Website Design Glossary

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

Access (Microsoft Access) A database system developed by Microsoft. Part of Microsoft Office Professional. Mostly used on low traffic web sites running on the Windows platform.
Microsoft Access (Access) A database system developed by Microsoft. Part of Microsoft Office Professional. Mostly used on low traffic web sites running on the Windows platform.
ActiveMovie A web technology for streaming movies from a web server to a web client. Developed by Microsoft.
ActiveX A programming interface (API) that allows web browsers to download and execute Windows programs. (See also Plug-In)
Address See Web Address.
AdSense Web advertising system provided by Google.
AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) The “art” of using JavaScript and XML to create interactive web applications. With Ajax, web applications can exchange data with a web server in the background (asynchronously) and update parts of a web page without reloading the page.
Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX) The “art” of using JavaScript and XML to create interactive web applications. With Ajax, web applications can exchange data with a web server in the background (asynchronously) and update parts of a web page without reloading the page.
Anchor In web terms: The starting point or ending point of a hyperlink.
Adobe Air An Adobe Integrated Runtime (AIR) system that enables developers to use web technologies (HTML, JavaScript, Flash) to create desktop applications.
Android A mobile phone operating system developed by Android Inc, later purchased by Google.
Anonymous FTP See A web server you can logon to, and download files from (or upload files to). Anonymous FTP is a method for downloading files from an FTP server without using a logon account. Server.
ANSI (American National Standards Institute) An organization that creates standards for the computer industry. Responsible for the ANSI C standard.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) An organization that creates standards for the computer industry. Responsible for the ANSI C standard.
ANSI C An international standard for the C programming language.
ADO (ActiveX Data Object) A Microsoft technology that provides data access to any kind of data store.
ActiveX Data Object (ADO) A Microsoft technology that provides data access to any kind of data store.
ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) A special type of DSL line where the upload speed is different from the download speed.
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) A special type of DSL line where the upload speed is different from the download speed.
Agent Computer program used to search and catalog (index) the millions of pages of available information on the web. Common search engines are Google and AltaVista.
Amaya An open source web browser editor from W3C, used to push leading-edge ideas in browser design.
Animation A set of pictures simulating movement when played in series.
Anti-Virus Program A computer program made to discover and destroy all types of computer viruses.
Apache An open source web server. Mostly for Unix, Linux and Solaris platforms.
Applet A program that can be downloaded over the web and run on the user’s computer. Most often written in Java.
Archie A computer program to locate files on public FTP servers.
API  (Application Programming Interface) An interface for letting a program communicate with another program. In web terms: An interface for letting web browsers or web servers communicate with other programs.
Application Programming Interface  (API) An interface for letting a program communicate with another program. In web terms: An interface for letting web browsers or web servers communicate with other programs.
ARPAnet The experimental network tested in the 1970’s which started the development of the Internet.
Authentication In web terms: the method used to verify the identity of a user, program or computer on the web.
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) A set of 128 alphanumeric and special control characters used for computer storing and printing of text. Used by HTML when transmitting data over the web.
American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) A set of 128 alphanumeric and special control characters used for computer storing and printing of text. Used by HTML when transmitting data over the web.
ASF (Advanced Streaming Format) A multimedia streaming format. Developed by Microsoft for Windows Media.
Advanced Streaming Format (ASF) A multimedia streaming format. Developed by Microsoft for Windows Media.
ASP (Active Server Pages) A Microsoft technology allowing the insertion of server executable scripts in web pages.
Active Server Pages (ASP) A Microsoft technology allowing the insertion of server executable scripts in web pages.
ASX (ASF Streaming Redirector) An XML format for storing information about ASF files. Developed by Microsoft for Windows Media.
ASF Streaming Redirector (ASX) An XML format for storing information about ASF files. Developed by Microsoft for Windows Media.
AVI (Audio Video Interleave) File format for video files. Video compression technology developed by Microsoft.
Audio Video Interleave (AVI) File format for video files. Video compression technology developed by Microsoft.
Accessibility Refers to a web page or web site that people interacting with different kinds of disabilities, the difficulty they can experience due to physical and or technological barriers. A web page or site that address these users limitations is said to be Accessibly friendly.
Abacus Abacus is a calculating device that comes from the Greek word ABAX meaning “Calculating Board”. There are several versions of Abacus but original and most popular abacus is Chinese Abacus.
Animation It is referred to an image that changes over time. A simple example is Abacus logo where the red dot is moving up and down every several seconds.
Banner Ad A (most often graphic) advertisement placed on a web page, which acts as a hyperlink to an advertiser’s web site.
Bandwidth A measure for the speed (amount of data) you can send through an Internet connection. The more bandwidth, the faster the connection.
Baud The number of symbols per second sent over a channel.
BBS (Bulletin Board System) A web based public system for sharing discussions, files, and announcements.
Bulletin Board System (BBS) A web based public system for sharing discussions, files, and announcements.
