Definitions

A

 anchor: A portion of HTML code that identifies a specific document or a position (destination) inside a specific document. See also hyperlink

applet: A piece of computer software that requires an application with or within which to operate.

application: Computer software that can run under its own ability. Can be nearly any size.

B

 bookmark: A hyperlink name and URL that the user saves for future use in a bookmark list.

browser: Software that displays Web pages and uses hyperlinks to naviage the Web.

C

 cache: A temporary storage place for data, normally on a client (user's) system. The computer will store the data, so that it does not have to request new information. This is designed to cut down on the amount of information needed to be transfered over the connection. cascading style sheets (CSS): A layout and display system for Web pages, where the user can specify fonts and sizes, layouts, colors, and other viewing and printing parameters in one document. All other documents do not have to have the bgcolor, text, link, vlink, etc. attributes in the <body> tag. The documents call the cascading style sheet file, and the page(s) that call the css file take the properties set in the css file.

CGI: See common gateway interface

client: Generally the user, or person that's going to view a web page.

client-side: Applications, activities, or events that take place on the client computer, such as image maps or applets.

common gateway interface (CGI): A programming interface that recieves data from the user and acts on it. CGI programs exist on the server. CGI programs can return data to the user.

computer: A man-made machine designed to make life easier and help to finish tasks faster. The computer ended up being another appliance in the human life that just causes more problems than good.

cookie (1): Text stored in a browser that the server can retrieve. Cookies might contain information about the user: encoded passwords, user identification, etc.

cookie (2): A man-made confection with sugar, flour and baking soda. Can contain chocolate chips, peanut butter, and/or nuts.

D

 DNS: See Domain Name Service

domain name: A name for a business, government agency or organization expressed in wordlike form. There are domains for countries and six major organization domain types (.com, .edu, .org, .gov, .mil, and .net) When combined with a server name, they are translated by domain name services into a numeric IP address called the "dotted quad" (such as 127.0.0.1).

Domain Name Service (DNS): A computer that holds a cross-reference of domain names to their respective IP addresses ("dotted quad").

E

 embedded object: An object, such as an application, audio file, or illustration, that is included as part of a document.

entity: A character that has meaning to HTML (like <) or that cannot be typed on the keyboard (like á, © and þ). Displayed by typing an ampersand (&) and a string of letters or the numbersign (#) and a certain number. Go to this page to learn more.

F

 file transfer protocol (ftp): A protocol that involves remote login to a computer to exchange files over a TCP/IP connection. FTP usually requires a username and password, but can be used anonymously, depending on the computer being connected to.

firewall: software that is designed to prevent unauthorized users from entering an internal network. Used to protect sensitive data. form: Part of HTML that allows Web authors to put input fields on their pages, allowing feedback from the users.

frames (1): An extension to HTML that allos a sort of simultaneous hypertext.

frames (2): A piece of material that surrounds a painting, picture or poster. Used to accentuate art. Traditionally made of wood, is now made of various materials.

ftp: See file transfer protocol

G

 GIF: See Graphics Interchange Format

gopher: A method of accessing information on a remote computer. Consists of database browsing, document indexes, file transfer and Telnet.

Graphics Interchange Format (GIF): A method of image compression developed by CompuServe.

H

 head: A part of an HTML document that contains information about the document itself (ie. keywords, searchability, scripts, title).

host:The server.

HTML: See HyperText Markup Language

HTTP: See HypterText Transfer Protocol

hyperlink: A connection between a file and another file. See also anchor

hypertext: A system of relating points within and outside a text to each other nonlinearly. Allowing a user to go where he/she wishes (to a point).

HyperText Markup Language (HTML): The "Language of Web pages." HTML should, in theory, not make any references to the ultimate user's hardware.

HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP): A transfer protocol where data formats are transfered between a server and a client.

I

 image (IMG): A HTML tag to insert images into a HTML document.

image map: An image with areas that are hyperlinks.

integrated services digital network (ISDN): Communications for voice, data and video over standard phone lines at 128 kbps.

Internet: A worldwide network of computers in communication using agreed protocols.

Internet Protocol (IP): A network of connections using numerical (IP) addresses. Not necessarily directly connected. Information can be sent on an indirect path through a multiple networks.

