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glossary of terms

ADSL
Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line
Attachment
E-mail programs allow users to attach computer files to e-mail messages.
Authentication
The process of verifying a user's identity. It generally involves providing a unique username and password to identify oneself in order to gain access to something.
Bandwidth
A measurement of the amount of data that can be sent over a network in a set period of time (usually seconds). The higher the available bandwidth, the faster the connection.
bps
bits per second
A measurement of the number of bits of data that can be sent over the a network connection. When referring to modem speed bps indicates the measurement of the amount of data that a modem can transfer each second.
Browser
An application used to navigate the numerous webpages available on the World Wide Web.
Cookies
Small text files installed on your computer when you browse certain web sites. Cookies are used to store information about a user's browsing activity, and are often used by sites that allow users to "personalise" their service.
Dial-up
The name given to the type of Internet connection established when a user's modem dials into an Internet Service Provider's point-of-presence. These are generally temporary connections.
Domain name
The address of a website, expressed in words. For example: www.iinet.net.au is the iiNet domain name.
DNS
Domain Name System
A database system which stores both the domain name and IP addresses of Internet computers. When you specify a domain name in your browser, it will access a DNS database to find the corresponding IP address then establish a connection to the site.
Download
The process of transferring data from an Internet computer to your computer.
Email
Electronic mail.
The process of sending messages from one computer to another via a computer network.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A FAQ is a document containing answers to those questions that are commonly asked by new Internet users. It is intended to assist users by providing enough knowledge to utilise the product/service.
Firewall
A security mechanism that protects a computer or network from unauthorised access.
FTP
File Transfer Protocol
The name of the protocol that regulates the manner in which files are transferred between computers connected to the Internet.
Hacker
A term used to label people who cause malicious harm through using a computer.
HTML
Hyper Text Markup Language
The main language used to create web pages. Web documents contain HTML commands (tags) which instruct web browsers on how to display text and media elements, activate hyperlinks, etc.
HTTP
Hypertext Transfer Protocol
The protocol that regulates how the contents of a web site (including files and images) are transferred across the Internet.
Hyperlink
A portion of text, that when clicked on within a web browser instructs the browser to open a new web document or connect to another web site.
IP (Internet Protocol) address
A string of four sets of numbers separated by fullstops (for example 203.0.178.191) used to identify a particular computer or resource available on the Internet. IP addresses are mainly used by computers when communicating with one another. They are cross-referenced to domain names, which are easier for humans to remember.
ISP
Internet Service Provider
A company that provides internet access
LAN
Local Area Network
Two or more computers connected at one location.
Lurk
To monitor a discussion forum or mailing list without contributing. Many users prefer to lurk in discussion groups until they get a feel for the forum and gain an understanding of what behaviour is appropriate and what is not.
Modem
A hardware device/peripheral used for computer-to-computer communication over a standard telephone line.
Netiquette
Stands for Network Etiquette. An informal set of rules which regulate the behaviour of Internet users, and the use of certain Internet resources.
Newbie
Someone new to the Internet.
Packet
Before any data is sent across a network it is broken down into smaller pieces - known as packets. Each packet is transmitted individually and then reassembled by the recipient computer back into its original form.
Password
A string of characters used to gain access to a service or computer. It ensures security.
POP
Point of Presence
A dial-in-point operated by an Internet Service Provider.
Search engine
A Web service dedicated to helping users locate information of interest online. Users can search for information by using keywords or browsing the list of categories.
Spam
The process of sending unsolicited messages (generally advertisments) to a large number of users or discussion forums.
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
The basic protocols underlying network communication between computers.
Trojan horse
A program which outwardly appears to perform a useful task while covertly performing other (usually malicious) tasks.
URL
Uniform Resource Locator
A system of addressing used to identify the location of Internet resources, such as web sites.
Virus
A program or piece of software designed to perform malicious tasks on your computer. Users can protect their computers against virus attacks by installing anti-virus software.