Binary Data Data in machine readable form.
Bit (Binary Digit) The smallest unit of data stored in a computer. A bit can have the value of 0 or 1. A computer uses 8 bits to store one text character.
Blog (Web Log) A type of website (most often maintained by an individual) with a log of comments (most often personal) comments, meanings, descriptions of events, etc.
Blogger A person maintaining or writing content to a web log (blog).
Blogging Writing or adding content to a web log (blog).
BMP (Bitmap) A format for storing images.
Bitmap (BMP) A format for storing images.
Bookmark In web terms: A link to a particular web site, stored (bookmarked) by a web user for future use and easy access.
Bounce Rate The percentage of web site visitors who view only one web page before they leave (bounce out).
Browse Term to describe a user’s movement across the web, moving from page to page via hyperlinks, using a web browser. (See Web Browser).
BPS (Bits Per Second) Term to describe the transmission speed for data over the web.
Bits Per Second (BPS) Term to describe the transmission speed for data over the web.
Browser Very often called Web browser, a software application used to locate and display Web pages. The two most popular browsers are Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator. There are many other browsers like AOL Browser, Opera, NeoPlanet and many others.
Byte (Binary Term) A computer storage unit containing 8 bits. Each byte can store one text character.
Banner Also referred to as a banner ad, a banner is a typically rectangular advertisement placed on a Web site either above, below or on the sides of the Web site’s main content and is linked to the advertiser’s own Web site.
C An advanced programming language used for programming advanced computer applications.
C++ (C Plus Plus) The same as C with added object-oriented functions.
C# (C Sharp) A Microsoft version of C++ with added Java-like functions.
Case Sensitive A term used to describe if it is of importance to use upper or lower case letters.
Cache In web terms: A web browser or web server feature which stores copies of web pages on a computer’s hard disk.
Chat An on-line text-based communication between Internet users.
CGI (Common Gateway Interface) A set of rules that describes how a CGI program communicates with a web server.
Common Getaway Interface (CGI) A set of rules that describes how a CGI program communicates with a web server.
CGI Bin The folder (or directory) on a web server that stores CGI programs.
CGI Program A small program that handles input and output from a web server. Often CGI programs are used for handling forms input or database queries.
Cinepac A codec for computer video.
Client A software program used to access web pages. Sometimes the same as a Web Browser, but often used as a broader term.
Client/Server In web terms: The communication and separation of workload between a web client and a web server.
Click In web terms: A mouse click on a hyperlink element (such as text or picture) on a web page which creates an event such as taking a visitor to another web page or another part of the same page.
Clickthrough Rate The number of times visitors click on a hyperlink (or advertisement) on a page, as a percentage of the number of times the page has been displayed.
Cloud Computing Storing applications and data on the internet (instead of on the user’s computer).
Codec (Compressor / Decompressor) Common term for the technology used for compressing and decompressing data.
Communication Protocol A standard (language and a set of rules) to allow computers to interact in a standard way. Examples are IP, FTP, and HTTP.
Compression A method of reducing the size (compress) of web documents or graphics for faster delivery via the web.
Computer Virus A computer program that can harm a computer by displaying messages, deleting files, or even destroying the computer’s operating system.
Cookie Information from a web server, stored on your computer by your web browser. The purpose of a cookie is to provide information about your visit to the website for use by the server during a later visit.
ColdFusion Web development software for most platforms (Linux, Unix, Solaris and Windows).
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) A W3C recommended language for defining style (such as font, size, color, spacing, etc.) for web documents.
Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) A W3C recommended language for defining style (such as font, size, color, spacing, etc.) for web documents.
Content A word you’ll likely see around a lot is “web content” and by definition, content is the ‘stuff’ that makes up a web site. This could be words, pictures, images or sounds. In essence however, when we talk about web content, we are essentially referring to content in a textual nature. Content therefore is the ‘information’ in text form a web site provides.
Database Data stored in a computer in such a way that a computer program can easily retrieve and manipulate the data.
Database System A computer program (like MS Access, Oracle, and MySQL) for manipulating data in a database.
DB2 A database system from IBM. Mostly for Unix and Solaris platforms.
DBA (Data Base Administrator) The person (or the software) who administers a database. Typical task are: backup, maintenance and implementation.
Data Base Administrator (DBA) The person (or the software) who administers a database. Typical task are: backup, maintenance and implementation.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) An Internet standard protocol that assigns new IP addresses to users as need.
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) An Internet standard protocol that assigns new IP addresses to users as need.
DHTML  (Dynamic HTML) A term commonly to describe HTML content that can change dynamically.
Dynamic HTML  (DHTML) A term commonly to describe HTML content that can change dynamically.
Dial-up Connection In web terms: A connection to Internet via telephone and modem.
DNS (Domain Name Service) A computer program running on a web server, translating domain names into IP addresses.
Domain Name Service (DNS) A computer program running on a web server, translating domain names into IP addresses.
DNS Server A web server running DNS.