Internet service provider (ISP): A company that offers a connection to the Internet.

IP address: The "dotted quad" (like 127.0.0.1). The IP address represents a unique computer connected to the Internet. Domain names are commonly assigned to an IP address, to make it easier to remember.

J

 Java: A programming language developed by Sun Microsystems that was designed to be a "universal" programming language. Java was designed to be able to work on any platform. Java is commonly seen in Web pages. Java programs are located on the server, and are compiled on the client compter, to avoid problems between platforms.

JavaScript: A scripting language very similar to Java. A scripting language is incorporated directly into a HTML document. It is located within the HTML code. An event driven scripting language.

Joint Photographic Experts Group Format (JPEG): A method of image compression.

JPEG: See Joint Photographic Experts Group Format

K

L

 link; See hyperlink

Linux: A UNIX based operating system. Developed as freewares. Many smaller Internet services run Linux, which is maintained by independent programmers. listserv: An automaded mailing list.

logical markup: The identification of a text's characteristics, content, and structure. Compare physical markup

M

 map: See image map

markup: The identification of a text's characteristics, content, structure, and presentation by use of language-like descriptions. An example would be HTML. see also logical markup, physical markup

MIDI: See Musical Instrument Digital Interface

MIME: See Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions

Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG): A standard for video and audio compression. Currently there are 3 MPEG standards, each with several "layers".

MouseOver: A JavaScript Event. See also JavaScript

MPEG: See Motion Picture Experts Group

multimedia: Commonly used to mean the integration of at least audio and video elements into a computer presentation.

Mulitpurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME): A method of encoding binary data for electronic mail transmission.

Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI): A platform independent specification of sonic parameters (note, volume, duration and controllers).

N

 navigate: The movement through the Web using hyperlinks.

Net: The thing that hangs below the Rim. See also Rim

nonlinear: The idea that the Web is based on. It is set up so that the path is not in a predefined order. It is exemplified by the Web's hyperlinks. An example of something linear would be a novel, it is read from the beginning to the end, with out skipping any thing or jumping to any random place. An example of something nonlinear would be a make-your-own-story book, it isn't read from the beginning to the end, the reader (user) chooses where he/she goes.

O

P

 page: A HTML document with a single URL.

parse: To examine raw code or markup to determine whether errors are present, looking at structure, grammar and syntax.

password: A string of characters known only to a user and the system/application in use. Passwords are meant to keep information confidential.

path: The director and sub-directory system that "leads" to a specific document.

Perl: See Practical Extraction and Report Language.

physical markup: The markup of a document's persentation. Physical markup is a consistent with standard HTML practice in which it contributes to structure and meaning as identified in the typographical world.

pixel: The pixel is the basic element of a raster display (See raster graphics), represented as a dot containing intensity and color information.

platform: The combination of hardware (processor, memory, etc.) and software (operating system, applications, etc.) that makes up an individual computer. HTML strives for platform independence, because there are hundreds of platforms beyond DOS, Windows, Macintosh and UNIX.

platform independence: The ability of applications, data or programs to be used on any computer. Has not been fully achieved. HTML is an attempt at platform independence. So is Java.

plug-in: An application that extends a browser's capability to presnet advanced or custom content without changing browsers.

port: A entry point to a computer system. Can be a hardware or software port. The Internet deals largely with software ports.

Practical Extraction and Report Language (Perl): A programming language. Widely used for CGI.

protocol: A network communication standard. There are different protocols for different things. HTTP transmits HTML documents, FTP transmits files, TCP manages network traffic, IP handles data packets.

proxy gateway: A computer and software that pass data between an isolated computer and the outside world. They can be configured to pass only "safe" information to the client.

proxy server: A computer that stores and distributes documents it has obtained from other servers. Much like a local cache, but it's on a remote computer, typically one that is easily accessed by the client (their ISP). It keeps access costs down and frequently used documents close at hand.

pull: A client initiated action. A client request for information from a server.

push: A server initiated action. A server sending information, like a video screen refresh.

Q

R

 raster graphics: A method of drawing images by altering the intensity and color of an electron beam sweeping across video display terminal phosphors in a regular pattern of horizontal lnies - the raster.

