the):	Short for the Internet.
Netiquette:	The body of traditions and rules which informally govern behavior on the Internet.
Netscape:	The Netscape Navigator, A popular World Wide Web browser, or the company Netscape Communications, Inc., a California-based software company.
Net surf, net surfing:	See surf, below.
Network:	A generic term referring to computers connected together for the purposes of communicating and data sharing.
News, (the):	Net shorthand for Usenet News, a huge network of discussion groups.
Newsgroup:	A topical discussion area within Usenet News.
News item:	A message, or post, sent to a Usenet Newsgroup.
Ob:	Net slang for Obligatory mention. Used when a message or post strays from the specified topic (such as in News) and the writer feels compelled to to make mention of the topic.
OBO:	Net shorthand for Or Best Offer.
OIC:	Net shorthand for Oh, I See; indicating understanding.
Online, on-line:	Said of information, services and/or users which are accessible from or using the Internet or other network. Ex: "We can't put the Alpine project online until you finish the proposal."
Operating system:	A generic term for the software package that manages data on a computer.
.org:	In an Internet address, a domain that is supported by an organization which is not commercial, educational or governmental. A domain which is considered miscellaneous.
OTF:	Net shorthand for On The Floor. Indicates something was very funny, or perhaps shocking. Ex: "You got fired over that stupid Alpine thing!? OTF."
OTOH:	Net shorthand for On The Other Hand. Used when considering another side of an issue. Ex: "I can see why you think Alpine is a joke. OTOH, your boss ordered you to do it."
Packet:	A small bundle of data into which larger data groups are seperated for transport across the Internet.
Page:	See home page, above.
PGP:	See Pretty Good Privacy, below.
Plan, .plan:	Originally, a file containing a user's work project or academic major, now used to append any personal information onto a Finger profile.
Point-and-click:	Said of a computer environment or situation in which selections are made by mouse click.
Point your browser at:	Net shorthand for reference the following URL. Ex: "For more information on pie-charts, point your browser at http://piecharts.com/~help/"
Post:	As a verb, to send a message to a Newsgroup other discussion group. As a noun, a message sent to such a group.
PPP:	Point to Point Protocol. A data communications standard for transmitting network information, often over serial/modem connections.
Pretty Good Privacy (PGP):	An encryption system which makes data sent on the Internet secure from unauthorized access.
Query:	In the context of a data search, a request for information based on a string or keyword. In general, a request or question.
Queue:	A waiting list for computer jobs needing storage, printing or other processing. Or, the act of getting into a waiting list.
QWERTY:	Refers to the standard typing keyboard, upon which the first six letters, just below the number line, are Q-W-E-R-T-Y.
RE, Re, re:	Net shorthand for REply or in REference to. Ex: "RE: That damn Alpine project."
Resource:	On the Internet or World Wide Web, a service of some sort in which information is made accessible to Internet users. Ex: "Gopher is a valuable resource."
ROTF, ROTFL:	Net shorthand for Rolling On The Floor (Laughing). Used to indicate something was very amusing. Ex: "The funny thing is, the Alpine project was my own idea! ROTFL!"
RTFM:	Net shorthand for Read The (explicative) Manual. A curt reply to a query which could have been answered by reading instructions.
Scheme:	In a URL, the first component, which identifies the type of service to be used with the specified host. Ex: The URL "gopher://gopher.cs.utah.edu/" is a Gopher service.
Server:	In a client-server model, the computer program which delivers requested raw data to clients.
Signature, sig:	A file used to personalize a message or post. Usually appended to the end of the message and usually containing an Internet address or URL.
Site:	A virtual location, on the Internet or other network, where services are offered or information stored.
SLIP:	Serial Line Internet Protocol. A data communications standard for transmitting Internet network information over a serial/modem line.
Spam:	Net slang for inane or generally undesireable information on the Internet; usually refers to commercial or "junk e-mail."
STN:	Net shorthand for Signal-To-Noise. Refers to the amount of signal (good information) as compared to the amount of noise (bad information) in an area of the Internet.
Subdirectory:	A directory within a directory.
Surf, surfing:	Net slang for exploring or browsing the Internet, especially for recreational purposes.
Syntax:	The rules which govern the arrangement of words or characters in computer commands.
Talk:	A program which allows real-time communication, or text-talk, between users. Generally refers to any such program.
TCP:	See Transfer Control Protocol, below.
TCP/IP:	Protocols (TCP and IP) which enable different networks to work together on the Internet in such functions as file transfers, remote logins and e-mail.
Telnet:	An emulation protocol which enables users to logon to a remote system over a network.
Text, text file:	ASCII characters or a file which contains only text (letters and numbers). Also denoted as txt.
Text-talk:	Communicating with a user in text, usually in real time. That is, bother users see the keystrokes of the other as they're typed.
Thread:	A series of related messages where the later messages are followups to to earlier ones.
TIA:	Net shorthand for Thanks In Advance. A courteous salutation used when making a request. Ex: "I need help with the pie charts for the Alpine project. Can you give me a hand? TIA." Also The Internet Adapter, a SLIP/PPP alternative which allows network information to be transmitted over a serial/modem line.
Top-level domain:	See domain, top-level, above.
Transfer Control Protocol (TCP):	Component of the TCP/IP protocol which increases effeciency of data transfer on the Internet.
TTFN:	Net shorthand for Ta Ta For Now. An informal parting salutaion.
TXT, .TXT:	See text, above.
Unix, Ultrix:	A multi-user operating system widely used on the Internet. Ultrix is DEC's version of Unix.
Universal Resource Locator:	A method for identifying and locating information on the World Wide Web with an address (i.e. http://www.yahoo.com/).
Upload, uploading:	Taking data from a local computer system (such as your own computer) and saving them to a location on the Internet or other network (such as an FTP site). The opposite of downloading.
URL:	See Universal Resource Locator, above.
Usenet:	A database shared between thousands of computers on the Internet, composed of newsgroups dedicated to different discussion topics.
Usenet News:	The newsgroups and messages which comprise Usenet.
Username:	A unique name or identification assigned to a user of a computer system. Sometimes used synonymously with address.
Virtual:	Said of something which exists only as computer data.
Virus:	An insidious program which can surreptitiously occupy space on a compyuter and damage data.
WAIS:
Web, (the):	See World Wide Web, below.
Web browser:	See browser, above.
World Wide Web (WWW):	A network of documents and recources linked to one another and viewable in a user-friendly, point-and-click HyperText environment.
WRT:	Net shorthand for With Respect To. Ex: "WRT to your request, I don't know anything about pie-charts. Ask Roy."
WWW:	See World Wide Web, above.
WYSIWIG:	("wizz-ee-wig") Computer shorthand for What You See Is What You Get, meaning that printouts will be identical to monitor output.
YA*:	Net shorthand for Yet Another (something). Used to indicated that the content of a message or post is the same as many others. Ex: "YA Request for the Alpine Project proposal."
Zip, .zip:	Refers to a file which has been zipped (compressed), or the act of zipping.