DOM (Document Object Model) A programming model for web page objects. (See HTML DOM and XML DOM)
Document Object Model (DOM) A programming model for web page objects. (See HTML DOM and XML DOM)
Domain Name The name that identifies a web site.
DOS (Disk Operating System) A general disk based computer operating system (see OS). Originally developed by Microsoft for IBM personal computers. Often used as a shorthand for MS-DOS.
Disk Operating System (DOS) A general disk based computer operating system (see OS). Originally developed by Microsoft for IBM personal computers. Often used as a shorthand for MS-DOS.
Download To transfer a file from a remote computer to a local computer. In web terms: to transfer a file from a web server to a web client. (see also Upload).
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) An Internet connection over regular telephone lines, but much faster. Speed may vary from 128 kilobit per second, up to 9 megabit per second.
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) An Internet connection over regular telephone lines, but much faster. Speed may vary from 128 kilobit per second, up to 9 megabit per second.
DTD (Document Type Definition) A set of rules (a language) for defining the legal building blocks of a web document like HTML or XML.
Document Type Definition (DTD) A set of rules (a language) for defining the legal building blocks of a web document like HTML or XML.
Dynamic IP An IP address that changes each time you connect to the Internet. (See DHCP and Static IP).
Domain Name Extension Part after the dot in the domain name is a domain name extension. In the abacus.ca domain, domain extension is .ca . There are many other domain name extensions such as .com .net .org .gov .edu .mil .info .web .us .uk .cc .it .mx .ba and many others.
Discussion Group A web page that supports interactive discussions by users. Users submit text content using a form, that is saved on the server and that way make it available to other visitors.
DNS The Domain Name System which identifies each computer as a network point on the Internet using an internet protocol address systems to translate from domain name to IP and reverse.
Downloading Downloading is the method by which users access and save or “pull down” software or other files to their own computers from a remote computer, usually via a modem.
Directory A database edited manually by Humans. Sites are indexed by category making this feature the main difference to a Search Engine. Users can navigate through the categories to locate documents or information. Most directories offer searching options (which is similar to searching from a Search Engine) within its database.
E-mail (Electronic Mail) Messages sent from one person to another via the Internet.
E-mail Address The address used for sending e-mails to a person or an organization. Typical format is username@hostname.
E-mail Server A web server dedicated to the task of serving e-mail.
Encryption To convert data from its original form to a form that can only be read by someone that can reverse the encryption. The purpose of encryption is to prevent unauthorized reading of the data.
E-Commerce E-Commerce means conducting business on the Internet. It is mostly referred to buying and selling items on line.
Encryption A way of coding the information in a file or e-mail message so that if it is intercepted by a third party as it travels over a network it cannot be read. Only the persons sending and receiving the information have the key and this makes it unreadable to anyone except those persons (your browser does it automatically).
Ethernet A type of local area network
Firewall Software that acts as a security filter that can restrict types of network communication. Most often used between an individual computer (or a LAN) and the Internet.
Flash A vector-based multimedia format developed by Adobe for use on the web.
Forum In web terms: The same as Newsgroup.
Frame In web terms: A part of the browser screen displaying a particular content. Frames are often used to display content from different web pages.
FrontPage Web development software for the Windows platform. Developed by Microsoft.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) One of the most common methods for sending files between two computers.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) One of the most common methods for sending files between two computers.
FTP Server A web server you can logon to, and download files from (or upload files to). Anonymous FTP is a method for downloading files from an FTP server without using a logon account.
Frames An HTML technique for combining two or more separate HTML documents within a single web browser screen. A web site using frames often causes great problems for search engines, and may not be spidered and indexed correctly.
Gateway A computer program for transferring (and reformatting) data between incompatible applications or networks.
GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) A compressed format for storing images developed by CompuServe. One of the most common image formats on the Internet.
Graphics Interchange Format (GIF) A compressed format for storing images developed by CompuServe. One of the most common image formats on the Internet.
GB Same as Gigabyte. 10GB is ten gigabytes.
Gigabyte 1024 megabytes. Commonly rounded down to one billion bytes.
Graphics In web terms graphics describe pictures (opposite to text).
Graphic Monitor A display monitor that can display graphics.
Graphic Printer A printer that can print graphics.
Graphical Banner A (most often graphic) advertisement placed on a web page, which acts as a hyperlink to an advertiser’s web site.
Helper application In web terms: A program helping the browser to display, view, or work with files that the browser cannot handle itself. (See Plug-In).
Hits The number of times a web object (page or picture) has been viewed or downloaded. (See also Page Hits).
Home Page The top-level (main) page of a web site. The default page displayed when you visit a web site.
Host A web server that “hosts” web services like providing web site space to companies or individuals.
Hosting The action of providing web host services.
Hotlink A pointer to another document. Most often a pointer to another web page. A hyperlink is a synonym for a hotlink or a link, and sometimes called a hypertext connection to another document or web page.