Rim: See Net

S

 script: A written set of instructions for performing tasks. Used to save time, or make something more exciting. Scripting is a smaller "version" of a programming language that's used within documents (JavaScript).

scrolling: The movement of information on a screen horizontally and/or vertically. To a Web author, vertical scrolling is expected, but horizontal scrolling isn't.

search: To use Web tools to locate specific information on the Web.

Secured HyperText Transfer Protocol (SHTTP): An encrypted HTTP protocol connection. Used for transfering sensitive information, like credit card numbers.

security: The attempt to preserver privacy in data exchanges. Ususally calls for data encryption and user authentication.

server: The combination of computer, software and network connection that acts as a central location. The server acts on requests for resources such as Web pages, applications or other data. It is basically a remote computer.

server-side: Applications, activities, or events that take place on the server, where information and responses are processed.

ShockWave: A browser plug-in that allows for animation and sound.

SHTTP: See Secured HyperText Transfer Protocol

stream (1): A continuous flow of information.

stream (2): A flowing body of water.

streaming: The use of a data stream to present "time-based" content (Stock prices, Live video, Sports events, etc.) When streaming occurs, the client does not wait for the complete file to download before he/she starts to view/listen to the file. He/she views/listens to the file while it downloads.

structure: The organization of a document.

surf: To navigate the Web without desiring any specific information. Compare search

T

 table (1): An HTML tool used to present information in a database/spreadsheet format. It is also used as a presentation element.

table (2): A piece of furniture. Used normally to hold objects off of the ground (cups, plates, utinsels, magazines, etc.)

tag: Markup instruction in an HTML document. A tag exists with in angled brackets. It may contain a declaration, statement as well as attributes.

TCP: See Transport Control Protocol

TCP/IP: See Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol

Telnet: Login protocol to a remote computer. Enables a user to use a computer from a distance, including (but not limited to) manipulating files and executing applications.

template: A document/file that is made generically, so it can be "customized" and saved with another name. Useful when a Web designer makes many HTML documents that are similar.

terminal: The user end of a network. Usually a display and a keyboard.

Transport Control Protocol (TCP): A connection that is established between a client and server. Data that is transmitted is broken down into packets which are addressed to the receiving computer along with re-assembly information.

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP): The client/server connection and data transfer (TCP) combined with network connection system (IP) used on the Internet.

U

 Uniform Resource Citation (URC): Attributes that describe an object's characteristics (size, origin, authorship, copyright, etc.).

Uniform Resource Identifier (URI): Set of identifications that encompasses URCs, URLs, and URNs.

Uniform Resource Locator (URL): The patch to a specific document on the Internet that consists of the protocol, an IP address or a domain name, a directory structure, and the filename.

Uniform Resource Name (URN): Any identifier other than the URL.

UNIX: An operating system, dating from the early 1970s.

Usenet: An informal collection of thens of thousands of thematic groups. Users post ASCII or binary messages that propagate from server to server, sometimes over a period of days.

username: A computer users's identification, nickname or "handle" for a specific site, application, connection or server. Combined with a password as a means of authentication.

V

 VBScript: Microsoft's entry into scripting language for Web sites. Microsoft's competition with Netscape and JavaScript.

Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML): Similar to HTML, in that it has hyperlinking. But VRML deals with things of the third dimension, lighting, shadow, viewpoints, backgrounds and the z-axis.

virus: An application (program) designed to hide inside digital information. It is usually an application or active library that remains outside of the control of the user. Viruses are normally destructive or mischievous. They are commonly self-replicating.

W

 W3C: See World Wide Web Consortium

WAIS: See wide area information service

Web: See World Wide Web

Web site: A group of Web pages (normally within one domain) and dealing with one person or theme.

wide area information service (WAIS): An early method of indexing and retrieving information on the Internet.

World Wide Web (WWW): The part of the Internet that implements the concept of nonlinear information exchange in hyperlinks. The WWW operates through the HTTP protocol.

World Wide Web Consortium (W3C): A consortium to develop common standards for teh Web. Members of the W3C propose standards and protocols.

WWW: See World Wide Web

X

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Z