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) HTML is the language of the web. HTML is a set of tags that are used to define the content, layout and the formatting of the web document. Web browsers use the HTML tags to define how to display the text.
Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) HTML is the language of the web. HTML is a set of tags that are used to define the content, layout and the formatting of the web document. Web browsers use the HTML tags to define how to display the text.
HTML Document A document written in HTML.
HTML DOM (HTML Document Object Model) A programming interface for HTML documents.
HTML Editor A software program for editing HTML pages. With an HTML editor you can add elements like lists, tables, layout, font size, and colors to a HTML document like using a word processor. An HTML editor will display the page being edited exactly the same way it will be displayed on the web (See WYSIWYG).
HTML Form A form that passes user input back to the server.
HTML Page The same as an HTML Document.
HTML Tags Code to identify the different parts of a document so that a web browser will know how to display it.
HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) The standard set of rules for sending text files across the Internet. It requires an HTTP client program at one end, and an HTTP server program at the other end.
Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP) The standard set of rules for sending text files across the Internet. It requires an HTTP client program at one end, and an HTTP server program at the other end.
HTTP Client A computer program that requests a service from a web server.
HTTP Server A computer program providing services from a web server.
HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure) Same as HTTP but provides secure Internet communication using SSL. (see also SSL)
Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) Same as HTTP but provides secure Internet communication using SSL. (see also SSL)
Hyperlink A pointer to another document. Most often a pointer to another web page. A hyperlink is a synonym for a hotlink or a link, and sometimes called a hypertext connection to another document or web page.
Hypermedia An extension to hypertext to include graphics and audio.
Hypertext Hypertext is text that is cross-linked to other documents in such a way that the reader can read related documents by clicking on a highlighted word or symbol. (see also hyperlink)
Hits  Are the individual requests a server answers in order to render a single Web page completely. The page document itself and the various images on the page represent a separate hit.
IAB (Internet Architecture Board) A council that makes decisions about Internet standards. (See also W3C).
Internet Architecture Board (IAB) A council that makes decisions about Internet standards. (See also W3C).
IE (Internet Explorer) is the most widely used World Wide Web browser. It is bundled with the Microsoft Windows operating system and can also be downloaded from Microsoft’s Web site.
Internet Explorer (IE) is the most widely used World Wide Web browser. It is bundled with the Microsoft Windows operating system and can also be downloaded from Microsoft’s Web site.
IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) A subgroup of IAB that focuses on solving technical problems on the Internet.
Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) A subgroup of IAB that focuses on solving technical problems on the Internet.
IIS (Internet Information Server) A web server for Windows operating systems. Developed by Microsoft.
Internet Information Server (IS) A web server for Windows operating systems. Developed by Microsoft.
IP Address (Internet Protocol Address) A unique number identifying every computer on the Internet
IP Number (Internet Protocol Number) A unique number identifying every computer on the Internet
IP Packet See A collection of Internet communication protocols between two computers. The TCP protocol is responsible for an error free connection between two computers, while the IP protocol is responsible for the data packets sent over the network. Packet.
IRC (Internet Relay Chat) An Internet system that enables users to take part in on-line discussions.
Internet Relay Chat (IRC) An Internet system that enables users to take part in on-line discussions.
IRC Client A computer program that enables a user to connect to IRC.
IRC Server An Internet server dedicated to the task of serving IRC connections.
ISAPI (Internet Server API) Application Programming Interface (See API) for Internet Information Server (See IIS).
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) A telecommunication standard that uses digital transmission to support data communications over regular telephone lines.
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) A telecommunication standard that uses digital transmission to support data communications over regular telephone lines.
ISP (Internet Service Provider) Someone that provides access to the Internet and web hosting.
Internet Service Provider (ISP) Someone that provides access to the Internet and web hosting.
Internet The largest global network connecting millions of computers. It is strictly based on TCP/IP protocol for communication between host and server.
Intranet A private network belonging to an organization, usually a corporation, accessible only by the organization’s members, employees, or others with authorization.
Image Map  An image that has several links geographically mapped onto it.
Interactive  A Web page is interactive when it prompts a response from the user or in some way can interact with the user dynamically (eg; filling out a form or a poll etc).
Java A programming language developed by SUN. Mostly for programming web servers and web applets.
Java Applet A short program written in Java (not JavaScript) that is attached to a World Wide Web page and executed by the browser machine. Often used for complicated web applications.
JavaScript The most popular scripting language on the internet, developed by Netscape.
JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group) The organization that promotes the JPG and JPEG graphic formats for storing compressed images.
Joint Photographic Expert Group (JPEG) The organization that promotes the JPG and JPEG graphic formats for storing compressed images.
JPEG and JPG Graphic formats for storing compressed images.
JScript Microsoft’s version of JavaScript.
JSP (Java Server Pages) A Java based technology allowing the insertion of server executable scripts in web pages. Mostly used on Linux, Unix and Solaris platforms.
Java Server Pages (Java Server Pages) A Java based technology allowing the insertion of server executable scripts in web pages. Mostly used on Linux, Unix and Solaris platforms.
K Same as kilobyte 10K is ten kilobytes.
KB Same as kilobyte 10KB is ten kilobytes..
Keyword In web terms: A word used by a search engine to search for relevant web information. ; In database terms: A word (or index) used to identify a database record.
Kilobyte 1024 bytes. Often called 1K, and rounded down to 1000 bytes.
LAN (Local Area Network) A network between computers in a local area (like inside a building), usually connected via local cables. See also WAN.
Local Area Network (LAN) A network between computers in a local area (like inside a building), usually connected via local cables. See also WAN.
Link The same as a hyperlink.
Linux Open source computer operating system based on Unix. Mostly used on servers and web servers.
Mail In web terms: the same as e-mail.
Mail Server A web server dedicated to the task of serving e-mail.
MB Same as Megabyte. 10MB is ten megabytes.
Megabyte 1024 kilobytes. Commonly rounded down to one million bytes.
Meta Data Data that describes other data. (See also Meta Tags).
Meta Search The method of searching for meta data in documents.
Meta Tags Tags inserted into documents to describe the document.
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) A standard protocol for communication between computers and musical instruments.
Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) A standard protocol for communication between computers and musical instruments.
MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) An Internet standard for defining document types. MIME type examples: text/plain, text/html, image/gif, image/jpg.
Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIDI) An Internet standard for defining document types. MIME type examples: text/plain, text/html, image/gif, image/jpg.
MIME Types Document types defined by MIME.
Modem Hardware equipment to connect a computer to a telephone network Typically used to connect to the Internet via a telephone line.
Mosaic The first commonly available web browser. Mosaic was released in 1993 and started the popularity of the web.
MOV A codec for computer video developed by Apple. Common file extension for QuickTime multimedia files.
MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer-3) An audio compression format specially designed for easy download over the Internet.
MP3 File An file containing audio compressed with MP3. Most often a music track.
MPEG (Moving Picture Expert Group) An ISO standard codec for computer audio and video.
Moving Picture Expert Group (MPEG) An ISO standard codec for computer audio and video.
MPG Common file extension for MPEG files.
MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) A general disk based computer operating system (See OS). Originally developed by Microsoft for IBM computers, then developed by Microsoft as a basis for the first versions of Windows.
Microsoft Disk Operating System (MS-DOS) A general disk based computer operating system (See OS). Originally developed by Microsoft for IBM computers, then developed by Microsoft as a basis for the first versions of Windows.
Multimedia In web terms: A presentation combining text with pictures, video, or sound.
MySQL Free open source database software often used on the web.
Mouseover A JavaScript element that triggers a change on an item (typically a graphic change, such as making an image or hyperlink appear) in a Web page when the mouse pointer passes over it.
NetBEUI (Net Bios Extended User Interface) An enhanced version of NetBIOS.
Net Bios Extended User Interface (NetBEUI) An enhanced version of NetBIOS.
NetBIOS (NetBIOS) An application programming interface (API) with functions for local-area networks (LAN). Used by DOS and Windows.
Network Basic Input Output System (Network Basic Input Output System) An application programming interface (API) with functions for local-area networks (LAN). Used by DOS and Windows.
Navigate In web terms: The same as Browse.
Netscape The browser from the company Netscape. The most popular browser for many years. Today IE has the lead.
Newsgroup An on-line discussion group (a section on a news server) dedicated to a particular subject of interest.
News Reader A computer program that enables you to read (and post messages) from an Internet newsgroup.
News Server An Internet server dedicated to the task of serving Internet newsgroups.
Node In web terms: A computer connected to the Internet, most often used to describe a web server.
Opera The browser from the company Opera.
OS (Operating System) The software that manages the basic operating of a computer.
Operating System (OS) The software that manages the basic operating of a computer.
Packet A collection of Internet communication protocols between two computers. The TCP protocol is responsible for an error free connection between two computers, while the IP protocol is responsible for the data packets sent over the network.
Page Hits The number of times a web page has been visited by a user.
Page Impressions The number of times a web page has been visited by a user.
Page Views The number of times a web page has been visited by a user.
PDF (Portable Document Format) A document file format developed by Adobe. Most often used for text documents.
Perl (Practical Extraction and Reporting Language) A scripting language for web servers. Most often used on Unix servers.
Practical Extraction and Reporting Language (Perl) A scripting language for web servers. Most often used on Unix servers.
PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor) A technology allowing the insertion of server executable scripts in web pages. Mostly for Unix, Linux and Solaris platforms.
Ping A method used to check the communication between two computers. A “ping” is sent to a remote computer to see if it responds.
Platform In web terms: The computer’s operating system like Windows, Linux, or OS X.
Plug-In An application built into another application. In web terms: A program built in (or added) to a web browser to handle a special type of data like e-mail, sound, or movie files. (See also ActiveX)
PNG (Portable Network Graphics) A format for encoding a picture pixel by pixel and sending it over the web. A W3C recommendation for replacing GIF.
Portable Network Graphics (PNG) A format for encoding a picture pixel by pixel and sending it over the web. A W3C recommendation for replacing GIF.
POP (Post Office Protocol) A standard communication protocol for retrieving e-mails from an e-mail server. (See also IMAP).
Post Office Protocol (POP) A standard communication protocol for retrieving e-mails from an e-mail server. (See also IMAP).
Port A number that identifies a computer IO (input/output) channel. In web terms: A number that identifies the I/O channel used by an Internet application (A web server normally uses port 80).
Protocol A standard (language and a set of rules) to allow computers to interact in a standard way. Examples are IP, FTP, and HTTP.
PPP (Point to Point Protocol) A communication protocol used for direct connection between two computers.
Point to Point Protocol (PPP) A communication protocol used for direct connection between two computers.
Proxy Server An Internet server dedicated to improve Internet performance.
Pixel Refers to how monitors divide the display screen into thousands or millions of individual dots to display an image. A pixel is one dot.
QuickTime A multimedia file format created by Apple.
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) A standard for connecting multiple disks to the same server for higher security, speed and performance. Often used on web servers.
Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) A standard for connecting multiple disks to the same server for higher security, speed and performance. Often used on web servers.
RDF (Resource Description Framework) A framework for constructing languages for describing web resources.
Resource Description Framework (RDF) A framework for constructing languages for describing web resources.
Real Audio A common multimedia audio format created by Real Networks.
Real Video A common multimedia video format created by Real Networks.
Redirect In web terms: The action when a web page automatically forwards (redirects) the user to another web page.
RGB (Red Green Blue) The combination of the three primary colors that can represent a full color spectrum.
Robot A computer program that searches the Internet for web pages. Common web spiders are the one used by search engines like Google to index the web. Web spiders are also called web robots or wanderers.
Router A hardware (or software) system that directs (routes) data transfer to different computers in a network.
Ranking The number (order of ranking; ie 1 being the highest) that a web site is listed for a specific search term in a specific search engine. Search Engines utilize a ranking algorithm (mathematical formulas, variables, and set of weights) to determine a site’s ranking for a particular keyword or keyword phrase.
Resolution The resolution of an image describes how fine the dots are that make up that image. The more dots, the higher the resolution. When displayed on a monitor, the dots are called pixels. A 640 x 480 screen (resolution) is capable of displaying 640 distinct dots on each of its 480 lines, or about 300,000 pixels.
Script A collection of statements written in a Scripting Language.
Scripting Language In web terms: A simple programming language that can be executed by a web browser or a web server. See JavaScript and VBScript.
Scripting Writing a script.
Search Agent Computer program used to search and catalog (index) the millions of pages of available information on the web. Common search engines are Google and AltaVista.
Search Engine Computer program used to search and catalog (index) the millions of pages of available information on the web. Common search engines are Google and AltaVista.
Semantic Web A web of data with a meaning in the sense that computer programs can know enough about the data to process it.
Server A server is a computer that delivers services or information to other computers. In web terms: A server that delivers web content to web browsers.
Server Errors A message from a web server indicating an error. The most common web server error is “404 File Not Found”.
Shareware Software that you can try free of charge, and pay a fee to continue to use legally.
Shockwave A format (technology) developed by Adobe for embedding multimedia content in web pages.
SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language) An international standard for markup languages. The basis for HTML and XML.
Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) An international standard for markup languages. The basis for HTML and XML.
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) A standard communication protocol for sending e-mail messages between computers.
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) A standard communication protocol for sending e-mail messages between computers.
SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) A standard protocol for letting applications communicate with each other using XML.
Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) A standard protocol for letting applications communicate with each other using XML.
Solaris Computer operating system from SUN.
SPAM In web terms: The action of sending multiple unwelcome messages to a newsgroup or mailing list.
Spider A computer program that searches the Internet for web pages. Common web spiders are the one used by search engines like Google to index the web. Web spiders are also called web robots or wanderers.
Spoofing Addressing a web page or an e-mail with a false referrer. Like sending an e-mail from a false address.
Spyware Computer software hidden in a computer with the purpose of collecting information about the use of the computer.
SQL (Structured Query Language) An ANSI standard computer language for accessing and manipulating databases.
Structured Query Language (SQL) An ANSI standard computer language for accessing and manipulating databases.
SQL Server A database system from Microsoft. Mostly used on high traffic web sites running on the Windows platform.
SSI (Server Side Include) A type of HTML comment inserted into a web page to instruct the web server to generate dynamic content. The most common use is to include standard header or footer for the page.
Server Side Include (SSI) A type of HTML comment inserted into a web page to instruct the web server to generate dynamic content. The most common use is to include standard header or footer for the page.
SSL (Secure Socket Layer) Software to secure and protect web site communication using encrypted transmission of data.
Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Software to secure and protect web site communication using encrypted transmission of data.
Static IP (address) An IP address that is the same each time connect to the Internet. (See also Dynamic IP).
Streaming A method of sending audio and video files over the Internet in such a way that the user can view the file while it is being transferred.
Streaming Format The format used for files being streamed over the Internet. (See Windows Media, Real Video and QuickTime).
Search Engine Optimization Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is an act of of increasing the the number of visitors to a particular Web site by adding appropriate keywords and phrases, and such ranking high in the search results. The higher a Web site ranks in the results of a search, the greater the chance that your site will be found by a search user. For general and competitive web sites it takes a lot of professionalism to tweak the web site in order to be well optimized and search engine friendly.
Submission Forms Forms are web pages “fields” for a user to fill in with information. They are an excellent way of collecting and processing information from people visiting a website, as well as allowing them to interact with web pages. Forms are written in HTML and processed by CGI programs. The output can be sent as an e-mail form, stored online, printed, and/or returned to the user as an HTML page.
SSI (Server−Side Includes) Tells a server to include information (source from a separate file) in a document before sending it to the browser. A very effective method of producing the same information over many pages as one file can be altered to produce the changes over the many the pages that includes the SSI file.
Server−Side Includes (SSI) Tells a server to include information (source from a separate file) in a document before sending it to the browser. A very effective method of producing the same information over many pages as one file can be altered to produce the changes over the many the pages that includes the SSI file.
Sub−Domain (Name) A sub−domain is a domain that is part of a larger domain name. DNS hierarchy consists of the root-level domain at the top, underneath which are the top−level domains, followed by second−level domains and finally sub−domains.
Tag In web terms: Notifications or commands written into a web document. (See HTML Tags)
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) A collection of Internet communication protocols between two computers. The TCP protocol is responsible for an error free connection between two computers, while the IP protocol is responsible for the data packets sent over the network.
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) A collection of Internet communication protocols between two computers. The TCP protocol is responsible for an error free connection between two computers, while the IP protocol is responsible for the data packets sent over the network.
TCP/IP Address A collection of Internet communication protocols between two computers. The TCP protocol is responsible for an error free connection between two computers, while the IP protocol is responsible for the data packets sent over the network.
TCP/IP Packet A “packet” of data sent over a TCP/IP network. (data sent over the Internet is broken down into small “packets” from 40 to 32000 bytes long).
Trojan Horse Computer program hidden in another computer program with the purpose of  destroying software or collecting information about the use of the computer.
Thumbnail A small version of a bigger image on a web page. Usually containing a hyperlink to a full-size version of the image.
Template HTML templates are skeletal HTML pages with the main content left out. Templates provide an effective solution in creating many pages with an identical look or navigational structure but different content.
Traffic Similar to a real−world sense of traffic on a road or freeway, traffic in a web−sense is a measurement of the amount of users that visit a Web site.
URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) The generic term for all types of names and addresses that refer to objects on the World Wide Web. A URL is one kind of URI.
 Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) The generic term for all types of names and addresses that refer to objects on the World Wide Web. A URL is one kind of URI.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator) Each separate page accessible on the Web has a unique address which can by identified by it’s URL. The first part of the address (eg; http or ftp etc) indicates what protocol to use, and the second part specifies the IP address or the domain name where the resource is located.
Uniform Resource Locator (URL) Each separate page accessible on the Web has a unique address which can by identified by it’s URL. The first part of the address (eg; http or ftp etc) indicates what protocol to use, and the second part specifies the IP address or the domain name where the resource is located.
UDDI (Universal Description Discovery and Integration) A platform-independent framework for describing services, discovering businesses, and integrating business services using the Internet.
Universal Description Discovery and Integration (UDDI) A platform-independent framework for describing services, discovering businesses, and integrating business services using the Internet.
Unix Computer operating system, developed by Bell Laboratories. Mostly used for servers and web servers.
UNZIP To uncompress a ZIPPED file. See ZIP.
Upload o transfer a file from a local computer to a remote computer. In web terms: to transfer a file from a web client to a web server. (see also Download).
USENET A world wide news system accessible over the Internet. (See Newsgroups)
User Agent The same as a Web Browser.
Usability Refers to the level or degree of a page’s operating friendliness for the user.
Validation Validation is a way to make sure that your (HTML) code is compliant with current HTML specifications.
Video Clip A short video sequence that can be embedded into a web page.
VB (Visual Basic) A programming language from Microsoft.
Visual Basic (VB) A programming language from Microsoft.
VBScript A scripting language from Microsoft. VBScript is the default scripting language in ASP. Can also be used to program Internet Explorer.
Virus Same as Computer Virus.
Visit In web terms: A visit to a web site. Commonly used to describe the activity for one visitor of a web site.
Visitor In web terms: A visitor of a web site. Commonly used to describe a person visiting (viewing) a web site.
Visual Basic A programming language from Microsoft.
VPN (Virtual Private Network) A private network between two remote sites, over a secure encrypted virtual Internet connection (a tunnel).
Virtual Private Network (VPN) A private network between two remote sites, over a secure encrypted virtual Internet connection (a tunnel).
VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) A programming language to allow 3D effects to be added to HTML documents.
Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) A programming language to allow 3D effects to be added to HTML documents.
WWW (World Wide Web)  Is a way of accessing information over the medium of the Internet. Browsers, such as Internet Explorer or Netscape are utilized to access the vast collection of interconnected (hyperlinked) documents on the web.
World Wide Web (WWW)  Is a way of accessing information over the medium of the Internet. Browsers, such as Internet Explorer or Netscape are utilized to access the vast collection of interconnected (hyperlinked) documents on the web.
Web Application Web Applications are web programs or real programs designed to be used on the web site using a browser. Example of web application would be e-commerce web site, web banking, stock exchange on the web, web games and many others. Web applications are becoming very popular due to wide availability of the Internet access.
Web Based E-mail Web based e-mail is a software on a POP3 server that allows you the luxury, if desired, to access your POP accounts by simply using a web-browser. It allows users to send and receive emails via any web-browser by viewing an HTML web page.
Web Page One of the pages one the web site including home page.
Web Site A site presence on the World Wide Web. Each Web site contains a home page (opening page), which is the first document users see when they enter the site.
World Wide Web A system of Internet servers that support specially formatted documents. The documents are formatted in a script called HTML (HyperText Markup Language) that supports links to other documents, as well as graphics, audio, and video files. This means you can jump from one document to another simply by clicking on hot spots. Not all Internet servers are part of the World Wide Web.
WAN (Wide Area Network) Computers connected together in a wide network, larger than a LAN, usually connected via phone lines. See also LAN.
Wide Area Network (WAN) Computers connected together in a wide network, larger than a LAN, usually connected via phone lines. See also LAN.
WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) An old standard for information services on wireless terminals like digital mobile phones.
Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) An old standard for information services on wireless terminals like digital mobile phones.
Web Address The same as an URL or URI. See URL.
Web Applet A program that can be downloaded over the web and run on the user’s computer. Most often written in Java.
Web Client A software program used to access web pages. Sometimes the same as a Web Browser, but often used as a broader term.
Web Browser A software program used to display web pages.
Web Document A document formatted for distribution over the web. Most often a web document is formatted in a markup language like HTML or XML.
Web Error See Web Server Error.
Web Form See HTML Form.
Web Host A web server that “hosts” web services like providing web site space to companies or individuals.
Web Hosting A document (normally an HTML file) designed to be distributed over the Web.
Web Log See Blog.
Web Robot A computer program that searches the Internet for web pages. Common web spiders are the one used by search engines like Google to index the web. Web spiders are also called web robots or wanderers.
Web Server A server is a computer that delivers services or information to other computers. In web terms: A server that delivers web content to web browsers.
Web Server Error A message from a web server indicating an error. The most common web server error is “404 File Not Found”.
Web Services Software components and applications running on web servers. The server provides these services to other computers, browsers or individuals, using standard communication protocols.
Web Spider A computer program that searches the Internet for web pages. Common web spiders are the one used by search engines like Google to index the web. Web spiders are also called web robots or wanderers.
Web Wanderer See Web Spider.
Wildcard A character used to substitute any character(s). Most often used as an asterix (*) in search tools.
Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows 95/98, Windows XP Computer operating systems from Microsoft.
Windows Media Audio and video formats for the Internet, developed by Microsoft. (See ASF, ASX, WMA and WMF).
WINZIP A computer program for compressing and decompressing files. See ZIP.
WMA Audio file format for the Internet, developed by Microsoft. (See also WMV).
WMV Video file format for the Internet, developed by Microsoft. (See also WMA).
WML (Wireless Markup Language) An older standard for information services on wireless terminals like digital mobile phones, inherited from HTML, but based on XML, and much stricter than HTML.
Wireless Markup Language (WML) An older standard for information services on wireless terminals like digital mobile phones, inherited from HTML, but based on XML, and much stricter than HTML.
WML Script Scripting language (programming language) for WML.
Worm A computer virus that can make copies of itself and spread to other computers over the Internet.
WSDL (Web Services Description Language) An XML-based language for describing Web services and how to access them.
Web Services Description Language (WSDL) An XML-based language for describing Web services and how to access them.
WWW Server A server is a computer that delivers services or information to other computers. In web terms: A server that delivers web content to web browsers.
WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) In Web terms: To display a web page being edited exactly the same way it will be displayed on the web.
XForms An alternative version of HTML Forms, based on XML and XHTML. Differs from HTML forms by separating data definition and data display. Providing richer and more device independent user input.
XML Document A document written in XML.
ZIP A compressing format for computer files. Commonly used for compressing files before downloading over the Internet. ZIP files can be compressed (ZIPPED) and decompressed (UNZIPPED) using a computer program like WINZIP.

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